Report Number 224 Of The Committee Of Academic Policy & Programs
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2024
To the Academic Board,
University of Toronto,
Your Committee reports that it held a meeting on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 3:10 p.m. in the Council Chamber, Simcoe Hall with the following members present:
PRESENT: Catherine Amara (Chair), Susan McCahan (Vice-Provost, Academic Programs and Innovations in Undergraduate Education, Sharleen Ahmed, Pier Bryden, Joseph Flessa*, David Dubins, Jason Harlow, Shone Joos, Robert Kyle, Marcus Law, Renee Mahal*, Michael Ratcliffe, Suzanne Wood, David Zingg, Colleen Zimmerman
REGRETS: Nhung Tran (Vice-Chair), Joshua Barker (Vice-Provost, Graduate Research & Education and Dean, School of Graduate Studies), Yu Xuan Huang, Walid Houry, Jeannie Kim, Irene Morra, Nicole Novroski , Sacha Samouk, Rosa Saverino, Laina Southgate
NON-VOTING ASSESSORS: Leah Cowen (Vice-President, Research and Innovation, and Strategic Initiatives), Angelique Saweczko (University Registrar)
SECRETARIAT: Joanne Chou
IN ATTENDANCE:
Lachmi Singh, Director, Academic Programs, Planning and Quality Assurance, Office of the Vice-Provost, Academic Programs
Emma del Junco, Coordinator, Academic Planning & Reviews, Office of the Vice-Provost, Academic Programs
Jennifer Franscisco, Coordinator, Academic Change, Office of the Vice-Provost, Academic Programs
Annette Knott, Coordinator, Academic Change, Office of the Vice-Provost, Academic Programs
Alexandra Varela, Special Projects Officer, Office of the Vice-Provost, Academic Programs
Gillian Hamilton, Vice-Dean, Academic Planning, Faculty of Arts & Science
Markus Stock, Principal of University College, Faculty of Arts & Science
Colleen Dockstader, Director of Health Studies programming, Faculty of Arts & Science
Darren Dias, Executive Director, Toronto School of Theology
Christine Mitchell, Academic Dean, Knox College
Pam McCarroll, Vice-Principal, Emmanuel College
Gretchen Kerr, Dean, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
Ashley Stirling, Vice Dean, Programs, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
Katherine Tamminen, Associate Dean, Graduate Education, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
Meredith Strong, Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
Susan Hill, Director, Centre for Indigenous Studies, Faculty of Arts & Science
Marieme Lo, Director, African Studies Centre, Faculty of Arts & Science
Charmaine Williams, Dean, Factor Inwentash School Of Social Work
Suzanne Sicchia, Acting Vice-Dean, Teaching, Learning & Undergraduate Programs, University of Toronto Scarborough*
Bill Gough, Dean,University of Toronto Scarborough*
Thy Phu, Chair, Department of Arts, Culture and Media, University of Toronto Scarborough*
Patricia Houston, Interim Dean, Temerty Faculty of Medicine
(*attended remotely)
OPEN SESSION
- Chair’s Remarks
The Chair welcomed members and guests to the final meeting of the governance year. - Reports of the Administrative Assessors
The Chair invited the Senior Assessor, Professor Susan McCahan to make her report to the Committee.
Professor McCahan began her report by noting that she would be convening a Task Force on Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) to engage members of the University community in developing a vision and strategic plan for the University’s AI activities, and more information would be available in the coming months. One of the Task Force’s Working Groups would be focused on teaching and learning, and curricular matters.
Professor McCahan warmly thanked all the committee members for their thorough consideration of the reviews, the academic change proposals and other important academic matters that came before the Committee for consideration. She acknowledged the significant contributions the members dedicated to the Committee. She thanked the Committee leadership, Secretariat and to The Office of the Vice-Provost, Academic Programs (VPAP) team for all their terrific work to support the Committee.
A member commented that the focus of AI needed to extend beyond education and into graduate admissions, as AI was largely contributing to Statements of Intent. Professor McCahan responded that they were aware of this issue at both the undergraduate and graduate level, and that the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) had issued a statement on the use of AI and graduate work. She noted that they were working with Admissions regarding this issue. She noted that this would necessitate a re-thinking of admissions processes and types of submission materials given the impact of AI.
