What are the benefits of having my institution's co-operative education programs accredited by CAFCE?

Institutions should consider accreditation for a number of reasons:

• Advertising accredited status to students, faculty and employers provides you with the opportunity to enhance your program’s profile and credibility, particularly within professional communities where the concept of accreditation is a recognized standard
• Accreditation criteria may be used as the vehicle to support policies and procedures established for your operation and as a reference point when dealing with student and employer issues  
• Undergoing a national review process every six years, completed by a three-member team (from different locations across Canada where possible),attests to the quality of your co-operative education programs
• Accreditation criteria and status can be beneficial in discussions with senior administration, to support program structure and provide a benchmark for the development of new programs
• Completed accreditation application documentation can help to orient new staff in their training
• Accreditation guidelines may provide evidence of standards aligning with requirements for special funding or tax credit opportunities established by different levels of government 
• Membership within the Accreditation Council provides a forum to engage with colleagues in discussions about  best practices, emerging trends and standards and rationales

Testimonials:

Mount Saint Vincent University
  Sonya Horsburgh
   Manager, Co-operative Education

"The Mount's co-op program has been accredited for twenty years and is committed to the process for many reasons. It provides an important opportunity to reflect on our practices and to evaluate our program's performance. Being accredited by an external body gives us creditability both internally with academic departments, senior leadership and students, and externally with employers and community stakeholders including government funding agencies. Accreditation demonstrates that we have met the quality standards set forth by CAFCE which instills confidence in our ability to deliver a strong, reputable program. In today's educational environment it's important to demonstrate a commitment to best practices and CAFCE's accreditation is a great way to do this."

University of Alberta
  Stephen Concini
  Assistant Director Engineering Co-op Department, Faculty of Engineering

"The Engineering Co-op Program at the University of Alberta has been accredited by CAFCE for twenty-four years.  The process has efficiently allowed standardization across the many engineering disciplines offered within the Faculty of Engineering.  The accreditation criteria provide a strong fundamental framework for establishing program policies.  Following these criteria, we have achieved, and continue to provide, a very high quality program for students, employers and the Faculty."'

University of Guelph
  Karen Reimer
  Director, Co-operative Education & Career Services

"As the Director of Co-operative Education & Career Services at the University of Guelph I have found that being a CAFCE Accredited co-op program (since 2005) has assisted me in maintaining the integrity of co-operative education at the University of Guelph.  Vice-Presidents, Deans, and Faculty respect the CAFCE Accreditation criteria and are extremely collaborative when we are reviewing existing programs or launching a new program."

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