1. Context and Purposes

1.1 Quality Assurance at 91亚色

In 2010 the Council of Ontario Universities [COU] approved protocols for the approval of new programs and other curriculum, and the cyclical review of programs.聽These protocols are overseen at the provincial level by a Quality Council established by COU.聽It is the policy of 91亚色 to comply in full with these protocols.聽The Quality Council has the authority to approve or decline all new program proposals.聽Major modifications and program closures are reported annually to the Quality Council.

1.2 Objectives and Commitments

The application of this policy and adherence to its associated procedures affirms 91亚色鈥檚 commitment to academic excellence and to quality assurance (including degree level expectations) through Senate and its committees, Faculty Councils and Faculties, units, and the University as a whole.

1.3 Scope and Application

Adopting COU鈥檚 protocols, this policy applies to:

• the approval of new programs (encompassing new undergraduate degrees, undergraduate specialization and majors - for which a similar specialization/major is not already approved- and graduate degrees);
• the expedited approval of programs (encompassing new credit undergraduate certificates and diplomas, collaborative programs, and new fields to existing graduate degrees);
• the major modification of programs (encompassing substantive changes made to existing and previously approved programs, but where learning outcomes are not changed in ways that denote a new program);
• the closure of programs聽(which may result from low enrolment, a changing disciplinary landscape, poor quality and the like, whether articulated in cyclical reviews or determined solely by the institution); and
• the cyclical review of existing undergraduate and graduate programs, including graduate diplomas and collaborative programs.

1.4 Programs with Other Postsecondary Institutions

This policy shall apply to new and continuing undergraduate and graduate degree and diploma programs whether offered in full or in part by 91亚色, or conjointly with any institutions federated or affiliated with the University. These responsibilities also extend to programs offered in partnership, collaboration or other such arrangement with other postsecondary institutions including colleges, universities, and institutes.

1.5 Institutional Responsibilities

The primary responsibility for the design and quality assurance of new programs lies with 91亚色 and its governing bodies. The University is responsible for curriculum design, the development of program objectives, the determination of learning outcomes, and generally for the assembly of human, instructional and physical resources needed.

1.6 Collegial Governance

Prior to submission to the Quality Council, proposals for new programs as defined by the protocols shall be approved in accordance with the 91亚色 Act and with procedures required by Senate.聽Cyclical reviews shall be conducted in accordance with internally-defined procedures that comply with the Quality Council鈥檚 protocols.

2. University Authorities

2.1 Quality Council Liaison and Reporting

The Vice-President Academic and Provost is responsible for the oversight of the YUQAP including the administration and reporting functions associated with the YUQAP. Within the Office of the Vice-President Academic and Provost, the Vice Provost Academic is the contact between the institution and the Quality Council.

2.2 Institutional Quality Assurance Process Authority

2.2.1 Senate Authority and Relationship to Faculty Councils

All proposals for the establishment of new graduate and undergraduate degree programs, diplomas and certificates, or for new fields, degrees, majors, options, streams or areas of concentration within existing programs 鈥� whether offered solely by the University or in cooperation with other institutions -- require the approval of Senate.聽Similarly, all major revisions, restructuring, or closure of graduate and undergraduate degree programs, diplomas and certificates require the approval of Senate.聽Normally only proposals that have been approved by the applicable Faculty Council(s) shall be considered by Senate and its committees.

2.2.2 Authority for Institutional Quality Assurance Policy

Authority for Institutional Quality Assurance Policy is vested with the joint Sub-Committee established by Senate鈥檚 Academic Policy, Planning and Research Committee and the Academic Standards, Curriculum and Pedagogy Committee.

2.2.3 Role of the Joint Sub-Committee

On behalf of Senate, the Joint Sub-Committee shall ensure compliance with the Quality Council鈥檚 protocols, respond to audit reports conducted by the Quality Council proposing changes as may be needed, and oversee the cyclical review of programs.