A member inquired as to when a report would be shared, Professor McCahan responded that U of T was one of the first universities to develop a FAQ for instructors last February 2023, and that this was updated frequently. She noted that a major revision was recently done to the FAQ and information posted on websites at the central teaching centre on AI and tips for AI for instructors. She added that the Libraries had a resourceful site on copyright, and use of materials and generative AI. She reported that all of these links were posted online, as well as syllabus language for faculty. She explained that the mandate of the task force was broader than teaching and learning, and reviewing AI more generally for the institution. She stated that she expected that a report and recommendations would be ready by spring 2025.
A member inquired if this task force would impact employment practices, in which Professor McCahan responded that it would and that the working groups would also include people strategy and administration, research and operations. She added that the working groups would explore the various frameworks needed for faculty around the subject of AI, and for development of methodologies, literature reviews, dissemination, that touched upon the different stages of research.
At the invitation of the Chair, Professor Leah Cowen, Vice-President, Research and Innovation, and Strategic Initiatives began her report by updating the committee on Research Security at the U of T, noting that a new policy had now come into effect at the federal level. Professor Cowen provided an overview of research security and its impact to the University community. She explained that there was a Research Security Team (RST) in place and highlighted the team’s roles and responsibilities, and how they help to safeguard research. She explained the various activities led by RST, and that the RST centered around the University’s principles of transparency, academic freedom, and equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Professor Cowen reported that there were three distinct government research security processes currently related to Canadian research funding:
- The National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships (NSGRP) Risk Assessment (NSERC Alliance / CFI at present)
- Ontario Research Fund(s) grants
- The Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern (STRAC)
- This Policy is far-reaching as it includes all Tri-Agency funding programs and awards (such as the NSERC McDonald Fellowships, Herzberg Gold Medal and SSHRC Impact Awards) and The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).
- This Policy is far-reaching as it includes all Tri-Agency funding programs and awards (such as the NSERC McDonald Fellowships, Herzberg Gold Medal and SSHRC Impact Awards) and The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).
Professor Cowen noted that as of May 1, the Federal policy states that research grant and funding applications that involve research that advances a sensitive technology research area would not be funded if any of the researchers involved in activities supported by the grant were affiliated with, or in receipt of funding, or in-kind support, from a university, research institute or laboratory connected to military, national defense, or state security entities that posed a risk to Canada’s national security. She reported that the government had released two lists:
- Sensitive Technology Research Areas (STRA)
- Named Research Organizations (NRO)
Professor Cowen explained the practical application of the process and compliance, and how to navigate the federal government policies and guidelines in collaboration with the Research Security Team. Professor Cowen highlighted additional details on the STRAC, such as the implementation of the Policy, processes, and how it would impact researchers. She noted that the Division of the Vice-President, Research & Innovation (VPRI) continues to collaborate with the tri-agencies on the implementation of the policy.
Professor Cowen remarked that there were a number of resources available to support colleagues across the university and assist researchers with the new processes for the federal agency grants on the VPRI website, as well as links to many other resources. She added that there were ongoing webinars offered by the tri-agencies, which were promoted on the Center for Research and Innovation Support (CRIS) website, newsletters, research alerts and the tri-agencies and their respective websites. She reported that the Research Security Team was meeting with divisions and departments across the three campuses, and was available to support communities and units with the process. She concluded her presentation by noting that they were rolling out a communications strategy about this new requirement, to build awareness and timed with major grant program deadlines that impacted researchers.
In the discussion that followed, Professor Cowen added that:
- All definitions and materials were carefully considered and researchers should refer to the website and government policies.
- There was no intent to slow down research funding cycles, as to avoid stifling the research funding ecosystem.
- The policy would involve an audit process that will be further defined at a later date.
- The list did not include any private sector organizations and would have to wait for more clarity from government on this point.
The Chair thanked Professors McCahan and Cowen for their reports.
- Proposal to close the Specialist in Health Studies, FAS
The Committee received and reviewed the proposed program closure of the Specialist in Health Studies, within the Faculty of Arts and Science.
Professor McCahan reported that closing programs was a normal and positive part of the academic process and that 67 programs and structures had been closed to date. There had been extensive consultations to close this program in advance of its consideration by the Committee. She explained that the decision to close the Health Studies Specialist was in response to the program’s 2019 UTQAP review, in addition to:
- Declining student enrolment in the Specialist;
- Preference of students to complete two majors rather than a Specialist program as part of their undergraduate degree; and
- The desire of the Department to focus resources on the more popular Major program.
