New Program Governance Protocols

Authors
Duklas Cornerstone Consulting
J. Duklas
Reference Number
2014-39
Date
Status
Abstract

This resource provides an overview of the participants, typologies, and timeframes involved in new program creation, approval, and launch that are followed by publicly funded, Ontario postsecondary institutions. As ONCAT remains focused on enhancing transfer, pathway development, and inter-institutional joint programs in the province, the intention with this information is to demystify the current practices involved in new program creation, approval, and launch. The research indicates that as complexity and credential levels increase, so do the timelines and processes. This seems reasonable since quality assurance benchmarks and standards and the internal and external consultation expectations necessarily expand. The timeframes to create, develop, refine, and approve credentials delivered by colleges and universities vary: for certificates and diplomas, it typically takes approximately 1 to 1.5 years to conceive and ultimately launch a program. For degrees, whether at a college or university, the process takes approximately 2.5 to 3 years...