Council for Quality Assurance of Higher Education

Overview

The Consejo de Aseguramiento de la Calidad de la Educación Superior (CACES), Council for Quality Assurance of Higher Education, is Ecuador's national technical body responsible for regulating, planning and coordinating the quality assurance system of higher education. Established in 2010 under the Organic Law of Higher Education, CACES operates with legal status, its own assets and administrative, financial and operational independence. Its primary mission is to ensure that higher education institutions (HEIs) meet national and international quality standards through a comprehensive evaluation and accreditation process.

History and Legal Framework

CACES was created in response to the need for a specialized entity to oversee the quality of higher education in Ecuador. The establishment of CACES was mandated by the Organic Law of Higher Education, which outlines the responsibilities and functions of the Council. This legal framework empowers CACES to plan, regulate and coordinate the quality assurance system, ensuring that HEIs adhere to established standards and contribute to the country's development goals.

Mission, Vision and Objectives in Higher Education

Mission: CACES is tasked with coordinating the quality assurance system of higher education in Ecuador, ensuring that institutions and programs meet established standards and contribute to the country's development.

Vision: To be a leading entity in the quality assurance of higher education, recognized for its commitment to excellence, transparency and continuous improvement.

Objectives: Key objectives of CACES include:

• Evaluating and accrediting HEIs and academic programs based on established criteria.
• Providing guidance and support to institutions for continuous improvement.
• Promoting a culture of quality within the higher education sector.
• Ensuring that HEIs align their offerings with national development priorities.

Governance, Structure and Independence

CACES operates as an autonomous public entity with its own legal personality and assets. It is governed by a board of directors responsible for strategic decision-making and oversight. The Council's operational independence allows it to carry out its functions without undue influence, ensuring impartiality and objectivity in its evaluations and decisions.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

CACES plays a pivotal role in maintaining and enhancing the quality of higher education in Ecuador. Its responsibilities include:

• Conducting evaluations of HEIs and academic programs to assess compliance with established quality standards.
• Granting accreditation to institutions and programs that meet or exceed these standards.
• Recommending improvements and providing support to institutions to address identified gaps.
• Monitoring the implementation of quality assurance processes and ensuring continuous improvement.

Through these activities, CACES ensures that graduates possess the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the demands of the labor market and contribute to the country's development.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

CACES actively engages in international cooperation to enhance the quality and global recognition of Ecuador's higher education system. It collaborates with various international organizations and participates in global networks focused on higher education quality assurance. These partnerships facilitate knowledge exchange, capacity building and alignment with international best practices in accreditation and assessment.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

CACES's initiatives are expected to have a significant impact on the higher education landscape in Ecuador. By ensuring that institutions and programs meet rigorous quality standards, CACES contributes to:

• Improved educational outcomes for students.
• Enhanced employability of graduates.
• Increased international recognition of Ecuador's higher education institutions.
• Alignment of academic programs with national development priorities.

These outcomes are crucial for building a knowledge-based economy and achieving sustainable development goals.

Summary

The Consejo de Aseguramiento de la Calidad de la Educación Superior (CACES) is a cornerstone institution in Ecuador's higher education sector. Through its rigorous assessment and accreditation processes, CACES ensures that higher education institutions and their programs meet high-quality standards, thereby contributing to the country's social and economic development. Its legal autonomy, strategic governance and international collaborations position CACES as a key player in shaping the future of higher education in Ecuador.

FAQs

• What is the role of CACES?
  CACES is responsible for evaluating and accrediting higher education institutions and their academic programs in Ecuador, ensuring they meet national and international quality standards.
• When was CACES established?
  CACES was established in 2010 under the Organic Law of Higher Education.
• Who oversees CACES?
  CACES operates as an autonomous public entity with its own governance structure, ensuring independence in its operations.
• How does CACES ensure the quality of higher education?
  CACES conducts evaluations and grants accreditation to institutions and programs that meet established quality criteria, promoting continuous improvement.
• Does CACES collaborate with international organizations?
  Yes, CACES actively engages in international cooperation to enhance the quality and global recognition of Ecuador's higher education system.

Organization Name

Council for Quality Assurance of Higher Education
Consejo de Aseguramiento de la Calidad de la Educación Superior

Acronym

CACES

Year of Establishment

1995

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Calle Germán Alemán E11 - 32 y Javier Arauz
Quito
Pichincha Ecuador

Phone

+593 (2) 382 5800 Ext 101

Fax

+593 (2) 273 240 Ext 103

n.a.

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Wikipedia Article

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