Providing quality academic programming is essential to supporting the success of NIC students, ensuring education is current and relevant, inclusive of different perspectives and cultures, Indigenous ways of knowing and being and well-rounded to support ongoing growth.
Quality academic programs and courses:
- support the development of critical thinking, problem-solving skills and lifelong learning
- contributes to social, cultural, and economic prosperity of the region, province, and country
- supports the growth and enhancement of the country’s workforce, drives creativity, innovation and community engagement, and produces academic and applied research
NIC uses evidence-informed practices and accesses timely research and insights into how learning works and work to create and offer the most engaging and robust learning experiences for students.
What is academic quality enhancement?
Quality enhancement activities ensure programs and courses are designed and revised in accordance with NIC Education Council policies, in alignment with the College’s strategic plans and adhere to the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills’ credential expectations.
Quality assurance processes engage North Island College employees, students, alumni and community members in discussions, reflections and examinations of evidence and feedback about the quality of educational programming and student learning experiences and produce recommendations for improvement or confirm continued excellence.
Engaging in ongoing quality assurance processes help ensure academic programming and student learning experiences are frequently reviewed and enhanced. Reflection, review and renewal of courses, programs and learning experiences is a hallmark of academic quality.
Quality Assurance Process Audit
The Degree Quality Assessment Board (DQAB) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills engages all public post-secondary institutions in a Quality Assurance Process Audit (QAPA) of their processes and policies related to quality assurance and enhancement every seven to eight years.
Institutional Strategic Plans
North Island College’s strategic initiatives, action items and updates ensure educational experiences and programs are of a high quality, current and aligned with student and community needs along with Ministry requirements.
Governance
North Island College’s application of the BC College and Institute Act governs programming and educational quality.
Education Council – Council’s role is to approve curriculum and policies that relate to academic standing, academic standards and evaluation of student performance and advise the Board of Governors on the development of educational policy.
Education Council Standing Committees:
Program Review
The institutional program review process is a faculty-led, collaborative and evidence-based examination of a program’s quality including curriculum, student learning experiences and community relationships. This ongoing and systematic inquiry process includes educational interest groups including faculty, community members, employers and students who reflect on the strengths of educational programs and identify areas for enhancement.
New Program Creation, Program Renewal, and Ongoing Curriculum Development
Under the direction of the dean, programs undertake renewal and curriculum development activities to ensure programs, courses and learning experiences etc. are current and aligned with student, community and employer needs. Learn more about the policies and procedures for curriculum development.
Academic Quality Enhancement Working Group
The Academic Quality Enhancement Working Group (AQEWG) provides feedback, direction, advice, and assistance on the updating of existing academic policies, processes, and actions related to ensuring ongoing quality academic programming.
Centre for Teaching and Learning Innovation
The Centre for Teaching and Learning Innovation (CTLI) provides supports and resources for all faculty members including professional learning opportunities to improve their teaching practices and pedagogies, assist with enhancements of student learning experiences, and support curriculum and course development. CTLI also supports the program review process and leads the Quality Assurance Process Audit (QAPA) for the institution.
