Report: Committee on Academic Policy and Programs - May 13, 2025

Report Number 229 Of The Committee Of Academic Policy & Programs

Tuesday, May, 13, 2025

To the Academic Board,
University of Toronto,

Your Committee reports that it held a meeting on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 3:10 p.m. in the Council Chamber, Simcoe Hall with the following members present:

PRESENT: Catherine Amara (Chair), Walid Houry (Vice-Chair), Nicholas Rule (Vice-Provost, Academic Programs), Joshua Barker (Vice-Provost, Graduate Research & Education and Dean, School of Graduate Studies), Robert Austin*, Sheila Batacharya, Daniel Bowyer, Laurent Bozec, Pier Bryden, Susan Bondy, Annabelle Dravid, Ehab James, Shone Joos*, Akina Lalla, Marcus Law, Karen Reid, Suzanne Wood

REGRETS: Angelique Saweczko (University Registrar), Robert Cooper, Tarun Dewan, Joe Flessa, Jason Harlow, Yee Fun Lo, Amy Mann, Anuradha Prakki, Rosa Saverino, Kevin Temple

NON-VOTING ASSESSORS: Leah Cowen (Vice-President, Research and Innovation, and Strategic Initiatives)

SECRETARIAT: Joanne Chou (Secretary), Timothy Harlick

IN ATTENDANCE:
Doug McDougall, Chair, Academic Board
Joe Milner, Vice-Dean, MBA Programs, Joseph L. Rotman School of Management
Julie Audet, Vice-Dean Graduate Studies, Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
Paul Yoo, BME Associate Director, Professional Programs, Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
Bryan Stewart, Vice-Dean, Academic Programs, UTM
Brady Peters, Associate Dean, Academic, John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design
Paula Rayson, Registrar and Director, Student Services, John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design
Margarida Duarte, Vice-Dean, Undergraduate, UTM
Renu Kanga Fonseca, Registrar & Assistant Dean, Enrolment Management, UTM
Christopher Yip, Dean, Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
Katie Larson, Vice-Dean, Teaching, Learning & Undergraduate Programs, UTSC
Shelby Verboven, Registrar & Assistant Dean, Strategic Enrolment Management, UTSC*
George Arhonditsis, Chair and Graduate Chair, Department of Physical & Environmental Sciences, UTSC
Don Boyes, Acting Vice-Dean, Undergraduate, Faculty of Arts & Sciences
Tamara Jones, Senior Advisor, Policy Review and Implementation, Faculty of Arts & Sciences
Nevine Chawra, Associate Faculty Registrar & Director, Registrar Services, Faculty of Arts & Sciences
Lynn Wilson, Vice-Dean, Clinical and Faculty Affairs, Temerty Faculty of Medicine
Benoit Mulsant, Chair, Department of  Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine
Emma del Junco, Academic Reviews & Planning Specialist, Office of the Vice-Provost, Academic Programs 
David Lock, Academic Reviews & Planning Specialist, Office of the Vice-Provost, Academic Programs 
Alexandra Varela, Coordinator, Academic Programs, Office of the Vice-Provost, Academic Programs 
Lachmi Singh, Director, Academic Programs, Planning & Quality Assurance, Office of the Vice-Provost, Academic Programs
Jennifer Francisco, Academic Change Specialist, Office of the Vice-Provost, Academic Programs
Annette Knott, Academic Change Specialist

(*attended remotely)

OPEN SESSION

1. Chair’s Remarks
   
   
   The Chair welcomed members and guests to the final meeting of the governance year.
   
   Recognition of the Committee on Academic Policy and Programs Chair
   
   
   Professor Doug McDougall, Chair, Academic Board, thanked Professor Catherine Amara for her service to the Committee as its Chair from 2023 - 2025. He stated that Professor Amara had been an excellent Chair, managing meetings in an efficient and respectful manner, encouraging members to ask questions and share their views at meetings, and skilled facilitation of meetings over the 2-year period. He noted that during her time as Chair, the Committee played a critical role in the reviews of all academic programs and units at the University. Professor McDougall added that Professor Amara had provided excellent advice to the senior assessor and to all the other assessors.
   
