Spring 2025
Introduction
As 2025 unfolds, global discussions on accreditation and quality assurance in higher education continue to gain momentum. The 2025 Annual CHEA/CIQG Conference, held in Washington, DC (January 27–30), brought together diverse voices to explore the theme Quality Assurance in an Era of Change: Reflect, Reimagine, Recommit.
At Quality International Newsletter, we remain dedicated to amplifying the voices of the CHEA International Quality Group (CIQG) community. In this issue, we invite you to participate in our latest poll and share how your institution is advancing inclusive, equitable practices in higher education and lifelong learning.
This edition highlights key developments in global quality assurance. Thailand’s ONESQA has launched the QC100 System to enhance external evaluators’ professionalism, while Romania’s ARACIS has introduced an updated Methodology for External Evaluation of Higher Education Quality. A recent study on SDG donor policies raises concerns about widening inequalities, and discussions at the Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) meeting emphasize integrating sustainability into academic programs and accreditation.
We also reflect on the 2025 CHEA/CIQG Conference, where Prince Sultan University (PSU) reaffirmed its commitment to internationally recognized accreditation standards.
As higher education evolves, your insights are essential in shaping a more inclusive, high-quality global system. Join the conversation and help drive positive change.
Enjoy this issue, and let us continue striving for excellence in higher education!
Poll: Your Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We at the Quality International Newsletter (QI News) are committed to fostering a quality higher education community that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. As we continue our efforts, we would love to hear from you by way of this poll.
Share more about your organization’s/institution’s commitment to ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
ONESQA's QC100 System for Improving Education Standards and Building Trust
Under the leadership of ONESQA Acting Director Dr. Nantha Nguantad, the Office for National Education Standards and Quality Assessment (ONESQA) has significantly enhanced the effectiveness of external evaluators through the introduction of the "QC100" system. This system focuses on monitoring the behavior, competency, and performance of school evaluators, collecting feedback from educational institutions to continuously improve evaluation standards and quality. Fully implemented in the 4th round (2021-2024) of External Quality Assurance (EQA) Higher Education Institution (HEI) evaluations, the QC100 system was developed in response to complaints raised during the 3rd round (2017-2020), which highlighted concerns about evaluators' knowledge and professional competence.
The goal of the QC100 system is to address these concerns, reduce complaints, foster a positive perception of ONESQA evaluators, and ensure that external evaluators are knowledgeable, competent, and capable of conducting fair and thorough assessments. READ MORE.
ARACIS New Methodology for the External Evaluation of Quality of Higher Education
The Romanian Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ARACIS) introduced a new Methodology for the external evaluation of the quality of higher education, which became effective on February 9, 2025. The Methodology was developed in accordance with the Law of Higher Education no. 199/2023 and based on the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG).
Given the fact that, since 2005, the Methodology has undergone only several minor revisions, in order to keep it fit for purpose, a major revision process was started in 2019. Public consultations with all relevant stakeholders were initiated within the project “Improving public policies in higher education and enhancing the quality of regulations by updating quality standards (QAFIN)”, which included five regional conferences conducted between 2019-2020, and continued in 2024. Only in meetings were discussions undertaken with over 400 higher education stakeholders. READ MORE.
SDG Donor Policies are Widening HE Inequalities
Aid to developing countries in the form of scholarships during the first seven years of the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) increased by over 61%, while aid to local higher education fell by over 14.5%, according to a recent study that raises concerns about the impact of the SDGs on donor choices. Authored by Savo Heleta, based at the Durban University of Technology in South Africa; Logan Cochrane at Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar; and Salwa Al-Mannai at Education Above All Foundation in Qatar, the paper is based on an analysis of aid flow data from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development to the higher education sector in 95 developing countries during the first seven years of the SDG implementation period (2016 to 2022). READ MORE.
HESI Pushes for Sustainability Criteria in Accreditation
Activists within the UN-supported Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) have been discussing plans to integrate sustainability concerns into higher education courses’ accreditation so that environmental health concerns become an integral part of learning.
They also support including sustainability criteria in accreditation for whole higher education institutions.
Debra Rowe, HESI Action Group co-chair and president of the US Partnership for Education for Sustainable Development, said to speakers at a global online HESI meeting on ‘Future-Proofing Accreditation, Standards and Education’ on 7 November that “the international trends toward this from business schools, engineering programmes, countries’ national policies, and more, and how we can help these countries move along faster in this direction." READ MORE.
PSU at CHEA/CIQG 2025 Annual Conference: Global Conversations on AI, Sustainability, and Quality Assurance
The CHEA 2025 Conference was an unforgettable experience for the Prince Sultan University (PSU) team, marking a significant milestone in PSU's global engagement with quality assurance and accreditation leaders. It provided a dynamic platform for impactful discussions, strategic collaborations, and forward-thinking initiatives that will shape the future of higher education quality assurance.
At the conference's opening, the PSU team celebrated Dr. Cynthia Jackson Hammond's retirement with a group photo honoring her leadership and contributions to higher education. Although it was Dr. Ahmed Al-Yamani, PSU's President, and Dr. Hammond's first meeting, CHEA's influence on PSU's accreditation policies has been profound. PSU only implements CHEA-recognized accreditations, ensuring its programs meet the highest international standards. READ MORE.
Dr. Tahira Hoke is a professor at Prince Sultan University.
(L-R: Dr. Wadi Alonazi, Dr. Ahmed Al-Yamani, Dr. Cynthia Jackson Hammond, Prof. Mohammed Nurunnabi)
CHEA/CIQG 2025 Annual Conference
The 2025 CHEA/CIQG Annual Conference took place from January 27–30 at The Westin Washington, D.C. City Center, bringing together the global higher education accreditation community under the theme Quality Assurance in an Era of Change: Reflect, Reimagine, Recommit.
Attendees reflected on their roles in ensuring academic quality, engaged in meaningful discussions, and exchanged ideas in a collaborative setting. Sessions and speakers encouraged reimagining quality assurance through innovative strategies and emerging best practices, offering fresh perspectives on, and impassioned commitment to assuring quality in higher education for ALL people.
The event reinforced a shared commitment to advancing accreditation, with participants exploring fresh approaches to strengthening quality and trust in higher education. With 293 registrants from 33 countries, including the U.S., the conference facilitated rich dialogue on pressing issues such as accreditation in a polarized world, academic mobility, microcredentials, AI in quality assurance, the expansion of CHEA recognition to non-U.S. accrediting agencies, and the global political landscape’s impact on quality assurance.
The conference also hosted the CIQG Advisory Council (CAC) annual in-person meeting, where members outlined plans for the 2025 calendar year.
Announcements
Upcoming Webinar! CHEA/CIQG will be hosting a free webinar titled: Equity, Inclusion, and Quality Assurance in Higher Education: Progress, Challenges and Impact on April 23, 2025 at 7:30 AM (Eastern time: U.S. and Canada). Panelists will explore how integrating equity and inclusion into the evaluation and accreditation of higher education institutions has not only expanded opportunities for traditionally underserved students but also improved the overall quality of the learning experience for all. Register for the webinar here.
Submissions
Remember that you are invited to submit articles or op-eds that focus on current topics relevant to quality assurance and international higher education. After reviewing the Quality International Newsletter Guidelines, please submit your articles, op-eds, announcements by June 2, 2025, for consideration of inclusion in the Summer 2025 issue of QI News.
The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect those of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation,
its International Quality Group, its Board, or its members.
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