Enrolment in the Specialist was administratively suspended as of February 5, 2024, with four students enrolled in the Specialist for the 2024-25 academic year. These students would be able to complete their program as the required courses would continue to be offered. The Major in Health Studies would also continue to be offered and this had been significantly changed this year through a separate major modification. The closure date of the Specialist program was slated for August 31, 2028 to allow extra time for the remaining students to complete their requirements. Professor McCahan concluded her remarks by noting that consultations had occurred with faculty members and students in the Department, and with the Dalla School of Public Health (DLSPH).
Members had no questions.
On motion duly made, seconded, and carried
IT WAS RESOLVED,
THAT the proposed closure of the Specialist in Health Studies, Faculty of Arts and Science, dated March 18, 2024, to which admissions were administratively suspended on February 5, 2024, be approved with an anticipated program closure date of August 31, 2028.
- List of University of Toronto programs eligible for the Ontario Co-operative Education Tax Credit, 2024-25
The Committee received and reviewed the proposed Ontario Co-operative Education Tax Credit: Approved List of Programs, 2024-25.
Professor McCahan reported that the provincial government provided a tax credit to a maximum of $3,000 per placement to private employers who provided paid placements, which were part of students’ academic program requirements. The approved list of programs reflected programs that met the Ontario Co-operative Tax Credit criteria and was not an exhaustive list of total placements available to students at the University.
She highlighted that 43 new programs had been added to the 2024-25 eligibility list. The Faculty of Arts & Science, for the Master of Mathematical Finance (MMF) and the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, for the Master of Health Science (MHSc) in Medical Physiology, had each added 1 graduate program to the eligibility list. 12 undergraduate programs were added to the eligibility list through an expansion of the Arts & Science Internship Program (ASIP), and 12 from UTSC through similar expansions to new Co-op offerings in the sciences. 17 undergraduate programs were also added from UTM, following the recently approved UTM Co-op Internship Program (UTMCIP) that was included in this year’s Annual Report on Major Modifications.
Members had no questions.
On motion duly made, seconded, and carried
IT WAS RESOLVED,
THAT the 2024-2025 List of University of Toronto Programs Eligible for the Ontario Co-operative Education Tax Credit, dated May 8, 2024, be approved. - Change to degree name: Master of Pastoral Studies (MPS), Toronto School of Theology (TST)
The Committee reviewed the recommendation of the change to degree name of the Master of Pastoral Studies, for the Toronto School of Theology (TST).
Professor McCahan began her report by noting that the Toronto School of Theology (TST) was a consortium of 7 theology colleges. The member institutions consisted of:
- Emmanuel;
- Knox;
- St. Augustine’s;
- Regis;
- Wycliffe Colleges;
- St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology; and
- Trinity College Faculty of Divinity.
Professor McCahan explained that U of T, TST and its member institutions had conjointly offered a series of degree programs in theology since 1978. Conjoint degree programs were “conferred by the simultaneous exercise of the power and authority” of U of T and the seven TST member institutions. The details of U of T and TST’s operational and academic relationship were laid out in a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that was last renewed on July 1, 2022.
Professor McCahan noted that the proposal to rename the degree was of the Master of Pastoral Studies to the Master of Psychospiritual Studies (MPS) and the MPS degree was offered by Emmanuel College and Knox College. She added that the MPS was a 20-credit professional second-entry undergraduate degree that could be completed through either full-time or part-time registration. This degree program equipped graduates in a variety of sectors, such as health care, mental health; community and social services, and faith-based communities. She remarked that the degree name changed to reflect the academic goals and content of the degree and to align with the nomenclature in professional fields that many MPS graduates pursue. Additionally, the degree name would enhance recognizability to potential employers, and that the language of “psychospiritual studies” was more inclusive of the degree’s multi-faith academic content and the students undertaking this degree.
Professor McCahan reported that there had been extensive consultation within TST among faculty, staff and students, and external consultations with the Faculty of Arts and Science; Ontario Institute for Studies in Education; University of Toronto Mississauga; and University of Toronto Scarborough. She concluded her report by noting that students were the driving force for the change in nomenclature and had identified this need over the past few years.
Members had no questions.
