Publications & Guidelines

Our official publications define and update the international standards used in evaluating online universities.

GACOL Quality Assurance Handbook: The complete reference framework for institutional and program-level accreditation.
Evaluator’s Manual (E-Edition): Internal guideline for audit teams conducting remote and onsite evaluations.
Institutional Self-Assessment Template (SAR Form): A step-by-step reporting template used by universities applying for accreditation.
Code of Ethics & Integrity Policy: Ethical framework for GACOL evaluators and accredited institutions.
Standards for Online Pedagogy & Digital Assessment: Research-based standards defining student engagement, assessment reliability, and learning outcomes in online programs.
Annual Report on Global Online Education Quality (GQ2025): Yearly publication summarizing trends, new accreditations, and data insights from GACOL’s global operations.

Research Library

GACOL’s Research Division collaborates with independent scholars to publish peer-reviewed studies on the evolving landscape of online education.

Recent topics include:

• Artificial Intelligence in Academic Integrity and Student Evaluation

• Comparative Study of Virtual Learning Environments (2025 Global Survey)

• Accessibility and Inclusion in Online Higher Education

• The Future of Credential Verification: Blockchain and AI Authentication

• Institutional Leadership in Post-Digital Universities

Each study is available in PDF and HTML formats for download, citation, or academic reference.

Policy Papers

These documents provide thought leadership and recommendations for governments and university networks:

• Guidelines for Cross-Border Recognition of Online Degrees

• Ethical Framework for AI-Driven Learning Systems

• Accreditation Models for Emerging Digital Universities

• Best Practices in Virtual Academic Governance

News & Updates

Stay informed with GACOL’s periodic news releases:

• Newly accredited institutions

• Accreditation renewals and recognitions

• International conferences and training events

• Updates to GACOL standards and methodologies
  
  

All news items are archived by year for public reference.

Partner Organizations

GACOL maintains collaborative relationships with:

• International education research networks

• Independent quality-assurance bodies

• Digital learning technology associations

• Open education initiatives and global university alliances
  
  

Partnerships are non-exclusive and based on shared commitment to academic integrity and online learning excellence.

Media & Downloads

• Official Logo & Seal Usage Guidelines (PDF)

• Press Kit (Branding materials and approved statements)

• Accreditation Seal Vector (for verified institutions only)

• Official Presentation Slides and Infographics

• Sample Certificate & Verification Poster

Annual Symposium

Every year, GACOL hosts an international Symposium on Digital Higher Education Quality — an online conference featuring universities, ministries, and accreditation specialists.
The event promotes global dialogue on innovation, ethics, and technology in higher learning.

Interested institutions may register through the Events Portal on this page.

Citation & Reuse Policy

All GACOL publications are released under an open-access model (Creative Commons BY-NC 4.0).
Users may copy, distribute, or adapt the material for non-commercial purposes with proper attribution to GACOL – Global Accreditation Council for Online Learning.

Accreditation is not a barrier — it is a bridge toward international recognition and academic trust.