POLICY: PROGRAM QUALITY ASSURANCE
APPROVED BY EXECUTIVE: March 10, 2021
SUPERSEDES POLICY: November 2018
PURPOSE
Sault College is committed to assuring that all academic programs meet, and exceed standards and expectations for quality and relevance.
This policy is in place to ensure programs conform to the Credentials Framework as defined in the Minister’s Binding Policy Directive: Framework for Programs of Instruction and meet the quality standards as defined by the Ontario Colleges Quality Assurance Service (OCQAS) for college level programs and by the Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board (PEQAB) for degree level programs.
SCOPE
This policy applies to all postsecondary programs leading to an Ontario College Credential – inclusive of those leading to Ontario College Certificates, Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, Graduate Certificates and Degrees, regardless of the location of delivery, mode of delivery or source of funding.
POLICY
In accordance with this policy, the quality assurance system at Sault College will ensure:
1. Program and curriculum development is in line with the Ontario Qualifications Framework, and is based on a clear and operational set of program learning outcomes which are reflective of provincial standards and are appropriate for the credential offered upon successful completion of the program;
2. Programs maintain relevance Sault College priorities as outlined in the Strategic Mandate Agreement and the College’s Strategic Plan;
3. Regular review of all programs;
4. Faculty are engaged in self-reflection as prescribed by a set practices and procedures, and are regularly reviewed by their supervisor;
5. The existence, communication, and regular review of effective policies and practices that support program development and delivery, and student achievement of program learning outcomes; and,
6. Student feedback mechanisms are in place with opportunity to comment on program structure, relevance, and teaching effectiveness (e.g. Key Performance Indicators surveys, course feedback surveys, student focus groups).
PROCEDURE
The following mechanisms comprise the program quality assurance system at Sault College, and are supported individually by policy and/or procedure documents:
1. New Program Development
2. Program Review
3. Faculty Review and Reflection
4. Student Feedback
5. Curriculum Management
6. Course Outlines
RELATED DOCUMENTS
Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) Framework for Programs of Instruction College Quality Assurance Audit Process Framework and Guidelines
Postsecondary Quality Assessment Board Manual for Colleges MCU Program Standards
New Program Development Procedure Program Review Policy
Faculty Reflection and Review Policy
Faculty Development and Reflective Practice Procedure Student Feedback Procedure
Curriculum Modification Policy Course Outline Policy