Association of Universities of the Canadian Francophonie

Overview

The Association des collèges et universités de la francophonie canadienne (ACUFC) is a national network representing 22 French-language postsecondary institutions across Canada. Established in 1975, ACUFC advocates for the advancement of French-language education and research within Canadian francophone communities. Its mission encompasses enhancing access to French-language postsecondary programs, fostering collaboration among member institutions and promoting the vitality of the Canadian francophonie in various sectors, including education, health and justice.

Historical and Legal Framework

Founded in 1975 as the Association des universités de la francophonie canadienne (AUFC), the organization initially focused on university-level education. In 2015, it expanded to include colleges, reflecting a broader commitment to supporting French-language postsecondary education across Canada. ACUFC operates as a federally incorporated non-profit organization under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act, ensuring its governance and activities align with Canadian legal standards for non-profit entities.

Mission, Vision and Objectives in Higher Education

ACUFC's mission is to represent the collective interests of its member institutions at national and international levels, while strengthening their collaborative ties to support francophone communities and promote bilingualism within Canadian society. Its vision aims to increase access to French-language postsecondary programs and related activities, striving for structural and sustainable changes for the collective good. The association's objectives include:

• Advocating for policies that support French-language postsecondary education.
• Facilitating collaboration among member institutions to enhance educational offerings.
• Promoting research and innovation in French across various disciplines.
• Supporting the development of programs in health, justice and other sectors to meet the needs of francophone communities.

Governance, Structure and Independence

ACUFC is governed by a Board of Directors, with leadership provided by co-chairs and a Chief Executive Officer. The association operates independently, ensuring that its activities and decisions are driven by the needs and interests of its member institutions. This structure allows ACUFC to effectively advocate for French-language postsecondary education and maintain a focus on the unique challenges and opportunities within francophone communities.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

While ACUFC does not serve as an accrediting body, it plays a crucial role in supporting the quality of French-language postsecondary education through advocacy and collaboration. The association works closely with member institutions to promote best practices in program development and delivery, ensuring that educational offerings meet the needs of students and align with the standards of the Canadian higher education system.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

ACUFC is an active participant in international networks that promote French-language education and research. It collaborates with organizations such as the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), which is one of the most important higher education and research associations in the world. Through these partnerships, ACUFC enhances the global presence and impact of Canadian francophone institutions, fostering opportunities for collaboration and exchange.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

ACUFC continues to have a significant impact on higher education in Canada by advocating for policies that support French-language postsecondary education and by facilitating collaboration among member institutions. Looking forward, the association aims to further enhance access to French-language programs, promote research and innovation in French and support the development of programs that address the evolving needs of francophone communities in Canada.

Summary

The Association des collèges et universités de la francophonie canadienne (ACUFC) plays a vital role in supporting and advancing French-language postsecondary education in Canada. Through advocacy, collaboration and international partnerships, ACUFC works to ensure that francophone communities have access to high-quality educational opportunities that meet their unique needs and contribute to the broader Canadian society.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is ACUFC?
  ACUFC is a national network representing 22 French-language postsecondary institutions across Canada, advocating for the advancement of French-language education and research within Canadian francophone communities.
• When was ACUFC founded?
  ACUFC was founded in 1975 as the Association des universités de la francophonie canadienne (AUFC) and expanded to include colleges in 2015.
• How does ACUFC support French-language education?
  ACUFC supports French-language education through advocacy, facilitating collaboration among member institutions and promoting research and innovation in French across various disciplines.
• Is ACUFC an accrediting body?
  No, ACUFC does not serve as an accrediting body but works to support the quality of French-language postsecondary education through advocacy and collaboration.
• Where is ACUFC located?
  ACUFC is headquartered at 260 Dalhousie Street, Suite 400, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Organization Name

Association of Universities of the Canadian Francophonie
Association des Universités de la Francophonie Canadienne

Acronym

AUFC

Year of Establishment

1975

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

Local or Regional

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

22

Address

260, rue Dalhousie, Bureau 400
Ottawa
K1N 7E4 Ontario Canada

Phone

+1 (613) 244 5231

Fax

+1 (613) 244 0699

Alberta

• Campus Saint-Jean, Université de l’Alberta

Colombie-Britannique

• Collège Éducacentre

Manitoba

• Université de Saint-Boniface

Nouveau-Brunswick

• Centre de formation médicale du Nouveau-Brunswick (CFMNB)
• Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB)
• Université de Moncton

Nouvelle-Écosse

• Université Sainte-Anne

Ontario

• Campus Glendon, Université York
• Collège Boréal
• Collège militaire royal
• La Cité
• Université de Hearst
• Université de Sudbury
• Université d’Ottawa
• Université Laurentienne
• Université Saint-Paul
• Université de l’Ontario français

Île-du-Prince-Édouard

• Collège de l’Île

Saskatchewan

• Collège Mathieu
• La Cité universitaire francophone, Université de Regina

Territoires du Nord-Ouest

• Collège Nordique

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

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X (Twitter)

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LinkedIn

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YouTube

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Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

Association of Universities of the Canadian Francophonie's Wikipedia article

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