   As a token of appreciation and consistent with tradition, Professor McDougall presented a Chair to Professor Amara in recognition of exemplary service and leadership.  Members of the Committee applauded Professor Amara’s recognition.
   
   Professor Nicholas Rule expressed sincere appreciation for Professor Amara’s leadership on the Committee, acknowledged her passion for program quality, deft guidance to reading groups, and her nuanced sense of the important work the committee members accomplished every year.  He commended her commitment and thanked Professor Amara for her wisdom, service, dedication, movement breaks, and wished her well.
2. Reports of the Administrative Assessors
   
   
   The Chair invited the Voting Assessor, Professor Joshua Barker, Vice-Provost, Graduate Research and Education, and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies (“SGS”) to offer his report to the Committee.  
   
   Professor Barker began his report by providing an update regarding the SGS Working Group on the Final Oral Examination (“FOE”). The working group presented a report to SGS, which was now in process for wider community consultation. The FOE was geared towards PhD students and professional doctorate students and was an important milestone in their degrees. It involved a large number of people that included supervisors, committee members, chairs, external assessors, and administrative staff. Approximately 1000 exams were conducted per year, demonstrating the large undertaking, and that success was critical to the student experience. Professor Barker noted that the report was now available on the SGS website, and was recently highlighted in the Provost’s Digest. He encouraged members to review the report and offer feedback. He added that while people were quite satisfied with the existing system, there were discussions around minor changes to the system, such as committee chairs, and language around the development of other exam components in the closed session that SGS required.
   
   Professor Barker remarked that there was a desire to retain flexibility in the mode of exam, and recommended changes to the language of the outcomes when thesis were approved through the FOE, focusing on the timeline as being the critical factor in the process. He added that there were a few minor changes related to the engagement of an external appraiser and the appraiser appointment process and criteria. He concluded by noting that while these were the changes being considered, they could be minor but were quite meaningful in the process and welcomed member’s engagement.
   
   A member commented that these changes were very appreciated, noting their own experiences as chair of many exams, and that the change would greatly facilitate the work much more efficiently.
   
   The Chair then invited Professor Leah Cowen, Vice-President, Research and Innovation, and Strategic Initiatives to offer her report.
   
   Professor Cowen began by noting 3 main updates. She informed members that the Research Leadership Academy welcomed its first cohort of 23 faculty members in January 2024. It was a year-long program which focused on mid-career faculty members, developed by the Centre for Research & Innovation Support (“CRIS”), and provided support and mentorship from established research leaders and their peers. The Academy graduated its first cohort earlier this year, and would soon launch the call for applications for its second cohort for the 2025-26 academic year, to launch in January 2026.
   
   Professor Cowen then moved on to matters related to US funding, noting the considerable uncertainty. She reminded members that the Provost Digest had also referenced the same US funding uncertainties, particularly the National Science Foundation (“NSF”) and the National Institutes of Health (“NIH”). The NIH policy change has paused foreign subawards (new, renewal or non-competing continuation) while a new structure is developed to manage these, expected no later than September 30. This change impacts subawards held by Principal Investigators on campus and at affiliated hospitals. VPRI worked closely with relevant divisions to advise on appropriate actions once official correspondence was received by the principal investigator from either NIH or the primary award holders institution. She reported that NSF had halted all new funding, and VPRI recommended that faculty members review their eligibility for US funding with sponsors and consider the current uncertainties when determining whether to apply to these agencies.
   
   Lastly, Professor Cowen stated that the VPRI 2024 annual report was live on the website and encouraged members to review the report. The report demonstrated the extraordinary breadth and depth of research and innovation excellence across the tri-campus community and with partner hospitals, as well as their impact locally, nationally and globally.
   
   Members had no questions.
   
   The Chair thanked both Professor Barker and Professor Cowen for their reports.
3. New Program: Master of Management, Rotman
   
   
   Professor Rule reported that the Rotman School of Management proposed a new professional master’s degree, called the Master of Management.
   