On motion duly made, seconded, and carried
IT WAS RECOMMENDED,
THAT the degree name of the Master of Pastoral Studies, as described in the proposal from the Toronto School of Theology dated April 23, 2024, be renamed Master of Psychospiritual Studies approved effective September 1, 2024.
- Amendments to the Policy on the Transfer of Course Credits
The Chair reminded members that it was part of the mandate of the Committee to consider policies pertaining to admission policies.
Ms Angelique Saweczko, University Registrar began her report by noting that the university was proposing several updates to the Policy on Transfer of Course Credits. She noted that the revisions to the Policy were last considered by the Committee in 1994. She explained that the Policy provided guidance to academic units regarding the recognition of transfer credit from Ontario Universities. Since this time, the university had undergone significant change resulting from various initiatives such as study abroad opportunities, student intake, and partnerships.
Ms Saweczko reported that three Faculty of Arts and Science divisions formulated a working group to discuss challenges with current transfer credit practices and to review divisional policies with the goal of better aligning current policies. While the working group focused on divisional policies, a recommendation was made to review the university policy for better alignment with the planned divisional changes.
The University Registrar’s Office, in collaboration with academic units initiated this review in October 2023. Broad consultations were conducted throughout the review process to ensure the needs of different academic units were addressed. This included undergraduate, professional and graduate registrar’s through the weekly registrar meeting, presentations at the VPAP Academic Roundtable, the vice-provosts, the council of first entry Deans and the VPSEM Student Advisory Group.
The review resulted in several recommended changes to the Policy, which many were reflected current practices. The changes included:
- Inclusion of definitions for on-admission, post-admission transfer credit and recognized institution;
- The inclusion of a policy statement;
- Updated language to better reflect current practices around recognized institutions;
- Addition of two principles regarding post-admission transfer credit.
- The limitations around the acceptance of credits from courses administered by third party organizations; and
- The need for prior approval for transfer credit for courses completed online.
A member inquired if the policy changes were to capture current practices or if this was to drive change, in which Ms Saweczko responded that this was intended to update current practices. She noted that the online courses were a current practice and was listed in a number of calendars. The Registrars provided oversight over the processes. She added that the significant and new addition was the increased presence of third-party course credit providers.
A member asked for more clarification around the third-party course credit providers in which Ms Saweczko responded that there were different models but, in many cases, they were not education institutions. She noted that the third parties would negotiate with other institutions around reduced tuition, wrap-around supports and that they mainly targeted international students. She clarified that these third party providers had no existing relationship with the University, and was falsely presenting themselves as having some link to the University.
A member inquired about the number of permitted transfer credits at the department level, in which Ms Saweczko responded that the policies were determined at the divisional level, as every division was administered differently. She noted that some divisions had tight limitations on the number of credits they could transfer due to accreditation requirements, while others were considered more generous.
On motion duly made, seconded, and carried
IT WAS RECOMMENDED,
THAT the proposed amendment to the Policy on Transfer of Course Credits be approved, effective immediately.
- Amendments to the Statement Concerning Changes of Student Personal Information in Official Academic Records
The Chair reminded members that it was part of the mandate of the Committee to consider policies pertaining to academic services.
Ms Angelique Saweczko, University Registrar began her report by noting the revisions to the statement were more recent, having been approved in 2009. She explained that this was a forward policy at that time, acknowledging the many different names by which students wished to be addressed by, or having personal information that was representative of their identity in their record.
She noted that refinements needed to be made to better track the legal names of students for different types of activities, such as matters related to taxation or accreditation and licensing boards. Slight adjustments to the statement were needed to clarify changes to information that reflected best practices with student record management and to reduce confusion, especially relating to name changes. She remarked that there had been extensive consultations with numerous stakeholders on the proposed changes, which were outlined in the cover sheets.
Proposed changes to the statement included:
- Clarification that a student’s first and middle name could be changed without a legal name change.
- Clarification of the names that would appear on official documents (transcripts and diploma).
- Clarification that the university would accept name changes post -graduation, with supporting documents.
- Removal of gender specific pronouns.
- Inclusion of a reference to the guideline document.
Ms Saweczko concluded her reporting by noting that several changes were also made to the associated guidelines and were provided for information.
