Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board Ministry of Training Colleges PEQAB

Overview

The Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board (PEQAB) is an independent agency of the Ontario government, established under the Post-secondary Education Choice and Excellence Act, 2000. Its primary function is to assess applications for ministerial consent to offer degree programs in Ontario. PEQAB evaluates proposals from public and private institutions, including those from outside Ontario, ensuring that new degree programs meet high-quality standards before they are authorized by the Minister of Colleges and Universities. The board operates transparently, with a commitment to accountability and continuous improvement in the higher education sector.

History and Legal Framework

PEQAB was created in 2000 through the Post-secondary Education Choice and Excellence Act, 2000, which mandates that all organizations not empowered to offer degree programs or use the term “university” by an Ontario statute must obtain ministerial consent to do so. This legislation established PEQAB as an advisory body to assess the quality of proposed degree programs and make recommendations to the Minister. Over time, PEQAB has refined its processes and standards to align with national and international best practices in higher education quality assurance.

Mission, Vision and Objectives in Higher Education

PEQAB's mission is to ensure that new degree programs offered in Ontario meet high-quality standards, contributing to a stronger Ontario through high-quality postsecondary student learning outcomes. Its vision emphasizes a commitment to quality and continuous improvement, grounded in research, evidence and best practices. The board's objectives include:

• Assessing applications for ministerial consent to offer degree programs in Ontario.
• Establishing and maintaining internationally recognized standards for degree programs.
• Providing transparent and accountable evaluations of proposed programs.
• Supporting the development of high-quality degree programs that meet the needs of students and the labor market.

Governance, Structure and Independence

PEQAB operates as an arms-length advisory agency within the Ontario government. It is governed by a board of directors, which includes individuals with expertise in higher education, quality assurance and related fields. The board is supported by a secretariat that provides administrative and operational support. While PEQAB functions independently in its assessments and recommendations, it works closely with the Ministry of Colleges and Universities to ensure alignment with provincial policies and priorities. The agency's independence is crucial in maintaining the integrity and objectivity of its evaluations.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

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

• Reviewing applications for ministerial consent to offer degree programs.
• Assessing the quality of proposed programs against established standards.
• Recommending approval or denial of applications based on quality evaluations.
• Monitoring the implementation of approved programs to ensure ongoing quality.

Through these activities, PEQAB ensures that new degree programs in Ontario are of high quality, meeting the needs of students and the broader community.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

PEQAB is committed to 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. This international engagement helps PEQAB maintain high standards and ensures that Ontario's higher education system remains competitive and responsive to global trends.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

PEQAB's work has a significant impact on the landscape of higher education in Ontario. By ensuring that new degree programs meet high-quality standards, the board contributes to the development of a skilled and knowledgeable workforce. Looking forward, PEQAB 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.

Summary

The Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board is a vital component of Ontario's higher education system, ensuring that new degree programs meet high-quality standards before they are offered to students. Through its independent assessments and transparent processes, PEQAB contributes to the development of a robust and responsive higher education landscape in Ontario.

FAQs

• What is the Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board?
  The Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board is an independent agency of the Ontario government responsible for assessing applications for ministerial consent to offer degree programs in Ontario.
• When was PEQAB established?
  PEQAB was established in 2000 under the Post-secondary Education Choice and Excellence Act, 2000.
• What is PEQAB's role in higher education?
  PEQAB evaluates proposed degree programs to ensure they meet high-quality standards before they are authorized by the Minister of Colleges and Universities.
• How does PEQAB ensure the quality of degree programs?
  PEQAB reviews applications against established standards, recommends approval or denial based on quality evaluations and monitors the implementation of approved programs to ensure ongoing quality.
• Is PEQAB involved in international quality assurance?
  Yes, PEQAB engages with global networks and organizations to share best practices and stay informed about developments in higher education quality assurance.

Organization Name

Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board Ministry of Training Colleges

Acronym

PEQAB

Year of Establishment

1/01/1971

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

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Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

900 Bay Street, 23rd Floor, Mowat Block
Toronto
ON M7A 1L2 Ontario Canada

Phone

+1 (416) 212 1230

Fax

+1 (416) 212 6620

n.a.

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

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