Program Renewal Process

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Introduction

You are looking for program renewal if:

  • You want to update/modify an existing program
  • You want to know the process of updating/modifying programs
  • You want to know the resources needed for program renewal and which department(s) or person(s) to contact

Topics of Discussion

More about Program Renewal

Regular restructuring, reorganization, and enhancement of academic programs are essential college responses to demographic shifts, changing employment trends and the needs of both employers and students in a competitive economic environment. At Mohawk College the Program Modification and Reinstatement process is facilitated by the Academic Quality team. The process begins with a Statement of Interest (SOI) that requires internal approval by the Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM) Committee, and then submission of a Management Report. Depending on the level or degree of change, validation by the Credentials Validation Service (CVS) and approval by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) may also be required.

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Program Modification and Re-activation Process

Depending on the nature of the change, program modifications can involve the following:

  • Name change (determined by the College)
  • Program standards update that can include a program name change (mandated by MCU)
  • Content and/or duration change (includes the POS Change which is completed in collaboration with the Academic Area, Academic Quality team and Academic Data Office)
  • Delivery modality change
  • Development of a new program stream
  • Program re-activation

Program Modification and Re-activation Process (Download opens as PDF, 524 KB)

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Program of Studies (POS) Change Process

The Academic Data Officer (ADO) in the Registrar's Office and the Academic Quality team collaborate to support programs participating in the POS change process. Effective September 2022, following a Working Group review, Mohawk's SEM Steering Committee endorsed implementing a 3-Year Cycle for POS changes. This will result in college programs being opened for POS changes (unless there is an approved exemption) once every three years. The rationale for this change is to promote intentional, data-informed changes that are aligned with academic quality and process (i.e., Program Review); and to reduce barriers for student progression where they are out-of-sync in their Program of Study. Errors in POSs will be corrected, at any time, upon request to the ADO Office.

  • The Associate Dean of the program submits all modifications to the POS, which include careful planning of pre-requisites, equivalencies, and POS version control and updating.
  • The course create and update process is informed from annual and comprehensive program review processes and is supported by the Registrar's Office.
  • The ADO clearly defines the instructions for changes made during the POS review cycle, and outside of the POS review cycle.
  • Clarification for course version control and updating vs. new course creation is clearly differentiated.
  • All changes to the courses contained in a POS are fully assessed and mapped to Provincial Program Standards or Program Descriptions. This step ensures program level outcomes are met and the integrity of graduate clearance is maintained.
  • Assessments of course outlines, Program Vocational Learning Outcomes (VLOs), and analysis and updating of the program curriculum map are key inputs to determine the ongoing relevance and quality of the academic content. Significant changes to POS hours and curriculum mapping may indicate the need to submit a program modification request with the MCU.
  • Academic Quality, the Centre for Teaching & Learning Innovation, the Registrar's Office, and Finance review and approve all POS changes submitted by Associate Deans before they are implemented into college systems and communications.
  • The up-to-date POS version of each program is shared on the college website, on MyMohawk, and through the My Academic Plan (MAP) tool. This enables students and faculty to monitor progress toward program completion.
  • POS changes do not affect students already enrolled, and those completing their POS as prescribed by the College's Program Curriculum Policy.
  • The Continuing Education and Apprenticeship POS review cycles occur each Spring between March and May. Changes requested for an in-progress postsecondary POS are reviewed separately and require VPA approval.
  • The Program of Studies change process is guided by the Program of Studies Policy (Download opens as PDF, 115 KB).

Instructions and templates are located within the MyMohawk/Employees tab, under Scheduling and Academic Support.

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Still Have Questions?

Reach out to Academic Quality today!

academic.quality [at] mohawkcollege.ca (Academic Quality)