Saskatchewan Higher Education Quality Assurance Board

In October 2012, the Saskatchewan Government proclaimed The Degree Authorization Act and The Degree Authorization Regulations making it possible for post-secondary institutions other than the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan to apply for authorization to grant degrees in Saskatchewan.

In accordance with the legislation, the Ministry of Advanced Education established the Saskatchewan Higher Education Quality Assurance Board (SHEQAB) to oversee a quality assurance process that ensures new degree programs in the province meet high quality standards. This process helps promote the recognition of Saskatchewan graduates both nationally and internationally for their academic achievements.

The Board works independently from, but in co-operation with, the Ministry of Advanced Education, and is supported by the SHEQAB Secretariat.

The quality assurance process consists of rigorous evaluations of the organizational capacity of the institution proposing to offer the new degree program and of the degree program itself. In each case, standards and procedures against which the applicant institution and the proposed program will be measured are available by contacting the SHEQAB Secretariat.

In addition to oversight of the quality assurance process, the SHEQAB is responsible for monitoring the fulfillment of any terms or conditions attached to the authorization of degree programs.

Mandate

The Degree Authorization Act and The Degree Authorization Regulations specify the powers and responsibilities of the Saskatchewan Higher Education Quality Assurance Board.

The Board's primary duties are:

• Review the quality assurance standards that are used in the evaluation of degree programs to ensure that they remain current and aligned with national standards;
• Review the quality assurance review processes to ensure that they remain current and aligned with national standards;
• Undertake quality assurance reviews of programs referred to the Board by Cabinet;
• With respect to each application referred to it, make a recommendation to the Minister, in writing:
  • to issue the authorization with or without terms and conditions; or
  • to reject the application for authorization.
• Monitor the fulfillment of any terms or conditions attached to the authorization of a degree program;
• Conduct quality assurance reviews of degree programs that are subject to renewal of their authorization;
• At the Minister's request, provide insight and advice on matters related to higher education in Saskatchewan.

The Board may also:

• Interact and share best practices with similar quality assurance bodies in Canada and abroad;
• Foster knowledge-transfer and capacity-building by organizing or participating in workshops, symposia and training programs on quality assurance;
• Create greater awareness of the quality of advanced education in the province and assist in creating a "Saskatchewan Quality Assurance Brand" by compiling, publicizing and keeping a current, comprehensive inventory of quality assurance practices and policies used in the advanced education system in Saskatchewan;
• Provide due diligence on "degree mills" and supply students and other members of the public with information about such organizations;
• Assist the ministry in the creation and maintenance of a competency matrix for members of the Board;
• Assist in the recruitment and selection of new Board members, according to the policy established by government for the process;
• At the Minister's request, submit a report respecting any matter within the Board's functions, powers and terms of reference; and
• Exercise any other prescribed powers and perform any other functions as articulated in the regulations accompanying The Degree Authorization Act.
  
  

The Secretariat to the Saskatchewan Higher Education Quality Assurance Board

The Board works independently from, but in cooperation with, the Ministry of Advanced Education. The Board is supported by the SHEQAB Secretariat which is provided by the Ministry of Advanced Education.

The Secretariat assists the Chair and Board in their activities by providing advice on policy and procedure, organizing meetings, setting agendas, co-ordinating all activities of the Board's organizational and program review expert panel teams, and preparing publications. It also receives initial applications from institutions and prepares them for the system co-ordination review stage.

The Secretariat can be contacted by telephone at 306-787-1782 or by email at info@quality-assurance-sk.ca.

Seal of Approval

When an institution is authorized to offer a degree program in Saskatchewan, it is granted the ability to use the Saskatchewan Higher Education Quality Assurance Board Seal of Approval. This identifies the program(s) that have met SHEQAB's quality assurance standards.

The eight SHEQAB members are appointed by Lieutenant Governor in Council. SHEQAB members are selected according to a competency matrix, which is used to ensure the SHEQAB has the individual and collective skills and knowledge to perform its functions and that its composition reflects diversity and balance. The initial term of office for Board members is three years. After this period, terms will be staggered to ensure membership renewal and a sufficient level of continuity on the Board.

