Department of Advanced Education

Overview

The Department of Advanced Education of Nova Scotia is a provincial government agency responsible for overseeing post-secondary education within the province. Its primary mandate is to promote economic growth and prosperity by ensuring that the workforce is equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today's rapidly changing economy. The department collaborates with universities, the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), private career colleges and other stakeholders to provide accessible, high-quality education and training opportunities for all learners.

History and Legal Framework

Founded in 2013, the Department of Advanced Education of Nova Scotia is a government organization that plays a crucial role in higher education in the province. Its primary mandate is to promote economic growth and prosperity by ensuring that the workforce is equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today's rapidly changing economy. The department collaborates with universities, the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), private career colleges and other stakeholders to provide accessible, high-quality education and training opportunities for all learners.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

The mission of the Department of Advanced Education is to support a student-centred post-secondary education system where all learners thrive. This includes:

• Providing funding and support to universities and NSCC.
• Advising the Minister on matters related to post-secondary education.
• Administering student assistance programs, including loans and accessibility services.
• Supporting adult learners and individuals with disabilities in accessing post-secondary education.
• Guiding the development of private career colleges and related policies.

These objectives aim to cultivate a highly qualified workforce and engaged citizens, contributing to the province's economic and social development.

Governance, Structure and Independence

The Department of Advanced Education operates under the authority of the Minister of Advanced Education. Recent legislative changes, such as Bill 12, have introduced reforms to enhance accountability and governance within the post-secondary sector. These reforms include:

• Amendments to the Community Colleges Act to increase accountability and improve NSCC's ability to create new training programs by providing degree-granting authority.
• Updates to the Private Career Colleges Act to clarify education environments subject to the Act, ensuring student protections.
• Expansion of the Research Nova Scotia Corporation Act to increase financial accountability and align with government priorities.
• Introduction of the University Accountability and Sustainability Act to ensure the sustainability of universities and improve accountability.
• Establishment of the University Board Governance Act to create consistency and improve transparency across university boards of governors.

These legislative measures aim to strengthen the governance and accountability of post-secondary institutions in Nova Scotia.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation

Higher education in Nova Scotia falls under the jurisdiction of the provincial Ministry of Labour and Advanced Education. Quality is maintained and improved in Nova Scotia’s universities through internal policy and procedures for program review and self-study. Many public universities also undergo accreditation at the program level by various provincial, national and international program accreditation agencies. The department plays a role in supporting these efforts by providing guidance and oversight to ensure that institutions meet established standards of excellence.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The Department of Advanced Education collaborates with various international organizations and participates in global education networks to enhance the quality and recognition of Nova Scotia's post-secondary education system. This includes:

• Engaging in international qualification recognition conventions to facilitate the assessment and recognition of academic credentials.
• Participating in alliances of postsecondary educational institutions to promote best practices and share resources.
• Strengthening cooperation in qualifications recognition in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

These international partnerships aim to enhance the global competitiveness of Nova Scotia's graduates and institutions.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

Looking ahead, the Department of Advanced Education is focused on several key initiatives to strengthen the post-secondary education system in Nova Scotia:

• Developing new student housing to address accommodation shortages and improve access to education.
• Implementing reforms to enhance the accountability and sustainability of post-secondary institutions.
• Expanding opportunities for adult learners and individuals with disabilities to access post-secondary education.
• Fostering innovation and research to drive economic development and meet labor market demands.

These efforts are expected to have a significant impact on the accessibility, quality and relevance of higher education in the province.

Summary

The Department of Advanced Education of Nova Scotia plays a pivotal role in shaping the province's post-secondary education landscape. Through its governance, funding and policy initiatives, the department strives to create an inclusive, high-quality education system that meets the needs of all learners and contributes to the province's economic and social development. Ongoing reforms and international collaborations further enhance the department's capacity to support a dynamic and responsive post-secondary education system.

FAQs

• What is the Department of Advanced Education of Nova Scotia?
  The Department of Advanced Education is a provincial government agency responsible for overseeing post-secondary education in Nova Scotia, including universities, the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) and private career colleges.
• What is the mission of the Department of Advanced Education?
  The mission is to support a student-centred post-secondary education system where all learners thrive, through funding, support and policy development.
• How does the department support universities?
  The department provides funding, advises on educational matters, administers student assistance programs and guides policy development to support universities in Nova Scotia.
• What recent legislative changes have affected the department?
  Recent reforms, such as Bill 12, have introduced measures to enhance accountability and governance within the post-secondary sector, including amendments to various acts and the establishment of new governance frameworks.
• Does the department collaborate internationally?
  Yes, the department engages in international qualification recognition conventions and participates in global education networks to enhance the quality and recognition of Nova Scotia's post-secondary education system.

Organization Name

Department of Advanced Education

Acronym

Year of Establishment

1/01/2013

Control Type

Public

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

n.a.

Address

5151 Terminal Road, 6th Floor; PO Box 697
Halifax
B3J 2T8 Nova Scotia Canada

Phone

+1 (902) 424 7628

Fax

+1 (902) 424 0651

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

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X (Twitter)

Department of Advanced Education's X page

LinkedIn

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YouTube

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Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

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