A member inquired about the process should a student have multiple names, (i.e. five) in which Ms Saweczko responded that this was related to the fields in the system, that students with multiple names could be accommodated in the system. This accommodation extended to a single name, letters or initials as well. She noted that there were separate guidelines on how the University captured the information in the system, which was not affected by the policy document.
On motion duly made, seconded, and carried
IT WAS RECOMMENDED,
THAT the proposed Amendments to the Statement Concerning Changes of Student Personal Information in Official Academic Records be approved, effective immediately.
- New Program: Master of Kinesiology, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
The Committee received and reviewed the proposal for a Master of Kinesiology program in the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education.
Professor McCahan began her report by noting that this new program was a three-session full-time degree program and could be taken through part-time registration. Students would complete 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:
- 1.0 FCE of required courses;
- 2.0 FCEs of MKin designated courses;
- 1.0 FCE of either placement or capstone activity; and
- 1.0 FCE in elective courses.
The degree program prepared students to understand kinesiology-related aspects of health and wellness, exercise as medicine, and inclusive physical activity. There was a wide range of employment sectors such as registered kinesiologist, exercise physiologist, and policy advisor to name a few. Professor McCahan concluded her report by noting that external consultations had occurred with the Council of Health Sciences.
Dean Gretchen Kerr added that these proposals aligned with their new academic plan which emphasized transformative inclusivity, attracting diverse students, and had the ability to offer diverse pathways. She noted that these course-based master's programs addressed a gap in the field, both to prepare students for employment, or to upskill practitioners that wanted to advance their education.
A member inquired about the pathways of eligibility into the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario in which Dean Kerr responded that the College required a bachelor of Kinesiology or related degree. Applicants with different degrees could write the qualifying exam to be registered as a Kinesiologist in Ontario. She explained that these degrees would include previous degree learning outcomes and expand their education, and offer students more career options.
On motion duly made, seconded, and carried
IT WAS RECOMMENDED,
THAT the proposed degree program, Master of Kinesiology as described in the proposal from the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education dated March 14, 2024 be approved effective September 1, 2025.
- New Program: Master of Sport Science, Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education
The Committee received and reviewed the proposal for a Master of Sport Science, in the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education.
Professor McCahan began her report by noting that this new program was also a three-session full-time degree program and could be taken through part-time registration. Students would complete 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:
- 1.0 FCE of required courses;
- 2.0 FCEs of MSS designated courses;
- 1.0 FCE of either placement or capstone activity; and
- 1.0 FCE in elective courses.
The degree program was designed to prepare graduates to work as a member of a sport sciences team in a variety of roles. External consultation had occurred with the Council of Health Sciences which included all of the divisions in the health sciences.
A member inquired as to why the program was abbreviated MSS and not MSSc in which Ashley Stirling, Vice Dean, Programs responded that it was in consideration of other graduate programs that existed in KPE, which was a Master of Science that was abbreviated to MSc, thus being able to distinguish between the two.
On motion duly made, seconded, and carried
IT WAS RECOMMENDED,
THAT the proposed degree program, Master of Sport Sciences as described in the proposal from the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education dated March 14, 2024 be approved effective September 1, 2025.
- Reviews of Academic Programs and Units
The Chair noted to the Committee that there were four follow-up reports:- The Provostial UTQAP review of the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work and its programs;
- The Decanal review of the Faculty of Arts & Science, African Studies program;
- The Decanal review of the University of Toronto Scarborough campus (UTSC) New Media Studies Program (offered jointly with Centennial College); and
- The Decanal review of the Faculty of Arts & Science, Centre for Indigenous Studies and its program.
Professor McCahan reported that under the University of Toronto quality assurance process (UTQAP) this committee may request a one year follow up report when concerns are raised in an external report that require a longer period of response. At the Cycle 4 and 5 meetings in February and April, 2023, the committee requested follow-up reports for four UTQAP reviews, from three different divisions.
She then summarized the four follow up reports detailing the actions that the Dean’s office had undertaken since their reviews were brought forward to this committee.
The Provostial UTQAP review of the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work and its programs
The follow-up for the review of the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work (FIFSW) reported on the progress on curriculum renewal diversification and internationalization, and progress on addressing concerns related to Faculty climate, including faculty workload and administrative roles, support staff, and decision-making processes. Since the 2021-22 Provostial review of the Faculty of Social Work, the Faculty made numerous interventions to develop its curriculum and co-curricular environment to meet the needs of its diverse and globally-minded student population.
