International Coalition of YMCA Universities

Quality Standards for Members¹

Standard One
MISSION

A member has a mission that upholds the mission of the YMCA movement, defines its distinctive character, addresses the educational needs of society and the needs of the YMCA movement, identifies the students it seeks to serve, and reflects both the member’s traditions and its vision for the future.

The mission of the member is accepted and widely understood by its governing bodies, faculty, and administration.

Standard Two
ORGANIZATION AND GOVERNANCE

A member has its own legal identity and at the same time is related to the respective YMCA in the context in which it operates.

The member has a system of governance that facilitates the successful accomplishment of its mission.

Standard Three
PLANNING AND EVALUATION

A member undertakes planning and evaluation appropriate to its needs to accomplish its mission.

The member determines the effectiveness of its planning and evaluation activities on an ongoing basis. Results of these activities are used to revise and further enhance the member’s implementation of its mission.

Standard Four
PROGRAMS AND INSTRUCTION

A member offers post-secondary programs that lead to degrees, diplomas and/or certificates in recognized fields of study that qualify for a professional career.

The member’s curricula and programs are consistent with and serve to fulfil its mission and educational goals. Programs and courses are recognized / accredited by an appropriate body.

The member provides sufficient resources to sustain and improve its programs and instruction.

Instructional techniques and delivery systems are compatible with the mission and the educational goals of the member. They are interdisciplinary and practice-oriented. The faculty is able to use a variety of methods of instruction that are appropriate to the students’ age, capabilities, and learning needs.

The member follows criteria and processes in the admission, supervision, and assessment of students that serve to achieve a high rate of retention and a successful completion of the course of study.

Standard Five
FACULTY

Faculty qualifications, numbers, and performance are sufficient to accomplish the mission and educational goals of the member.

Periodic evaluation of faculty by students is undertaken/encouraged.

Standard Six
STUDENT SERVICES

A member provides an environment that fosters the development of the values, minds, and bodies of its students consistent with its mission.

The member is responsive to the needs of its students and recognizes that their educational experience consists of an academic component and interrelated developmental opportunities provided through teaching excellence and a co-curricular program of student services.

The member is sensitive to the job placement of its students upon completion of their studies.

Standard Seven
LIBRARY

A member makes available the library resources and information services necessary for the fulfillment of its mission.

Standard Eight
HUMAN RESOURCES

A member has appropriate human resources for the fulfillment of its mission.

Standard Nine
PHYSICAL RESOURCES

A member has sufficient and appropriate physical resources, including classrooms, laboratories, equipment, facilities and buildings and grounds to serve institutional needs as defined by its mission.

Standard Ten
FINANCIAL RESOURCES

The member’s financial resources are sufficient to sustain the achievement of its mission and educational goals and to further institutional improvement in the present and in the foreseeable future.

The member ensures the integrity and sustainability of its finances through prudent financial management and organization, a well-organized budget process, appropriate control mechanisms, and timely financial reporting, providing a basis for sound financial decision-making.

Standard Eleven
PUBLIC INFORMATION

In presenting itself to students and other members of the interested public, a member provides information that is complete, accurate, and clear.

Standard Twelve
INTEGRITY

A member subscribes to, exemplifies, and advocates high ethical standards in the management of its affairs and in all of its dealings with students, faculty, staff, external agencies and organizations, and the general public.

Transparency, truthfulness, clarity, and fairness characterize the university’s relations with all internal and external constituencies.

Adopted, New Delhi, 2 October 2007

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¹ Cf. definition of the Terms of Reference