TitleGraduate Degree Program Proposal

DATE

DEPARTMENT | FACULTY

Title of Program:Credential to be Awarded to Graduates:Length of Program:

Institutional Contact: Donna Petri Title: Associate Vice-President AcademicPhone: 250-828-5443 Email: dpetri@tru.ca

Instructions as you complete the Stage 2 document

Information to assist in completing this template can be found in the following documents:

- Approved Program Sustainability Worksheet (PSW)- Program proposal in curricUNET- The DQAB Program Review: Criteria and Guidelines – specifically pages

17 – 34.

All sections of this document must be completed.

If there are any sections that do not apply to your program, please identify them as N/A and provide a brief explanation as to why it does not apply.

Do not remove, move or change the title of any headings/sections, as these follow the DQAB guidelines. Following the template will ensure completeness and ease of reading for the evaluator.

Please ensure spelling and grammar are correct and use consistent tone throughout the document.

Please use font size Ariel 12 point.

Instructions and guidelines for each section are included in teal color – these will be removed prior to submitting the document to DQAB.

All appendixes should appear in the order they appear in this document

Table of Contents

1. Executive Summary1.1 Overview of Thompson Rivers University1.2 Credential to be Awarded1.3 Location of Graduate Degree Program1.4 Faculty/School Offering the Graduate Degree Program1.5 Program Start Date1.6 Program Completion Time1.7 Summary of Proposed Program

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2. Degree Level Standards2.1 Depth and Breadth of Knowledge2.2 Knowledge of Methodologies2.3 Application of Knowledge 2.4 Communication Skills2.5 Awareness of Limits of Knowledge 2.6 Professional Capacity/Autonomy

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3. Credential Recognition and Nomenclature3.1 Credential Recognition3.2 Consultations 3.3 Standards of Regulatory, Licensing or Credentialing Body3.4 Policies and Procedures for Transfer Credits

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4. Curriculum/Program Content4.1 Program Structure4.2 Prerequisites 4.3 Existing and New Courses4.4 Alignment with Program Goals4.5 External Review Committee Report4.6 Field Placement

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5. Learning Methodologies/Program Delivery5.1 Learning Methodologies5.2 Online or Blended Learning Policies

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6. Admission and Transfer/Residency6.1 Admission Requirements6.2 Granting of Transfer Credits6.3 Prior Learning Assessment6.4 Residency Requirements6.5 Articulation Agreements

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7. Faculty7.1 Enrolment and Staffing Planning7.2 Faculty Policies7.3 Faculty Appointment7.4 Curriculum Vitae

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8. Program Resources8.1 Resources8.2 Implementation Schedule8.3 Renewal and Upgrading Plans

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9. Program Consultation9.1 Consultations9.2 Comments9.3 Other Market Research9.4 Employment Opportunities for Graduates

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10. Program Review and Assessment #11. Appendices #

1. Executive Summary

The Executive Summary (all of Section 1) must present in a succinct manner (approximately 2-3 pages, plus appendices), the purpose of the proposal and a summary of the key objectives and outcomes of the proposed degree program and must include the following information. The remainder of this document (sections 2 – 11) will provide the details of the Graduate program and builds upon your executive summary.

1.1 Overview of Thompson Rivers University (TRU)

Thompson Rivers University became the province’s newest university in March 2005. TRU was incorporated under the Thompson Rivers University Act, which amalgamated the University College of the Cariboo with the BC Open University and other aspects of the Open Learning Agency. TRU boasts a forty-six year history of providing innovative and responsive post-secondary education with a range of educational experiences, including skills upgrading, vocational accreditation, academic undergraduate and graduate degrees, delivering programs on campus, on-line, or through a blending of these modalities in a manner unparalleled nationally and internationally. 

1.1.1 TRU’s Mission

TRU is a comprehensive, learner-centred, environmentally responsible institution that serves its regional, national, and international learners and their communities through high quality and flexible education, training, research and scholarship.

1.2 Credential to be AwardedState the proposed credential to be awarded, including the level and category of the degree and the specific discipline or field of study.

1.3 Location of the Graduate Degree ProgramState the location of where the new degree program will be offered.

1.4 Faculty/School Offering the Graduate Degree ProgramState the Faculty or School(s) offering the proposed new degree program.