2.2.4 Composition of the Joint Sub-Committee

The joint Sub-Committee is composed of the following members:

• five elected faculty members
• the Associate Vice-President Academic and Vice-Provost Academic
• the Associate Vice-President Graduate and Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies

2.2.5 Eligibility for Membership on the Joint Sub-Committee

At least three members shall hold an appointment in the Faculty of Graduate Studies, and four members shall hold the rank of Associate Professor or higher.

Normally, members elected to the Sub-Committee will have prior experience in the design, review, approval and/or administration of curriculum (e.g., served on a Faculty or Senate-level curriculum committee, as an Undergraduate or Graduate Program Director etc.)

2.3 Administration of Processes

The Office of the Vice- President Academic and Provost is responsible for

• the publication of the YUQAP and other documents as required by the COU Quality Assurance Framework, and the maintenance of a Quality Assurance website for the purpose
• ensuring compliance with Quality Council principles before documentation is transmitted to the Quality Council
• overseeing the cyclical review process
• establishing a rota of reviews, which shall be submitted annually to the Joint Sub-Committee
• advising proponents and facilitating processes covered by this policy

3. Approval of New Curriculum Proposals

3.1 Early Notice of Intentions

Prior to the development, review and approval at any stage of a proposal that is subject to the 91亚色 Quality Assurance Procedures, proponents shall notify the Dean(s) / Principal of the respective Faculties/Schools of their intentions. The Dean(s) / Principal shall notify the Office of the Vice-President Academic and Provost.聽The purpose of this required step is to facilitate consultations among interested parties at the earliest opportunity and make preliminary assessments of academic resource requirements and consistency with academic plans.聽Authorization to proceed at this stage does not constitute formal support. The Office of the Vice-President Academic and Provost will inform the University Secretariat of Notices of Intent received and approved for proposal development.

3.2 Exceptions to Early Notice Requirements

Major modifications of programs shall not require early notice.聽Minor changes in curriculum and academic standards (such as the establishment of new courses, changes in course rubrics, and the like) shall not require early notice.

3.3 External Review of Proposals

The review and approval of new curriculum proposals shall include external review where mandated in the Quality Assurance Procedures (YUQAP).聽Normally reviews shall be conducted following approval by the Faculty Council Curriculum Committee and prior to consideration by the Council(s).

3.4 Form and Content of Proposals

Proposals shall conform to the requirements of Program Briefs as defined by the COU protocols, but may include any and all such requirements as may be established or amended in the procedures associated with this policy.

3.5 Affirmation of Institutional Commitment to Quality

No curriculum proposal shall be reported to the Quality Council without an institutional commitment from the relevant Faculty (normally through the anchor Dean(s) / Principal) and the University (through the Vice-President Academic and Provost).

3.6 Recommendations to Senate

3.6.1 New Degree Programs / Closure of Programs

The establishment and closure of new degree programs shall be recommended by the Committee on Academic Standards, Curriculum and Pedagogy with the concurrence of the Academic Policy, Planning and Research Committee.

3.6.2 Proposals Under Expedited Approval / Major Modifications

Proposals dealt with under expedited approval and major modifications shall be recommended to Senate by the Committee on Academic Standards, Curriculum and Pedagogy.

3.6.3 Other Curriculum-Related Proposals

Unless otherwise specified, the Committee on Academic Standards, Curriculum and Pedagogy recommends Senate approval or informs Senate of decisions taken on other proposals relating to curriculum and academic standards which are not covered by the YUQAP.

4. Cyclical Reviews

4.1 Responsibilities

The University is responsible for, shall undertake, and shall report the findings of cyclical reviews for all undergraduate degree and certificate programs and for all graduate degree and diploma programs.聽The Final Assessment Report and Implementation Plan for each program shall be submitted to the Quality Council by the Vice-Provost Academic in consultation with the Joint Sub-Committee. The Executive Summary of the Final Assessment Report and Implementation Plan for each program shall be transmitted to Faculty Councils, Senate and the Board of Governors by the Senate APPRC and ASCP Committees.

