Academic Change Processes
Key Characteristics
| Key Characteristics | Minor Modification | Major Modification | New Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| UTQAP description | “changes to courses and curriculum that do not change the nature or essence of a program or the learning outcomes” | “a restructuring of a program, a merger of existing programs or a renewal of a program in order to keep it current with its academic discipline.” | “substantially different program requirements and substantially different learning outcomes from those of any existing approved programs offered by the institution” |
| Change to requirements | Changes do not affect learning outcomes, program “nature” or “essence” | Significant changes to admission or program requirements | New or substantially different from what currently exists |
| Change to learning outcomes | No change | Majority of learning outcomes the same as existing program/ option | New or substantially different from what currently exists |
| Change to program “nature” or “essence” | No change | Possible change to some aspects | New or substantially different from what currently exists |
| Change to delivery | No substantial changes | Can change | Always part of discussion |
| Change to resources | No substantial changes | Changes to requirements, learning outcomes and/or delivery can affect resources | Always part of discussion |
| Change to tuition, WGUs (weighted grant units) and enrolment | Normally N/A | Can involve reallocated undergraduate or graduate enrolment within a Faculty/division | Always part of discussion |
| University deadlines and timelines* (changes normally effective Sept 1) | Graduate: last Friday of March SGS Calendar deadline. Undergraduate: April 30 (only for items included in report to AP&P) | Graduate: last Friday of March SGS Calendar deadline. Undergraduate: April 30; VPAP includes in report to AP&P Cycle 6 and then to Quality Council. | Variable: new programs effective Sept 1 are in development 2-3 years prior (less for diplomas) |
* In addition to any earlier deadlines required for Faculty/Divisional governance and/or calendars. Consult early with your Dean’s Office before proceeding with any academic change proposal.
UTQAP: “In cases where it is unclear whether a proposed change in a program is a new program, a major modification, or a minor modification, a determination will be made by the VPAP in consultation with the divisional Dean and the academic unit.”
Examples
| Minor Modification Examples | Major Modification Examples | New Program Examples |
|---|---|---|
|
| Always subject to discussion with VPAP Office. Includes creation of undergraduate specialists or majors with existing degrees; undergraduate degree programs leading to new degrees; graduate degree programs. |
* Anything with a changed/new name requires consultation with VPAP Office prior to governance; if name change implies significant change to what is being offered or how it is being offered, this may be a major modification or new program.
** “Change to mode of delivery — for example, introduction of part-time, flexible-time, advanced standing, fully online or conversion to in-person, change of campus” = major modification to align with the Ontario Quality Assurance Framework and to support fully fledged discussion of quality in relation to student support and resources (faculty, space, enrolment — graduate spaces, tuition).
UTQAP: “In cases where it is unclear whether a proposed change in a program is a new program, a major modification, or a minor modification, a determination will be made by the VPAP in consultation with the divisional Dean and the academic unit.”