1.5 Program Start DateState anticipated program start date.

1.6 Program Completion timeState anticipated completion time in years or semesters.

1.7 Summary of Proposed ProgramThe proposed [insert name of degree] program was approved by the TRU Board of Governors on [insert date]. To view the approved program documentation please visit: [Insert URL link to curricUNET proposal]

i. Aims, goals and/or objectives Provide a brief overview of the aims, goals and/or objectives of the proposed program. Link to exact pages in the approved curriculum documents.

ii. Mandate and Strategic Plan of TRUWhat is the anticipated contribution of the proposed program to the mandate and strategic plan of TRU? Include a very brief overview of the information found in Stage 1 and PSW. If needed, include more in an appendix.

iii. Learning outcomes and curriculum mapIdentify the linkages between the learning outcomes and the curriculum design, and whether a work experience/work place term is required for degree completion. If a work experience/work place term is required, provide a description of the purpose and role of the work experience within the program. Link to curriculum map and learning outcomes in the approved curriculum documents or submit these as an appendix.

iv. Employment and further education opportunitiesWhat are potential areas/sectors of employment for graduates and/or opportunities for further study? Provide a brief overview of the information found in Stage 1. If needed, include an appendix with the information.

v. Delivery methodsProvide a brief overview of how the curriculum will be delivered. Refer to approved curriculum documents if appropriate.

vi. Program strengthsHighlight key program strengths and what sets this program apart from others that may be similar to it within BC and Canada.

vii. Consultation and supportProvide an overview of the level of support and recognition from other post-secondary institutions, and relevant regulatory or professional bodies, where applicable, and plans for admissions and transfer within the BC post-secondary education system. Use an appendix for

supporting documentation, some of which may be the same as found in Stage 1.

viii. Existing related programsIdentify related programs at TRU or other BC post-secondary institutions. Indicate the rationale for duplication, if any.

2. Degree Level Standard

TRU must demonstrate that the proposed program meets or exceeds the proposed degree level standard.

In this section, demonstrate how the proposed program satisfies the appropriate degree level standards for a graduate degree. The standards stipulate the demonstrable transferable learning skills and level of mastery of a body of specialized knowledge in six dimensions as follows:

2.1 Depth and Breadth of KnowledgeIndicate how this program provides students with a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study, or area of professional practice.

2.2 Knowledge of MethodologiesIndicate how this program provides students with a conceptual understanding and methodological competence that enables the graduate to have a:(a) working comprehension of how established techniques of research

and inquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline;

(b) capacity to evaluate critically current research and advanced research and scholarship in the discipline or area of professional competence; and,

(c) capacity to address complex issues and judgments based on established principles and techniques.

On the basis of that competence, the student demonstrates at least one of the following:(a) the development and support of a sustained argument in written form;

or(b) originality in the application of knowledge.

2.3 Application of KnowledgeIndicate how this program provides students with a competency in the research process by applying an existing body of knowledge in the research and critical analysis of a new question or of a specific problem or issue in a new setting.

2.4 Communication SkillsIndicate how this program provides students with the ability to communicate ideas, issues, and conclusions clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

2.5 Awareness of Limits of KnowledgeIndicate how this program provides students with a cognizance of the complexity of knowledge and of the potential contributions of other interpretations, methods, and disciplines.

2.6 Professional Capacity/AutonomyIndicate how this program provides students with:(a) The qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment

requiring:(i) the exercise of initiative and of personal responsibility and

accountability; and,(ii) decision-making in complex situations, such as

employment.(b) The intellectual independence required for continuing professional

development; and,(c) The ability to appreciate the broader implications of applying

knowledge to particular contexts.

3. Credential Recognition and Nomenclature

3.1 Credential RecognitionExplain how the design of the program facilitates credential recognition by other post-secondary institutions, professional and licensing bodies, and employers. Include an analysis of any research undertaken to ensure credential recognition.

3.2 ConsultationsWhere applicable, describe the consultations undertaken to ensure the credential and learning outcomes will be recognized by and meet the standards of industry/employers and regulatory, licensing or credentialing bodies. Evidence of the consultations should be presented in the appendix. Do not include names in the body of the document, but rather provide the specifics of who was consulted in the appendix. Support letters from the consultations should be in the appendix as well.

3.3 Standards of Regulatory, Licensing or Credentialing BodyIdentify the provincial, national and/or international certifications and standards achieved in the new program, if applicable. In an appendix, provide the regulatory, licensing or credentialing body’s current requirements or standards and copies of letters from licensing or regulatory bodies indicating that the credential and learning outcomes will be recognized.

If the program is aimed at putting students into practice, and that practice requires a license for which the students qualify directly from the program (or from an examination directly after the program), provide evidence of consultation with the accrediting body. Letters from the accrediting body should be in the appendix

3.4 Policies and Procedures for Transferring CreditsBriefly explain how students are notified of policies and procedures pertaining to credential recognition and/or transfer. Provide links to or include in an appendix all policies and procedures related to notifying students of credential recognition and/or transfer.

4. Curriculum/Program Content

4.1 Program StructureDescribe the program structure and the length of the program (number of credit hours) and proposed student evaluation.