4.2 Frequency and Structure of Reviews

Reviews shall be conducted on a cycle of no more than eight years.聽To the extent possible, related undergraduate and graduate programs shall be reviewed together, and cognate units shall be reviewed together.聽The Vice-Provost Academic shall be responsible for establishing a rota of reviews, which shall be submitted annually to the Joint Sub-Committee.

4.3 Elements of Reviews

At a minimum, reviews shall have the following elements

• self-study
• external evaluation (peer review) with report and recommendations on program quality improvement
• institutional evaluation of the self-study and the external assessment report resulting in recommendations for program quality improvement
• preparation and adoption of a final assessment report that includes principle findings of the review, and plans for changes as a result of the review process
• a follow-up report that documents the outcomes of the implementation plan

4.4 Administrative Oversight

The Office of the Vice-Provost Academic is responsible for ensuring that cyclical reviews of academic programs and/or units are undertaken in accordance with all applicable protocols and policies.

4.5 Responsibility for Reporting Reviews

It shall be the responsibility of the Vice Provost Academic to prepare a draft of the Final Assessment Report and Implementation Plan for approval by the Joint Sub-Committee.

4.6 Senate Oversight

Cyclical review documentation shall be received and reviewed by the Joint Sub-Committee.聽The Final Assessment Report and Implementation Plan shall be transmitted to the Academic Standards, Curriculum and Pedagogy Committee and to the Academic Policy, Planning and Research Committee prior to transmittal to Senate. The Joint Sub-Committee may convene meetings to review implementation plans, and shall monitor the timely implementation of improvements.

4.7 Role of the Board of Governors

The Executive Summary of the Final Assessment Report for each program shall be provided to the Academic Resources Committee of the Board of Governors and then to the Board of Governors.

4.8 Quality Council

The Final Assessment Report and Implementation Plan for each program shall be communicated to the Quality Council, and an Executive Summary of the same posted on the University鈥檚 Website.

5.聽Quality Council Audit of Processes

5.1 Ratification and Audit of Processes

The Quality Council ratifies each institution鈥檚 Quality Assurance Process. It also is responsible for conducting an Audit Process of University processes through a panel of auditors that reports to a committee of the Council. The panel examines each institution鈥檚 compliance with its own Quality Assurance Process. The Quality Council approves and monitors the audit reports.

6. 91亚色 Quality Assurance Procedures (YUQAP)

6.1 Contents and Use

The 91亚色 Quality Assurance Procedures (YUQAP) shall detail requirements and processes giving effect to this policy.聽 Specifically, the YUQAP:

a) provides guidance on the conduct of rigorous, objective and searching self-studies, and describes the potential benefits that can accrue from them;

b) includes best practices and establishes criteria for administrative processes such the selection of reviewers and scheduling of site visits;

c) identifies responsibilities for the collection, aggregation and distribution of standardized data and outcome measures required for self-studies;

d) specifies the format required for new program proposals, proposals for major modifications, self-studies and external review reports;

e) sets out the University鈥檚 cycle for the conduct of undergraduate degree and certificate programs and graduate degree and diploma program reviews; and

f) define and describe the review and approval process for other matters related to curriculum and academic standards, such as new courses or course rubrics.

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91亚色 is committed to promoting the mobility of students among Ontario鈥檚 postsecondary institutions. It shall be the policy of the University to offer co-registration options jointly with accredited post-secondary institutions, when the initiative supports 91亚色鈥檚 academic objectives.

2.聽 Guidelines

2.1 Characteristics of Co-Registration Options

Co-registration allows 91亚色 students to concurrently enrol in courses at another post-secondary institution for credit towards their degree programs at 91亚色, and students from the other institution to enrol in courses at 91亚色 for credits towards their degree program.聽^[1] Co-registration options provide for:

a. Inclusion of grades earned through the option on transcripts issued by 91亚色 (including failing grades)

b. academic unit approval of the courses included in the co-registration option

c. a streamlined administrative process for students

2.2 Academic Regulations Governing Co-registration Options for 91亚色 Students

a. Students must have Honours standing to be eligible for a co-registration option. Students on academic warning, debarment warning, academic probation, or who have committed a breach of academic honesty will not be eligible. Similarly, students who are no longer in good standing or become ineligible to proceed will have their enrolment in courses at the partner institution revoked.

