The Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) builds a foundation for new opportunities for collaboration between instruction and academic support. Advising & Counseling In order to successfully incorporate communication skills into advising and counseling, a strong foundation must be developed.  The Advising/Counseling Training and Resource Development Team took on the task of identifying and developing enhancements and expansion in these areas.  The approach embeds skills into the process through modeling and instruction. The QEP will enhance advising and counseling by: •    Providing students with more pertinent information •    Establishing a long term connection between advisor/counselor and individual students •    Incorporating life skills into guidance sessions To ensure that students are receiving consistent and comprehensive service, guidance sessions will include: •    An explanation of the advisor’s or counselor’s role •    Questions to determine the student’s knowledge of intended academic goals, majors, course selection, and admissions information •    Advisory and program of study information •    College-wide resources and services •    Web-based employment and salary resources •    Modeling of communication skills During advisement sessions, counselors and advisors will increase the emphasis on life skills.  For example, counselors will model effective communication skills as they discover why a student is struggling in the classroom.   Students will be encouraged to respond thoroughly and clearly.  This example represents only one aspect of the enhanced advising/counseling approach. As part of the initiative, the Advising/Counseling Training and Resource Development Team developed two guidance tools.  The first is an advising manual that includes sections for distribution to students.  The document describes academic advising, student and advisor/counselor responsibilities, and the application of life skills.  The second tool is an Academic Advising Questionnaire designed to empower the advisor/counselor and student to work collaboratively, encourage the student to think critically, and help formulate solutions that fit the student’s long-term academic and career goals.  Learning the BASICS Learning the BASICS is comprised of workshops and online resources designed to boost student access and interest in building communication skills.  The program, coordinated through Student Development Services, will supplement instructional and other support initiatives.  The ABCs of the program, BASICS Academy, BASICS Blog, and Cougars’ Corner, will begin in Fall 2009 and include monthly activities September through April.  The Academy (workshops) is unique in that it addresses specific needs.  The Learning the BASICS Coordinator will work with individual faculty members to identify communication skills content that directly supports and expands the information that is delivered in the seated or online classroom.  To ensure maximum student attendance and involvement, the workshops will be linked to class credit and, depending on need, will be made available during or outside the class period. Counselors, faculty, and other interested staff members will conduct the sessions.