Program Changes + Approval
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The Vice-Provost (Programs) and the Programs Team provides support and advice to faculties and departments that are considering program changes or the development of new programs. The goal is to ensure changes and new programs are moved forward in a timely manner while ensuring that the University is compliant with policy and legislation.
Faculties and departments are encouraged to contact the Office early to seek guidance in the required processes. Graduate Program proposals are coordinated in collaboration with the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
Book a Consultation with the Programs Office
Program-related changes and new program development can be complex undertakings. There are many related elements and factors that influence the potential path through the process. To ensure efficiency, we ask that you book a conversation with us as a first step. This will help determine if standard processes can be followed or if special circumstances require an adjustment to the approach.
Changes to Existing Programs
Program changes require approval at various University Governance committees and from the government. Even a minor change to a program, such as an adjustment to the program name, will require consultation and approval at varying levels within and outside of the University. Other types of changes may include but are not limited to: academic standing, admission criteria, program requirements, required courses, course name changes, program suspensions and/or program terminations.
Course Changes or Minor Program Changes
Course Changes may include: Course Title, Course Description, Course Number, etc.
Minor Program Changes may include: Adding Courses to Elective List, Swapping Courses, Changing Sequences of Courses within a Program, Minor Regulation Changes - Decreasing Academic Standing, etc.
Course Changes OR Minor Program Changes |
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1. Template Completion |
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2. Governance Submission |
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3. Internal Committee |
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4. Internal Approvals |
Undergraduate
Provost/Vice Provost (Academic) - SDA Approval OR Consent Agenda at GFC Programs Committee |
Graduate
GPS Council Provost/Vice Provost and Dean GPS - SDA Approval OR Consent Agenda at GFC Programs Committee |
Major Regulation Changes (for typical ones)
May include: Examination and Assessment Changes, Immunization and Testing, Leave of Absence Policy Changes, etc.
Major Regulation Changes (for typical ones) |
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1. Template Completion |
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2. Governance Submission |
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3.Internal Committee |
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4. Internal Approvals |
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Undergraduate
GFC Programs Committee |
Graduate
GPS Council GFC Programs Committee |
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Major Program Changes (Internal Approval)
May include: Adding Admissions Requirements, Suspension/Termination of a Minor, Increasing Academic Standing, Creating New Minors, etc.
Major Program Changes (Ministry approval not required) |
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1. Consultation |
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2. Template Completion |
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3. Governance Submission |
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4. Internal Committee |
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5. Internal Approvals |
Undergraduate
Faculty Council GFC Programs Committee |
Graduate
Faculty Council GPS Council GFC Programs Committee |
Major Program Changes (Ministry Approval Required)
May include: Degree Program/Major: Name Change, Load Change, Suspension/Termination, etc.
Major Program Changes (Ministry Approval Required) |
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1. Consultation |
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2. Template Completion |
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3. Governance Submission |
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4. Internal Committee |
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5. Internal Approvals |
Undergraduate
Faculty Council GFC Programs Committee |
Graduate
Faculty Council GPS Council GFC Programs Committee |
6. Ministry Approval |
Submit to Ministry for Approval | |
Proposals for New Programs
Before new programs can be offered by the University of Alberta, they must be approved by the Alberta Ministry of Advanced Education. Proposed new programs will follow a prescribed path of approval through University Governance and the Ministry of Advanced Education. The Office will provide advice on proposal templates, recommended consultation, governance approval pathways, and timelines.
New Programs |
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1. Program Office Consultation |
Request a consultation with Programs Office (PO)
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2. New Program Initiation Form |
Complete New Program Initiation Form with support from:
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3. Decision Advisory Team - Programs |
Meeting will be scheduled with Decision Advisory Team - Programs (DAT-P):
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4. Template Completion |
Complete Ministry templates, including the following:
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| The Programs Office will review and approve templates before entering internal approvals phase | ||
Internal Approvals Phase |
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5. Internal Committees |
Undergraduate
Program Support Team |
Graduate
Graduate Program Support Team |
6. Internal Approvals |
Faculty Council |
Faculty Council GPS Council |
| Programs Office coordinates External Reviews for degree programs before GFC Programs Committee | ||
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GFC Programs Committee |
GFC Programs Committee |
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7. Ministry Approval |
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8. Development |
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9. Launch |
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Program Development Resources
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- Guidelines: Indigenization, Decolonization, Responding to the TRC Calls to Action in Academic Programs and Curricula
- Access, Community and Belonging Considerations for Programs and Certificates
- Internal Program Proposal Template
- Internal Suspension and Termination Template
- Undergraduate Embedded Certificate Framework
- Embedded Certificate Template
- Non-Credit Programming Framework
- Non-Credit Micro-credential Development Guide
- Non-Credit Certificate and Diploma Template