b. Students must have earned the equivalent of at least 24 credits at 91亚色 towards their undergraduate degree program to be eligible for a co-registration option.

c. A maximum of 24 credits can be taken over their degree through a co-registration option. The number of co-registration courses permitted per session will be determined by the relevant Memorandum of Understanding. Individual degree programs may establish a lower number of credits available to students in that program.

d. Where necessary, final grades achieved in courses taken at the partner institution will be converted to the 91亚色 9.0 grade scale according to established correlations used by the 91亚色 Registrar鈥檚 Office.

e. All co-registration courses and the 91亚色 equivalent grade achieved will be included on 91亚色 students鈥� transcripts. Consistent with the Senate Common Grading Scheme for Undergraduate Faculties, credit will be awarded for courses in which a 91亚色-equivalent grade of D or above is achieved.

f. All co-registration courses and the 91亚色 equivalent grade achieved will be included in the calculation of a student鈥檚 cumulative grade point average (GPA), including failing grades.

g. Credits earned at partner institutions will not count towards meeting 91亚色's residency requirement.

h. The Pass / Fail grading option cannot be used for courses taken through a co-registration option.

i. The Senate policy on Repeating Passed or Failed Courses for Academic Credit applies to courses taken through a co-registration option.

j. The Senate Policy and Guidelines on Academic Honesty applies to courses taken through a co-registration option at the partner institution. Allegations of a breach of academic honesty in courses taken through a co-registration option shall be dealt with by the student鈥檚 home Faculty at 91亚色.

k. Petitions for waiver of academic regulations or deadlines for courses taken through a co-registration option shall be considered by the student鈥檚 home Faculty at 91亚色 through the existing petitions process.

l. Requests for grade reappraisals in courses taken through a co-registration option shall follow the process available to students at the partner institution offering the course.

Co-registration options may not be available for students in professional programs that are externally accredited. Individual co-registration programs will identify degree programs to which the option is not applicable.

3.聽 Approval Authority

Co-Registration Options are established by Senate on recommendation from its Senate Committee on Academic Standards, Curriculum and Pedagogy (ASCP), which oversees the application and evolution of this policy and guidelines. ASCP also approves any new course rubrics established to support Co-Registration agreements.

Co-Registration Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) are established and signed by the Vice-President Academic and Provost on behalf of the University. Such agreements shall ensure that the partner institution requires its students to be in good academic standing to be eligible for co-registration in courses at 91亚色.

4.听听滨尘辫濒别尘别苍迟补迟颈辞苍

4.1 List of Co-registration Courses

A list of courses available for a Co-Registration Option will be established by the respective Registrar鈥檚 Office in consultation with programs and departments at 91亚色 prior to each term or session.

Course credit exclusions already established through the transfer credit assessment process will apply; any new course credit exclusions will be established by the department.

Courses at the partner institution without a 91亚色 course credit exclusion may count as an elective course towards meeting degree requirements.

4.2聽聽Co-registration Courses on 91亚色 Transcripts

Course titles and grades for courses taken by 91亚色 students through a co-registration program will appear on the 91亚色 transcript in the session during which they were completed, using the rubric specified for the particular co-registration agreement.

4.3聽聽Sessional Dates

The sessional dates (i.e., start and end of term, examination period, drop deadlines, etc.) of the institution offering courses for co-registration shall apply to 91亚色 students.

[1] The policy and guidelines are enabling legislation for the development and approval of Co-registration Options with Ontario post-secondary institutions. Students in good standing may continue to enroll in courses elsewhere for credit towards a degree at 91亚色 through the Letter of Permission (LOP) process.

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Academic Freedom: Partnerships shall be consistent with academic freedom, which includes the right to examine, question, teach, learn and disseminate opinions on any questions related to teaching, professional activities and research both inside and outside the classroom without impediment.

Academic Integrity: Partnerships shall be consistent with the creation and dissemination of knowledge, quality teaching, learning and research, and the distinctive aspects of the University鈥檚 Mission.

