The Grounds Services Unit at Duke University has implemented a new program that involves a process of self evaluation, which embraces the concept of perpetual and continuous improvement. The Quality Appearance Program (QAP) embellishes and expands upon the Quality Assurance Program concept, but with a twist to grounds management improvement strategies. Over the years, the Grounds Unit has employed and utilized many practices aimed at elevating the appreciation level of their campus grounds. Some of these practices bore a technical focus, while others came from more traditional management conceptualizations. They have devised grounds standards, conducted peer inspections, established exhaustive training plans, formulated work measurements and metrics, and won national grounds awards.