	Dr. Barb Gustafson (Chair) Dr. Barb Gustafson retired from a 20-year career at Saskatchewan Polytechnic where she was a faculty member in the School of Business, a co-author of Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Academic Model, Director of Learner Pathways, and Special Advisor to the Provost. Her work has included the development of policies and processes to support quality assurance in all programs, including Saskatchewan Polytechnic's degrees. A lifelong learner, Dr. Gustafson holds four degrees: Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Arts, Masters of Business Administration and Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration with a research focus on technical/vocational education. She also holds certificates in Adult and Continuing Education, Recognition of Prior Learning, and Program Evaluation. Dr. Gustafson has served on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Association for Prior Learning Assessment (CAPLA), the Pan-Canadian Consortium on Admissions and Transfer (PCCAT) and as co-chair of the Saskatchewan Transfer Credit and Learner Pathways Council. She is an elected University of Saskatchewan Senator, representing her hometown of Prince Albert, a board member of the Prince Albert Community Futures, and Vice President Prairies for the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW).
	Dr. Christie Schultz (Vice Chair) Dr. Christie Schultz is known as an interdisciplinary leader in higher education in Canada with expertise in the fields of professional, continuing, and online education. As a leader, she prioritizes collaboration, partnerships, and creating exceptional student experiences. Currently, Dr. Schultz serves as the Dean of the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) and is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Regina.
	Dr. Jerome Cranston Dr. Jerome Cranston is the Vice-Provost, Students and Learning at the University of Saskatchewan. He holds a PhD from the University of Manitoba and an M.Ed. from the University of Lethbridge, along with degrees from the University of Alberta. A race-conscious scholar-educator, Dr. Cranston focuses on racial inequality and injustice, aiming for greater equity and healthier communities. His work includes supporting displaced Syrians in Lebanon and Bhutanese refugees in Nepal, collaborating with Indigenous communities in Canada, and serving as an Academic Observer for the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Recognized for his contributions, he received awards from the American Educational Research Association and the University of Alberta for his work in anti-racism and equity. Dr. Cranston has authored five books and over 50 publications and has secured more than $350,000 in research grants, contributing to various committees and initiatives on equity and social justice.
	Dr. Brad Donaldson Dr. Brad Donaldson has more than 17 years of experience in senior leadership positions in the Alberta polytechnic/college system. He is currently the President and CEO of Lethbridge Polytechnic and is the former Vice President Academic and Dean of the School of Manufacturing and Automation at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). Between the two SAIT roles, he served as the Vice President Academic at Red Deer College and has served on a number of academic and business committees and boards provincially, nationally and internationally. Prior to moving to the academic leadership roles, Brad held many engineering and leadership roles in the global manufacturing sector enabling organizational transformation and responsiveness. His focus was always on meeting the needs of clients through engaged and empowered workforces. Dr. Donaldson’s wide-ranging experience includes the development and implementation of organizational strategies, the creation of learning organizations embracing systems thinking and cultures of innovation. Dr. Donaldson holds an EdD in Educational Leadership from the University of Calgary, a Master of Engineering Degree and a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Toronto.
	The Rev. Dr. Marc Jerry The Rev. Dr. Jerry is the President and Vice-Chancellor of Renison University College at the University of Waterloo. He has over 25 years of post-secondary teaching, research and administrative experience. He holds two degrees in economics, specializing in econometrics and quantitative methods, as well as two graduate degrees in theology. Prior to moving to Renison, Dr. Jerry served a term as President of Luther College at the University of Regina through the pandemic and subsequent recovery. Dr. Jerry has also worked as faculty for the Donald School of Business (DSB) at Red Deer Polytechnic where he taught economics, leadership, and strategy. He was co-chair of the team that led the curriculum development and quality council submission of their Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He also served on their institution-wide learning outcomes development team. In addition, under the direction of Dr. Jerry, the Work Integrated Learning program was created at the DSB and grew dramatically over a five-year period from an initial five students in Year 1, to 50+ students prior to his moving to Saskatchewan. Dr. Jerry also served as a tenured faculty member in the Bissett School of Business at Mount Royal University (MRU) where he taught economics and business statistics and won MRU's prestigious Distinguished Faculty Teaching Award. He also held administrative positions including as a department chair in the business faculty. Dr. Jerry has specialized in not-for-profit board governance training through the Institute of Corporate Directors as well as he holds the public sector governance designation through the Johnson Shoyama School of Governance at the University of Regina.
	Lori Kidney Lori Kidney is a farm business owner operator in northeast Saskatchewan. Lori attended the University of Saskatchewan, College of Commerce, graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and Human Resource Management. Lori currently sits on the Cumberland College Regional College Board, the Parkland College Board, and the North East School Division as a Trustee. In addition, she has held various roles within the boards, including Chair of Recruitment Committees and Chair of a Governance and Risk Committee, and sits on an Agriculture Advisory Committee. Prior to full-time farming and board work, Lori spent 18 years in the private sector in various sales and account management roles within the agriculture industry. Lori is highly involved in the local community and has a passion for linking education and industry.
	Dr. Laurie Rancourt Dr. Laurie Rancourt is a semi-retired senior executive with over 27 years of experience in Canadian post-secondary education. Her most recent full-time role was that of Senior Vice‑President, Academic at Humber College in Etobicoke, Ontario; a role which she held from 2014 to 2021. Prior to that, Dr. Rancourt spent just under four years as President and CEO at Northern Lights College (NLC) in British Columbia. At NLC, Dr. Rancourt undertook a comprehensive strategic planning process. Under her leadership, the College saw increased enrolments in strategic areas and was designated by the Ministry of Advanced Education as the BC Centre of Training Excellence in Oil and Gas. She oversaw the negotiating and management of successful local, regional, provincial, and international partnerships as well as the development of strengthened relationships within the community. Prior to serving as President and CEO at NLC, Dr. Rancourt held several roles of increasing responsibility at Collège Boréal in Northern Ontario. This included roles such as Academic Vice‑President and Vice-President of Corporate Services. Prior to these VP roles, she also served as a faculty member and then moved to a variety of management positions including Co‑ordinator of Health Sciences programs, Dean of Community Service programs, Manager of Job Connect, and Registrar. Dr. Rancourt holds a PhD in Higher Education Administration from the University of Toronto - Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), a Master of Arts degree in Integrated Studies (Work, Organization and Leadership) from Athabasca University, and a Bachelor Degree (Liberal Science) from Laurentian University. She remains active in higher education with current roles as Adjunct Professor at Central Michigan University, Sessional Lecturer at OISE, and owner/operator of her own higher education consulting business.
	Dr. Todd Sumner Dr. Todd Sumner has more than 26 years of experience working within the post-secondary system. He has been in his current role as Vice President Academic & Research at Lakeland College for over two years and oversees the academic division of nine schools, foundational learning, and continuing education plus the applied research team. Previously he was the Dean of Student and Academic Services at Lakeland College. Dr. Sumner holds four degrees: Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Education, Master of Education in Educational Technology, and a PhD in Educational Psychology – Research Stream with research interests in online learning and student feedback. His diverse leadership experience in post-secondary education has allowed him to work in a wide range of programming and administrative positions providing him many opportunities to utilize his passion for student success. Previously, he worked at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology for over 23 years in various roles including Associate Dean in the Schools of Business and Trades, Director of Continuing Education, Program Chair, and Instructor. Prior to working at post-secondary institutions, he taught for eight years in the public system at both the Junior and Senior High levels. Dr. Sumner has also been active in several not-for-profit organizations serving as a board member and volunteer.