   The program was a three-session, full time degree to begin in late May of each year. The initial enrollment was aimed for 40 students, growing to 70 in year 2, and 136 in a steady state. The program was scheduled to start May 2026. Applicants would attain a bachelor’s degree in a non-business field, with no more than 2.5 years of full-time work experience. Admitted students would complete 7.0 full-course-equivalents, consisting of:

• 5.0 FCEs of required courses focused on accounting, finance and marketing; and
• 2.0 FCEs of electives that allow students to customize their learning based on their individual interests.

The program included experiential learning opportunities and culminated in a practicum where students undertook real-world projects with a partner organization. The Rotman Master of Management was distinguished from other Master of Management programs through its focus on cultivating communication skills, the ability to work in teams, and was distinguished from the existing Master of Business Administration (“MBA”) as it would admit early-career students who weren’t on a leadership track within their profession. Graduates would be well placed for roles that included management consultants, marketing analysts, and financial analysts. Consultation outside of the Rotman School of Management occurred with the Dalla Lana School of Public Health (“DLSPH”), John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design (“DFALD”), Faculty of Arts & Science (“FAS”), Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering (“FASE”), Faculty of Information, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education (“KPE”), Temerty Faculty of Medicine (“TFoM”), Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto Mississauga (“UTM”) and the University of Toronto Scarborough (“UTSC”).

Members had no questions.

On motion duly made, seconded, and carried

IT WAS RECOMMENDED,  

THAT the proposed degree program, Master of Management as described in the proposal from the Joseph L. Rotman School of Management dated April 15, 2025 be approved effective May 25, 2026. 

4. New Program: Major in Climate Change Studies, University of Toronto Scarborough
   
   
   The Committee received and reviewed the new program proposal of the Major in Climate Change Studies, at UTSC.
   
   Professor Rule reported that the new undergraduate Major in Climate Change Studies led to the Honours Bachelor of Arts degree, and would be offered by the Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences at UTSC. The program was scheduled to commence in September 2025. This unique Major program was rooted in both social sciences and environmental studies. The program was designed to address the growing demand for education that integrated the human, political, social, and scientific dimensions of the climate crisis. The program had unlimited enrolment, and students would complete a total of 8.5 credits and consisting of:

• 2.5 credits in foundations courses focused on understanding and addressing the social, economic, political, and ecological aspects of the climate crisis;
• 1.5 credits in core courses focused on the human dimensions of climate change; and
• 4.5 credits in applications and skills focused on building on foundational knowledge in environmental studies and interdisciplinary approaches to climate change.

Graduates of the Major were well-positioned for careers as climate policy analysts, sustainability consultants, environmental educators, climate adaptation specialists, and communications professionals. Consultation outside of UTSC occurred with FAS, UTM, DFALD, and FASE and all lent their support.

In response to a member’s question regarding the current capacity of teaching staff to support the program within the unit, Professor Rule responded that the existing program did not differ substantially, and the existing capacity of the unit was sufficient to support the new program. As things progressed, additional hirings would be considered at the discretion of the division.

Katie Larson, Vice-Dean, Teaching, Learning & Undergraduate Programs, UTSC added that the division was well positioned to support the program in terms of its current faculty. The program's intersection with sustainability was aligned with campus prioritization of its mission. She added that there were Canada Research Chair (“CRC”) and Canada Excellence Research Chairs (“CERC”) initiatives which were underway, and aligned with future staffing needs in the program. The baseline needs for the program was well supported with faculty and departmental support.

In response to a member’s question regarding staff being under duress with workload and what provisions were in place to support them, Professor Rule responded that there was a misunderstanding about the reasons regarding staff duress. During the time of the external reviewers, there were a number of temporary leaves which gave a wrong impression.  He concluded that the Department was well supported with the existing HR resources to support the program and the rest of their programs in the unit.

On motion duly made, seconded, and carried

IT WAS RESOLVED,

THAT the proposed Major in Climate Change Studies, which will confer the existing HBA degree, as described in the proposal from the University of Toronto Scarborough dated April 28, 2025, be approved effective September 1, 2025.

