TAMIU Shares ‘Owl’ the News About Q.E.P. on Campus

As you cross campus or visit Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), you’ll likely see visual references to something called a Q.E.P... and there seems to be a graduation-capped owl involved.

So...what is Q.E.P. at TAMIU? 

We asked Q.E.P. director Cihtlalli G. Pérez to share her insight.

“Q.E.P. stands for the University’s Quality Enhancement Plan, part of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges accreditation process for TAMIU. This year, the University is undergoing its 10-year reaccreditation process, and we’re excited to share news about our Q.E.P.

“The Q.E.P.’s focus is on enhancing student learning as part of an institution-wide effort known as LEARN (Learning Experientially: Active Real-world Navigation) and it focuses on experiential learning (EL),” Pérez explained.

So...what is Experiential Learning?

“EL means ‘hands-on learning’ and provides students with the opportunity to actively apply their knowledge and skills through reflection activities. EL experiences have long-term benefits since students can transfer their knowledge and skills outside the classroom, including their future careers,” she noted.

What is the Goal of LEARN? 

“Our goal is that LEARN will transform TAMIU undergraduate education by expanding EL opportunities that foster career readiness preparation, and we encourage all students to participate in Q.E.P.,” Pérez said.

How Do TAMIU Students Participate?

“There are three ways for students to participate in LEARN in coming semesters:

They can look for EL-designated courses as they register for classes to experience hands-on learning;  they can join TAMIU’s Honors and Undergraduate Research program to refine their research skills, or they can explore our Trailblazers engagement site to find EL- designated activities. After students complete an EL activity, they submit their reflection and become eligible for LEARN Incentives,” she observed.

Pérez explained that Spring 2025 QEP Events are already underway.

“Currently enrolled students who attend LEARN activities and complete an exit evaluation are entered into a giveaway. Prizes will be awarded at the end-of-semester event we’re calling the Experiential Learning Lotería, where more prizes will be available. The more activities students attend, the greater the opportunities to win,” she shared.

But One Last Question...What about that Owl?

“The owl, known as Ernie WHOOver, is the University’s Q.E.P. mascot.  When Ernie is present, there’s likely to be a Q.E.P. event or program underway.  Ernie gives a WHOOT and helps make sure students and the University community are aware that the Q.E.P. is working to meet its goal of transforming undergraduate education here,” Pérez concluded.

For more, visit  go.tamiu.edu/qep  to learn more or email  qep@tamiu.edu

TAMIU information is also online at  tamiu.edu  and across the University’s social channels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.  

University news is also found on its dedicated NewsHub.