Report: Committee on Academic Policy and Programs - January 14, 2020

REPORT NUMBER 200 OF THE COMMITTEE ON
ACADEMIC POLICY AND PROGRAMS
January 14, 2020

To the Academic Board,
University of Toronto

Your Committee reports that it met on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at 4:10 p.m. in the Council Chamber, Simcoe Hall, with the following present:

1. Chair’s Welcome
   
   The Chair welcomed members and guests to the meeting.
    
2. Reports of the Administrative Assessors
   
   Professor McCahan highlighted a recent change to the new program protocol now in effect as a result of the UTQAP audit recommendations. She explained that going forward, AP&P members would have access to the academic unit response to the external appraisal when new programs came forward to AP&P from a departmentalized faculty. The response would be provided for reference only. The purpose of the change was to provide evidence of consultation between the academic unit and the Dean.
   
   Professor McCahan also informed members that the University was still waiting for approval from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities on four new programs. The approvals were overdue, as it was expected that an approval decision would have been made by the end of November 2019.  The University, through the Planning and Budget Office, continued to advocate for a more prompt response to new program proposals.
    

3. Update on the Tri-Campus Review
   
   Professor McCahan presented an overview of the Tri-Campus Review, which began in Spring 2018 and was nearing its conclusion. The Tri-Campus Review was the latest phase in the University’s thinking about the relationships among the three campuses, following on other reviews that had happened over the years. The structure of the review mirrored the multi-pillar approach of the Budget Model Review, and looked at tri-campus structures and tri-campus relationships across five pillars: Academic Planning and Academic Change; Graduate Units; Student Services; Administrative Structure; and Budget Relationships (the undertaken as part of the Budget Model Review). Professor McCahan then provided an overview of two of the pillars, Graduate Units and Academic Planning and Academic Change.
   
   Key themes that emerged out of the Graduate Units Working Group included recognition that the types of graduate units differed widely, that searches for graduate chairs​ required greater clarity and streamlining, and the need for better communication and collaboration across units and campuses. The recommendations from the Working Group addressed these concerns.  Turning to the Working Group on Academic Planning and Academic Change, the key themes that emerged out of this working group included the continued recognition that institutional leadership played a key role in the continued commitment to academic excellence​, focus on the student experience as a critical component of program quality,​ and support for the unitary, tri-campus PhD​.  Again, the recommendations from the Working Group addressed these concerns. Professor McCahan concluded by noting that the next steps in the review included review of the recommendations by the Steering Committee, the Final Report and the implementation of the recommendations.
   
   In reply to a member’s question, Professor McCahan reported that the recommendation concerning tri-campus participation in external reviews involving graduate units would apply to reviews on a go-forward basis.  In reply to a question from the Chair, Professor McCahan explained that the recommendation that Memoranda of Understanding be created in all graduate units was to clarify the unit needs and establish expectations, for example concerning faculty contributions to graduate programs. 
    
4. New Program: Doctor of Public Health, Dalla Lana School of Public Health
   
   Professor McCahan noted that the proposed professional doctorate program would provide public health professionals with advanced professional education and the skills to implement improvements in health care systems in Canada and globally. It would be the first English-language professional doctorate in the area created in Canada, though the degree existed in the United States and elsewhere. Potential applicants would typically have at least five years of mid-level management experience in a relevant field and would have completed a master’s degree in a relevant public health sciences or health services-related discipline. In order to maximize flexibility for students who may be working, the curriculum will be delivered throughout the calendar year, using a combination of in-person and online formats. The degree program would consist of 6.5 full-course equivalents; a comprehensive examination; an applied research project that will involve a practicum placement; and a thesis. The proposed start date was scheduled for September 2021. 
   
   Professor Nancy Baxter added that the program reflected one of the goals of the Faculty’s Academic Plan, to provide full scale education to public health professionals and scholars in Canada. It represented an opportunity to develop public health leadership and change and leverage relations with external agencies.
   
   In reply to a member’s question, Professor Baxter noted that the program would be scaffolded to allow students working full-time to complete the program. In reply to a question from the Vice-Chair, Professor Di Ruggiero confirmed that, in line with the Academic Plan’s focus on global health, greater focus was being placed on institutional partnerships and that MOU’s had been signed with public health institutions in China and Kenya, allowing students to work with these institutions while in the program.
   
   On motion duly made, seconded and carried
   
   It was Recommended
   
   THAT the proposed degree program, Doctor of Public Health (DrPH), as described in the proposal from the Dalla Lana School of Public Health dated November 28, 2019 be approved effective September 1, 2021.
    
5. New Program: Master of Environment and Sustainability, Faculty of Arts and Science
   
   Professor McCahan noted that the proposed program was a research master’s degree to be offered by the School of the Environment in the Faculty of Arts and Science. It was designed for students seeking the transdisciplinary research skills needed to understand and develop solutions to the many environmental and human well-being challenges. Potential applicants would have either an HBSc or HBA that included at least a minor in environment, sustainability, or a closely related field. Students would complete 4.0 full-course equivalents which would include: 1.5 FCE of core courses, 1.5 FCE of elective courses to be chosen from one of four concentrations; and a thesis with a 1.0 FCE weight. Professor McCahan alerted members to a typo in the materials regarding the FCE distribution and noted that it would be corrected before review by Academic Board to reflect the 1.5 FCE core course, 1.5FCE elective course and 1.0 FCE thesis breakdown. The proposed start date was scheduled for September 2021.
   
