Program Advisory Committee

Program Advisory Committees play a vital role in assisting with the development of new programs, and modifying existing programs. They ensure that the programs offered by the college meet the needs of business, industry, and specific occupations.

There is an Advisory Committee for each college program composed of professional members who have a diversity of experience in the particular field concerned. In addition, our committees include a graduate student who has inside knowledge of his/her college program, as well as staff who act in a resource capacity.

The committees report to the Board of Governors. The responsibility for implementing approved recommendations rests with the college administration.

Primary Functions

• Assist in assessing the need for, and development of new programs.
• Assist in program evaluation/review.
• Monitor existing programs to ensure ongoing relevance of curriculum, course materials.
• Suggest delivery strategies, facilities and equipment.

Secondary Functions

• Help to identify employment opportunities for program graduates.
• Assist in student field placement.
• Assist in establishing scholarships and bursaries for students.
• Disseminate information to the community about programs, scholarships and bursaries, and the placement of graduates.
• Assist in forecasting occupational trends.
• Provide feedback to the college about the effectiveness and competence of graduates.
• Participate in the recruitment of students.
• Advise on certification requirements.
• Assist in professional development of staff.
• Assist in analysis of KPI data.

The Durham College Board of Governors adopted a new bylaw on June 13, 2007. This bylaw relates to program advisory committees and is pursuant to the minister's Binding Policy Directive on Framework for Programs of Instruction under the Act. This bylaw contains current information pertaining to the primary and secondary functions of advisory committees; appointment of members; terms of office; the chair; the secretary; decision-making; meetings, and more.

To review this new bylaw in detail, please visit Board By-Laws and Policies.