Program Review and Renewal

Introduction

Excellence in post-secondary academic programming is a cornerstone of the mission and vision for Durham College. As an integral component of quality assurance, Durham College utilizes a program performance framework to review and renew post-secondary academic programs. The process identifies areas for improvement and innovation, and ensures program responsiveness to economic and societal needs, the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Framework for Programs of Instruction, as well as the expectations of students and employers.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide a framework for the review and renewal of post-secondary academic programs. This policy is not designed to replace the on-going process of continual review of curriculum, program organization and identification of program-related issues.

Definitions

"Formal Program Review and Renewal" is defined as a cyclical, comprehensive assessment of all of the elements of program function, delivery and curricular content, the communication of findings, and the implementation of improvement strategies.

"Post-secondary programs of instruction" are defined as a group of related courses leading to the awarding of one of the following credentials: Ontario College Certificate, Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma, or Ontario College Graduate Certificate. Programs of instruction are approved by the Board of Governors and conform to the levels of learning articulated in the Credentials Framework (Minister's Binding Policy Directive on Framework for Programs of Instruction).

"Targeted Program Review" is defined as a review of one, possibly two program elements/indicators that may require further research and analysis.

Policy Statements

1. The objective of program review and renewal is to continuously assess and improve the quality of Durham College programs to ensure program relevance and teaching and learning excellence.
2. The review and renewal process will be implemented through a program performance framework that will focus on:
   • the examination and validation of the program standards/vocational learning outcomes;
   • the quality of learning experiences;
   • the appropriateness of teaching and evaluation methods in relation to the nature of the graduate skill sets to be obtained;
   • the effectiveness of services, facilities and practices to support student learning;
   • program improvement tracking; and
   • quality assurance indicators and procedures.
3. Review and renewal of post-secondary programs of instruction will be guided by:
   • alignment with the mission, vision and values of the college, the goals of the college's strategic and academic plan, all relevant Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities policies and directives, and industry standards or certifications, where applicable;
   • evidence-based decision-making and a commitment to a consultative and collaborative process, inclusive of all affected stakeholders and representing best practices in adult education;
   • clarity, transparency and consistency of approach, methodology and an identified accountability framework for implementation.
4. An annual review of program performance indicators will be used by the Academic Leadership Team to identify which programs shall participate in this review and renewal process in the following academic year.
5. Each academic program will undergo a comprehensive, formal review and renewal process every 5-7 years.
6. The Action Plan resulting from the formal review process will be communicated and implemented in as timely a manner as possible and resourced in alignment with college priorities.

A detailed description of the program review and renewal process is contained in the Program Review and Renewal Procedure.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Vice-President, Academic, is responsible for ensuring that the Program Review and Renewal Policy is fully implemented and ensuring compliance with the Board of Governors Executive Limitations - Programs of Instruction.

A detailed description of roles and responsibilities relating to program review and renewal is provided in the Program Review and Renewal Procedure.

Related Procedures

Post-secondary Program Review and Renewal Procedure

Related Policies and Directives

Board Policies:

• IV. Executive Limitations: Programs of Instruction

College Operational Policies:

• ACAD - 102 - Curriculum Development Policy
• ACAD - 103 - General Education Policy
• ACAD - 104 - New Program Development Policy