Monitoring and Reporting

The Saskatchewan Higher Education Quality Assurance Board monitors institutions that have been authorized to grant degrees. Monitoring helps to ensure that quality is maintained and that institutions are meeting the expectations that come with authorization to grant degrees in Saskatchewan.

SHEQAB Competency and Composition Matrix

To ensure the SHEQAB has sufficient diversity to represent a broad range of perspectives and that, collectively, it has the knowledge and experience necessary to perform its functions, a competency and composition matrix is used to facilitate the selection of Board members. The matrix is based on the core competencies as set out below.

No single Board member can be expected to possess all the attributes and characteristics listed; however, overall, the profile of the Board should present as many of them as possible.

Core Competencies

• Knowledge of policies, practices and procedures related to quality assurance, accreditation, and audits, including those in other provinces and international jurisdictions;
• Recent senior leadership, administration or managerial experience;
• Demonstrated proficiency in undergraduate and/or graduate level teaching, scholarship, research and service;
• Program development and review experience;
• Commitment to, and experience in, enhancing the student learning experience;
• Knowledge of, or experience in, the Saskatchewan post-secondary system;
• Knowledge of innovative technology enhanced learning;
• Demonstrated interest in, and awareness of, trends and issues in post-secondary education, such as: international and transnational education, learner pathways, credit transfer, learning outcomes;
• Demonstrated leadership in corporate business, industry, the professions, community-based organizations or other public interest groups, with an interest in an evolving workplace;
• Experience working with First Nations and Métis educational communities and/or institutions;
• Knowledge of and experience in the various regions of Saskatchewan, including the North;
• Knowledge of the relationship between post-secondary education and the labour market;
• Understanding of diversity as set out in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code; and
• Understanding of fair processes (e.g., natural and administrative justice).

The overall composition of the Board will be considered with respect to the following attributes:

Composition Attributes

• Resident of Saskatchewan
• Employed by the University of Saskatchewan
• Employed by the University of Regina
• First Nations or Métis
• Gender balance

Degree Granting in Saskatchewan

The quality assurance review process ensures that new degree programs in Saskatchewan meet high-quality standards that promote the recognition of Saskatchewan graduates both nationally and internationally for their academic achievements.

Find information on Degree Granting in Saskatchewan about:

• How to Apply
• After an Application is Submitted
• Degree Applications
• Exceptions

Use of the Terms "University" and "Varsity"

Any institution that is not already authorized to do so must receive approval from the Lieutenant Governor in Council, pursuant to section 6 of The Degree Authorization Act, to use the terms "university," "varsity" or any abbreviation or derivation of these terms, in its name or in any advertising or promotional materials relating to the institution or its programs. This is to ensure that the integrity of these terms is well protected in Saskatchewan, and to avoid improper use of the terms that may mislead the public.

