The Canadian Postsecondary
Quality Assurance Network
A national forum for QA practitioners, academic leaders, and scholars across Canada's post-secondary sector.
The Canadian Postsecondary Quality Assurance Network invites quality assurance practitioners, academic leaders, and scholars from across Canada to participate in upcoming events — a national forum to explore emerging issues, share research and practice, and strengthen connections across the college, polytechnic, and university sectors.
Designed to foster thoughtful dialogue and practical exchange, the gathering will feature panels, themed discussions, practitioner-focused sessions, and research presentations. Participants will engage with pressing questions in post-secondary quality assurance, from evolving regulatory landscapes and program review practices to equity and inclusion in quality processes, data-informed decision-making, and innovation in academic governance.
The in-person event takes place in Hamilton, Ontario, immediately prior to the STLHE 2026 conference, offering a natural opportunity for extended professional engagement.
Building a national community of practice
Connect
Build lasting relationships with QA professionals from colleges, polytechnics, and universities across every province and territory.
Engage
Share institutional experiences, research findings, and practical strategies for navigating common quality assurance challenges.
Collaborate
Contribute to a growing pan-Canadian community dedicated to excellence, integrity, and continuous improvement in post-secondary education.
Title Sponsor
Design. Governance. Marketing. Reviews. Accreditation. Mapping. Student Advising. Curricular Analytics.
Partner
Registration
Whether you are advancing institutional quality frameworks, conducting research in the field, or leading QA processes or initiatives within your institution, this gathering offers an opportunity to contribute to a growing pan-Canadian community of practice.
Note that to attend either the in-person or virtual event, you do not need to be registered to the STLHE Conference.
Virtual · Online
$0
Three-hour session · June 15 · 12-3pm EDT
In-Person · Hamilton, ON
McMaster Continuing Education (1 James St N.)
$60
Full-day event · June 16 · 9am-4:30pm
Keynote Speakers
Dr. Sonny Ramaswamy
Following a long career in academia and United States federal government, Sonny Ramaswamy retired after serving for almost seven years as president of the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, which accredits higher education institutions.
Previously, President Barack Obama appointed Sonny to direct the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, which catalyzes transformative discoveries, innovations, and education to address societal challenges impacting food, nutrition and health, agriculture, and natural resource systems.
Dr. Ramaswamy served as dean of Oregon State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences, director of Purdue’s Agricultural Research Programs, university distinguished professor and head of entomology at Kansas State University, and professor of entomology at Mississippi State University.
Sonny is the recipient of grants for his research on insect reproduction, mating, and host finding behavior and physiology from various United States federal agencies and commodity groups. He has mentored numerous high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, along with postdocs and visiting scientists, and has published extensively.
Dr. Ramaswamy’s BSc (Agriculture) and MSc (Entomology) are from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, India; his PhD (Entomology) is from Rutgers University. He undertook postdoctoral research at Michigan State University and is a graduate of Harvard’s Management Development Program.
Sonny is an avid reader, writer, and loves to travel with his family.
Dr. Christine Bovis-Cnossen
President Christine Bovis-Cnossen brings to Brandon University more than 30 years of leadership experience from universities in Canada and the UK — but she is equally passionate about people, community, and building an inclusive future together.
Her career has taken her across the globe: she has been Acting Vice-Chancellor at the University of East Anglia in England, Interim President at Thompson Rivers University in British Columbia, and Vice President Academic at OCAD University in Toronto. Along the way, she has led major projects to strengthen student success, expand research, and grow international opportunities. At UEA, she helped guide the institution back to financial health and expanded recruitment into new markets. At TRU, she championed open learning, supported Indigenous education, and helped secure accreditation that put the university on the world stage.
Christine is also a sociologist by training, with research focusing on equity, gender, and military service. She has been recognized as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and is a lifelong advocate for transparency and collaboration in academic leadership. She also admits to being a self-confessed quality assurance geek.
Outside the office, Christine has a love of theatre, film, and art, and is happiest when exploring a new exhibition. She also has a soft spot for classic cars and motorcycles. Whether she’s at a graduation ceremony, walking through campus, or joining a community event, she brings warmth, openness, and a genuine interest in the people around her.
Event Programs
Important Dates
Graduate Student Award
The Canadian Postsecondary Quality Assurance Network (CPQAN) welcomes applications for a Graduate Student Award in Postsecondary Quality Assurance. Valued at $1,000, the award recognizes a master's or doctoral student whose research contributes to quality assurance in Canadian postsecondary education.
The award is made possible through the generosity of Dr. Christine Bovis-Cnossen and Dr. Sonny Ramaswamy, whose keynote honoraria have been directed to support emerging scholars in the field.
Eligible graduate students are invited to apply by August 15, 2026. For full eligibility criteria and application details, see the full call for applications. Questions may be directed to Dr. Alana Hoare at ahoare@tru.ca.
Call for Proposals
Share your research and practice.
We are inviting a limited number of presentations — virtual and in-person — across a wide range of topics pertinent to post-secondary quality assurance. When submitting, you'll indicate whether you'd like to present online on June 15 or in person on June 16.
Submission deadline: March 23, 2026
45 minutes
Panel
In-depth examination of a specific topic from a variety of viewpoints, with audience participation. Indicate the chairperson and panelists in your submission.
60 minutes · 3 × 15 min
Practitioner-Focused Session
Up to three short presentations on a related practice-oriented topic, followed by 15 minutes of audience questions and discussion.
45 minutes
Themed Discussion
A facilitated conversation among all participants on a topic of shared interest, led by a practitioner or scholar with familiarity in the area.
60 minutes · 3 × 15 min
Research-Focused Session
Up to three short presentations on a related research topic, followed by 15 minutes of audience questions and discussion.
Have an idea that doesn't fit these formats? We'd love to hear it — select "Other" when submitting your proposal.
Organizing Committee
Catharine Dishke, Higher Education Consultant
Lori Goff, McMaster University
Jovan Groen, Western University
Amy Gullage, McMaster University
Sally Heath, Wilfrid Laurier University
Alana Hoare, Thompson Rivers University
Heather Lowry, Mohawk College
Sarah Rooth, Western University
Janet Shuh, Mohawk College