Outline the type and frequency of evaluations of student learning and indicate how students are apprised of their achievement levels.

Include levels of student achievement for successful course completion and the graduation requirements for the proposed program. Include links to TRU policy, the approved curriculum documents, or include evidence in the appendix

4.2 PrerequisitesIdentify the prescribed set of core and prerequisite courses. Include course descriptions as they will appear in the academic calendar. Provide full course outlines in an appendix.

4.3 Existing and New CoursesIdentify which courses already exist at TRU and which new courses will be implemented as a result of the program.

Provide course descriptions. Include full course outlines in an appendix.

4.4 Alignment with Program GoalsExplain how the course and curriculum requirements will contribute to the intended goals of the program.

Identify program learning outcomes and include a curriculum map in appendix, link to the curriculum map in the approved CurricuNET documents

4.5 External Review Committee ReportIf an external review of the proposed program is undertaken before submission of the degree proposal, provide a copy of the external review committee’s report in an appendix.

4.6 Field PlacementWhere work experience or field placements are a component of the program, describe the plans to develop placement opportunities for students and the level of support TRU will extend to students seeking placements.

Where applicable, describe the anticipated outcomes of the work experience or field placement; how the experience offered will provide the opportunity to put the stated learning outcomes into practice; and how the students will be evaluated during their placements.

5. Learning Methodologies/Program Delivery

5.1 Learning MethodologiesExplain the learning methodology/methodologies to be used. Indicate which of the following methodologies will be incorporated into the learning environment of the program, and how they will be used:

• Experiential learning (e.g., co-operative education, clinical, work term or simulated work experience);

• Distance education;• Independent study, computer assisted instruction, etc.;• Lectures, labs, tutorials; and, • Other.

Provide evidence that TRU has the expertise and resources to support the methods of delivery (both human and material). Explain the processes for students to provide feedback (e.g. course evaluations).

5.2 Online or Blended Learning PoliciesIn an appendix, include any policies pertaining to technology-based, computer-based, or web-based learning and modes of delivery. Including details:

• Student and faculty preparation and orientation; • Reliable and sufficient course management systems; • Accessible technical assistance for students and faculty; • Appropriate hardware, software, and other technological resources

and media; and, • Well-maintained and current technology and equipment.

6. Admission and Transfer/Residency

6.1 Admission RequirementsDescribe the admission requirements for this program as they appear in the approved curricUNET document. Link to a copy of the policies and procedures on admissions specific to this program. If your program does not follow TRU policy, please state the requirements as they appear in the approved curricUNET document.

6.2 Granting Transfer Credits

The proposed program will follow Transferability of University Credits - TRU Policy ED 2-4, for the granting of transfer credit for equivalent courses and/or programs completed at other institutions. A detailed description of the policy is available at: http://www.tru.ca/__shared/assets/ED_2-435476.pdf

Include the above statement if your program follows TRU policy on transfer credits. If your program does not follow TRU policy, please state the requirements as they appear in the approved curricUNET document.

6.3 Prior Learning Assessment

The proposed program will follow the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) - TRU Policy ED 2-0. A detailed description of the policy is available at: http://www.tru.ca/__shared/assets/PLAR5678.pdf

Include the above statement if your program follows TRU policy on PLAR, if your program does not follow TRU policy, please state the requirements as they appear in the approved curricUNET document.

6.4 Residency Requirements

The proposed program will follow the TRU program residency requirements as outlined in TRU Policy ED 8-0 Educational Standards in Credit Courses and Programs which is available at: https://www.tru.ca/__shared/assets/ed08-05660.pdf

Describe the residency requirements for this program, if your program follows TRU policy include the above statement. If your program does not follow TRU policy, please state the requirements as they appear in the approved curricUNET document. Specify the number of credits that must be completed at TRU.

6.5 Articulation Agreements

Describe existing arrangements or plans for establishing articulation agreements so that transfer credit will be granted for courses completed in this program toward meeting requirements for credentials offered at other institutions.

7. Faculty

7.1 Enrolment and Staffing PlanningPlease indicate the number of faculty (present and future) and other staff required to mount this program and the qualifications required.

Provide an enrolment and staffing plan for the length of the program (e.g. four-year projection of cumulative enrolment) that accounts for projected attrition and indicates the number of staff (faculty, technical, teaching assistants, etc.) assigned to the program. Indicate if any of these positions will be new to TRU. In cases where new faculty will be hired, provide the specific faculty selection criteria that will be used to ensure new faculty hires have the necessary qualifications for the disciplinary and specialty areas and degree level being offered.

