English Article

1. What is the Maverick Advantage? It is a campus-wide initiative to enhance the educational, career, and life skills of UTA students through Experiential Learning to support student success. The QEP will offer opportunities for experiential learning in Five Distinguishing Activities aimed at enhancing career preparedness, increasing appreciation of a diverse and inclusive community, and supporting life long learning goals.

2. What are The Five Distinguishing Activities?

• Career Development – Internships, Practicums, Capstones, Mentoring • Community Engagement – Alternative Breaks, Service Learning, Volunteering • Global Connections – Study Abroad, International Collaborations/Exchanges • Leadership – Freshman Leaders, Leadership Honors, Leadership Minor • Undergraduate Research – VPR Initiatives, Federal Programs, Faculty Research

3. What are the Student Learning Outcomes of the QEP? • SLO 1: Critically think - Apply prior

knowledge and critical thought in new contexts to solve problems;

• SLO 2: Work in teams - Effectively participate in diverse teams to contribute to shared goals;

• SLO 3: Communicate - Effectively communicate ideas to community, professional, and global audiences.

4. What are the Program Outcomes? • PO 1: Increase the number of students

who participate in three or more of The Five Distinguishing Activities prior to graduation.

• PO 2: Develop a system for tracking student participation in The Five Activities.

• PO 3: Provide an electronic platform for students to showcase their experiences to others.

5. How do we participate?

• All freshmen starting Fall 2017 will engage through MAVS1000 and FIGs; All transfers starting Fall 2018. • All attending UTA students will know about the Maverick Experience upon arriving on campus. • All departments and programs will identify opportunities within their first year classes. • Faculty can get support from online resources, professional learning communities, workshops and

programming, Experiential Learning Leads and by inquiries to the Division of Faculty Affairs.

6. How do we measure success?

• Blackboard Modules. Students will complete modules and reflect about their personal experiences with Distinguishing Activities at UT Arlington on Blackboard.

• ePortfolios will be provided and supported as a learning/teaching tool, as a mechanism and place for student reflection, and as a place for communication and promotion of student experiences and achievements. ePortfolios aid students in the proper generation of an online presence regarding their educational, personal, and career growth.

To download the UT Arlington Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) or share ideas and comments, please go to www.uta.edu/qep.