Academic Program Development and Modification Policy

All new programs are developed in alignment with Seneca’s mission and values, and the goals of the strategic and academic plans. Seneca credentials adhere to the Framework for Programs of Instruction as outlined in the Minister’s Binding Policy Directive from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU). Seneca degrees adhere to the Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board (PEQAB) standards.

New program development is informed by relevant provincial standards and requirements identified by professional bodies. All programs articulate clear statements of the vocational learning outcomes. The program requirements including the title, curriculum, work-integrated learning and admission requirements are derived from the vocational learning outcomes, regardless of the location or method of delivery.

Program proposals are approved by Seneca’s Board of Governors, and validated by the Credential Validation Service (CVS) and/or approved by MTCU, as required.

Program requirements, including the validated vocational learning outcomes, are published on the College website and communicated to stakeholders.

Program modifications are guided by feedback from industry and/or community stakeholders, and Seneca’s program review process, to ensure currency and relevancy. Major program modifications require Board of Governors approval and/or validation from the CVS/MTCU, as required. Minor program modifications are approved by the Academic Chair, Dean and the Vice-President, Academic.

Program suspensions and cancellations are approved by the Academic Dean, Vice-President, Academic, Senior Executive Committee, and the Board of Governors.

Seneca’s program development process is consultative and evidence-based. The three-stage process includes a: 1) Statement of Interest, 2) Preliminary Program Proposal, and 3) Final Program Proposal.

1. The Statement of Interest (SOI) is the preliminary screening stage. The decision to proceed to the Preliminary Program Proposal stage is based on industry demands, program portfolio analyses, and alignment with Seneca’s Strategic Mandate Agreement. Academic areas complete the SOI form with the support of their Academic Chair and Dean. The Dean submits the completed SOI form to the Vice-President, Academic for approval.
2. The Preliminary Program Proposal (PPP) consists of analyses of the labour market, student demand, resource capacity, ad-hoc Program Advisory Committee and financial framework, as well as an outline of the proposed curriculum. PPP forms are completed with the support of the Program Development team, and are forwarded to the Dean for approval. The completed PPP form is submitted to the Deans’ Committee.
3. The Final Program Proposal (FPP) expands on the PPP, and includes key performance indicators, program certification / accreditation if relevant, Program Advisory Committee recommendations, letters of support, and the final financial framework. The FPP is approved by the Senior Executive Committee, Academic Planning and Student Affairs committee, and the Board of Governors.

Program modifications are guided by feedback from industry and/or community stakeholders, and program review to ensure program currency and relevancy. The Program Modification Criteria Table (see Appendix A) provides examples of Minor and Major program modifications. Detailed instructions for requesting a program modification, and all related forms, are available from the Program Development team.

The process for determining program suspensions and cancellations is transparent, evidence-based, and communicated to all stakeholders. All program suspensions and cancellations must be approved by the Dean, Vice-President, Academic, Senior Executive Committee, and the Board of Governors. The process complies with the Minister’s Binding Policy, ensuring that students enrolled in a program have the opportunity to complete the program within the normal time period.

Program modifications are guided by feedback from industry and/or community stakeholders, and program review to ensure currency and relevancy. The Program Modification Criteria Table below provides examples of minor and major program modifications, and the levels of approval, required documentation, and communication.

Minor changes which have college-wide implications or need to be communicated to CVS and/or MTCU.

Changes that have implications for provincial approval and funding.

*For Degree programs only

Approval Date: April 2021