Institutional Autonomy: Partnerships shall operate in accordance with all of the University鈥檚 applicable policies, regulations, processes, practices and collective agreements.聽Agreements establishing external partnerships should contain clear mechanisms and procedures for resolving disputes between the parties.

Conflict of Interest: Partnerships shall be subject to the University鈥檚 Conflict of Interest Policy and Guidelines, including the required disclosure of a conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest by all persons involved.

University Governance: Partnerships shall be subject to the legislated authority of the Senate and Board of Governors, and the processes that flow from that authority, including the sole responsibility of Senate and its Faculty Councils for the establishment and modification of programs, courses, academic standards, admissions criteria, evaluation of its students, and student academic awards, and the joint responsibilities of the Senate and Board of Governors for the establishment of units and chairs.

Faculty Appointments: Partnerships that involve faculty appointments shall be implemented and governed in accordance with University policies and procedures and provisions of collective agreements for the initial hiring, tenure, promotion, and renewal of meritorious appointees.

Academic Transformation: Partnerships shall be guided by collegiality and timely consultation, particularly when they may have the effect of significantly transforming the academic orientation or make up of a Faculty.

Transparency:聽All partnership agreements shall be publicly accessible except portions that touch on personal privacy or confidential commercial considerations.

This statement shall be reviewed by Senate Executive in two years to ensure that it remains an effective expression of the academic principles that apply to partnerships.

Definitions of academic freedom are found in the YUFA and CUPE 3903 collective agreements, and in the current Memorandum of Agreement between the Osgoode Hall Faculty Association and the University.聽In June 2009 Senate approved a motion proposed by Senator Roxanne Mykitiuk 鈥渢hat the Senate of 91亚色 confirm that the principles of academic freedom prevail with regard to all academic activities undertaken under the auspices of the university as also expressed by the President of the University, the Chair and Chair-designate of the Board of Governors.鈥澛燬enate of 91亚色, Minutes, June 18, 2009.

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1.1 Bridging Program

A bridging program has one of two purposes; it provides either:

• academic preparation and support, language skills and/or experiential knowledge聽 necessary to enter and succeed in a post-secondary education program;
• a mode of career-path education for students who hold degrees from abroad and require professional experience in the Canadian context.

Bridging programs contain courses for academic credit and may be supplemented by non-credit activities. Such programs are normally housed in an academic unit at the University.

1.2听Bridging Course

A bridging course is a university-preparation course with an academic curriculum that is offered to mature students as a means of preparing for the intellectual challenges of a university education, successful completion of which is recognized as a basis of admission to a degree program at the University. See the Senate Policy on Bridging Courses.

1.3听Courses for Academic Credit

Courses for academic credit in a bridging program are courses which have been otherwise approved for academic credit. Each Bridging Program is responsible for determining which courses are acceptable and satisfy the program requirements.

1.4听Non-credit Activities

Non-credit activities are designed to supplement the courses for academic credit in a bridging program or provide instruction for students to help meet the necessary level of performance. Each bridging program is responsible for determining its non-credit content.

2. Policy Statement

91亚色 is a socially responsive university committed to accessible education and social justice. It shall be the policy of the University to offer bridging programs (i) as a means of providing access to, or furthering prior, post-secondary studies; and (ii) providing program supports for internationally educated professionals.

3. Approval Authority

Bridging programs as defined in Section 1 above and categorized in Section 4.1 below are established upon approval by Senate on recommendations from its Committee on Academic Standards, Curriculum and Pedagogy (ASCP), which oversees the application and evolution of this policy. Consistent with the 91亚色 Quality Assurance Protocols and Procedures (YUQAP), proposals for new bridging programs fall under the category of Major Modifications and require the submission of a Proposal Brief as outlined in the YUQAP.