If an institution has been previously authorized in another jurisdiction to use the terms "university" of "varsity", or any derivation or abbreviation of either of these terms, in its name, the institution may request an exemption from section 6 of the Act. In accordance with section 17 of the The Degree Authorization Regulations, the previous authorization must have been obtained in one of the following ways:

• by virtue of an Act of the legislature of another jurisdiction;
• from the public authority in another jurisdiction having overall responsibility for the institution; or
• from an authority having responsibility in another jurisdiction for the accreditation of post-secondary institutions.

Please contact the SHEQAB Secretariat at 306-787-1782 or email info@quality-assurance-sk.ca for more information regarding the process by which approval to use the terms "university" and "varsity" may be obtained.

Standards

The Saskatchewan Higher Education Quality Assurance Board uses the following standards to assess institutions seeking authorization to provide baccalaureate (Bachelor's) and graduate (Master's and doctoral) level programs. The standards are approved by the Minister of Advanced Education.

• Bachelor's Degree Level Standard
• Graduate Degree Level Standards
• Organizational Review Standards and Criteria
• Program Review Standards and Criteria

Annual Reports

• SHEQAB Chair's Annual Update for 2023
  In January 2024, Tavia Laliberte, Chair, reported on the activities of the Board in 2023, its eleventh year of operation.
• Previous Years' Annual Reports
  View archived Annual Reports in the Publication Centre.

Meeting Minutes

• Previous Years' Meeting Minutes

• Quality Assurance Principles from Universities Canada
  A list of principles that have been endorsed by the executive head of each member of Universities Canada.
• The Council of Ministers of Education Canada (CMEC)
  In 2007, the CMEC endorsed the Ministerial Statement on Quality Assurance of Degree Granting (2007), to which Saskatchewan is a signatory. The Statement includes the Canadian Degree Qualifications Framework in section one, which addresses the characteristics of bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees, as well as degree level standards and procedures and standards for assessing new degree-granting institutions and proposed new degree programs.
• British Columbia - Degree Quality Assessment Board (DQAB)
  The Degree Quality Assessment Board is an independent advisory board that ensures legislated quality assurance requirements are met for post-secondary education in British Columbia. The Board was established by the Ministry of Advanced Education to meet the statutory requirement under the Degree Authorization Act for a quality assessment process. The Board conducts quality assessment activities to ensure new proposed degree programs at both private and public post-secondary institutions meet consistent and high quality criteria.
• Alberta - Campus Alberta Quality Council (CAQC)
  The CAQC is an arms-length quality assurance agency that makes recommendations to the Minister of Advanced Education on applications from post-secondary institutions seeking to offer new degree programs in Alberta under the terms of The Post-Secondary Learning Act, 2003 and The Programs of Study Regulation (91/2009).
• Ontario - Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board (PEQAB)
  The Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board is an arms-length advisory agency that makes recommendations to the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities of Ontario on applications for ministerial consent under the terms of the Post-secondary Education Choice and Excellence Act, 2000.
• Ontario - Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO)
  Created through the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario Act, 2005, HEQCO is an agency of the Government of Ontario that brings evidence-based research to the continued improvement of the postsecondary education system in Ontario.
• Ontario - Council of Ontario Universities - Quality Council (COU)
  The Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance (in short, the Quality Council), was established in July 2010 and is responsible for oversight of the Quality Assurance Framework processes for Ontario Universities. The Quality Council operates at arm's length from both Ontario's publicly assisted universities and Ontario's government.
• Ontario College Quality Assurance Service (OCQAS)
  The OCQAS was established to provide efficient tools that ensure specific quality and consistency standards are met by the Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology in Ontario (CAAT).
• Ontario - Indigenous Advanced Education and Skills Council (IAESC)
  The Indigenous Advanced Education and Skills Council, an independent not-for-profit corporation created through provincial legislation (Indigenous Institutes Act, 2017), is the accreditation organization for Indigenous Institutes to grant certificates, diplomas and degrees.
• Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission (MPHEC)
  As an Agency of the Council of Atlantic Premiers that provides advice to Ministers responsible for Post-Secondary Education in the Maritimes, the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission assists institutions and governments in enhancing the post-secondary learning environment.
• International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE)
  INQAAHE is a world-wide association of over 200 organizations active in the theory and practice of quality assurance in higher education.
• Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) - International Quality Group
  The CHEA International Quality Group (CIQG) is a forum for colleges, universities, accrediting and quality assurance organizations and others worldwide to address issues and challenges focused on quality and quality assurance in an international setting.

• The Degree Authorization Act
• The Degree Authorization Regulations