I - Preparation

So, you have a new program idea? First things first, we encourage you to set up a meeting with the New Programs Team to get you thinking about critical steps and help ensure you start successfully. The New Programs Team can help provide insights into university, quality assurance, and ministry regulations that govern new program approval. Email the AQuE New Programs Coordinator to set-up a call.

Next, you will need to complete a Statement of Interest (SOI).

This document accomplishes the following:

• provides an overview of the new program including its focus, the learning outcomes (i.e., UDLEs or GDLEs) for the program and the factors that prompted the decision to create a new program;
• discusses how the new program will be different from and complementary to existing programs in terms of learning outcomes;
• describes how the program will benefit students;
• describes the credential offered and proposed structure and format of the new program including whether the program will be offered as a co-op program, a regular program, or both; whether the program will be available full-time or part-time; and online or on-campus, etc.;
• proposes a suggested start date for the program and projected enrolment (i.e., Canadian vs. International);
• proposes a tuition rate (i.e., will the program charge an existing tuition rate or an alternative one?) and;
• identifies any resource requirements (e.g., new faculty or staff positions, renovations and/or new space, development of online courses, etc.).

1. The program initiates the process by completing a Statement of Interest (SOI).
2. The SOI should be endorsed by the appropriate Associate Dean (undergraduate or graduate) and the Dean.
3. The endorsed SOI is sent to the AQuE office for review by the new programs team and the AVPA or AVPA-GSPA and related academic support units.
4. Once reviewed the AQuE office may request you revise your statement or proceed to the next step – Proposal Development.