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Governance Structure

About Us / Governance Structure

The Council for Accreditation of Canadian University Programs in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CACUP-ASLP) operates through a collaborative governance structure. Representatives from Canadian universities, the professions and the provincial regulators work together to ensure that accreditation decisions are fair, evidence-informed, and aligned with national standards.

Our accreditation policies, procedures, and standards are set jointly by representatives from these three partner groups - university programs through the Canadian Council of University Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CCUP-CSD), the professions through the Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC) and the provincial regulators of the professions across Canada through the National Regulatory Panel.

To access the complete CACUP-ASLP Governance Manual, please visit our Resources page.

CACUP-ASLP Governance

CACUP-ASLP’s governance structure promotes accountability, transparency and independence throughout every stage of accreditation.

Governance Structure

Organizational chart for CA CUP-ASLP outlining different committees, boards, and teams related to university program review and accreditation, including Secretariat, Appeals Committee, Curriculum Standards Review Committee, Policies Procedures and Standards Review Committee, Accreditation Board, Governance Review Committee, Administrative Support, Site Review Teams, and Ad hoc groups.

  • The Secretariat oversees the accreditation system as a whole and ensures consistency across all programs.

    It is composed of three representatives—one from each of the national partner organizations:

    • Canadian Council of University Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CCUP-CSD),

    • Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC) and

    • National Regulatory Panel (NRP).

    Key Responsibilities:

    • Oversee implementation of accreditation policies and standards

    • Recruit and appoint Accreditation Board and Curriculum Standards Review Committee members

    • Approve financial reports and annual updates

    • Communicate final accreditation decisions to partners

    • Appoint members to the Appeals, Governance Review and Policies, Procedures and Standards Review Ad Hoc Committees

  • The Accreditation Board conducts program reviews and makes all accreditation decisions on behalf of CACUP-ASLP.

    The Board includes five members representing both academic and clinical expertise in audiology and speech-language pathology, as well as members from Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC) and the National Regulatory Panel (NRP).

    Key Responsibilities:

    • Coordinate and oversee all accreditation reviews

    • Appoint site reviewers and confirm eligibility of programs

    • Review self-study materials and site visit reports

    • Render accreditation decisions and communicate them to the Secretariat

    • Recommend updates to standards or procedures when needed

    To learn more about CACUP-ASLP accreditation, please visit our Accreditation Process page.

  • The Site Review Team is composed of trained peer reviewers who visit programs (in person or virtually) to verify evidence and gather insights from faculty, students, and administrators.

    Composition:

    • Minimum of two reviewers for single-profession programs (audiology or speech-language pathology)

    • Minimum of three reviewers for dual-profession programs (audiology and speech-language pathology)

    • Includes both academic and clinical professionals

    • At least one reviewer must speak the official language of instruction

    Responsibilities:

    • Review self-study documents and supporting evidence

    • Conduct interviews during the site visit

    • Evaluate how well the program meets accreditation standards

    • Prepare a written report with recommendations for the Accreditation Board

Governance and Committees

Volunteer Opportunities

You can become a Site Reviewer for CACUP-ASLP. Share your clinical or academic expertise and contribute to national peer review by joining our trained Site Reviewer pool.

Apply to Become a Reviewer →

Preparing for Accreditation?

Is your university preparing for a site visit? Access timelines, documentation requirements and tools to support successful program accreditation or renewal.

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