Hi Anderson,

Your question is a good one, as there are a number of things to consider when choosing an online university. John Crossley, President of Meritus University, has explained in recent interviews that Canada does not have a nationwide system of institutional accreditation. Rather, Canadian universities derive their authority from provincial legislation. In each of Canada’s 10 provinces and three territories, legislation is used — to a greater or lesser extent by governments — to establish, govern, recognize and ensure the quality of post secondary education.

The mandate of the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission (MPHEC) has application in New Brunswick, which is where Meritus University is based. The statute establishing the commission provides it with responsibility for: a) reviewing all new program and program modification proposals from public universities; and b) monitoring public institutions’ quality assurance mechanisms. MPHEC is directly accountable to the Council of Maritime Premiers. With respect to private institutions, the MPHEC reviews program and institutional quality as a service for the New Brunswick Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour. Private universities are subject to periodic institutional reviews determined by the government of New Brunswick.

Meritus University is approved by the Government of New Brunswick to offer university degrees. This should enable students to transfer credits to another institution. However, transferability of credits is always at that institution’s discretion and based upon the student’s program of choice.

Essentially, in Canada, if a university is approved and accredited, it is done so within the Province it is based.

· It is important to choose an accredited institution.

With the growing number of universities providing online degree programs, it is important that students choose to study at an accredited institution. In Canada, accredited universities and colleges must maintain standards set forth by Provincial governments to obtain degree-granting status. Dr. Crossley explains, “Meritus University has approval to offer its programs from the New Brunswick Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour. These programs meet the normal high standards expected of all universities in Canada, as the standards applied are uniform across the country,”

The programs and courses offered meet the student’s personal and professional goals.
Students should also closely review course catalogues to determine whether the program and courses meet the academic and professional requirements of their field as well as their overall expectations. Dr. Crossley says, “Students should seek a high quality curriculum that covers what they need to learn to prepare themselves for the positions they desire. The programs and courses offered at Meritus University have been designed with Canadian content and context in mind and with sensitivity to the needs of learners from other countries. The focus is on the education and skills sought by employers.”

The online classroom focuses on interaction among students and between students and faculty.
There are different types of online classrooms that reflect different approaches to education. Some, following a traditional distance education model, attempt to replicate traditional in-class lecture courses, may have minimal participation requirements and often have a large number of students in the class. Others use the latest computer and Internet technologies to bring students and faculty together in real time; this requires fairly sophisticated computer equipment, software, and Internet connectivity. “Meritus classes are small – at most twenty students – and emphasize engagement with the course material and interaction among students and faculty. There are few lectures or tests and many opportunities to discuss, read, write, analyze, and problem-solve. The classroom environment allows students to participate at times convenient to them; they do not have to ‘show up’ at any particular time. In this model, if you know how to use email, a word processor, and a web browser, you have the skills needed in the online classroom,” says Dr. Crossley.

· Students are provided access to a comprehensive online library.

The institution should provide students access to a comprehensive library of resources required to complete coursework. “The databases accessible through the online University Library at Meritus University contain thousands of scholarly journals and periodicals holding 20 million full-text articles. Meritus University students need nothing more than an Internet connection to have immediate access to a plethora of academic materials,” says Dr. Crossley. Distance learning students should not be burdened by having to travel to the nearest university or college library – which may not have the materials they require.

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