5. Program Closure: Master of Health Science (MHSc) in Clinical Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering
   
   
   The Committee received and reviewed the proposed program closure of the Master of Health Science (MHSc) in Clinical Engineering, at the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering.
   
   Professor Rule began by noting that while the institution opened academic activities, they also closed them. Program closures was a normal and positive part of program evolution and quality assurance, underscoring the academic circle of life. Closure proposals were carefully considered and subject to extensive consultation prior to coming forward to governance. The closure of the Master of Health Science in Clinical Engineering, in FASE was administratively suspended in 2021 due to low enrollment amidst evolving academic priorities. The closure eliminated redundancy with the existing Master of Applied Science and Master of Engineering programs in Biomedical Engineering.
   
   Broad consultation took place from 2018 to 2021 with students, faculty, and partner deans and stakeholders, all of whom supported its closure. Institute of Biomedical Engineering’s 2021 UTQAP review confirmed that the program no longer aligned with student demand or academic priorities. There were no current students in the program, with the closure to take effect as of August 31st.
   
   On motion duly made, seconded, and carried
   
   IT WAS RECOMMENDED,  
   
   THAT the proposed closure of the Master of Health Science in Clinical Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, dated March 26, 2025, to which admissions were administratively suspended on January 1, 2021, be approved with an anticipated program closure date of August 31, 2025.
6. Program Closure: Specialist in Environmental Geosciences, University of Toronto, Mississauga
   
   
   The Committee received and reviewed a second proposed program closure of the Specialist in Environmental Geosciences, UTM.
   
   Professor Rule reported that this second program closure was the Specialist in Environmental Geosciences at UTM which was administratively suspended in October 2024 due to low enrollment, resourcing challenges, and changes in the discipline such that the program no longer aligned with industry standards. Students that were interested in this area of study could complete the Specialist in Earth Sciences. Therefore, this program closure would not negatively affect students, faculty, or program offerings at UTM.
   
   Broad consultation occurred over several years with students and faculty at UTM, and with cognate departments in FAS with those stakeholders supporting its closure. There were no current students in the program and closure was intended to take effect on August 31^st.
   
   In response to a member’s question regarding the enrollment of other specialist programs while noting the overall number of specialist program closures, Professor Rule responded that enrollment in other specialist programs were robust, and that the Earth Sciences program did well. He cited an example of a similar scenario at another institution and remarked that there could be more future specialist program closures in the future, noting that some specialist programs experienced overall robust enrollment.
   
   On motion duly made, seconded, and carried
   
   IT WAS RESOLVED,
   
   THAT the proposed closure of the Specialist in Environmental Geosciences, University of Toronto Mississauga, as described in the proposal dated March 31, 2025, to which admissions were administratively suspended on October 25, 2024, be approved with an anticipated program closure date of August 31, 2025.
7. New Regulation Proposal: Create Repeating Failed Courses Policy, John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design
   
   
   The Committee reviewed the recommendation to create a repeating failed course policy, at the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design.
   
   Professor Rule began by noting the series of undergraduate academic regulations that came forward for the Committee’s consideration. Many of these changes were a result from collegial collaboration amongst the Registrarial colleagues across the undergraduate divisions offering HBA and HBSc degrees on how to best support students at U of T’s complex degree ecosystem.
   
   Professor Rule explained that the changes advanced the regulations that supported that integrity of the degrees and provided a framework to help students navigate their academic paths more effectively, and make informed decisions about their studies. The DFALD proposal created a new policy that formally documented the longstanding but unofficial practice of allowing students to repeat failed courses. The absence of a written policy confirmed that students could retake courses they failed led to inconsistent advising and confusion among students in the Faculty. The formalization of the existing practice enhanced transparency among students, faculty, and staff, and ensured a clear, authoritative reference for future questions. Consultation beyond DFALD occurred with the FAS, UTM, and UTSC, all of whom supported the proposed change. The policy aimed to take effect September 1, 2025.
   
