CHEA Participates in the 20th Annual Conference and General Meeting of the Caribbean Area Network for Quality Assurance in Tertiary Education (CANQATE)
On November 7, 2024, Dr. Michelle Claville, Vice President for Research and Policy Analysis at the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), delivered a powerful message to education leaders and stakeholders during the 20th Annual Conference and General Meeting of the Caribbean Area Network for Quality Assurance in Tertiary Education (CANQATE). The event was hosted by The University Council of Jamaica (UCJ) at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, under the theme: "Twenty Years of Promoting Quality in Higher Education: Development, Impact, and Opportunities for a Sustainable Future."
Dr. Claville served as the closing plenary speaker and a plenary panelist addressing the topic "Higher Education in a Digital World." Her participation highlighted the dynamic interplay between quality assurance and the rapid digital transformation reshaping higher education globally.
CANQATE, established in 2004, operates as a sub-network of the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE). The organization brings together external quality assurance agencies, government ministries, state agencies, higher education institutions, and related entities within the CARICOM region. Its mission is to facilitate collaboration, promote good practices, and build capacity in quality assurance to elevate the standards of tertiary education across member countries, which include Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, and 14 others.
CANQATE plays a pivotal role in fostering regional dialogues, policy development, and professional growth, ensuring that the Caribbean remains an active participant in the global discourse on education quality.
In her remarks, Dr. Claville expressed deep appreciation for being part of CANQATE’s two-decade milestone. Reflecting on her Jamaican heritage, she acknowledged the nation’s enduring emphasis on education as a cornerstone for individual and societal progress. “It was an honor to be invited to help celebrate this milestone with the quality assurance community of the Caribbean,” she said.
Dr. Claville’s address, titled "Quality Assurance in a Dynamic Higher Education Landscape," explored the evolving challenges and opportunities in quality assurance amid rapid technological advancements. She urged attendees to consider how the Caribbean could leave its unique imprint on the global quality assurance stage during this era of profound transformation, driven by the Fifth Industrial Revolution.
“Investing in quality education is not just about individuals but about empowering nations, regions, and the world,” Claville emphasized. She commended CANQATE’s efforts and encouraged its members to harness innovation and collaboration to enhance the accessibility and quality of education for all.
Dr. Claville's presence at the CANQATE conference underscored the importance of regional collaboration and the shared responsibility of maintaining and advancing quality education. Her call to action resonated with the 200 attendees, inspiring them to continue their work in building a robust, sustainable future for higher education in the Caribbean.
As CANQATE looks to its next chapter, the network remains steadfast in its commitment to quality assurance, ensuring that education across the Caribbean continues to meet global standards and equips students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
For more information about CANQATE and its initiatives, contact the Secretariat at The Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago via phone (+1-868-285-9177) or email ([email protected]).
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