Schindler, Laura A.Puls-Elvidge, SarahWelzant, HeatherCrawford, Linda2015-12-052015-12-052015Schindler, L., Puls-Elvidge, S., Welzant, H., & Crawford, L. (2015). Definitions of quality in higher education: A synthesis of the literature. Higher Learning Research Communications, 5(3), 3-13. https://doi.org/10.18870/hlrc.v5i3.24421576254http://hdl.handle.net/11268/4652The aim of this paper is to provide a synthesis of the literature on defining quality in the context of higher education. In our search for relevant literature, we intentionally cast a wide net, beginning with a broad search in Google Scholar followed by a narrower search in educational databases, including Academic Search Complete, Education Research Complete, Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), and SAGE Premier. We identified both peer-reviewed journal articles and publications from professional organizations, such as the International Organization for Standardization. We begin the paper with a discussion of the existing challenges and strategies for defining quality. Next, we provide a conceptual model of quality based on our review of the literature. Finally, we examine some considerations for defining quality assurance.engQuality assurancejournal article10.18870/hlrc.v5i3.244open accessEnseñanza superiorEnseñanza superiorAcreditación (educación)