Georgian receives top effort for quality assurance

“Georgian is committed to providing an unrivalled student learning experience, which means having the measures, tools and feedback in place to consistently ensure our programs and services are of the highest quality and standards,” says Dr. MaryLynn West-Moynes, Georgian’s President and CEO. “We’re proud of the audit findings, which reflect our ongoing efforts and investment in a culture of quality and improvement.”

The Ontario College Quality Assurance Service oversees the College Quality Assurance Audit Process and assesses performance across six standards:

1. Program Quality Management System
2. Vocational Learning Outcomes as the Centre of Program Development
3. Conformity with Government Requirements
4. Program Delivery and Student Assessment
5. Existence, Monitoring and Communication of Policies and Practices that Influence and Impact Academic Quality
6. Availability and Allocation of College-Wide Resources

Georgian’s audit involved a comprehensive self-study followed by an in-depth review and virtual site visit by the panel in October 2020. As part of the visit, auditors conducted detailed interviews over three days with more than 70 employees, students, alumni, members of the Board of Governors, and members of the college’s Program Advisory Committees.

The final audit report, approved by the Ontario College Quality Assurance Service Management Board in February 2021, identifies Georgian’s well-established quality assurance policies and processes, and the college’s strategic use of data to make informed decisions. It also recognizes the ongoing work of dedicated departments – like the Office of Academic Quality – to formalize quality improvement efforts and inspire best practices.

As with any audit, this is a chance for Georgian to learn and enhance our processes, where there’s opportunity. The report acknowledges the college’s tremendous progress and commitment while also highlighting areas for continuous improvement.