CAQC Principles

Core Principles

1. The best interests of learners are at the core of Council’s activities as it assesses proposed degree programs and monitors the quality of existing degree programs.
2. Council’s standards are appropriate to the nature and degree level of programs and are comparable to national and international standards. Council encourages innovation and creativity in degree programming when there is a demonstrated benefit to learners.
3. Council recognizes that the primary responsibility for academic and institutional quality assurance rests with degree granting institutions themselves.
4. Council respects the foundational role of academic freedom in the provision of high quality degree programs.
5. Peer review is an essential component of all of Council’s evaluation processes.
6. Consultation with stakeholders is an integral part of degree program development, appraisal, and monitoring.
7. Council exhibits and promotes appreciation of institutional diversity and respect for institutional autonomy.
   

Operating Principles

8. Council exhibits and promotes equity, openness, transparency, and efficiency in all its practices and policies.
9. Where appropriate, Council applies iterative processes in discussions with institutions to clarify and improve degree programs.
10. Members and peer reviewers act in ways that build trust in Council’s processes and decisions.
11. Members and peer reviewers act respectfully, autonomously, and in accordance with ethical standards, and abide by Council’s code of conduct, which includes provisions on conflict of interest.
12. Council is committed to the quality assurance review of its own activities and to sharing effective practices in degree program quality assessment.