   In response to a member’s question regarding how this new regulation compared to other faculties and divisions, Professor Rule responded that given the institution’s decentralization, it was aligned with other undergraduate divisions that offered HBA and HBSc.
   
   In response to a member’s question regarding the impact of the CGPA and associated number of attempts, Professor Rule responded that all attempts contributed to the CGPA. 
   
   A member expressed concern regarding the infinite number of repeat attempts and the potential academic impact on students and their graduation, and suggested to consider a pathway to end the cycle if it became too repetitive.
   
   A member requested further information regarding the process for the learner or unit to decide that the outcome of a failed course would not impact GPA, Professor Paula Rayson, Registrar and Director, Student Services, John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design responded that they would review and consider the options. She acknowledged the concern regarding the infinite number of times that a student could take a course, and noted that they had not come across this scenario. She added that they would also enhance the proposed text to make it clear and concise, and easier to understand.
   
   A member expressed concern around the lack of clarity regarding the timeline, criteria, and reasoning, and suggested improving the clarity around the communication regarding these processes.
   
   In response to a member’s question if the policy reflected the current situation at the Faculty and if the proposed policy was to formalize an existing practice, Professor Rule responded that this was the understanding.
   
   A member commented that as the proposed change in text of the new policy was to provide transparency, there needed to be measures in place to protect the students and the impact of their CGPA from continuous repeated attempts of taking a failed course. Professor Paula Rayson, Registrar and Director, Student Services, John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design responded that they hadn’t encountered any student caught in an endless loop situation. She explained that academic advisors allowed students to repeat courses they failed, and this went towards their CGPA. The proposal formalized this process into policy.
   
   A member noted that endless loops could occur given the number of students enrolled at the institution at any given year, and some students resisted accommodation or counseling from accessibility services which limited the re-attempts as it became an obligation with positive intentions. Professor Paula Rayson, Registrar and Director, Student Services, John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design agreed, noting that the Faculty monitored student grades, and proactively supported students that were struggling.
   
   Don Boyes, Acting Vice-Dean, Undergraduate, Faculty of Arts & Sciences remarked that this proposal reflected a long standing practice in DFALD, FAS, UTM and UTSC and was intended to offer transparency around this practice. In the FAS calendar, he added that there was text advising students that considered repeating a failed course to contact the registrar’s office. He confirmed that FAS had also not encountered an endless loop scenario. Professor Rule reiterated to the committee that the proposal was to formalize the existing practice for clarity, and that DFALD proactively engaged in student advising.
   
   Professor Rule concluded by noting that students received inconsistent advice due to the lack of a written policy, thus the documentation of the existing practice offered transparency.
   
   On motion duly made, seconded, and carried
   
   IT WAS RESOLVED,
   
   THAT the proposed creation of the Repeat Failed Course regulation, as described in the proposal from the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design dated March 25, 2025, be approved effective September 1, 2025.
8. Amendment to an Existing Academic Regulation: Proposal to change the Transfer Credit Policy, John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design
   
   
   The Committee reviewed a second recommendation by the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design, to change the transfer credit policy.
   
   Professor Rule reminded members that the Committee approved two proposals in February 2025 regarding changing the divisional transfer credit policies at FAS and UTSC in response to the change to the Policy on Transfer of Course Credit.
   
   Substantial changes in the Policy were brought forward by the University Registrar, which included additional language indicating that divisions determined the conditions they considered for post-admission transfer credit with prior approval to transfer credit from completed online courses from another recognized university. DFALD removed the practice of granting post-admission transfer credit for courses, and required that all courses taken at external institutions were pre-approved through a Letter of Permission or via U of T’s Study Abroad programs.
   
   The regulation change clarified that transfer credit was limited to 5.0 credits, and students were expected to complete their courses at DFALD or elsewhere within the U of T. The proposed change removed the unfortunate circumstance of students taking unapproved courses and later being denied credit—often with financial or academic consequences. Consultation outside of DFALD occurred with the FAS, UTM, and UTSC, and all expressed support for the change to take effect on September 1, 2025.
   
