Academic Affairs News

 

Dear Faculty and Staff,

 

The Kentucky Graduate Profile (KGP) is a framework designed by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) to help students connect their University experiences with desired workforce competencies. The profile highlights 10 essential skills ranging from critical thinking and communication to professional and civic engagement that are crucial for success in today's workforce and as engaged citizens. These skills or competencies align with regional workforce needs and are supported by the National Association of Colleges and Employer (NACE) and the Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN).

 

The integration and assessment of the Kentucky Graduate Profile was an integral part of our Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) that was approved by SACSCOC. However, with the changing accreditation landscape, SACSCOC has announced that institutions could freeze all QEP work until SACSCOC can review, analyze, and revise their Principles of Accreditation. Therefore, we have decided to freeze the QEP and devote our attention and resources to the integration of the Kentucky Graduate Profile into the University Experience. The Kentucky Graduate Profile is a mandate that must be fully implemented by Spring 2028, or WKU will be prohibited for proposing any new academic programs.

 

Given the rapid changes and required timeline for integration, I have informed the Colonnade Committee to freeze any new course approvals to the current Colonnade program, effective October 1 for academic year 2025-2026. Instead, we will pilot integrating the Kentucky Graduate Profile into the current Colonnade program, analyze our existing rubrics and artifacts to assess competencies, and provide data to the workgroup tasked with updating our general education curriculum. In a preliminary review of the learning outcomes associated with the Colonnade program and the rubrics used to assess those categories, most of the competencies are currently embedded into the curriculum. Our focus needs to be on how we can document and communicate that students are competent in specific skills after the completion of the Colonnade program. During the freeze, academic units may still revise or delete current Colonnade courses.

 

The required implementation of the KGP does not stop with Colonnade. More information will be coming on how we can integrate and assess those skills in our academic programs. WKU has a KGP workgroup that includes representatives from each Academic College. The Student Experience component is already integrating many of these skills and using the Suitable App to track student engagement.

 

We are excited about the opportunity to create a Hilltopper Experience that equips students to confidently connect their academic skills and knowledge with essential workforce competencies, ensuring they are well prepared for meaningful careers and engaged citizenship while also meeting the needs of our regional employers.

 

Robert “Bud” Fischer

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs