The document outlines recommendations for national higher education associations to develop a plan of action to promote quality in cross-border higher education. It suggests associations focus on six desired outcomes: 1) developing a culture of quality assurance at member institutions, 2) increasing transparency of cross-border programs, 3) integrating best practices, 4) improving recognition of qualifications, 5) enhancing understanding of policy issues, and 6) implementing partnerships. To achieve these outcomes, the document proposes associations provide leadership, advocacy, policy development, information sharing, and forums for dialogue at the institutional, national, and international levels.

1. Charting the Course: Toward a Plan of Action for National Associations in Quality Cross-Border Higher Education Presentation by Karen McBride Vice-President, International Affairs AUCC Global Meeting of Associations 14 - 15 November 2005

3. Expectations for Action at Multiple Levels National Associations Membership provide leadership on CBHE issues and support members’ activities International level dialogue with sister organizations and engage in relevant international fora National level interact with governments and relevant non-governmental groups

5. Desired Outcome #1 (Statement/Guidelines) HEI develop a strong culture of quality at the institutional level Effective QA principles and practices in place Involvement of faculty and students Cross-border higher education (CBHE) held to comparable QA standards Commitment to continuous improvement Facilitate development of common QA principles at institutional level Promote dialogue on quality and sharing of good QA practice Develop shared vision of institutional QA principles at international level Desired outcome Inputs by Associations Indicators

7. Desired Outcome #2 (Statement/Guidelines) HEIs operate transparently in their CBHE activities HEIs comply with due process in their home or their host country HEIs provide fulsome information on: - legal status; financial condition; award granting authority; course offerings; QA mechanisms Information provided by HEI agents is accurate and reliable Compile standard information on requirements to operate in various countries Promote streamlined procedures Develop “check list” for information provision Organize workshops on “learning outcomes” at national / international levels Develop one-stop information tools at national level Desired outcome Inputs by Associations Indicators

8. Desired Outcome #3 (Statement/Guidelines) HEIs integrate best practices into their CBHE initiatives HEIs build on relevant existing knowledge (e.g., codes of good practice, etc.) HEIs participate in dialogue on good practice at national and/or international levels Organize national/ international workshops on codes of good practice, CBHE case studies, etc. Launch “Awards of Excellence in CBHE” program at international level Analyze and disseminate CBHE case studies Desired outcome Inputs by Associations Indicators

9. Desired Outcome #4 (Guidelines) HEIs are better positioned to recognize each other’s qualifications Networks/partnerships which facilitate academic recognition are developed UNESCO/Council of Europe recommendations for foreign credential assessment are implemented Raise awareness of UNESCO/Council of Europe Recommendation on Criteria and Procedures for the Assessment of Foreign Qualifications Advocate for ratification of and/or effective implementation of UNESCO conventions Develop MOUs among sister organizations with similar criteria for membership Desired outcome Inputs by Associations Indicators

10. Desired Outcome #5 (Statement) HEIs understand the issues and policy implications related to CBHE Association well-informed of members’ positions on related issues Active dialogue at the national level Active dialogue at international level Organize briefings for members Convene policy discussions with other key stakeholder groups (faculty, students, QA bodies, governments) Develop policy positions with Board Participate in relevant international fora to exchange views, pursue cooperative efforts, etc. Desired outcome Inputs by Associations Indicators

11. Desired Outcome #6 (Statement) HEIs implement CBHE with a partnership mentality CBHE contributes to well-being of communities CBHE is culturally sensitive CBHE helps strengthen local capacity CBHE promotes responsible citizenship CBHE accessible to students with need Share models for institutional scholarship/bursary programs in CBHE Disseminate views of partners in “receiving countries” on ideal approaches to CBHE Advocate for government policies and programs which support higher education partnerships Desired outcome Inputs by Associations Indicators

12. Input by Associations: Potential Plan of Action  HEI develop a strong culture of quality at the institutional level  HEIs operate transparently in their CBHE activities  HEIs integrate best practices into their CBHE initiatives  HEIs are better positioned to recognize each other’s qualifications  HEIs understand the issues and policy implications related to CBHE  HEIs implement CBHE with a partnership mentality Desired Outcomes

19. For more information on quality assurance at AUCC member institutions, visit: www.aucc.ca/qa Karen McBride Vice-President, International Affairs AUCC [email_address]