The postsecondary education system in Saskatchewan is described in CICIC'sPostsecondary Education Systems in Canada, Provinces and Territories. The system can be divided into four categories of postsecondary program delivery:
Quality assurance mechanisms in Saskatchewan's postsecondary education system vary by type of institution and program. They include
- legislation (statutes and regulations)
- affiliation
- credit transfer and articulation
- external and internal review
- professional accreditation
- other organizations related to quality assurance
Universities
Legislation
Individual statutes establish Saskatchewan's two degree-granting universities. The authority of each institution to govern itself is outlined in these statutes, their regulations, and bylaws. The use of the term "university" is restricted for use by institutions so designated by legislation.
Affiliation
The University of Saskatchewan has one federated college and affiliation agreements with seven other colleges, six of which are theological institutions and one that is focused on Métis education and cultural studies. The University of Regina has three federated colleges and one affiliate. Federated colleges are administratively and financially autonomous, but academically integrated with their host university. In some programs, colleges federated with the universities offer courses in the same programs and at the same time as those offered at the universities. Degrees are granted by the host university.
Credit Transfer and Articulation
Saskatchewan does not have a systematic, province-wide process for conducting credit transfer agreements to and from post-secondary institutions. The flexibility and details of credit transfer policy and procedures vary by institution. However, many credit transfers between Saskatchewan's two universities can be obtained, and agreements between universities and other institutions are increasing. The Saskatchewan Council for Admissions and Transfer (SaskCAT), is working to increase transfer agreements between the universities and training institutions. Some program articulation agreements are already in place between the universities and Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) as well as Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT), in areas such as business, nursing, integrated resource management, chemical technology, computer science, and administration. The province has developed an online Transfer Credit Guide to provide up-to-date information and transfer status of articulated courses and programs among provincial institutions.
External and Internal Review
The Saskatchewan government does not play a role in the approval of university programs like a number of other provinces. All universities conduct program reviews including site visits with external representation. Aspects of faculty qualifications and the curriculum are evaluated. Quality of programs is also monitored through student satisfaction rates.
Professional Accreditation
Many of Canada's regulated professions have associations that conduct accreditation reviews of university programs pertaining to their professions. In these instances, accreditation teams from the professions review reports provided by the universities and may conduct on-site visits in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the professions.
Other Organizations Related to Quality Assurance in Universities
All universities in Saskatchewan are members of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC). Although the association does not perform formal quality assurance functions, it does maintain membership criteria that address the primary mission of institutions; the range of program offerings; the breadth and depth of programs; the nature of members' relationship with parent institutions; the size of enrolment; institutional focus on scholarship, academic inquiry, and research; and compliance with the principles of academic freedom and responsibility. Institutions applying for membership must host an AUCC Visiting Committee that reports to the AUCC Board of Directors on a variety of items and recommends a decision on whether the applying institution is providing education of university standard.
The Association of Accrediting Agencies of Canada (AAAC) is a national organization composed of professional associations involved in promoting good practices by its members in accreditation of educational programs.
Colleges and Institutes
Legislation
The Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) is established under the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology Act, 1986, which sets out the framework for its operation and accountability.
In February 2008, the First Nations University of Canada Act was passed by the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Legislative Assembly. First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) is academically federated with the University of Regina. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life and to preserve, protect and interpret the history, language culture and artistic heritage of First Nations. Through its Board of Governors, FNUniv is under the jurisdiction of the Indian Government of Saskatchewan, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN). The FNUniv is a full member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC).
As a federated college, FNUniv adheres to all University of Regina regulations with respect to admission, hiring of faculty, and academic program development, yet possesses a unique curriculum with a First Nations' perspective. FNUniv offers all programs available at the University of Regina in the Faculties of Arts and Sciences as well as its own programs.
The Saskatchewan Indian Federated College Act of the Legislative Assembly of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) established the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College (SIFC) as an institution that is administratively and financially autonomous, but academically integrated with the University of Regina. The SIFC Act (passed by the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations Legislative Assembly) specifies the composition and responsibilities of the board of governors. In June 2003, the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College changed its name to the First Nations University of Canada.
The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) was established in 1976 by the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) through the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies Act. It is an educational institution of the FSIN, and is governed by a board composed of FSIN senators, Saskatchewan Tribal Council appointees, and an FSIN executive member. The institute offers training programs leading to certificates and diplomas in a variety of trades and technical fields. Many universities recognize the institute's training, and transfer programs are available for students who wish to pursue university degrees.
SIIT also collaborates with the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST), the provincial universities, and other educational institutions to deliver diploma (two-year), certificate (one-year), and trades programs. SIIT enhances the curriculum of some of these programs to reflect the unique training needs of SIIT students.
The Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research is the educational arm of the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan. The institute is the only wholly Métis owned and controlled education institution of its kind in Canada. The institute is responsible for the design, development, and delivery of specific educational and cultural programs and services. The institute works cooperatively with a number of educational partners and is affiliated with the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina as well as a Federation agreement with the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology. In all of its relationships with its educational partners, the Gabriel Dumont Institute has maintained its independence and distinct Aboriginal identity. Through its network of community learning centres across Saskatchewan, the institute maintains a close contact with the people it serves. The programs and activities of the institute are determined by the identified needs of the Métis and implemented according to the decisions of its board of governors.
