The Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) is a provincial agency funded by the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU). The goal of the agency is to provide recommendations for improving quality, accessibility, inter-institutional transfer, system planning, and effectiveness in

higher education in Ontario Higher education in Ontario includes postsecondary education and skills training regulated by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities and provided by universities, colleges of applied arts and technology, and private career colleges.Ministry ...

. The Council was founded in 2005 through the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario Act. Sheridan College 2

Background

In 2005,

Bob Rae Robert Keith Rae (born August 2, 1948) is a Canadian diplomat and former politician who is the current Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations since 2020. He previously served as the 21st premier of Ontario from 1990 to 1995, leader of the ...

released a comprehensive review of postsecondary education entitled ''Ontario: A leader in learning'', more commonly known as the

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or Rae Review. The report included a recommendation to change the structure of higher education in Ontario by adding an independent and objective ''Council on Higher Education'' to monitor the dynamic changes of postsecondary institutions in order to provide advice to government on the overall system. The provincial government acted on this recommendation and created an independent advisory agency to provide assessment and advice to improve higher education in Ontario. In 2005, the provincial government established the Council through the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario Act and appointed Frank Iacobucci as its Chair. The formation of the Council was part of the provincial government's ''Reaching Higher'' six-year plan for higher education. In January 2007, the Council announced the appointment of James Downey as its first president.CNW Telbec (2007, January 4). ''James Downey appointed first president of Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario''. Retrieved July 1, 2008, from http://www.cnw.ca/fr/releases/archive/January2007/04/c3135.html

Presidents

The following people have served as President and CEO of HEQCO: Janice M. Deakin – August 2020 –

David Trick David Trick (born 1955) is a former Ontario civil servant and university administrator. Trick's career in the Ontario Public Service included Assistant Deputy Minister-level positions in Postsecondary Education and Finance. He also worked in the f ...

(Interim) – September 2019 – July 2020 Harvey P. Weingarten – July 2010 – September 2019 Ken Norrie (Acting) – April 2010 – July 2010 James Downey – January 2007 – March 2010

Board

HEQCO is governed by a board of directors who are responsible for setting the overall strategic direction of the council as well as ensuring that its activities remain aligned with its mandate. Board members are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council pursuant to the Higher Education Council of Ontario Act, 2005.

Board Chairs

A. Scott Carson (Current Interim) Denis Mayer (2019–2020) Nobina Robinson (2019) Alastair Summerlee (2015–2018) Cindy Dundon Hazell (Interim) (2014–2015) Elizabeth Dowdeswell (2012–2014) Frank Iacobucci, C.C., Q.C. (2006–2012)

Research

The Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario employs a multifaceted research approach with a view to developing meaningful policy recommendations and publishing reports and other publications that inform the postsecondary education community in Ontario, Canada and around the world. To date, more than 275 research papers and reports have been produced, with new reports continually being published. The Council's research publications are available on their website. HEQCO's current research priorities include: * Improving access to higher education for non-traditional and underrepresented students. * Ensuring that students graduate with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the workplace and in life through the assessment of skills and competencies. * Enhancing academic quality and choice by assessing the sustainability of postsecondary institutions and the sector. This includes examining approaches for differentiation among higher-education institutions and exploring options for outcomes-based funding.

Hosted events

The Council has hosted workshops, conferences, webinars and other events to further its research agenda and contribute to the higher-education sector. HEQCO held annual conferences from 2011 to 2018.