Academic Partnership Policy

To provide criteria for establishing and renewing academic partnerships globally. 

This policy applies to Seneca Polytechnic employees and current and potential academic partners.

An agreed-upon relationship between Seneca and a recognized postsecondary education institution or other organization.

Examples include student and employee mobility opportunities, articulations and academic pathways, credit recognition, joint programs, transnational education initiatives, community development and access to education programs.

Academic partnerships do not include research initiatives or contracted services (e.g., corporate training or facilities rentals).

A legally incorporated educational institution that either is a recognized member of a provincial, national or international accrediting body or has been granted the authority to confer academic credentials by its national or subnational government.

Bodies, apart from recognized postsecondary institutions, with which Seneca may partner.  

Examples include: government, law enforcement agencies, not-for-profit entities, militaries, advocacy groups or employment organizations.

1. Academic partnerships will support Seneca’s strategic objectives.
2. Seneca will establish academic partnerships with recognized postsecondary education institutions or other organizations that are mutually beneficial and adhere to Seneca’s academic standards.
3. Academic partnerships will be developed in accordance with established internal processes, best practices, relevant legislation and regulatory body and quality assurance agency requirements, as required.

1. Academic partnerships will require a written agreement that will be signed and followed by the parties of the partnership.
2. Academic partnership agreements will include at minimum, the responsibilities of each party, the objectives of the partnership, the duration of the agreement and conditions under which parties can terminate the partnership.
3. Academic partnerships may take different forms, and the nature of oversight, documentation, and approval requirements will be proportionate to the academic activity and associated risk.

1. Participating Seneca academic and service areas will monitor and review the activities of academic partnerships to ensure they:
   • adhere to Seneca’s quality assurance standards and the conditions of the agreement
   • continue to achieve the objectives of the agreement

1. Academic partnerships can be terminated in accordance with the terms and conditions of the agreement.
2. Where the termination of an academic partnership may affect enrolled students, appropriate measures will be considered to support academic continuity.

• None

• Commercialization Policy
• Conflict of Interest Policy
• Intellectual Property Policy

• Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials
• Colleges & Institutes Canada Programs
• Minister’s Binding Policy Directives and Operating Procedures
• Ontario College Quality Assurance Service
• Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board

Approval Date: August 2021

Last Revision: July 2026