   On motion duly made, seconded, and carried
   
   IT WAS RESOLVED,
   
   THAT the proposed changes to John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design academic regulations, as described in the proposal from the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design dated March 25, 2025, be approved effective September 1, 2025
9. Amendment to an Existing Academic Regulation: Proposal to change the Transfer Credit Policy, University of Toronto Mississauga
   
   
   The Committee reviewed the recommendation to change the transfer credit policy at the University of Toronto, Mississauga (UTM).
   
   Professor Rule reported that UTM sought to eliminate post-admission transfer credit such that students gained pre-approval via a Letter of Permission, or through the approved Study Abroad process. The regulation language reinforced those students prioritized courses offered by U of T. Consultation took place with the FAS, UTSC, and DFALD. UTM's change would take effect September 1st, bringing all four undergraduate divisions offering the HBA and HBSc into alignment.
   
   In response to a member’s question regarding whether there was a concern that  students may take courses outside of U of T that would be easier than the same course at U of T,  Professor Rule responded that this was a general concern which is why the policy seeks to establish that students must seek  pre-approval  for these courses.
   
   A member commented that there were predatory for-profit-institutions that promoted their own academic programming and could be comparable to U of T’s high educational quality.
   
   In response to a member’s question as to how UTM approved credits from external institutions, Renu Kanga Fonseca, Registrar & Assistant Dean, Enrolment Management, UTM responded that once a student requested a letter of permission, a course outline from the external institution was shared with the Registrar's office and the corresponding academic unit. Each academic unit would review the course outlines and determine the eligibility for transfer credit and course equivalency at UTM or the other divisions. Professor Rule added that the regulation change ensures this process would occur prior to enrollment of the course, therefore avoiding any potential confusion and disappointment.
   
   On motion duly made, seconded, and carried
   
   IT WAS RESOLVED,
   
   THAT the proposed changes to University of Toronto Mississauga academic regulations, as described in the proposal from the University of Toronto Mississauga dated April 15, 2025, be approved effective September 1, 2025. 
10. Amendment to an Existing Academic Regulation: Change to Petition for Examinations Policy, University of Toronto Mississauga
    
    
    The Committee reviewed a second recommendation from the University of Toronto, Mississauga (UTM), regarding the change to petition for examinations policy.
    
    Professor Rule reported that this amendment reduced the number of times students petitioned to defer their exam in an individual course. Divisions noted an overall increase in deferrals, including cases where students deferred multiple times. This created negative impacts for students, such as long delays in course completion, with students potentially preparing for a deferred exam years after taking the course. Students with a longstanding deferral did not have an accurate picture of their academic standing, affecting their academic progress and choices, thereby increasing the administrative burden.
    
    The UTM proposal limited the number of times students could petition for a deferred exam to two attempts per course, allowing for a total of three possible exam sittings: 1 original and 2 deferred. Each deferral had to be petitioned with appropriate supporting documentation.
    
    The change would:

• Give students a clearer and more current understanding of their academic standing and GPA;
• Allow students to focus on current coursework without being overburdened by unresolved past obligations; and
• Reduce the resource strain associated with repeatedly rescheduling deferred exams

Consultation took place with FAS, UTSC, and DFALD, in which all granted their support. The new regulation took effect on September 1, 2025, and applied to all new and in-progress students.

In response to a member’s question regarding the eligibility of students that requested a deferred exam prior to Sept. 1, Professor Rule responded that those students had their deferral already approved prior to Sept. 1.

In response to a member’s question regarding the absence of time constraints in the regulation, Professor Rule explained this was intentional as it considered students on leave with the probability of a return.

In response to a member’s question regarding the deliberation of extenuating circumstances beyond the two attempts, Professor Rule responded that there was a cap on the number of iterations, and exceptional cases would be considered. The proposal did not restrict the amount of time, only the number of iterations.

On motion duly made, seconded, and carried

IT WAS RESOLVED,

THAT the proposed changes to University of Toronto Mississauga regulations, as described in the proposal from the University of Toronto Mississauga dated April 15, 2025, be approved to be effective on September 1, 2025. 

