Quality Enhancement Plan
UHD’s Quality Enhancement Plan is, Academic Achievement through Community Engagement (A+CE). The goal of the A+CE Program is to prepare students to think more critically by engaging them in activities involving community issues.
A+CE focuses on the curricular experience of the first 2 years for First Time in College (FTIC) students' academic career at University of Houston-Downtown.
The central thesis of A+CE is that skilled critical thinkers who can use their knowledge in the real-world context to solve problems and innovate solutions are highly employable post-graduation.
Critical Thinking
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) defines critical thinking as
creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of
information.
Community Engagement
The Carnegie Foundation defines community engagement as "collaboration between institutions
of higher education and their larger communities (local, regional/state, national,
global) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context
of partnership and reciprocity." Within the scope of this QEP, community engagement
will also encompass both the identification and analysis of community issues.
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Student Focus |
Faculty Focus |
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How do I earn an Engaged Scholar Badge? Be an Engaged Scholar by taking a minimum of four A+CE courses during your first two years at UHD, maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 with a minimum of one 'C' in the A+CE courses. Which courses will lead me to become an Engaged Scholar? Look for courses that indicate the A+CE designation. How does this benefit me in my academic and professional career?
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How can I participate in the QEP?
What are the requirements for A+CE designated courses?
How does this relate to Texas Common Core? The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) defines critical thinking as creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information. |