Academic Quality & Excellence : Course Delivery

AQE Standards for Course Delivery

The work of AQE, along with all departments and divisions at University College of the North (UCN), is grounded in UCN’s mission:

                                          University College of the North serves northern communities and

                               peoples with education, training, teaching, learning, and research

                               while being inclusive of diverse Indigenous and northern values.

This document presents eight foundational standards for course delivery at UCN. While informed by the widely recognized Quality Matters (QM) Framework, these standards have been adapted to reflect UCN’s distinct context and mission. The resulting framework supports high-quality course design and delivery across all modes of instruction, including face-to-face, real-time multi-location, online, and blended formats.

The AQE Standards for Course Delivery establish a consistent foundation for course quality across faculties and programs. These standards are not intended to be prescriptive nor exhaustive. Instead, they are designed to allow for disciplinary and instructional flexibility. Faculty are encouraged to adapt them in ways that are meaningful to their fields and learners. Not every standard may be fully realized in every course at every stage; rather, they serve as a guide for ongoing reflection and enhancement of teaching practice.

Central to these standards are the Four R’s of Indigenous education—respect, relevance, reciprocity, and responsibility—as articulated by Kirkness and Barnhardt (1991). These principles are embedded throughout the framework, aligning with UCN’s commitment to relational, culturally responsive, and inclusive education.

Faculty are encouraged to use this document both as a planning tool when designing new courses and as a reflective guide when revising existing ones. Through the adoption and integration of these standards, UCN aims to enrich the quality and consistency of student learning experiences, uphold academic excellence, and ensure that all learners are meaningfully supported in achieving their educational goals.

Using this Document

Beginning on page three, an overview chart presents the AQE Standards for Course Delivery. This chart serves as a quick reference or checklist to assist faculty in course planning and development. The remainder of the document is organized into eight sections with each offering a detailed explanation of one of the following eight standards:

1. Course Overview and Introduction
2. Learning Outcomes
3. Assessment
4. Instructional Materials
5. Learning Activities and Learner Interaction
6. Course Technology
7. Holistic Learner Support
8. Accessibility and Usability