Program Advisory Committees

The Ministry of Colleges and Universities requires an advisory committee for each Ontario college postsecondary program, or related program (cluster), to ensure curriculum quality and student and graduate success. Committee members consist of a cross-section of individuals external to Seneca who have direct interest in a program and a diversity of experience and expertise related to a particular occupational area or discipline addressed by a program. Program Advisory Committees are a highly valuable resource that report to the Board of Governors through the Vice-President of Academic. The Vice-President of Academic submits an annual summary of Program Advisory Committee activity to the board through the Academic Planning and Student Affairs Committee.

Program Advisory Committees provide industry expertise and insight to help program areas develop, renew and promote Seneca's full- and part-time programs according to labour market needs. The committees ensure programs are current and relevant to industry, business and society. Program advisers identify current and future industry trends and shifts in the skills and knowledge graduates need to meet employer requirements. Program Advisory Committee members are key liaisons between Seneca and industry and between Seneca and the community.

Program Advisory Committee members are key players in the future success of students, graduates and Seneca. In guiding the development of Seneca programs, they help to ensure graduates are well prepared to work in their careers and contribute to their field.

Candidates for membership on Program Advisory Committees are identified through referrals, self-nomination or invitation by academic chairs or deans. The term for committee members is three years, renewable once. Committee meetings take place at least two times per year.

In line with Seneca’s Strategic Plan, it is important that membership of Program Advisory Committees reflect the diversity of the demographics of the industry and the diversity of the nature of the community in which Seneca operates. Seneca commits to a diverse advisory committee membership specially to include women, the LGBTQ2S+ community, persons with disabilities, francophone persons, Black and Indigenous representatives as well as other persons of colour/visible minorities.