Interuniversity Cooperation Office

Overview

The Bureau de coopération interuniversitaire (BCI)or Interuniversity Cooperation Office, is a non-profit organization that unites all universities in Quebec, Canada. Established in 2014 following the restructuring of the Conférence des recteurs et des principaux des universités du Québec (CREPUQ), BCI serves as a collaborative platform for Quebec's higher education institutions. Its primary mission is to support the development and advancement of these universities by promoting their interests, diversity and autonomy, thereby benefiting society at large. According to uniRank, BCI represents a significant entity in the landscape of Canadian higher education.

Historical and Legal Framework

Founded in 1963 as CREPUQ, the organization was incorporated as a non-profit entity in 1967 and established a permanent secretariat in 1968. In January 2014, the organization underwent a significant restructuring, leading to the creation of BCI. This transformation aimed to better align the organization's structure with the evolving needs of Quebec's universities and to enhance their collective impact. The legal framework governing BCI ensures its operations are in compliance with Canadian laws and regulations pertaining to non-profit organizations and educational institutions.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

Mission: BCI supports the mission and development of Quebec's universities, promoting their interests, diversity and autonomy for the benefit of society.

Vision: BCI empowers Quebec universities to collaborate and coordinate efforts to amplify their contribution to the common good.

Objectives:

• Facilitate collaboration among member institutions to enhance educational and research outcomes.
• Advocate for the collective interests of Quebec's universities at provincial, national and international levels.
• Provide shared services and resources to support the operational needs of member institutions.
• Promote the integration of best practices in teaching, research and administration across universities.

These objectives align with BCI's role in strengthening the higher education sector in Quebec and ensuring its institutions remain competitive and responsive to societal needs.

Governance, Structure and Independence

BCI operates as a member-driven organization, with governance structures that include a board of directors elected from its member institutions. The organization is led by a president, who serves a term of two years and a director general responsible for day-to-day operations. The current president, as of 2024, is Christian Blanchette, rector of the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR). The director general is Ginette Legault, who has held the position since 2019. BCI maintains its independence by ensuring that decisions reflect the collective interests and values of its member institutions, without external interference.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation

While BCI does not serve as an accrediting body, it plays a significant role in supporting the accreditation processes for its member institutions. Many of these institutions seek accreditation from recognized agencies such as the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) and the Canadian Association for University Continuing Education (CAUCE). BCI provides resources and guidance to its members to navigate the accreditation process, ensuring they meet the academic and institutional standards required for recognition. Additionally, BCI facilitates the sharing of best practices among universities to enhance the quality of education and research.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

BCI is actively involved in international cooperation through various programs and partnerships. One notable initiative is the Bureau de coopération interuniversitaire (BCI) program, which facilitates student and faculty exchanges between Quebec universities and institutions in France and other countries. This program allows participants to study or teach abroad while maintaining their academic standing and financial support. BCI also coordinates the Conseil franco-québécois de coopération universitaire (CFQCU), which aims to establish strategic partnerships in teaching and research between French and Quebec universities. Through these initiatives, BCI fosters global collaboration and enhances the international presence of Quebec's higher education institutions.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

BCI continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of higher education in Quebec. By fostering collaboration among universities, advocating for their interests and providing shared services, BCI contributes to the development of a robust and dynamic higher education system. Looking ahead, BCI aims to expand its initiatives to address emerging challenges in education, research and administration. This includes enhancing digital transformation, promoting sustainability and ensuring equitable access to education. Through these efforts, BCI seeks to strengthen the global competitiveness of Quebec's universities and their capacity to contribute to societal development.

Summary

The Bureau de coopération interuniversitaire (BCI) is a central organization that unites all universities in Quebec to promote collaboration, advocacy and the advancement of higher education. Through its mission, vision and objectives, BCI supports the development of member institutions and enhances their collective impact. Its governance structure ensures that decisions reflect the collective interests of universities, while its involvement in accreditation processes and international cooperation strengthens the quality and global presence of Quebec's higher education institutions. As BCI continues to evolve, it remains committed to addressing the challenges and opportunities facing higher education in Quebec and beyond.

FAQs

• What is BCI? BCI is a non-profit organization that unites all universities in Quebec to promote collaboration and support the development of higher education.
• When was BCI established? BCI was established in 2014 following the restructuring of the Conférence des recteurs et des principaux des universités du Québec (CREPUQ), which was founded in 1963.
• Does BCI accredit universities? No, BCI does not serve as an accrediting body but supports its members in obtaining accreditation from recognized agencies.
• How does BCI support international cooperation? BCI facilitates student and faculty exchanges through programs like the BCI program and coordinates partnerships through the Conseil franco-québécois de coopération universitaire (CFQCU).
• Who leads BCI? BCI is led by a president elected from its member institutions and a director general responsible for day-to-day operations. The current president is Christian Blanchette and the director general is Ginette Legault.

Organization Name

Interuniversity Cooperation Office
Bureau de coopération interuniversitaire

Acronym

BCI

Year of Establishment

1963

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

n.a.

Address

500, rue Sherbrooke Ouest, bureau 200
Montréal
H3A 3C6 Québec Canada

Phone

+1 (514) 288 8524

Fax

+1 (514) 288 0554

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Not available

X (Twitter)

Not available

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Interuniversity Cooperation Office's Wikipedia article

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