Queen’s new Quality Assurance Processes (QUQAPs) for approving and reviewing academic programs are now in effect.

“The QUQAPS are aimed at ensuring continued high quality for both existing and new undergraduate and graduate programs at Queen’s, and in the broader picture, ensuring consistency and cohesion of all graduate and undergraduate programs offered by Ontario’s publicly assisted universities,” says Deputy Provost, Susan Cole.

Under this new initiative, all brand new proposed undergraduate and graduate programs will be subject to a process that requires review by an external consultant and a site visit and/or desk audit. After a rigorous internal approval process including review by the university’s Senate Committee on Academic Development (SCAD) before recommendation for Senate approval, final approval for all proposed brand new programs rests with the Council of Ontario Universities Quality Council (QC). Final approval of the vast majority of modifications to existing programs, however, rests with Senate, or in the case of most minor modifications, with the Faculties.

Also under QUQAPs, Cyclical Program Reviews (CPRs) are replacing both Internal Academic Reviews and Ontario Council of Graduate Studies periodic appraisals. CPRs are based on standards ensuring quality for university academic programs widely recognized as an essential component of every viable educational system.

CPRs are based on an eight-year cycle and where appropriate, graduate and undergraduate programs can be reviewed at the same time. CPRs can also be scheduled to coincide with external accreditations if appropriate and desired.

Degree learning expectations and learning outcomes for students reflect the quality of a Queen’s education and play an enhanced role in the QUQAPs for new and modified programs and CPRs.

Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic) Alan Harrison assisted by Deputy Provost Susan Cole has oversight for QUQAPs, sharing this responsibility with Vice-Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies Brenda Brouwer and faculty deans.

View the QUQAPS policy document