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 new Professional Programs under the Policy. Professional Programs as per Policy 3306 Program Completion and Credentials are those developed and delivered under a service contract, where learning is evaluated but no Credits are granted. 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. A streamlined governance process for Professional Programs is provided to meet the unique needs of government and industry partners while maintaining quality assurance standards required by the Institute.
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 Professional Programs may consist of two stages:
- Stage One – Concept Program Proposal Development
- Stage Two – Full Program Proposal Development
Stage One – Concept Program Proposal Development
New program concepts for Professional Programs are generally initiated by government and/or industry partners to meet specific needs and priorities. Concept proposal development is intended to help both the client and JIBC achieve a clear understanding of the purpose of the proposed Program, drivers behind its development, and associated costs.
1. Initiation and Documentation
a. The proponent(s) of a new Professional 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 and government priorities and to identify potential curriculum duplication and/or collaboration opportunities across Schools. VPA endorsement is required to proceed with 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. For established client relationships, the Dean may recommend that the VPA waive the concept proposal requirement. With VPA approval, the Proposal Champion may proceed directly to Stage Two.
d. The Proposal Champion initiates a Status Tracking and Approval Form (“STAF”) - Professional Programs to ensure appropriate consultation and approval are followed throughout the concept and full program proposal development processes.
2. Consultation, Data Gathering, and Analysis
a. The Proposal Champion, in consultation with the Dean and the client, identifies stakeholders who may influence the success of the program or have interest in providing input regarding the proposed Program. This list may include both internal and external stakeholders representing a variety of training, operational, Indigenous, and industry/employer perspectives.
b. The Proposal Champion consults with identified groups and individuals and summarizes results in the CPP.
c. The Proposal Champion works in partnership with Institutional Research as appropriate to gather and analyze data to ensure that 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 provided by the client, stakeholders, and other data sources.
b. The Proposal Champion provides the CPP to the client and the Dean for review and feedback. The client and the Dean determine whether there is sufficient evidence and support for the program concept to proceed to Approval.
c. Should the client and 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 the VPA.
b. With SCC recommendation, the Dean presents the CPP to the VPA for consideration and approval.
c. With VPA approval, the Proposal Champion and the Dean proceed to Stage Two: Full Program Proposal Development, and Academic Affairs sends a copy of the CPP to Program Council (“PC”) for information.
d. If the VPA does not approve the CPP, the process may be terminated. Alternatively, the VPA may require additional information and/or consultation to make a final decision.
e. The Proposal Champion documents the VPA’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, and stakeholder consultation. Comprehensive communication, business, and implementation plans are also included.
1. Initiation and Documentation
a. As required, the Proposal Champion 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 - None-Degree & Professional Programs, and maps out approval timelines.
c. The Team maintains the STAF created in Stage One to ensure appropriate consultation and approval. If Stage One was waived by the VPA, the Team initiates a STAF.
2. Consultation, Data Gathering, and Analysis
a. The Team, in consultation with the client, the Dean, and Academic Affairs, reviews and amends the list of stakeholders generated in Stage One to ensure appropriate representation of perspectives. If Stage One was waived by the VPA, the Team 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 may include both internal and external stakeholders representing a variety of training, operational, Indigenous, and industry/employer perspectives.
b. The Team documents information gathered as part of the consultation process in the FPP.
c. The Team works in partnership with Institutional Research as appropriate to review, update, and enhance data gathered in Stage One, to ensure information is comprehensive and complete. If Stage One was waived by the VPA, the Team works with Institutional Research to gather and analyze data regarding labour market needs, Student demand, and the competitive landscape to ensure that decision-making regarding viability of the program concept is evidence-informed.
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 FPP to the client and 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. The Proposal Champion presents the FPP to SCC for review and recommendation for approval to the VPA. The SCC also approves new and/or revised Courses within the proposed Program, as per Policy 3309 Course Development and Change.
c. The Dean presents the FPP to the VPA for consideration and approval.
d. With VPA approval, the Team operationalizes the Implementation & Communication Plan and updates the STAF to reflect final outcomes. Academic Affairs sends a copy of the FPP to PC for information.
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