4. Guidelines

4.1 Role of Bridging Programs

Bridging programs at 91亚色 provide access to University degree and certificate programs for various cohorts of students. Specifically, programs may be structured to provide one of the following specific outcomes:

i. a basis of admission to a university degree program by bridging the gap between prior education and requirements for admission to the degree program;

ii. a pathway for admission to a university degree program for CAAT diploma graduates with academic credits granted toward the completion of a degree program;

iii. an opportunity for internationally educated professionals seeking to augment their prior education in the Canadian context.

The programs may be designed as either a combination of courses for academic credit and non- academic activities, or consist solely of academic credits. The academic credits will be counted towards a degree upon students鈥� admission / confirmation of admission to a degree program. They may be offered as either full or part-time programs.

The structure and academic standards of individual programs shall be established in accordance with the Categories and Criteria of Bridging Programs, Section 4.2 below.

4.2 Categories and Criteria of Bridging Programs

The four categories of bridging programs currently offered by 91亚色 are the following:

4.2.1 Bridging Program to University Degree Studies

Definition: Normally a one-year (two-term) program that provides access to degree programs for mature students who do not otherwise have the academic qualifications required for admission. Typically such programs are offered as a Certificate of Completion program (see Senate Certificate Legislation).

Criteria: Programs include a combination of courses for academic credit and non-credit activities. There shall be a minimum of 12.0 and a maximum of 18 academic credits. Students must achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average of C (4.0) in the academic credit courses and a 鈥減ass鈥� in the non-credit activities to be eligible for admission to a degree program at 91亚色, and to have the academic credits counted towards a degree program.

4.2.2 Provisional Admission Bridging Program to Enhance Language Proficiency

Definition: Normally a one-year (two-term) program that provides provisional admission to degree programs for direct-entry students who require further language instruction to achieve the level of English required for the University鈥檚 admission requirements. Students are admitted to the University with the condition of satisfying the English language requirements within the next 12 months.

Criteria: Programs include a combination of courses for academic credit and non-credit language instruction. Applicants must achieve a minimum score of 5.0 on the IELTS (or equivalent) to be eligible for the bridging program. A maximum of 9 academic credits may be taken during the program. Upon satisfaction of the language proficiency requirements, students鈥� admission to the degree program is confirmed. The courses for academic credits will be counted towards degree program requirements.

4.2.3 Pathway Programs into University Degree Programs

Definition: A program consisting of academic credits for qualified graduates of a college (or equivalent) offering a pathway for admission to the second or third year of an undergraduate degree program at 91亚色 with transfer credits. The focus of Pathway Bridging programs is to address the gap between the program learning outcomes of the college diploma and the university degree program to ensure students meet the degree level expectations of the degree program. In such programs, students are granted academic credits toward the completion of a degree at 91亚色 in recognition of the earned College diploma, completion of the academic credits at 91亚色, and the satisfaction of the learning outcomes gap between the diploma and the degree. Typically such programs are offered as a Certificate of Completion program (see Senate Certificate Legislation).

Criteria: Individual programs define:

i. The number of academic course credits necessary to address the gap between the learning outcomes of the college transfer credits and the university degree program, with a minimum of 12 academic credits required;

ii.聽The total number of academic credits granted towards the completion of the degree upon successful completion of the bridge program. University Residency Requirements for degree programs must be met.

The minimum grade point average (GPA) required in the bridging program for admission to the degree program at 91亚色 shall normally be the GPA required for eligibility to continue in the specific degree program.

4.2.4 Bridging Programs for Internationally Educated Professionals

Definition: A program consisting of courses for academic credits for internationally educated professionals (IEP) to gain foundation skills and an orientation to the Canadian context to help obtain employment commensurate with their qualifications. Typically they will be offered as an undergraduate stand-alone Professional Certificate program.

Criteria: Programs consist of a minimum of 24 academic credits, 18 of which must be at the 3000-level or above. Variations to the minimum standards may be approved for programs designed to meet specialized needs or requirements of particular professions. Candidates for admission will hold a degree from a recognized non-Canadian university. Students must achieve a cumulative GPA of 4.0 or greater for successful completion of the bridging program.

Note: Other kinds of bridging programs may be subject to Senate approval. The University Secretariat, in consultation with the Senate Academic Standards Curriculum & Pedagogy Committee, will advise on the application of this policy.