These interventions included:
- Curriculum review and development;
- International student orientation and inclusion programming;
- EDI orientation;
- Development of practice consultation groups;
- Co-curricular programming; and
- The recognition of dates of significance for a broader range of cultural, religious and political events.
The Faculty’s efforts to diversify the curriculum and mentor its diverse student population reflected a broader strategy to foster a profession that represented diversity, centered equity, and embraced the tasks of decolonization and reconciliation. Social Work prioritized the Faculty climate and culture since the 2021-22 review and had taken concrete steps towards improvements, such as:
- Increased administrative supports;
- Faculty workload assessments;
- Building accountability into leadership roles; and
- Introducing key roles and initiatives to contribute to a more supportive and inclusive environment.
Work was underway to further ensure that faculty and staff members felt supported, valued, and recognized as important members of the FIFSW community.
The Decanal review of the Faculty of Arts & Science, African Studies program
The follow-up for the Decanal review of the Faculty of Arts & Science, African Studies program reported on the transitioning of the program into an EDU. The Dean’s office reported that a thorough curriculum review and new faculty had led to a suite of new permanent African Studies courses. The African Studies Centre (ASC) had worked to enhance outreach and recruitment opportunities, and expand both co- and extra-curricular opportunities, and established new scholarships and awards.
A major gift to the University provided transformative impact on need-based financial aid resources. Faculty stabilization was a key priority and the transfer of six existing appointments from New College into ASC were completed, with more hires expected. The establishment of ASC as an EDU:B was a first step toward the goal of future graduate programming, and began discussions with SGS about a graduate degree proposal. ASC was designated as a high priority for the division and faculty, with support towards the unit in its new capacity as an EDU:B. Discussions about budget, programming needs, and space were ongoing.
The Decanal review of the University of Toronto Scarborough campus (UTSC) New Media Studies Program (offered jointly with Centennial College)
The follow-up for the Decanal review of the University of Toronto Scarborough campus (UTSC) New Media Studies Program provided an update on the significant redesign of the program. The UTSC Department of Arts, Culture and Media (ACM) had been engaged in curriculum renewal for the joint program, as well as its Media Studies offerings. A restructuring of the joint program and consultations with Centennial College were ongoing, with plans for implementation in Fall 2025.
Planned revisions to ACM’s Media Studies offerings would support the joint program by providing a stable set of elective courses. There was continued work towards the implementation of review recommendations in collaboration with the Chair of ACM.
A member inquired about the term journalism versus new media studies in which Dean Bill Gough responded that the terms were distinct. Professor Thy Phu added that new media studies was a practice-based field of creation in digital media. She also noted that a major modification proposal had recently been approved for the Major in Media, Journalism and Digital Cultures, which included changing the name of the program to the Major in Media Communication Studies.
The Decanal review of the Faculty of Arts & Science, Centre for Indigenous Studies and its program
The follow-up for the review of the Faculty of Arts & Science Centre for Indigenous Studies provided an update on all comments in the Dean’s administrative response, as the Centre was undergoing a large transformation both at the local and institutional levels when the review was brought forward for discussion. Updates to each review recommendation for the Centre for Indigenous Studies were presented in the one-year follow-up report table.
- Key developments included:
- Enhancing efforts to promote CIS courses and strengthen student advising;
- Updating course content and removing inactive courses;
- Exploring the potential development of a graduate program and a MOOC offering;
- Expanding Indigenous-focused experiential learning opportunities for FAS students;
- Strengthening faculty complement and addressing workload concerns;
- Engaging in leadership succession planning;
- Increasing CIS’s visual presence on campus and in the local Indigenous community;
- Exploring strategies to support the recruitment of Indigenous students;
- Adding staff positions and addressing space needs;
- Increasing the Centre’s operational budget;
- And working with Advancement to identify fundraising priorities
- Annual Report: Certificates (For-Credit and Not-for-Credit), 2023-24
The Committee received and reviewed the Annual Report: Certificates (For-Credit and Not-for-Credit), 2023-24, for information.
Professor McCahan reminded the Committee that the Policy on Certificates (For-Credit and Not-For-Credit) provided Deans and their divisions academic authority and oversight over certificate programs.
