Mission and Mandate - Canadian Association for University Continuing Education

Mission and Mandate

In 1954, the directors of extension and summer schools at several Canadian universities formed an association to promote their common interests called the Canadian Association of Directors of Extension and Summer School (CADESS). Coincident with increasing membership, new demands for adult learning, and a variety of institutional responses, CADESS expanded its activities over the next two decades and, in 1974, changed its name to the Canadian Association for University Continuing Education (CAUCE).

Our Vision

Strengthening the impact of universities through excellence in continuing education.

Our Mission

Advancing learning and workplace readiness in 21st century Canada, CAUCE is dedicated to supporting the success of our members in serving professional and adult learners and diverse learning communities. We accomplish this by fostering best practices in lifelong teaching and learning, flexible learning models, including online learning, and university-community engagement.

Our Values

As a professional organization, we value collaboration, openness, courage, trust, creativity and innovation, equity, diversity and belonging, excellence, agility and resilience. These are hallmarks of our practice.

Our Mandate

We promote activities aimed at fostering a greater role for universities in responding to Canada’s needs for training and retraining;
We participate in forums affecting educational policy-making; acting as an advocate for expanding lifelong learning opportunities;
We sponsor research aimed at applying theoretical and empirical analysis to improving professional practice in continuing education;
We recognize, through awards and honors, outstanding contributions to the field of university continuing education;
We offer conferences, professional development activities, publications and communication networks designed to leverage the successful efforts of individuals and institutions in order to promote the collective advancement of continuing education.