Saskatchewan's seven regional colleges were created in 1988 under the Regional College Act to provide Adult Basic Education and Skills Training to individuals in areas of the province where access to education can be difficult. Lakeland College (Alberta) also provides education and training programs and services to Saskatchewan residents in the Lloydminster area.
Affiliation
Four of Saskatchewan's colleges are federated with at least one of the province's two universities. Five theological colleges are affiliated with the University of Saskatchewan. One college is affiliated with the University of Regina. Colleges federated with the universities often offer courses in the same degree programs and complement those offered at the universities. Degrees are granted by the universities.
Credit Transfer and Articulation
Saskatchewan does not have a systematic, province-wide process for conducting credit transfers to and from universities and colleges. The flexibility and details of credit transfer procedures vary by institution. However, articulation agreements between universities and SIAST are increasing. Credit transfer arrangements in distance education are also on the rise. The province has an online Transfer Credit Guide, accessible at http://www.saskcat.ca/transferguide.asp.
External and Internal Review
New programs are developed internally by college and institute program and curriculum development staff with input from program committees composed of external representatives from industry. There are no external review organizations to which the colleges or institutes are formally accountable for program quality. Theological colleges are accredited through theological accreditation agencies in the United States.
Professional Accreditation
Many of Canada's regulated professions have associations that conduct accreditation reviews of college and institute programs pertaining to their professions. In these instances, accreditation teams from the professions review reports provided by the colleges and may conduct on-site visits in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the professions.
Apprenticeship
Legislation
The Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission is an industry-led agency responsible for creating a relevant, accessible, and responsive apprenticeship training and certification system to meet employers' and employees' needs and priorities. It delivers this mandate under the framework of The Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Act, 1999 [PDF] and The Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Regulations, 2003 and The Apprenticeship Trade and Certification Commission Regulations.
External and Internal Review
In relation to quality assurance, program standards are established using national occupational standards to set the training framework. The commission is responsible for establishing industry occupational standards, for apprenticeship curriculum and examination development, and for training purchases for in-school delivery through obtaining input from industry representatives (workers, employers) and commission staff on trade boards. The commission's curriculum and examination development boards and trade examining boards update and approve curriculum and revise examinations.
At the request of the commission, SIAST delivers most of the technical training for apprentices; however, in some of the trades, apprenticeship technical training is provided by the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, regional colleges, private vocational schools, SaskPower, the Saskatchewan Tourism Education Council, and out-of-province colleges. It is the responsibility of program reviewers at individual institutions to evaluate the quality of apprenticeship in-school training. At the request of the commission, employer and employees representatives of each designated trade meet annually to discuss issues, concerns, and new directions for technical training.
Other Organizations Related to Quality Assurance in Colleges, Institutes, and Apprenticeship
Saskatchewan's regional colleges are all members of the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC). ACCC does not perform quality assurance functions with respect to its members, but it does promote quality programming and the use of high academic standards by conducting research and facilitating broad discussion on quality assurance issues.
The Association of Accrediting Agencies of Canada (AAAC) is a national organization composed of professional associations involved in promoting good practices in accreditation of educational programs. Information on the activities of these professions with colleges and universities can be accessed through the AAAC Web site.
An Interprovincial Standards "Red Seal" Program promotes and facilitates the standardization of provincial and territorial apprenticeship training, as well as the regular updating of national trades standards in order to reflect the ongoing technological changes taking place in all trades. The Red Seal program was developed by the Canadian provinces and territories to standardize trade skill requirements and provide greater employment mobility throughout Canada. A provincial Certificate of Trades Qualifications bearing the Red Seal provides training recognition in most jurisdictions throughout Canada. For employers in other jurisdictions, the Red Seal is an assurance of quality training and certification to nationally recognized standards.
Private Training Institutions
Legislation
Private vocational schools in Saskatchewan offer employment-related programs for adults and are governed by The Private Vocational Schools Regulation Act, 1995 [PDF] and by The Private Vocational Schools Regulations, 1995.
External and Internal Review
Saskatchewan Advanced Education, Employment and Labour administers the requirements of the Private Vocational Schools Regulation Act and Regulations. The legislation requires that institutions, programs, and instructors be registered with the ministry. The ministry does not directly evaluate private vocational school programs for quality. However, registration and monitoring of program, curricula, including a review of labour market research to support new programs, has an impact on quality. The Canadian Education and Training Accreditation Commission (CETAC) is a national association that accredits Canadian private vocational schools at the institutional level. Accreditation is voluntary.
Information on internal review processes may be obtained from individually licensed private vocational schools.
Relevant Legislation
Provincial legislation can be accessed through the Internet athttp://www.qp.gov.sk.ca/
Additional Sources of Information
- Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
- Web site: http://www.aeei.gov.sk.ca/
- Universities & Adult Learning Branch
- Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
- 15th Floor, 1945 Hamilton St.
- Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 2C8
- Tel: 306-787-5922
- Fax: 306-798-2616
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- Training Institutions Branch
- 12th Floor, 1945 Hamilton Street
- Regina, SK S4P 2C8
- Tel. 306-787-7381
- Fax. 306-787-7182
Revision: 2010-12-21