Key Performance Indicators

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are defined as quantifiable metrics that measure how effectively an objective is being achieved. KPIs serve as a benchmark to track progress toward strategic goals, evaluate success and identify areas of needed improvement. Overall, KPIs are the units used to measure progress toward a particular goal. Effective KPIs follow the SMART goal framework: they are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-bound.

High-Impact Practices

High Impact Practices (HIPs) are evidence-based teaching and learning strategies that have been demonstrated to significantly improve student engagement, retention and academic success. In general, these practices involve intensive hands-on experiences that encourage active learning, critical thinking and real-world application of knowledge. HIPs are not just specific activities but rather are defined as a set of principles that can be applied to various learning experiences to enhance their overall impact. Read more about high-impact practices and student performance here.

Outreach & Engagement

OUTREACH refers to the one-way delivery of education programs and activities to those outside the university.

ENGAGEMENT describes the collaboration between Texas Tech faculty, staff, and/or students and communities outside of the university for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge, expertise and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity.

ENGAGED SCHOLARSHIP is associated with the discovery of new knowledge, the development of new insights, and the creation of new artistic or literary performances and expressions based on intentional and mutually beneficial collaboration between Texas Tech faculty, staff, and/or students and community partners.

COMMUNITY-ENGAGED LEARNING integrates engagement with external communities into coursework to deepen students’ academic learning and promote civic responsibility.

COMMUNITIES consist of groups of people that may be connected either by geography, proximity, special interests, similar situations or values.

SOCIETAL IMPACT is the change that happens to people and communities as a result of an action, activity, project, program or policy.

Service

UNIVERSITY SERVICE is a Texas Tech faculty member’s participation in various activities, programs, and functions related to the enhancement of the university, such as participating in the formulation of academic policies, serving on university committees, and accepting other assignments outside of teaching, research, or creative activity.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE is a Texas Tech faculty members’ participation in professional associations, discipline-related business, industry, other institutions of higher education, etc., for the purpose of exchanging and/or advancing discipline-specific knowledge and expertise.

VOLUNTEERISM is the act of contributing free time and/or labor to conduct community service or support a nonprofit organization.