Program Rationalization

POLICY TYPE:	Academic
POLICY TITLE:	Program Rationalization
POLICY #:	ACAD - 106
RESPONSIBILITY:	Vice President, Academic
POLICY APPROVED BY:	Durham College Leadership Team
EFFECTIVE DATE:	May 2008
REVISED:
REVIEW DATE:	May 2011

Introduction

Durham College provides innovative academic programs that advance its strategic priorities, assure teaching and learning quality and respond to industry and student needs. Regular program review and renewal, along with program complement restructuring and reorganizing, promotes the optimum delivery of academic programming. As program complement changes significantly impact students, faculty, staff and employers, decision-making on program offerings necessitates a thorough, comprehensive and consultative approach.

Purpose

This policy provides a framework for a comprehensive, strategic and evidence-based process of revitalizing and /or restructuring the academic program complement at Durham College. This policy will support the most effective allocation and deployment of human, space and financial resources in a manner that contributes to the future sustainability, relevance and success of the College and the students it serves.

Definitions

Not applicable.

Policy Statements

1. Demographic shifts, new technologies, changes in employment trends, global competition and the development of new student markets necessitate ongoing program assessment and resource redeployment.
2. Proposals to revitalize programs, redeploy resources and /or restructure the colleges program complement shall be and consistent with the colleges academic and strategic priorities.
3. Proposals for restructuring/redeployment will be considered within the context of a program performance framework that addresses, but is not limited to: student demand and impact; community needs;collective agreement provisions; new program development needs and opportunities; educational pathways; employment trends and employer needs; availability of qualified faculty; space and resource implications; the colleges financial viability; program cost and sustainability; program quality assurance and; the Colleges balance of programs.
4. The decision-making process for revitalizing and restructuring programs and /or program complement will be transparent, consultative and evidence-based.
5. Any changes to program complement must be approved by the Board of Governors.

A detailed description of the process for implementing this policy is contained in the Program Rationalization Procedure.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Vice-President, Academic, is responsible for ensuring that the Program Rationalization policy is fully implemented.

A detailed description of roles and responsibilities relating to this policy is provided in the Program Rationalization Procedure.

Non-compliance Implications

Not applicable.

Related Procedures

Program Rationalization Procedure
Post-secondary Program Review and Renewal Procedure
New Program Development Procedure

Related Policies and Directives

Ministers Binding Policy Directive-Framework for Programs of Instruction, April, 2005

Board Policies:

IV. Executive Limitations: Programs of Instruction

College Operational Policies:

ACAD-104 New Program Development Policy
ACAD-105 Program Review and Renewal Policy