Academic Program Review and Modification Policy

To ensure the content and delivery of programs at Seneca are responsive, current and relevant in meeting employer, community, student and government needs.

This policy applies to all postsecondary programs for which an Ontario college or Seneca credential is awarded.

Evaluates the ongoing action plan, curriculum content and delivery, teaching, learning, and assessment based on program data such as comparator and trend information, including student demand, quality indicators, program learning outcomes, and program advisory committee activity. The outcomes are constructive program renewal and modification and an updated action plan.

A comprehensive program analysis that includes reflection on the following:

• program alignment with industry
• external and internal requirements
• metrics
• content and delivery
• teaching and learning
• academic and student services, and 
• progress on recommended action plans. 

Summative review outcomes include recommendations on resource allocation and action plans.

A program review based on a snapshot of program data, including program health and program mix.

Data snapshot is defined and provided by the Centre for Institutional Data and Enterprise Analytics (C-IDEA).

Includes administration, faculty, and staff assigned by a chair to undertake program review activities, except summative review teams, which consist of a member from Program Quality to help lead the facilitation process.

Minor modifications are less significant changes to the program of instruction that do not impact the overall program intent, outcomes or focus and do not require approval of the Board of Governors, ministry or external quality, or regulatory bodies.

Major modifications are significant changes to the program of instruction that impact overall program intent, outcomes, focus, or work-integrated learning activities. Major modifications may require the approval of the Board of Governors, ministry or external quality, or regulatory bodies.

1. Academic program modifications will be guided by feedback from industry and/or community stakeholders and Seneca’s program review process to ensure currency and relevancy. Requests for program modifications may be provided to the Chair by program faculty, academic and student support staff or administrators.
2. Program modifications will be led by the Chair.
3. Supporting evidence for the program modification from program review and/or consultations with internal and external stakeholders will be required as part of the documentation.
4. Modifications must follow the requirement and standards outlined in the Ministry legislation, and binding policy directives and those from the quality regulating bodies such as PEQAB and the Ontario College Quality Assurance Service (includes Credential Validation Service).
5. Program standard updates that are initiated by the ministry must be completed according to the ministry guidelines and timelines, and can fall under minor or major program modifications.
6. Modifications to programs must align with Seneca’s requirements and those outlined by accreditation and industry regulatory bodies.
7. Modifications must be completed based on timelines defined by Seneca’s academic, student, and administrative support areas to allow for appropriate and timely communication and implementation of program changes.
8. Minor modifications require the approval of the academic Chair and Dean, and are reported to the Vice-President, Academic.
9. Major modifications require the endorsement of the Program Advisory Committee and may require the approval of the Deans’ Committee, Senior Executive Committee and/or the Board of Governors.
10. Major program modifications may also require the approval of one or each of the following: the ministry, quality assurance, and/or regulatory bodies such as the Credential Validation Service or PEQAB.
11. Academic program areas are responsible for communicating approved modifications to stakeholders in a timely manner.

• Academic Program Review Procedures
• Academic Program Modification Procedures

• Postsecondary Education Manuals and Guidelines
• Ontario College Quality Assurance Service (OCQAS) website
• OntarioLearn Policy and Procedures

Approval Date: November 2017

Last Revision:  April 2021