Nurturing Strategic Partnerships: Maximizing Value for CE Institutions and Accrediting Bodies

I had the privilege of presenting at the Ontario Council for University Lifelong Learning (OCULL) 2024 Annual General Meeting & Annual Retreat, where I shared insights on the evolving landscape of continuing education.

Continuing Education (CE) institutions play a critical role in equipping learners with the skills required to thrive in their careers. However, the value we deliver to our learners is significantly enhanced by the strategic partnerships we establish and maintain with validated organizations. At the OCULL 2024 Annual General Meeting, I had the opportunity to present the importance of these partnerships and share strategies for establishing and advancing them for the mutual benefit of institutions, accrediting bodies, and learners.

The process of establishing a partnership with an accrediting body marks a significant milestone for any CE institution. The real challenge—and opportunity—lies in sustaining and advancing this relationship over time. During the presentation, I discussed the importance of intentional and continuous effort. Building a long-lasting, mutually beneficial alliance requires more than just meeting initial requirements. It calls for ongoing communication, trust, and alignment between the institution and the accrediting body to ensure continued relevance and shared success.

At Toronto Metropolitan University, we have seen firsthand the benefits of strategic partnerships through our collaboration with INFORMS, the world’s largest association for professionals in analytics and operations research. By aligning with INFORMS’ Certified Analytics Professional (CAP?) certification and participating in their webinars and conferences, we’ve gained invaluable insights that have confirmed the relevance of our programs. Our students have been invited to participate in the INFORMS Insights Webinar Series, where they gain access to industry leaders, enhancing their career readiness and professional development.

These partnerships not only benefit our learners but also reinforce our institution’s standing within the industry by ensuring our curriculum stays current with market demands. For example, through the INFORMS Meeting of Analytics Program Directors Conference, we expanded our international industry connections, gaining insights that helped us refine our courses to meet the evolving needs of North American employers.

The mutual benefits of strategic alliances between CE institutions and accrediting bodies go beyond accreditation alone. These partnerships open doors to expertise in learning design, assessment, and program development. By working together, CE institutions and accrediting bodies can create a richer learning experience that addresses workforce skills gaps and empowers learners with the most up-to-date knowledge and tools. By expanding our unique value propositions, promoting inclusivity, and continuously aligning with industry needs, we ensure the success and longevity of these partnerships.

Presenting at OCULL 2024 was a fantastic opportunity to reflect on the essential role partnerships play in the continuing education ecosystem. The discussions I had with fellow educators and leaders reaffirmed that strategic, well-managed alliances can drive immense value—not only for institutions but also for the broader community of learners and employers.

As we move forward, I believe it’s crucial to remain focused on the strategic alignment and long-term sustainability of these partnerships.

Feel free to reach out if you want to discuss how your institution can create or enhance partnerships with accrediting bodies!

I'm Ceni Babaoglu, an educator and advocate for enhancing online learning experiences. You can connect with me on LinkedIn for more updates, resources, and discussions related to online education.