The Quality Assurance Framework (QAF) was originally approved in 2010 by the Executive Heads of Ontario universities.

It is also mandated in Part One of the Framework that a 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 be undertaken once every eight years. The first independent review of the QAF was conducted in 2017-2018, which resulted in the introduction of 15 Principles, as well as extensive revisions to the Framework’s Protocols, that collectively guide and inform every aspect of quality assurance undertaken by Ontario’s universities and the Quality Council. The amendments to the QAF were approved by the Quality Council and OCAV in February 2021.

A PDF version of the revised Quality Assurance Framework can be accessed here: Quality Assurance Framework. The Guide is available here: Guide to the Quality Assurance Framework.

The second review of the QAF and its application by the Quality Council, its committees, and the Secretariat is to be undertaken in 2025-26. Updates and outcomes will be posted by the Secretariat under Review of the Quality Assurance Framework and Quality Council as the process progresses.