On Jan. 16, Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) became the first post-secondary institution in B.C. to be accredited for an Environmental Protection Technology program.
Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC), a national accrediting body for the profession of engineering technology and applied science, awarded the certificate after KPU underwent a thorough accreditation process.
“Being the first TAC accredited program in British Columbia demonstrates KPU’s strong leadership and commitment to its students,” said TAC Executive Director Richard Stamper.
“We are very proud to collaborate with KPU on this important initiative, which supports students receiving an education the engineering technology profession requires,” said Stamper.
According to the TAC, accreditation provides an "independent seal of approval" and represents high standards and excellence in education.
In a press release, TAC said that Paul Richard, Chair of the Environmental Protection Technology Program, and his team did an "exemplary" job working with the TAC auditors who evaluated the program against the profession's national standards.
“We were very happy with the audit process and are very pleased with the results," said Richard. “The accreditation is a form of quality control, which gives us confidence that the program prepares the students well for the demands of the workplace."
The auditors noted a number of "best practices," including KPU's "Early Alert System," which enables instructors to support students who are experiencing challenges, a "rigorous" internal program review, and unique opportunities to gain international work experience, including a research internship in Cuba.
Richard noted that the KPU team was pleasantly surprised when the auditors were able to make practical suggestions for improvements to the program, some of which have already been implemented.
"There is nothing like a new set of eyes to point out opportunities, and we really value that," said Richard.