Shaping students to get hired
According to SACSCOC, “The concept of quality enhancement is at the heart of the Commission’s philosophy of accreditation. Each institution seeking reaffirmation of Accreditation is required to develop a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). Engaging the wider academic community and addressing one or more issues contributing to institutional improvement, the plan should be focused, succinct, and limited in length. The QEP describes a carefully designed and focused course of action that addresses a well-defined topic or issue(s) related to enhancing student learning.”
Five elements of a QEP
SACSCOC requires a quality improvement plan to have five elements. A QEP must:
- Include a process for identifying key issues emerging from institutional assessment.
- Focus on learning outcomes and/or student success and accomplishing the mission of the college.
- Demonstrate the capability to launch, implement, and complete the QEP.
- Include broad-based involvement of institutional constituencies.
- Identify goals and a plan to assess their achievement.
To begin, TSTC’s Executive Management Council designated an individual, Debbie Karl, and later a Steering Committee, to lead the project. Ms. Karl and Celina Garza, Vice President of the SACS Accreditation Office, led a process to identify a QEP topic: improve students’ job readiness so they can find gainful employment upon graduation.
This topic aligns with the Board of Regents’ first Wildly Important Goal: increase the number of TSTC graduates from 2,949 in 2016 to 3,200 by 2020.
Projects, strategies, and interventions will support the attainment of this QEP overarching goal. A comprehensive Evaluation Plan identifies how attaining this goal will be assessed. It also defines measures; for example, how “gainful employment” and “job readiness” will be determined.
The baseline data includes students employed as of fall 2019. Data will be compared each fall for five years, through 2025, to determine success rates. Data will also be collected intermittently to determine how targeted programs are doing and identify adjustments and improvements.
QEP Targeted Programs
Automotive Technology
Start your engine on a new career by turning your automotive hobby into a paycheck.
Business Management Technology
From learning how to balance the books to administering payroll and everything in between, you will learn the ins and outs of managing a business.
Computer Networking and Systems Administration
Knowing how computer networks operate is key to operating a business. As a network technician you are essential to making computer systems work.
Cybersecurity
Unfortunately, hacking is a daily occurrence. Companies lose millions of dollars each year from cyberattacks, and Americans are often the victims of online crimes.
Diesel Equipment Technology
Diesel keeps the world moving. From heavy equipment to farm machinery, diesel engines are in many of the big rigs that are used in transportation across the globe.
Digital Media Design
Digital media is part of our everyday lives. With TSTC’s Digital Media Design Technology program, learn how to design a wide range of visual content that can be used in many industries.
HVAC Technology
Move into a very cool–and hot—job. This program will teach you all you need to have a career as a successful Heating Ventilation and Cooling (HVAC) technician.
Industrial Systems
A degree in Industrial Systems could best be defined as the “jack of all trades” in electrical and mechanical applications.
Occupational Safety & Environmental Compliance
A degree in Industrial Systems could best be defined as the “jack of all trades” in electrical and mechanical applications.
Solar Energy Technology
In our Solar Energy Technology program, you will learn about residential, utility and commercial installation, maintenance and repair. You’ll gain skills in troubleshooting and electrical construction as well.
Computer Programming Technology
TSTC’s Computer Programming Technology degree focuses on preparing you to learn languages such as C++, C#, Java, Python, JavaScript, as well as working with databases using SQL. Students will learn about application development and user techniques that include troubleshooting, organizing, and strategizing.
Web Design & Development
In Web Design and Development, you will receive training on website production, programming, applications, and maintenance through hands-on experience, virtually.
BioMedical Equipment Technology
You can direct your training path and choose an associate degree in Biomedical Equipment Technology or Medical Imaging Systems.
Building Construction Technology
Learn how to do it all with hands-on training in TSTC’s Building Construction Technology program.
Culinary Arts
In TSTC’s Culinary Arts program, you’ll learn both basic and specialized culinary principles and techniques.
Drafting & Design
We take a hands-on approach, virtually training you on 3-D modeling software and learn drafting and design skills in different fields, including architectural, civil, and mechanical.
Wind Energy Technology
As a wind energy technician, your job is to install, repair, troubleshoot and maintain wind turbines. Learning how these machines work is a powerful skill that is important to businesses that use these machines to harness the power of the wind.
Health Information Technology
Earn your degree in Health Information Technology one hundred percent online. In this program, you will study the intersection of health information and technology.
Plumbing & Pipefitting Technology
This program will teach you plumbing skills that you can apply to residential and commercial plumbing systems. You can use these skills in a variety of work environments where plumbing maintenance is needed.
Auto Collision & Management Technology
Earn a position in an exciting, fast-paced auto collision repair facility and return vehicles to pre-accident condition. In an industry where vehicles and technology continue to evolve, collision technicians are held to the highest of standards. Learn how to analyze vehicle damage, potential repairs and all of the methods for making a vehicle look as good as it did when it came off the lot. It’s a job that requires problem-solving and an analytical approach, as well as an eye for detail.
Electromechanical Technology
You’re in a great place to build your career. Texas is the second largest employer of electromechanical technicians in the nation. When you enroll in our Electromechanical Technology program you will learn to use math, science, and engineering principles to solve problems, develop technical skills to design, repair, and service technical equipment.
Chemical Dependency Counseling
In this program, you will learn to work with individuals and their families to treat substance use disorders. You will train on a variety of therapeutic techniques with patients in individual and group settings. You get the hands-on skills needed to become a practicing Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern in these classes.