   In reply to a member’s question, Professor Easterbrook confirmed that increased collaboration with the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering would be examined in the future. In reply to another member’s question regarding student funding and Teaching Assistantships, Professor Easterbrook noted that TA support would be available to meet the needs of students and that funding would be competitive relative to peer programs.
   
   On motion duly made, seconded and carried
   
   It was Recommended
   
   THAT the proposed degree program, Master of Environment and Sustainability (MES), as described in the proposal from the Faculty of Arts and Science dated December 4, 2019 be approved effective September 1, 2021.
    
6. Program Closure: Diploma in Forensic & Investigative Accounting, University of Toronto Mississauga
   
   Professor McCahan reiterated that program closures were a normal and positive part of program evolution and quality assurance. Closure proposals were well considered and subject to extensive consultation prior to coming forward to governance.
   
   The Diploma in Forensic & Investigative Accounting operated as a standalone diploma program that was developed in 2001 for those who wished to pursue careers in the area.
   
   Upon a recent review of the investigative and forensic accounting field, it was determined that a master’s-level program should be introduced to replace the diploma. The Master of Forensic Accounting, which launched in September 2017, was built upon the diploma and also incorporated new academic content. Admissions to the diploma program were administratively suspended in February 2017. Currently, there were three active students in the diploma program and one inactive student who could reinstate and complete the requirements under SGS regulations. The active and inactive students had been contacted and advised of the closure and the requirements and timing to complete the diploma. The effective date of closure would be April 30, 2022.
   
   Professor Len Brooks confirmed that the new masters program had been successful thus far, attracting senior professionals in the field.  In reply to a member’s question, he noted that the master’s program was separate from the degrees offered at Rotman, as its focus was on forensic accounting, which was not offered at Rotman. In response to a question on the opportunities for DIFA graduates that don’t choose to take the graduate degree, Len Brook indicated that DIFA was a part-time, online offering and students were always employed in the area
   
   On motion duly made, seconded and carried
   
   It was Resolved
   
   THAT the proposed closure of the Diploma in Investigative and Forensic Accounting (DIFA), University of Toronto Mississauga dated December 11, 2019, to which admissions were administratively suspended in February 2017, be approved with an anticipated program closure date of April 30, 2022.
7. Program Closure: Conjoint Doctor of Theology, Toronto School of Theology
   
   Professor McCahan noted that the proposal was the last step in implementing the major recommendation of the 2011-12 UTQAP review of the Toronto School of Theology conjoint programs. That review had recommended that UofT and TST establish a conjoint PhD in Theological Studies in order to respond to student demand for a PhD and that the ThD be closed. In response, the conjoint PhD program was developed and commenced in September 2015. Admissions to the ThD were administratively suspended as of November 20, 2014. There were currently 39 active students and 39 lapsed students in the ThD.  In the summer of 2019, all the active and lapsed ThD students received notification of the closure and were advised on their options and timelines. The proposed effective date of the closure is December 31, 2024, in line with when eligible students need to have completed the degree program.
   
   In reply to a member’s question, Professor Colleen Shantz noted that it was expected that many of the lapsed students would likely choose not to return to complete their degree, though the timeline for the closure would allow them to do so if they wished. In reply to a member’s question regarding students who currently held a ThD degree, Professor Shantz noted it was unlikely that this would negatively affect their job opportunities and that the primary focus for employers would be the university from which it was received, not the nomenclature of the degree.
   
   On motion duly made, seconded and carried
   
   It was Recommended
   
   THAT the proposed closure of the conjoint Doctor of Theology (ThD), Toronto School of Theology dated August 29, 2019, to which admissions were administratively suspended in November 20, 2014, be approved with an anticipated program closure date of December 31, 2024.
    
8. Program Closure: Bachelor of Physical and Health Education, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education
   
   Professor McCahan reported that in September of 2010, the Faculty revised the curriculum of the BPHE degree program and introduced a new Bachelor’s degree program called the Bachelor of Kinesiology (BKin). Since the BKin launched in 2011, undergraduate students had chosen either the BKin or BPHE degree at the end of their second year. In the last few years, the BKin had been chosen by most students while enrolment in the BPHE had significantly declined. Due to this, the Faculty decided to transition to exclusively offering the BKin and admissions to the BPHE were administratively suspended in March 2015. There were two students currently registered in the BPHE degree program, and they would continue to be supported in order to complete the program. The closure effective date of August 31, 2025 aligned with when the current students must have completed the program.
   
   Dean Jacobs noted that the closure aligned with a movement in North America away from Bachelors of Physical Education and towards Bachelors of Kinesiology, reflecting kinesiology’s emergence as a broader field that encompasses the area of physical education.
   
   On motion duly made, seconded and carried
   
   It was Recommended
   
   THAT the proposed closure of the Bachelor of Physical and Health Education (BPHE), Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education dated October 31, 2019, to which admissions were administratively suspended in March 2015, be approved with an anticipated program closure date of August 31, 2025.
    
9. Report of the Previous Meeting: Report 199 – October 30, 2019
   
   The report of the previous meeting was approved.

10.   Business Arising from the Report of the Previous Meeting 

There was no business arising from the report of the previous meeting.

11.   Date of Next Meeting – February 24, 2020 at 4:10 p.m.

The Chair confirmed that the date of the next meeting would be February 24, 2020 at 4:10 p.m.

12.  Other Business

There were no items of other business.

The meeting adjourned at 5:17 p.m.

January 17, 2020