Professor McCahan reported that the For-Credit Certificate Report included two types of certificates: stand-alone certificates (Category 1); and certificates taken in conjunction with undergraduate degree programs (Category 2). There was a total of 70 for-credit certificates: 10 stand-alone certificates and 60 certificates taken in conjunction with undergraduate programs. During 2023-24, two new category 2 certificates were approved: One in the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering: Electric Vehicle Design and the other in UTM: Computational Linguistics.
The Not-For-Credit certificates Report included 238 items with 30 certificates closed and 23 new certificates that had been added this year, reflecting growth in interest in continuing, professional and executive education learning. Several not-for-credit certificates opened in the areas of machine learning and artificial intelligence.
She concluded her report highlighting a recent addition on OSAP Eligible Micro-credentials as an addendum to the Not-For-Credit Report that listed all offerings meeting the Ministry’s specific criteria for micro credentials. This report was a comprehensive list of the 211 University offerings currently approved for OSAP eligibility for the 2023-24 OSAP year as of late Fall, 2023.
Members had no questions. - Annual Report: Graduate Collaborative Specialization Reviews, 2023-24
The Committee received and reviewed the Annual Report: Graduate Collaborative Specialization Reviews, 2023-24, for information.
Professor McCahan reported that four external reviews of collaborative specializations were conducted in 2023-24; two commissioned by the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, one by the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, and one by the Faculty of Information which were all led by the Faculty Dean following the review processes set out in the Guidelines.
She commented that the reviews focused on evaluating the quality and additional value provided in the multidisciplinary environment of a collaborative specialization, and highlighted that the Report indicated a continued interest and commitment for three of the four collaborative specializations and their memorandums of agreements were recommended for renewal.
She concluded by noting that the review of the Collaborative Specialization in Biomedical Engineering identified several challenges, including low enrolments and overall engagement. A proposal is being developed by the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering to close the collaborative specialization through the major modification process.
Members had no questions. - Annual Report: Major Modifications, 2023-24
The Committee received and reviewed the Annual Report: Major Modifications, 2023-24, for information.
Professor McCahan commented that the Report included 23 major modifications and highlighted (2) changes which were changes to program mode of delivery, and a new Co-op internship program. She noted that as part of this Report, included was a list of minor modifications. The list included only those minor changes that had affected the structure of programs, such as the creation of new undergraduate focuses, graduate emphases, the renaming of program offerings. No changes to transcript notations to report.
Members had no questions. - Report on the Review of Clinical Departments, 2023-24
The Committee received and reviewed the Report on the Review of Clinical Departments 2023-24, for information.
Professor McCahan noted that this report was commissioned by the Dean of the Temerty Faculty of Medicine and were not UTQAP reviews. It highlighted the unique contribution clinical departments make to the Faculty’s education programs. The intent of the reviews was to help assess and improve quality. The report included one review, the Department of Medicine for 2023-24.
The review was very positive, with reviewers commenting on the high quality of teaching and the remarkable scope, quality and relevance of the clinical department’s research activities.
A member commented that there were no weaknesses addressed in the report and inquired if the recommendations should be viewed with the lens of continuous quality improvement, in which Dean Patricia Houston responded that they could always do better, and that the review offered an opportunity to sustain and grow the department.
CONSENT AGENDA
On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried
YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED
THAT the consent agenda be adopted and that Item 15, the Report of the Previous Meeting, be approved.
- Report of the Previous Meeting: Report Number 223 – April 10, 2024
The report of the previous meeting was approved. - Business Arising from the Report of the Previous Meeting
There was no business arising from the report of the previous meeting. -
Date of the Next Meeting: September 19, 2024, 3:10 – 5:10 p.m.
The Chair confirmed that the next meeting of the Committee would be held on Thursday, September 19, 2024 in the Council Chamber. - Other Business
Being the final meeting of the governance year for the Committee, the Chair thanked members for their careful consideration of the many items that was brought to the Committee throughout the year. She thanked the Assessors (Susan McCahan, Joshua Barker, Leah Cowen and Angelique Saweczko), the VPAP team (Lachmi Singh; Emma del Junco; Jennifer Francisco; Annette Knott; David Lock; and Alexandra Varela) for their dedication and hard work, and Ms. Joanne Chou and the University Secretariat for their support of the Committee.
The meeting adjourned at 4:32 p.m.
May 17, 2024