The Canadian Postsecondary Quality Assurance Network (CPQAN) invites applications for the Graduate Student Award in Postsecondary Quality Assurance, which recognizes emerging scholars whose research contributes to the field of quality assurance in Canadian postsecondary institutions (including universities, colleges, CEGEPs, and polytechnics).

The Award is valued at $1,000 and reflects CPQAN’s commitment to fostering scholarship, collaboration, and evidence-informed practices in postsecondary quality assurance.

This year the award is made possible through the generosity of Dr. Christine Bovis-Cnossen and Dr. Sonny Ramaswamy, inaugural keynote speakers for the CPQAN forum. Through these contributions, CPQAN is investing in the next generation of researchers whose work advances quality assurance scholarship, policy, and practice.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Award, applicants must:

• Be enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program at a recognized Canadian postsecondary institution at the time of application.

• Be conducting research related to postsecondary quality assurance, quality enhancement, accreditation, program review, assessment of learning outcomes, institutional effectiveness, quality culture, student success, educational policy, or related fields.

• Research may be proposed, in progress, or recently completed, provided it is connected to the applicant’s graduate studies and demonstrates relevance to postsecondary quality assurance.

Application Requirements

Please submit the following documents by August 15, 2026:

1. Proof of enrolment in a graduate program such as an enrolment verification letter, unofficial transcript, or confirmation from the institution.

2. A Research Statement, maximum 750 words, describing the research topic or project and its significance to postsecondary quality assurance.

3. A letter of recommendation from the applicant’s faculty supervisor or instructor.

Submit all materials as a single PDF to Dr. Alana Hoare at ahoare@tru.ca with the subject line: CPQAN Graduate Student Research Award Application

The award recipient may be invited to share a brief summary of their research with the CPQAN community through the CPQAN website, newsletter, or a future CPQAN event.

Adjudication Criteria

Applications will be reviewed based on:

• Relevance of the research to postsecondary quality assurance

• Significance and potential contribution of the research

• Clarity of the research statement

• Evidence of scholarly promise

• Potential relevance to quality assurance policy, practice, or scholarship

Important Dates

Application Deadline: Monday, August 15, 2026

Notification of Results: September 15, 2026

For inquiries about the award or application process, please contact Dr. Alana Hoare at ahoare@tru.ca.