​UHD’s Quality Enhancement Plan is, Academic Achievement through Community Engagement (A+CE). The goal of the A+CE Program is to prepare students to think more critically by engaging them in activities involving community issues.

A+CE focuses on the curricular experience of the first 2 years for First​​​ Time in College (FTIC) students' academic career at University of Houston-Downtown.​

The central thesis of A+CE is that skilled critical thinkers who can use their knowledge in the real-world context to solve problems and innovate solutions are highly employable post-graduation.

Critical Thinking
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) defines critical thinking as creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information.

Community Engagement
The Carnegie Foundation defines community engagement as "collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities (local, regional/state, national, global) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity."  Within the scope of this QEP, community engagement will also encompass both the identification and analysis of community issues. ​​​

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​​Student Focus​	​Faculty Focus​
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​​How do I earn an Engaged Scholar Badge? Be an Engaged Scholar by taking a minimum of four A+CE courses during your first two years at UHD, maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 with a minimum of one 'C' in the A+CE ​ courses. Which courses will lead me to become an Engaged Scholar? Look for courses that indicate the A+CE  designation. How does this benefit me in my academic and professional career? You will develop 21st century skills in critical thinking that employers seek in candidates.  Your Engaged Scholar designation will be reflected on a co-curricular transcript. You will receive recognition by the university.	​How can I participate in the QEP? Teach an  A+CE  course Sign up to be an A+CE  Signature Assignment Reviewer Apply to become an A+CE college faculty champion​ What are the requirements for A+CE  designated courses?  Apply for blanket or individual course section A+CE  designation​ ​ Design and administer an A+CE Signature assignment associated with Student Learning Outcome(SLO)​​​​ Upload student artifacts via Blackboard ​ ​How does this relate to Texas Common Core? The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) defines critical thinking as creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information.