7.2 Faculty Policies

The relevant faculty-related policies as defined in the TRU/TRU Faculty Association (TRUFA) Collective Agreement (CA) available at: http://trufa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/TRU_TRUFA_2014-2019-Collective_Agreement-Final-Oct_28_16.pdf

Academic Freedom – TRU/TRUFA CA Article 9.6. Appointment of Faculty – TRU/TRUFA CA Article 5 Tenure and Promotion – TRU/TRUFA CA Article 6

o Include the Promotion and Tenure Standards specific to your Faculty/School in an appendix.

Performance Review – TRU/TRUFA CA Article 7 Workload – TRU/TRUFA CA Article 10 Professional Development – TRU/TRUFA CA Article 15.

Include the above statements and link to the TRU/TRUFA CA. Provide details on professional development opportunities for faculty.

7.3 Faculty AppointmentsIdentify the type of academic appointment of faculty specific to this program (e.g. Tenure or Tenure-track, appointments and Limited Term Contract or Sessional appointments). Provide TRU’s policies and practices with regards to the type of appointments you have identified.

7.4 Curriculum VitaeIn an appendix (use one appendix for all CV’s, provide in alphabetical order), provide the curriculum vitae of faculty members specific to the program that demonstrates that they possess an appropriate balance from amongst the following requirements:

• Academic credentials appropriate to the degree level being offered. • Faculty teaching graduate courses will normally have the terminal

degree credential in the field in which they are teaching. • Any required academic and/or desired professional credentials; and,• A demonstration of current involvement in research and professional

activity that represents an appropriate balance of research and intellectual leadership in the discipline and the field of specialization.

8. Program Resources

8.1 ResourcesDescribe the resources that will be required to mount this program including:

• library resources (on-site library resources relevant to the degree program area for faculty and students and other library access such as web-based or inter-library arrangements.) Include the number of holdings (print) relevant to the field of study and number of holdings (electronic) (i.e. program-specific databases); include Library Curriculum Consultation form in an appendix;

• computers and computer access; • classrooms, laboratories and equipment; • existing and shared resources at the TRU or at other institutions that

will be used to offer the program; and,• additional resources that will be required to offer this program.

If resources are shared with other institutions, include agreements in an appendix.

8.2 Implementation ScheduleProvide the intended implementation schedule for the new program and evidence of the appropriateness of the schedule, given the timing of the proposal and readiness of TRU to offer the program.

8.3 Renewal and Upgrading PlansDemonstrate that you have the necessary resources to mount and sustain the proposed program at the proposed degree level or a realistic plan for putting the appropriate resources in place after program approval. Describe the plans for renewal and upgrading of learning and information resources.

9. Program Consultation

9.1 ConsultationsProvide a list and brief explanation of the nature of the consultations that have occurred in the development of the degree program. Include letters of support in an appendix (collate all letters of support into one appendix).

If an advisory committee was formed for the program, describe its composition and how the committee will help to ensure the program remains up-to-date and meet employer and student needs in the future.

9.2 CommentsAttach all written comments, both positive and negative, from:

• relevant employers; • relevant professional associations;• program advisory committees; • other BC institutions (this will include comments provided through the

peer review process on the Post-Secondary Institution Proposal System);

• institutions outside BC;• experts in the proposed field of study; and,• external academic consultants.

In an appendix. Provide a brief summary of the comments, do not include names, etc. within the body of the document – these will be part of the appendix.

9.3 Other Market ResearchIf there are other individuals or groups that have been involved, describe their roles in the collection and evaluation of information leading to the development and submission of this proposal. Do not include names and identifiers in the body of the document, provide the specifics and evidence (letters, etc.) in an appendix.

9.4 Employment Opportunities for GraduatesInclude a list of anticipated employment destinations for graduates of this program.

10. Program Review and Assessment

Indicate what policies and procedures are planned for ensuring program quality and evaluation once the program has been implemented. Include the following:

Institutional Program Review: All undergraduate and graduate credit programs undergo a program review every seven years as per TRU Policy ED 8-4 (https://www.tru.ca/__shared/assets/ED_08-438907.pdf ).

Continuous Ongoing Evaluation by Students: Each student is given the opportunity to complete a course evaluation at the end of every course. These results are provided to the course faculty member and program Chair for the purpose of continuous quality improvement in teaching and learning.

11. Appendices

Appendices should indicate the appendix number and appendix name.

Appendices should appear in the order they appear in the document.

Appendix 1: #Appendix 2: #Appendix 3: #Appendix 4: #Appendix 5: #Appendix 6: #

Information that TRU considers proprietary should be included in appendices to the program proposal. Examples of proprietary information may include referee letters, letters of support (which contain personal information such as names and addresses) and financial information.

Appendices will not be posted on the public PSIPS website.