Significant Program Modifications

A focus is a structured progression in a set of courses that may be completed while pursuing a specific Specialist or Major ‘parent’ program. Enrolment in a focus is optional. Completion of a Focus is recognized by transcript notation. A focus cannot alter the learning outcomes of the parent program but can introduce increased expertise in those learning outcomes. 

The introduction of a focus follows a minor modification governance pathway and requires sign-off from OVPAD, and final approval from UTM’s Academic Affairs Committee.

Category 1 Certificate: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate 

A Category 1 certificate is a post-baccalaureate, stand-alone certificate that typically requires completion of an undergraduate degree or equivalent for admission. An example of Category 1 certificate is the TESOL Certificate Program offered by the Faculty of Arts & Science.

Category 2 certificates are offered in conjunction with existing undergraduate programs and require that students be enrolled in (a) specific University of Toronto degree program(s). Depending on the nature of the certificate, eligible students can be enrolled in any program or a specific degree program.  These certificates are not stand-alone credentials and do not lead to degree completion. They can be specialized in a specific area of study or be wide-ranging and interdisciplinary in nature. These certificates have appropriate admission and completion requirements, comprise of a coherent-sequence of for-credit undergraduate courses, a mechanism for assessing student performance, and distinct learning outcomes that are not connected to existing programs offered at the university.  

Creation of a category 2 certificate follows a minor modification governance pathway, requires sign-off from the Office of the Vice-Provost, Academic Programs on the name of the certificate, and final approval by UTM’s Academic Affairs Committee.  

Certificates in continuing, professional and executive education are also called not-for-credit certificates. They should be consistent with the University’s general objectives and the strategic direction of the divisions offering them and adhere to the same standards of excellence that are expected of all U of T program offerings. These certificates comprise a coherent sequence of courses and must comply with the characteristics laid out in the Policy on Certificates (For-Credit and Not-For-Credit). 

The Guidelines for Continuing, Professional and Executive Education provide the framework for divisions developing these certificates. All certificates in this category are approved by UTM’s Academic Affairs Committee and are submitted to the Provost’s Office for inclusion in an annual report by the Provost to the Committee on Academic Policy and Programs.  

Program Changes

A stream is a distinct program, with structurally significant completion requirements, that shares a common pool of courses with a “parent” Specialist or Major program representing a shared foundation. A stream spans all years of study but typically distinguishes itself over the latter half of the program’s completion requirements.  

The introduction of a new UTMCIP offering follows the same process as the creation of a new stream. Please contact the Program & Curriculum Unit if you are considering adding UTMCIP to your program offerings.  

The introduction and closure of a stream is considered a major modification and requires sign-off from OVPAD and the Office of the Vice-Provost, Academic Programs prior to proceeding to governance approval at UTM’s Academic Affairs Committee.  

A Freestanding minor is used to introduce a new area of study to the university that is currently not represented by a major or specialist program and fulfills a curriculum gap. A freestanding minor has distinct program learning outcomes that are not connected to any existing programs offered at the division. The program can include courses from other disciplines and departments but must be offered and managed by one specific academic unit for administrative oversight and review. 

The creation of a freestanding minor follows a major modification governance pathway, which requires sign-off from OVPAD, the Office of the Vice-Provost, Academic Programs, and final approval from UTM’s Academic Affairs Committee.  

The introduction of a minor, major, or specialist that is associated with an existing major or specialist program is typically created to expand the curricular offerings in an area of study to reach a new target group of students interested in the discipline.  

This type of minor program typically has program learning outcomes that are a subset of those from the associated major or specialist program.  

The process for introducing this type of minor program follows a minor modification governance pathway. The process includes consultation with the Office of the Vice-Provost, Academic Programs, and final approval from UTM’s Academic Affairs Committee.

The creation of a new degree program is an important component of curricular innovation and continuous improvement. New degree programs can be proposed in response to changes in the discipline, student demand, and labour market evolution. The process for the preparation of the proposal includes creation of new courses (if applicable), development of program learning outcomes, consultation, and assessment of available resources.  

The program proposal undergoes an appraisal by a team of external reviewers, which includes a site visit and an appraisal report with recommendations for changes and next steps. Once all recommendations have been addressed, the proposed program is recommended by UTM’s Academic Affairs Committee for approval by the Committee on Academic Planning & Policy. 

Program closures are a natural part of curricular development, innovation, and improvement. Typically, a program will be recommended for closure during a cyclical external review prior to the start of the closure process, and begins with suspending admission to the program through request to OVPAD and minor curriculum change proposal.  

The governance pathway for program closure mirrors the process for creating that type of program. T The closure of a program requires sign-off from OVPAD and the Office of the Vice-Provost, Academic Programs prior to proceeding to governance approval, starting at UTM’s Academic Affairs Committee. The closure of a Specialist or Major program requires approval of the Committee on Academic Planning & Policy.