Centennial College is a leader among Ontario's 24 public colleges in terms of program quality assurance, according to a government audit report. Centennial is one of only four colleges to meet all five criteria identified by the Ontario College Quality Assurance Service.

The evaluation looks at processes that support effective learning, student success, and academic and service excellence. The report outlined 11 accomplishments, making special mention of Centennial's Signature Learning Experience (SLE), and the many programs, tools and processes established to support program quality at the college.

The three-member review panel of the Program Quality Assurance Processes Audit (PQAPA) applauded the effort that Centennial has put into building a policy framework that will serve as the quality assurance backbone for the college. The report finds that Centennial has the potential to realize its aspiration in becoming a learning-centred college in the fullest sense of the term.

The review panel also recognized the community issues and socio-economic variables that make teaching in large urban settings challenging. It cited the magnitude of effort required to meet the needs of a disparate array of students in terms of delivery of instruction that is equitable, inclusive, meets current industry standards, and is engaging at the same time.

"This Audit Panel felt compelled to acknowledge and record all these challenges and commend the staff and leadership of Centennial College for their sensitivity, commitment and responsiveness to meeting these challenges," wrote the panel members in their final audit report.

Another way Centennial ensures academic quality and occupational relevance is through industry accreditation. Centennial's School of Engineering Technology and Applied Science (SETAS) has earned the highest number of engineering technician/technology programs accredited in Ontario by the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board. Other programs at the college are similarly recognized. Among other benefits, professional accreditation gives graduates an edge in the employment market.