Campus Alberta Quality Council CAQC

Overview

The Campus Alberta Quality Council (CAQC) is an independent agency established by the Government of Alberta to ensure the quality of degree programs offered by post-secondary institutions in the province. Operating at arm’s length from the government, CAQC evaluates and makes recommendations to the Minister of Advanced Education regarding new degree programs proposed by public and private institutions. Its mandate is to uphold high academic standards and promote continuous improvement in Alberta's post-secondary education system.

History and Legal Framework

CAQC was established in 2004 under the Post-secondary Learning Act of Alberta and the Programs of Study Regulation (AR 91/2009). These legislative frameworks empower CAQC to review and assess applications from institutions seeking to offer new degree programs in Alberta. The council's creation was part of a broader initiative to enhance the quality and accountability of post-secondary education in the province, ensuring that new programs meet rigorous academic standards before they are approved by the Minister of Advanced Education.

Mission, Vision and Objectives in Higher Education

CAQC's mission is to ensure that new degree programs offered in Alberta meet high-quality standards, thereby contributing to the advancement of post-secondary education in the province. The council's vision emphasizes a commitment to academic excellence, innovation and responsiveness to the evolving needs of learners and the labor market. Its objectives include:

• Evaluating proposals for new degree programs to ensure they meet established quality standards.
• Providing recommendations to the Minister of Advanced Education regarding program approvals.
• Monitoring the implementation and ongoing quality of approved degree programs.
• Supporting institutions in developing and maintaining effective quality assurance processes.

Governance, Structure and Independence

CAQC operates as an independent agency within the Government of Alberta, reporting to the Minister of Advanced Education. It is governed by a council comprising individuals with expertise in higher education, quality assurance and related fields. The council is supported by a secretariat that provides administrative and operational support. While CAQC functions independently in its assessments and recommendations, it collaborates closely with the Ministry to ensure alignment with provincial policies and priorities. This structure allows CAQC to provide objective and expert evaluations of proposed degree programs.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

CAQC plays a critical role in the accreditation and quality evaluation of degree programs in Alberta. Its responsibilities include:

• Reviewing applications for new degree programs to assess their quality and alignment with provincial standards.
• Engaging peer experts to evaluate proposed programs and provide feedback.
• Recommending approval or denial of applications based on quality evaluations.
• Monitoring the implementation of approved programs to ensure ongoing quality.

Through these activities, CAQC ensures that new degree programs in Alberta are of high quality and meet the expectations of students, faculty and employers.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

CAQC is committed to fostering international cooperation in higher education quality assurance. It engages with global networks and organizations to share best practices and stay informed about developments in quality assurance. CAQC is a member of several international bodies, including:

• International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE)
• UNESCO/OECD Guidelines for Quality Provision in Cross-border Higher Education
• Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC)
• Council of Ministers of Education Canada (CMEC)

These memberships enable CAQC to align its practices with international standards and contribute to the global dialogue on quality assurance in higher education.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

CAQC's work has a significant impact on the landscape of higher education in Alberta. By ensuring that new degree programs meet high-quality standards, the council contributes to the development of a skilled and knowledgeable workforce. Looking forward, CAQC continues to refine its processes and standards to address emerging trends and challenges in higher education, such as the increasing demand for interdisciplinary programs and the integration of technology in education. Its ongoing initiatives aim to enhance the accessibility, quality and relevance of degree programs in Alberta.

Summary

The Campus Alberta Quality Council plays a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of higher education in Alberta. Through its governance, quality assurance processes and international engagements, the council ensures that new degree programs maintain high academic standards and respond effectively to the needs of students and the broader community. Its ongoing efforts contribute to the development of a robust and responsive higher education system in the province.

FAQs

• What is the Campus Alberta Quality Council?
  CAQC is an independent agency established by the Government of Alberta to evaluate and make recommendations on new degree programs proposed by post-secondary institutions in the province.
• When was CAQC established?
  CAQC was established in 2004 under the Post-secondary Learning Act of Alberta and the Programs of Study Regulation (AR 91/2009).
• What is CAQC's role in higher education?
  CAQC reviews applications for new degree programs to ensure they meet high-quality standards before they are approved by the Minister of Advanced Education.
• How does CAQC ensure the quality of degree programs?
  CAQC evaluates proposals against established standards, engages peer experts for assessments and monitors the implementation of approved programs to ensure ongoing quality.
• Is CAQC involved in international quality assurance?
  Yes, CAQC is a member of several international bodies, including INQAAHE and UNESCO/OECD, to align its practices with global standards and contribute to international discussions on quality assurance in higher education.

Organization Name

Campus Alberta Quality Council

Acronym

CAQC

Year of Establishment

1/01/2004

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

Local or Regional

Recognized by

Alberta Advanced Education

Affiliations or Memberships

International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE)

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

8th Floor, Commerce Place, 10155 - 102 Street
Edmonton
T5J 4L5 Alberta Canada

Phone

+1 (780) 427 8921

Fax

+1 (780) 641 9783

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

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X (Twitter)

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LinkedIn

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YouTube

Not available

Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

Not available

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