Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP)
AQIP is alternative evaluation process for organizations already accredited. AQIP is structured around quality improvement principles and processes. It focuses on continuous quality improvement through a regular internal and external review of processes, results measurement, benchmarking, identification and action of improvements. The reviews are completed through the following.
LTC's 2008 AQIP Systems Portfolio
The Systems Portfolio documents context, processes, results and improvements
through a series of questions arranged in nine categories. The Portfolio
serves a number of purposes:
- evidence to show the Higher Learning Commission that Criteria for Accreditation are met
- means to receive feedback on organizational strengths and opportunities from a team trained in quality improvement
- common reference point in the organization to share an understanding of the organization, key processes, performance, and how to improve
- planning tool to help shape the future and concentrate on areas of improvement
- evidence that AQIP is working to LTC's advantage.
LTC's AQIP Systems Appraisal Feedback Report
A trained team of higher educational professionals and/or others experienced
in continuous quality improvement reads and assesses the Systems Portfolio.
They provide feedback identifying strengths and opportunities for improvement
for each question response as well as their viewpoint of the highest strategic
priorities for the organization’s future.
LTC 2007 AQIP Quality Checkup Visit Report
"A Quality Checkup is a formative evaluation activity designed
to help the institution accelerate its continuous improvement journey.
Quality Checkups are not designed to determine, by themselves, whether
institutions
"pass" or "fail" accreditation standards. The team is responsible for helping
the institution discover where and how to invest its energies in the future
for maximum payback." - The Higher Learning Commission, AQIP Quality
Checkup Guide, p. 5.
The checkup visit team uses the Systems Portfolio, Appraisal Feedback, Quality Summary, and Federal Compliance Report to prepare for the visit. During the visit, they focus on discussions with stakeholders to assess commitment to quality, ensure that actions are as stated in the Portfolio, and help identify areas for improvement.
Reaffirmation of Accreditation
An AQIP Review Panel on Reaffirmation reviews LTC's evidence. The evidence
is a seven year culmination of Systems Portfolios, Systems Appraisal Feedback,
Quality Checkup Visit Report, Action Projects, improvements made, and annual
institutional updates. The Panel ensures that the College has complied
with all accreditation requirements, especially the five Criteria for Accreditation.
LTC was reaffirmed in 2007-08.
AQIP Action Projects
Action Projects push colleges to continuously improve by consistently working
on a minimum of three projects at one time. The Action Project Directory
allows colleges to share successes and improvements with others.