11. Amendment to an Existing Academic Regulation: Change to Petition for Examinations Policy, University of Toronto Scarborough
    
    
    The Committee reviewed the recommendation regarding the change to petition for examinations policy at the University of Toronto Scarborough.
    
    Professor Rule reported that UTSC similarly proposed to limit deferred exam attempts to a maximum of two deferred exams for the same course, in addition to the original exam sitting. Each deferral was petitioned with appropriate supporting documentation. This prevented long-term academic delays, so students focused on current studies. It reduced uncertainty in cumulative graduate point average, academic standing, and graduation planning. Consultation outside UTSC took place with FAS, UTM, and DFALD, all of whom supported the proposal. The change applied to all new and in-progress students, effective September 1^st.
    
    In response to a member’s question regarding flexibility for students that required credits to graduate, Professor Rule responded that there were always exceptions made on a case-by-case basis. Shelby Verboven, Registrar & Assistant Dean, Strategic Enrolment Management, UTSC added that they did experience scenarios where students extended their academic year up to a year or more since the time they took the course.  She explained exceptions were possible and that the Registrar’s Office exercises  careful consideration on a case by case basis, considering student success, with a compassionate approach to supporting students.
    
    On motion duly made, seconded, and carried
    
    IT WAS RESOLVED,
    
    THAT the proposed changes to the University of Toronto Scarborough regulations, as described in the proposal from the University of Toronto Scarborough dated April 24, 2025, be approved to be effective on September 1, 2025.
12. Amendment to an Existing Academic Regulation: Change to Petition for Examinations Policy, Faculty of Arts and Science
    
    
    The Committee reviewed the recommendation regarding the change to petition for examinations policy at the Faculty of Arts and Science.
    
    Professor Rule reported that similar to the two previous items, the FAS proposal limited deferred exam attempts to two per course, encouraging timely academic resolution. FAS outlined similar benefits to students as the other proposals, for example:

• Ensuring that students have accurate and up-to-date academic records, including GPA and standing
• Freeing students to focus on current coursework, thereby reducing academic and mental strain

Consultation occurred with UTM, UTSC, and DFALD, all of whom supported this change. This took effect on September 1^st for all new and progressing students.

On motion duly made, seconded, and carried

IT WAS RESOLVED,

THAT the proposed change to the Faculty of Arts and Science regulations, as described in the proposal from the Faculty of Arts and Science dated April 1, 2025, be approved to be effective on September 1, 2025. 

13. New Regulation Proposal: Change Repeating failed courses, Faculty of Arts and Science
    
    
    The Committee reviewed a second recommendation from the Faculty of Arts and Science, to change the repeating failed courses.
    
    Professor Rule reported that FAS introduced a new regulation that confirmed students repeated courses they failed (or holding the status of Not-for-Credit). While not a new practice, it was not officially published as policy in the Academic calendar, thus this proposal provided students and advisors with clear, written guidance. Consultation outside FAS occurred with UTM, UTSC, and DFALD, who supported the proposal to appear in the 2025–2026 Academic Calendar starting September 1^st.
    
    On motion duly made, seconded, and carried
    
    IT WAS RESOLVED,
    
    THAT the proposed creation of the Repeat Failed Course regulation, as described in the proposal from the Faculty of Arts and Science Design dated February 24, 2025, be approved effective September 1, 2025.
14. New Regulation Proposal: Create a new policy regarding the completion of more than one program type in the same area, Faculty of Arts and Science
    
    
    The Committee reviewed a third recommendation from the Faculty of Arts and Science, to create a new policy regarding the completion of more than one program type in the same area.
    
    Professor Rule reported that a new regulation was being introduced in FAS limiting undergraduate students to only one program type (i.e., Specialist, Major, or Minor) in any individual academic area. Currently, students may complete multiple program types within the same area, unless specifically restricted by the academic unit. This change supported the purpose of the 12.0 distinct credit requirement in degrees, supporting greater program diversity as opposed to overlapping study in a single field. This provided consistent interpretation and implementation of program rules across academic units, reducing confusion for students and advisors. The change was coded into Degree Explorer to proactively support students’ progress, and prevent unintentional program conflicts. FAS consulted UTM, UTSC, and DFALD who all supported this change. This took effect on September 1^st.
    
