Create, revise or discontinue an academic program
The Associate Vice-President Academic Programs team provides advice on proposal development, recommended consultation, governance approval pathways, and timelines. Our goal is to make our approval process as streamlined as possible while fulfilling the requirements of Senate, Board of Governors, and Ministry.
Faculties and departments are encouraged to contact the Academic Programs team early via apasst@uvic.ca to seek guidance in the required processes. Graduate program proposals are coordinated in collaboration with the Faculty of Graduate Studies at fgscirc@uvic.ca.
The Senate Committee on Planning submits recommendations to Senate concerning proposals for the creation, revision or discontinuation of programs, faculties, schools, departments, centres and institutes, and major changes to existing programs. Download the latest meeting and submission dates, which includes deadlines for academic units seeking to create, revise or discontinue a program.
Create a new program
Creating a new academic program enhances our educational offerings and allows us to respond to changes in our disciplines and environment. We provide support and advice to faculties and departments that are considering creating a new degree program, certificate or micro-credential. There are many considerations, so the earlier you contact us via apasst@uvic.ca, the better. The Senate Committee on Planning submits recommendations to Senate concerning proposals for the creation of programs.
When considering a new degree program, please first review the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills Quality Assessment Process and Criteria (PDF). This document provides an overview of the degree approval process and the degree program review standards and criteria.
*All program proposals require units to complete the IACE consultation template and Senate Committee on Planning consultation template.
Units seeking to offer non-standard tuition for degree programs are also required to complete the non-standard tuition template.
Revise a program
We provide support and advice to faculties and departments that are considering revising a program. There are many considerations, so the earlier you contact us via apasst@uvic.ca, the better. The Senate Committee on Planning submits recommendations to Senate concerning proposals for major modifications of existing programs. The following templates can help you understand some of the steps and requirements.
| Template | Guidelines |
|---|---|
| Revise an undergraduate program | Steps to revise an undergraduate program |
| Revise a graduate program | Steps to revise a graduate program |
Units must also complete the IACE consultation template and Senate Committee on Planning consultation template.
Discontinue a program
We provide support and advice to faculties and departments that are considering discontinuing a program. There are many considerations, so the earlier you contact us via apasst@uvic.ca, the better. The Senate Committee on Planning submits recommendations to Senate concerning proposals for the disestablishment of programs. The following templates can help you understand some of the steps and requirements.
| Template | Guidelines |
|---|---|
| Discontinue an undergraduate program | Steps to discontinue a program |
| Discontinue a graduate program | Steps to discontinue a program |
Units must also complete the IACE consultation template and Senate Committee on Planning consultation template.
Need support?
Faculties and departments are encouraged to contact the Academic Programs team early via apasst@uvic.ca to seek guidance in the required processes.
Academic Program Development, Changes and External Review
This Brightspace "course" offers information in the following areas:
Orientation to Academic Planning: This module will introduce you to the portfolio of the AVP, Academic Planning and engage you in discussion of key responsibilities and processes related to academic program development/revisions and quality assurance.
Program Development, Revisions & Curriculum Submission Processes: This module aims to orient Chairs/Directors and Associate Deans to curriculum submission, consultation/approval processes and timelines.
External Review of Academic Units: This module outlines the external review process and key considerations for units engaging in an external review of program(s).