To ensure the quality of academic programs, all existing programs, new programs and major modifications to existing programs are subject to review by Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance (Quality Council). The Quality Assurance Framework (QAF) guides this work. Each university has its own Institutional Quality Assurance Process (IQAP) (pdf) that adheres to the QAF, and has been approved by Senate and ratified by the Quality Council (QC).
The Quality Assurance Office uses the IQAP to oversee cyclical program reviews, new program proposals and major modifications on behalf of the Associate Vice-President, Academic and the Associate Vice-President, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs.
Universities' adherence to their IQAP is subject to regular audit by the Quality Council. The University of Waterloo was audited by the Quality Council in 2017-2018. The Summary of the Principle Findings of the Quality Assurance Audit was received in September 2018. A Follow-Up Response to the Quality Assurance Audit, outlining progress to date, was submitted and approved by the Quality Council in December 2020.