Quality Enhancement Plan
Career Readiness as MTSU’s New Quality Enhancement Plan
Enhancing and Energizing Education for Student Success
Why Career Readiness Matters.
Prioritizing initiatives that link classroom experiences to professional application will foster success for students both pre- and post- graduation. By using high-impact practices in the classroom and across course-related activities, students will be better prepared to enter their chosen careers with a focus on developing and supporting their interest and values. Part of our institution’s mission is to prepare students to thrive in their chosen profession, placing an emphasis on career readiness across our campus community and curriculum.
What is Career Readiness?
Career readiness provides a foundation for demonstrating essential core competencies that equip college graduates for success in the workplace and during their academic career. Today’s student wants preparation for a meaningful and fulfilling career that links their passions with their courses. In this way, career-readiness requires skills, training, personal reflection, and curricular exploration. A student-centered approach that begins with the students’ values, identifies skills, connects to curriculum, and highlights career opportunities has the potential to increase retention. The approach can also enhance a graduate’s resilience and ability to upskill quickly in the workforce.
Potential Program Goals
1. Enhance career advising and mentorship opportunities to support students in career exploration, job searches/certifications, and graduate school preparation while expanding professional connections and access to career planning resources.
2. Enhance professional development opportunities for faculty and staff and educate the campus community about evidence-based strategies that integrate learning with career readiness competencies.
How Can You Be Involved?
Other Topics Considered
Belonging
Academic belonging focuses on how students perceive themselves as valued and
accepted members of their academic community.
Mental Wellness
Mental wellness, also known as psychological well-being, impacts student success.
Digital Fluency
Digital fluency is the awareness, skills, agility, and confidence to effectively use new technologies and adapt to changing digital demands.
How Did We Get Here?
The QEP Topic Selection Committee (TSC) reviewed several data sources to revise and refine potential QEP topics. Data sources included anecdotal data from their colleagues, cross-campus stakeholder conversations, institutional data from MTSU and other sister universities, and research reports. The QEP Leadership Team met with staff in MTSU’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Planning, and Research (IEPR) in order to access and explore institutional data. QEP TSC discussed the data, generated potential QEP topics based on this data, and generated a ranked list of QEP topics based on this data. Read more.
Contact Information
Dr. Chandra Story, QEP Director
615.898.2812
Alyssa Weakley, Administrative Assistant