UArctic endorsement of academic activities at its member institutions shall be a prestigious additional sign of value. The UArctic Academic Endorsement supplements and builds on, but shall not replace, formal academic quality assurance carried out at higher education institutions by institutional academic senates, national accreditation bodies, and similar entities.


General:

  • UArctic endorsement is proof of adherence to UArctic’s mission and values. The review will consider whether the program is relevant to its core values (Circumpolar, Inclusive, and Reciprocal), as well as UArctic’s mission:

“Empower the people of the Circumpolar North by providing unique educational and research opportunities through collaboration within a powerful network of members.”

  • Endorsement is open to many formats, from full degree programs, formally endorsed by the host institution to "Thematic Network-based teaching" (teaching consortia, PhD networks, short courses, field schools, etc.) and to programs and courses at any university level (Undergraduate, Masters, PhD).
  • A program of study follows the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) definition of: “A set of educational components, based on learning outcomes, which are recognized for the award of a specific qualification”.

  • UArctic requires prior approval by institutions involved. The programs and courses need to have passed the member institution’s normal academic quality assurance procedures for content, as well as any required inter-university agreements.

  • Programs and courses must be ready to accept students, if not yet delivering teaching.


Your Submission Will be Reviewed and Ranked on a Rating of 1 to 5 on:

  • Strong practice of UArctic values:
    • Circumpolar - operate across different regions of the North
    • Inclusive - respect for multiple systems of knowledge
    • Reciprocal - promote multidisciplinary understanding

  • Program/course offered through a consortium led by at least two UArctic members, and the program/course should already be in the UArctic Study Catalogue Database. Joint programs by networks of UArctic members are especially valued, particularly programs offered by Thematic Networks and UArctic Institutes.

  • Strength of international networking component within the UArctic network. This can be demonstrated through delivery location, joint teaching, joint curriculum development, and inclusion of student and faculty mobility.

Benefits of Endorsement:

  • Highlighted on UArctic website, through the study catalogue, UArctic news, and on social media.
  • Members may use the UArctic Endorsement stamp for promotion of their endorsed status.
  • Noted as newly endorsed program or course at annual meetings of the UArctic Council.
  • Granted right to request UArctic certificates of completion.

Expectations of Endorsement Status:

  • Annual review of course/program to verify that it is still functioning and criteria are still met.
  • Report student numbers and statistics annually (admitted, completed, and by degree level) to the office of the Vice-President Academic.
  • Funding statement (estimate of funding sources and amounts), every 3 years.

Endorsement Process and Follow-up:

  • Endorsement applications will be submitted via an e-form on the UArctic website.
  • Applications will include a letter of commitment from the relevant dean, or similar official, stating their support of the application process.
  • Application deadline is January 31st of every year.
  • The Academic Leadership Team is committed to review and inform the applicants of their final decision no later than June 30th.
    This will offer approved programs time to promote their new UArctic endorsed status ahead of the new academic year. This timeline also ensures suitable annual reporting from the Vice-President Academic to the UArctic Council on new endorsed programs each fall.
  • The office of the Vice-President Academic acknowledges requests and ensures completeness of submitted materials before forwarding them to the Academic Leadership Team.
  • Applications are reviewed and ranked by the Academic Leadership Team and approved by UArctic Vice-President Academic.
  • The office of Vice-President Academic will coordinate with each endorsed program to provide UArctic certificates for students that have completed the course or program.
  • The UArctic Council and its leadership review endorsement principles regularly.

For questions about this process or the status of applications, please contact: 

UArctic Academic Programs Coordinator at academic@uarctic.org