Quality assurance policies and procedures in Maritime universities : Politiques et modalités d'assurance de la qualité dans les universités des Maritimes

This report aims to: • disseminate the information gathered over the course of the assessment process conducted with each university in the Maritimes to assist the institutions in enhancing their practices and procedures in this area; and, • report on how the institutions in the region are meeting the standards set out by the Commission. [...] An institutional culture supportive of quality assurance flourishes when the commitment to quality assurance is built and clearly demonstrated at every level of the university, from the unqualified public support, the authority of the university president and the leadership of the appropriate vice-president, to the administrative support provided to the managing unit or the unit under review. [...] The commitment of faculty members to the quality of the educational process and to the processes through which this quality is both demonstrated and enhanced is absolutely essential; indeed, a focus on quality and quality improvement should permeate the entire institution. [...] Promoting the purpose and value of quality assurance as well as the results of, and follow-up to, reviews to the university community, government and the general public is a vital element in the success of a quality assurance policy. [...] Quality Assurance Policies and Procedures in Maritime Universities Page 21 Delays in the review process can create the impression that quality assurance is not a priority, and risk undermining the effectiveness of the overall review process and eroding the confidence of the university community.