281—21.61 (260C) Evaluation and selection criteria. Each institution applying for approval of a quality instructional center shall prepare a proposal identifying the rationale for program selection and the enhancements that would be made if the proposal were approved, including specific program objectives for enhancing program quality.
Applications for the continuation of approved quality instructional centers shall be subject to the same submission and evaluation process as applications for new centers. Proposals shall be organized according to the following criteria:
	 21.61(1) Background. For existing programs, a brief history shall be provided. For new programs, a three-year plan shall be outlined and described. This section shall include current and projected enrollment and placement data, and advisory committee participation.
	 21.61(2) Description of the program. The proposal shall include a brief description of the purpose of the program, current and projected faculty, curriculum, equipment, facilities, articulation, business/industry linkages, and current and projected student participation figures. A center may be proposed as unique to a geographic area or the state. In this case, the central program must be either an existing program or a proposed new program that does not exist in the state or specified geographic area.
	 21.61(3) Opportunity for enhancement. This section of the proposal shall:
	  a.   	 Provide a brief rationale for the center as a quality instructional center (if a center is proposed for a geographic region or the state, rationale shall be provided and the geographic area shall be clearly defined);
	  b.   	 Identify how Excellence 2000 funds will raise the practice of the program to an exemplary level;
	  c.   	 Delineate changes that will occur with Excellence 2000 funding;
	  d.   	 Explain how these changes will enhance student access, student outcomes and institutional effectiveness;
	  e.   	 Specify center objectives for enhancing program quality and measuring program effectiveness including how the center will meet the needs of members of special populations;
	  f.   	 Address how advisory committee members will be involved in program enhancement; and
	  g.   	 For continuation applications, explain how the institution is reducing its reliance on Excellence 2000 funds for the continuation of the program.
	 21.61(4) Budget and budget narrative. For an existing program, the current base budget shall be identified, and the areas to be enhanced shall be identified and explained, including specific expenditures and overall budget activity. For a new program, the proposal shall include a detailed listing and explanation of planned expenditures. Excellence 2000 funds shall be used to supplement, not to supplant, existing institutional resources.
	 21.61(5) Evaluation. An evaluation plan shall be included in the proposal. This plan shall include strategies for evaluating:
	  a.   	 The center’s effectiveness in enhancing quality by meeting the stated goals and objectives;
	  b.   	 The impact of Excellence 2000 funds on the center; and
	  c.   	 Recommendations for continuing instructional program improvements.