    In response to a member’s question regarding the advantage for a student to complete both a major and minor in the same discipline, Professor Rule responded it was not so much that students plan to take more than one program in the same area but that they might accumulate courses in the area which, in theory, might fulfill requirements in multiple programs in a single area. FAS wanted to prevent students from building an accumulation of courses in one area and support student achievement of the 12.0distinct course degree requirement.
    
    In response to a member’s question using the example of UTM, if the policy would apply if an academic unit offers programs in more than one individual area, Professor Rule responded that the policy was applicable only to programs in the same area referenced by the same four digit program code.
    
    On motion duly made, seconded, and carried
    
    IT WAS RESOLVED,
    
    THAT the proposed changes to Faculty of Arts and Science academic regulations, as described in the proposal from the Faculty of Arts and Science dated March 28, 2025, be approved effective September 1, 2025. 
15. List of University of Toronto programs eligible for the Ontario Co-operative Education Tax Credit, 2025-26
    
    
    The Committee received and reviewed the proposed Ontario Co-operative Education Tax Credit: Approved List of Programs, 2025-26. 
    
    Professor Rule reported that the provincial government provided a tax credit to a maximum of $3,000 per placement to private employers who provide paid placements, which form part of students’ academic program requirements. The approved list of programs reflect 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. 
    
    He highlighted that 15 new programs have been added to the 2025-26 eligibility list. The Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering had added 6 graduate programs to the eligibility list as part of their major modification to the Master of Engineering program that introduced a co-op opportunity for students in the extended full-time option set to begin on September 1st.
    
    3 undergraduate programs were added to the eligibility list as part of the Faculty of Arts & Science’s Internship Program (ASIP), and 6 from the UTM Co-op Internship Program (UTMCIP).  He also noted that 2 programs were removed from the eligibility list, the Specialist in Environmental Geosciences at UTM, and the Master of Health Science in Clinical Engineering. The list also included several small updates that would go into effect on September 1^st:

• Updates to 13 undergraduate programs at UTSC reflected minor modifications to co-op programs that enhance student experience and comply with industry standards, as well as recent program name changes.
• At the graduate level, credit requirements for the Master of Financial Insurance and Mathematical Finance were updated.

On motion duly made, seconded, and carried

IT WAS RESOLVED,

THAT the 2025-2026 List of University of Toronto Programs Eligible for the Ontario Co-operative Education Tax Credit, dated May 13, 2025, be approved. 

16. Report on the Review of Clinical Departments, 2024-25
    
    
    The Committee received and reviewed the Report on the Review of Clinical Departments 2024-25, for information.
    
    Professor Rule remarked that this report was commissioned by the Dean of the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, and that reviews of clinical departments are non-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.  This year’s report included the review of the Department of Psychiatry, where the overall assessment of the Department’s quality was high. Reviewers cited the world class research, strong collaborations and supportive and inclusive learning environment. They commended the EDI and accessibility efforts and strong morale.
    
    Lynn Wilson, Vice-Dean, Clinical and Faculty Affairs, Temerty Faculty of Medicine applauded Benoit Mulsant, Chair, Department of Psychiatry for his leadership and the outstanding work from the research program, development of multi-site hubs, and the integration of clinical sites reducing redundancies.

CONSENT AGENDA

On motion duly moved, seconded, and carried

YOUR COMMITTEE APPROVED

THAT the consent agenda be adopted and that Item 20, the Report of the Previous Meeting, be approved.

17. Annual Report: Certificates (For-Credit and Not-for-Credit), 2024-25 (for information)*
18. Annual Report: Graduate Collaborative Specialization Reviews, 2024-25 (for information)*
19. Annual Report: Major Modifications, 2024-25 (for information)*
20. Report of the Previous Meeting
    
    
    The report of the previous meeting was approved.

The meeting adjourned at 4:43 p.m.

May 21, 2025