Quality Assurance

The Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance (Quality Council) is responsible for the quality of degree programs and the integrity of quality assurance processes. The Quality Council and a Quality Assurance Framework was established in 2010 and adopted by the Council of Ontario Universities. By aligning quality assurance of Ontario universities with international standards, the Quality Assurance Framework facilitates greater international acceptance of our degrees and improves our graduates’ access to university programs and employment worldwide. OCAV fully acknowledges that academic standards, quality assurance and program improvements are the responsibility of universities; and the Quality Council recognizes the institution’s autonomy to determine priorities for funding, space and faculty allocation.

Effective September 1, 2011, Trent developed its own Institutional Quality Assurance Policy (IQAP) and processes in compliance with the Framework. Trent’s IQAP ensures and promotes both high quality and standards of excellence, and applies to all existing and new undergraduate and graduate degree programs, collaborative programs, and for-credit graduate diplomas offered by Trent University or conjointly in partnership with another post-secondary institution. As part of the Framework the University will also be audited by the Quality Council every eight years to ensure compliance with its IQAP.

Trent’s IQAP governs the following processes:

• Cyclical Program Review
• New Degree Program Development
• Expedited Approvals
• Major Modifications

The Provost and Vice President Academic is the administrative authority responsible for the University’s quality assurance policy and procedures and the Office of the Provost supports the day-to-day workings of the processes governed by the IQAP.