EFMD awards Smith EQUIS re-accreditation

Kingston, Ont. – Smith School of Business has been awarded EQUIS re-accreditation from the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD). EQUIS is a comprehensive accreditation system for business schools globally and is managed by EFMD.

“We are excited and honoured to have been accredited again by EQUIS. It is a great testament to the efforts of Smith’s faculty and staff to have met the high-quality standards of EQUIS including governance, programs, research, internationalization, ethics, responsibility and sustainability, among others,” said Dr. Wanda Costen, Dean, Smith School of Business.

The EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) was created in 1997 with a commitment to internationalization, respect for diversity and the importance of corporate connection. The goal of EQUIS is to improve the quality of management education around the world. Starting with 19 pioneer schools in Europe, EQUIS accreditation now encompasses 197 accredited schools in 45 countries. Only 16 business schools in North America are EQUIS accredited. Smith achieved its initial EQUIS accreditation in 2006.

In addition to Smith’s five-year re-accreditation, nine other global schools received re-accreditation, including Smith partner schools the College of Commerce at National Chengchi University and Lee Kong Chian School of Business at Singapore Management University.

In EFMD’s announcement about the recently re-accredited schools, Alfons Sauquet, Quality Services & EQUIS Director, said, “Congratulations to all institutions, whose adaptability and agility enabled them to pursue their strategic quality objectives in admittedly challenging societal times caused by the ongoing pandemic. We hope the EQUIS accreditation will positively impact the schools’ development for continuous pursuit of excellence in the future.”

EFMD and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) are the two major global business school accrediting bodies that are committed to quality and excellence in business education worldwide. Smith is accredited by both.

About EMFD

EFMD is a global, non-profit, membership-driven organization dedicated to management development. It is recognized globally as an accreditation body for business schools, business school programs, and corporate universities. With a network of 30,000 management professionals from academia, business, public service, and consultancies, EFMD plays a central role in shaping a global approach to management education and providing a unique forum for information, research, networking, and debate on innovation and best practice.

About Smith

Smith School of Business at Queen’s University is renowned for its excellence, innovation and leadership in business education. From establishing the first undergraduate business degree over a century ago to creating groundbreaking programs and courses in emerging areas including artificial intelligence, fintech, analytics, cultural diversity, entrepreneurship, team dynamics, social impact and more, Smith is at the forefront of preparing students for the business marketplace. In addition to its rich tradition of academic and teaching excellence, Smith is known for delivering an outstanding learning and development experience. Small class sizes, personal attention, individual and team coaching, opportunities for specialization, and a deep commitment to student success characterize the Smith experience.