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Universities Canada (french: Universités Canada) is an organization that represents
Canada Canada is a country in North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering over , making it the world's second-largest country by tot ...
's universities. It is a non-profit national organization that coordinates university policies, guidance and direction. Formed in 1911, as the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC), it represents 97 public and private not-for-profit Canadian universities and university colleges in
Canada Canada is a country in North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering over , making it the world's second-largest country by tot ...
. It provides member services in public policy and advocacy, communications, research and information-sharing, and scholarships and international programs. In April 2015, the organization renamed itself "Universities Canada." Universities Canada is not a higher education accreditation body. Membership in the association requires universities to meet strict criteria and adhere to set principles of institutional quality assurance that must be reaffirmed every five years. This reinforces the recognition of a Canadian university degree around the world as a high-quality academic achievement. The association produces a number of publications, such as ''University Affairs'' magazine and the ''Directory of Canadian Universities''. Universities Canada's arms, supporters, and badge were registered with the
Canadian Heraldic Authority The Canadian Heraldic Authority (CHA; french: Autorité héraldique du Canada) is part of the Canadian honours system under the Canadian monarch, whose authority is exercised by the Governor General of Canada. The authority is responsible for t ...
on May 10, 2004.


Academic freedom

On 25 October 2011, Universities Canada, known then by its former name, announced a new "Statement on Academic Freedom" which was adopted unanimously by the membership at its centennial meeting. However, at least one critic has expressed the opinion that the Statement, drafted by academic administrators, essentially gives academic administrators the right to determine the limits of such freedom.


Advocacy

Universities Canada works in an advocacy role with governments to promote
higher education Higher education is tertiary education leading to award of an academic degree. Higher education, also called post-secondary education, third-level or tertiary education, is an optional final stage of formal learning that occurs after comple ...
and awareness of the contributions Canada's universities make to the country. Its priorities are increasing funding for universities' operating and capital costs, research, and international programs, along with improved student assistance. It is also involved in the government's copyright reform process.


Equity, diversity, and inclusion

Universities Canada follows the Canadian government's Federal Employment Equity Act in developing their equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) policies for the four pillars of marginalized students, professors, and other university members. "Under-represented groups include those identified in the federal Employment Equity Act – women, visible minorities, Aboriginal peoples, and persons with disabilities – as well as, but not limited to, LGBTQ2+ people and men in female-dominated disciplines." Universities Canada (and similarly the Canadian government) exclude social class from their EDI statement and initiatives. That is, the invisible minority who come from and/or live in poverty, those from working-class backgrounds, and those who are generally known as first-generation and/or low socioeconomic status. In Canada, poverty is termed as "social condition" and is not grounds for discrimination.


Scholarship programs

The association is also active in managing government-funded international partnership programs and more than 130 scholarship programs on behalf of private sector companies. In partnership with Community Foundations of Canada and Rideau Hall Foundation, the association manages the Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships Program.


Arms


See also

* Association of Commonwealth Universities *
U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities The U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities (french: U15 – Regroupement des universités de recherche du Canada, commonly shortened to U15) is an association of 15 Canadian public research universities. It is headquartered in Ottawa and was ...


References


External links

* {{Authority control College and university associations and consortia in Canada 1911 establishments in Canada Organizations based in Ottawa