The Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) is well aware and staying on top of the rapidly evolving situation on the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CEAB-accredited engineering education programs.
To: Deans of Higher Education Institutions offering CEAB-accredited engineering education programs
CEAB statement on COVID-19 (novel coronavirus)
The Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) is well aware and staying on top of the rapidly evolving situation on the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CEAB-accredited engineering education programs.
Distance learning
As institutions make contingency plans in response to what remains a fluid situation, we are aware that programs and institutions may opt to move their in-person classes to an online environment. The Accreditation Board criteria do not limit accreditation to any particular mode of delivery. The CEAB encourages programs to review the Interpretive statement on distance learning found in Appendix 6 of the CEAB Accreditation Criteria and Procedures. Programs that temporarily move courses that would normally be delivered in-person to an online learning environment are not required to submit a notice of significant change to the CEAB.
Unforeseen events and AU counts
In the event that classes and/or lab activities are cancelled due to this unforeseen circumstance, it is not an expectation that the programs will need to justify to future CEAB visiting team the impact on Accreditation Unit (AU) counts. This will be clearly communicated to all visiting teams for coming visits.
The CEAB recognizes that the guidance above may not cover all scenarios being considered by institutions and programs. We are committed to working with all programs to ensure that your individual concerns and circumstances are addressed. We welcome any questions or concerns that you may have as the situation continues to unfold. Please communicate directly with Mya Warken, Manger, Accreditation and CEAB Secretary (mya.warken@engineerscanada.ca) if you have any concerns or would like to discuss contingency plans.
The health and safety of students, faculty, and staff are of great importance to us and we are supportive of institutions taking reasonable measures to balance safety and academic continuity. We will continue to monitor the short-term and long-term impact of COVID-19 on CEAB-accredited programs.
