As mandated by Principle 6 of the Quality Assurance Framework (QAF), an independent review of the QAF and its application by the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance (the Quality Council), its committees (Appraisal and Audit), and the Secretariat must be conducted once every eight years. The primary objective of this review is to ensure that the policies and procedures continue to meet or exceed international standards of quality assurance.

The first independent review was conducted in 2017-18, with revisions to the QAF approved by the Quality Council and the Ontario Council of Academic Vice-Presidents (OCAV) in 2021. The second external review is taking place in 2025-26 and the Terms of Reference for this review can be accessed here: Terms of Reference – 2025-26 Review of the QAF and QC.

The external review of the Quality Council is being conducted by the International Standards and Guidelines (ISG) Committee of the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE). The ISG Review Panel consists of three external members, selected by INQAAHE. Separately, there are also two external reviewers from within Ontario who will focus their review on the QAF. The review process will be supported by a Steering Committee, which will provide management support, coordinate stakeholder communications, and keep the Quality Council and OCAV informed throughout the process. For details on the Steering Committee’s membership and responsibilities, please refer to the Terms of Reference linked above.

In preparation for the external review visit that is to be held towards the end of May 2026, the Secretariat, on the Quality Council’s behalf, developed two self-studies. The first addressed the ISG Review’s standards and benchmarks, while the second for the Ontario-based reviewers focused on responding to the questions posed in the Terms of Reference for the review. The two External Review Panels also received the submissions from a number of Ontario universities and the Council’s two committees, among other key stakeholders. The self-studies can be accessed here: OUCQA ISG Review – Self-Evaluation Document | Self-study for Ontario-based Reviewers

Once received, the Reports of the External Review Panels will also be posted on this page once they have been shared with the Quality Council for its consideration and with OCAV for information.

In the final stages of the review process, an Implementation Committee will be formed to oversee the detailed work of responding to the recommendations made by the External Review Panels. During this phase, consultation on proposed revisions to the QAF will take place, involving OCAV and other key stakeholder groups. Ultimately, the Quality Council will determine which of the external reviewers’ recommendations to act upon and will develop an appropriate implementation plan. The Terms of Reference for the Implementation Committee will be posted on this webpage once finalized.