Scope
This procedure forms part of JIBC’s Program Development, Change, Suspension, and Termination Policy (the “Policy”) and should be followed and applied in relation to developing Non-Degree Credential Programs under the Policy. Non-Degree Credential Programs include all Credential Programs as described in Policy 3306 Program Completion and Credentials, except for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Terms not otherwise defined in this procedure are as defined in the Policy.
Process
Program development is the responsibility of the Schools, subject to review and approval by relevant Institute, Ministry, and professional governing bodies. As per Policy 3306 Program Completion and Credentials, Non-Degree Credential Programs comprising 20 or more Credits, and Graduate Certificates are approved by the Board. Non-Degree Credential Programs comprising fewer than 20 Credits are approved by Program Council (“PC”).
A formal Ministry review process is required for all new health-related programs. These include paramedicine and continuing professional health education programming, as well as any mental and social health programs. To ensure compliance with Ministry requirements, consultation with Academic Affairs is required prior to embarking on development of any new health-related programming. Detailed information about this process is found at on DQAB’s New Health Programs website.
New program proposal development for Non-Degree Credential Programs consists of two stages:
- Stage One – Concept Program Proposal Development
- Stage Two – Full Program Proposal Development
Stage One – Concept Program Proposal Development
The idea for a new program may arise from several sources, generated by an individual or group within a School in response to labour market demand, industry trends, or as part of a larger Institute strategy. Some program concepts may cross over disciplinary boundaries, in which case the development of the concept proposal may include more than one program area and involve more than one Dean.
1. Initiation and Documentation
a. The proponent(s) of a new program concept consults with and seeks approval from the Dean to explore viability of the concept.
b. The Dean consults with the Vice-President, Academic (“VPA”) and other School Deans to ensure alignment with Institute academic planning and priorities, and to identify potential curriculum duplication and/or collaboration opportunities across Schools. VPA endorsement is required to proceed with program concept proposal development.
c. The Dean assigns a Proposal Champion who initiates the Concept Program Proposal ("CPP") Template - Non-Degree & Professional Programs, which documents key information about the proposed Program.
d. The Proposal Champion initiates a Status Tracking and Approval Form (“STAF”) - Non-Degree Programs to ensure appropriate consultation and approval is followed throughout the concept and full program proposal development stages.
2. Consultation, Data Gathering, and Analysis
a. The Proposal Champion, in consultation with the Dean, generates a list of stakeholders who may influence the success of the program or have interest in providing input regarding the proposed Program. This list will include both internal and external stakeholders representing a variety of academic, operational, Indigenous, and industry/employer perspectives.
b. The Proposal Champion consults with identified groups and individuals throughout the CPP development stage. Consultation results are summarized in the CPP.
c. The Proposal Champion works in partnership with Institutional Research to gather and analyze data regarding labour market needs, Student demand, and the competitive landscape to ensure decision-making regarding viability of the program concept is evidence-informed.
3. Concept Program Proposal Draft
a. The Proposal Champion drafts the CPP incorporating key information and insights from stakeholder consultation, data gathering, and analysis.
b. The Dean reviews the CPP and determines whether there is sufficient evidence and support for the proposal to proceed to Approval.
c. Should the Dean recommend that the proposal not go forward, consultation with the VPA is required. With agreement from the VPA, the proposal process is terminated.
d. The Proposal Champion documents the outcome on the STAF.
4. Concept Program Proposal Approval
a. The Proposal Champion presents the CPP to the School Curriculum Committee (“SCC”) for review, feedback, and recommendation for approval from PC.
b. With SCC recommendation, the Dean presents the CPP to PC for consideration and approval.
c. With PC approval, the Dean proceeds to Stage Two: Full Program Proposal Development.
d. If PC does not approve the CPP, the process is terminated.
e. The Proposal Champion documents PC’s decision on the STAF.
Stage Two – Full Program Proposal Development
The full program proposal documents in-depth information about the proposed Program including curricular frameworks, delivery methodologies, labour market research, and stakeholder consultation. Comprehensive communication, business, and implementation plans are also included.
1. Initiation and Documentation
a. As required, the Proposal Champion, under the direction of the Dean, assembles a Full Program Proposal Team (the “Team”) to support the development of the FPP.
b. The Team initiates the Full Program Proposal ("FPP") Template - Non-Degree & Professional Programs, and maps out approval timelines.
c. The Team maintains the STAF created in Stage One to ensure appropriate consultation and approval is followed throughout the FPP development process.
2. Consultation, Data Gathering, and Analysis
a. The Team and the Dean, in consultation with Academic Affairs, review and amend as necessary the list of stakeholders generated in Stage One to ensure comprehensive representation of perspectives.
b. The Team documents information gathered from consultations on the Stakeholder Consultation Template - Programs and provides a summary in the FPP.
c. The Team works in partnership with Institutional Research to review, update and enhance data gathered in Stage One, to ensure information is comprehensive and complete.
3. Full Program Proposal Draft
a. The Team completes the draft FPP. The FPP must include a Business Plan developed in consultation with the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, an Implementation & Communication Plan developed in consultation with the Registrar’s Office and Academic Affairs. These plans are included as appendices to the FPP.
b. The Team provides the completed draft FPP to the Dean for review and feedback before proceeding to Approval.
4. Full Program Proposal Approval and Implementation
a. The Dean presents the Business Plan to the VPA and VPFO for review and approval.
b. For Non-Degree Credential Programs comprising fewer than 20 Credits, the Proposal Champion presents the FPP to SCC for review, feedback, and recommendation for approval to PC.
i. With SCC recommendation, the Dean presents the FPP to PC for consideration and approval. PC also considers and approves any new and/or revised Courses within the proposed Program as per Policy 3309 Course Development and Change.
c. For Non-Degree Credential Programs comprising 20 or more Credits and Graduate Certificates, the Proposal Champion presents the FPP to SCC for review, feedback, and endorsement.
i. With SCC endorsement, the Dean presents the FPP to PC for consideration and recommendation for approval to the Board. PC also approves new and/or revised Courses within the proposed Program as per Policy 3309 Course Development and Change.
ii. The VPA presents the final FPP to the Board for consideration and approval.
iii. Following approval, where required by the B.C. Degree Quality Assessment Board (“DQAB”), Academic Affairs posts the FPP on the Post-Secondary Institute Proposal System (“PSIPS”) website for peer review and feedback.
iv. The Dean uses the feedback to adjust and refine the proposal, drafts responses to comments received on PSIPS, and provides them to Academic Affairs for review, endorsement, and posting on the PSIPS website.
d. With approval, the Team operationalizes the Implementation & Communication Plan and updates the STAF to reflect final outcomes.
Related Policies and Procedures
- 3306 Program Completion and Credentials Policy
- 3311 Program Development, Change, Suspension, and Termination Policy
Documents and Forms
- All tools, templates, and resources available on JIBC's Academic Affairs intranet site (for internal use only)
- DQAB New Health Programs Website