4.3 General Regulations

4.3.1 Academic Regulations Applicable to Bridging Programs

With the exception of the Provisional Admission Bridging Program, the University鈥檚 bridging programs are offered as non-degree certificate programs. As non-degree programs, they fall outside of the academic rules which govern degree programs. Thus, the following academic regulations apply to bridging programs, with the exception of the Provisional Admission Bridging Program which is governed by the students鈥� degree program rules and regulations.

4.3.1 (i) Enrolling in Additional Courses for Academic Credit to Meet GPA Requirements

Upon conclusion of a bridging program, students whose grade point average is below the standard required will be permitted to enrol in a maximum of 9 additional credits to meet the program鈥檚 required GPA. New courses, repeated courses, passed courses and failed courses will count towards the total maximum number of attempted course credits. These courses must be taken at 91亚色.

4.3.1 (ii)聽聽 Senate Pass / Fail Policy

The Senate Pass / Fail Policy is not applicable to courses for academic credit in a University bridging program.

4.3.1 (iii)聽Senate Policy on Repeating Passed or Failed Courses for Academic Credit

The Senate Policy on Repeating Passed or Failed Courses for Academic Credit is applicable to courses for academic credit in a University bridging program.

4.3.1 (iv)聽Deferred Standing

Students in bridging programs are eligible to apply for deferred standing in courses for academic credit when they are unable to write their final examination at the scheduled time or to submit their聽outstanding course work on the last day of classes. In such cases, students complete a Final聽Exam/Assignment Deferred Standing Agreement form and reach an agreement directly with the course director for an alternate final examination date or for an extension to the deadline.

4.3.1 (v) Academic Petitions

Students in bridging programs are eligible to submit petitions pertaining to a course for academic credit (e.g., for late withdrawal / late enrolment) to the Faculty offering the course in question.

4.3.3 (vi) Grade Reappraisals

Students in bridging programs may with sufficient academic grounds request to the relevant department that a final grade in a course be reappraised. The Senate Principles Regarding Grade聽Reappraisals shall apply.

4.3.1 (vii) Religious Observance and Accommodation

The Senate Policy on Religious Observance and the companion Accommodation Guidelines apply to University bridging programs.

4.3.1 (viii) Residency Requirements

Students will complete all courses for academic credit and non-credit activities for bridging programs at 91亚色.

4.4 Admissions Applications

Students seeking admission to a bridging program must submit a written application to the University鈥檚 Office of Admissions.

4.5 Transcript Notation

The successful completion of a bridging program certificates will be noted on a student鈥檚 transcript.

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The following is a policy which is intended to apply to all graduate programs which make use of integrated courses. Individual programs may set more stringent requirements or may decide not to introduce such courses.

1. All such courses must be taught by a member of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
2. All courses which are integrated on a continuing basis should be so indicated in the calendar. This will advise graduate students of the type of curriculum being offered.
3. Graduate students will be expected to do work at a higher level than undergraduates. These expectations will be detailed in the new course proposals submitted to Council and Senate and also in detailed course outlines provided to students.
4. Program Directors shall monitor enrolments, both graduate and undergraduate, in such courses, to ensure a desirable balance. It is suggested that whenever enrolment levels warrant it, the course should be separated into graduate and undergraduate courses.
5. Graduate courses shall be integrated only with undergraduate courses at the 4000-level, and where it is understood that 4000-level indicates an advanced level.
6. All integrated courses shall be reviewed at intervals of 3 years by the Academic Committee of the Faculty of Graduate Studies. The first report by graduate programme directors shall include all of the following:
   • enrolments by year of study and Faculty
   • grades
   • comments by Program Directors and Course Directors if applicable
   • a restatement of the differences between the two levels.

Subsequent reports need only indicate changes that have occurred in content, presentation, enrolment in, or total number of integrated courses.

7. The regulations of the Faculty of Graduate Studies shall be changed to incorporate the following:

"Masters students who are enrolled in a thesis option must complete at least one full course (or equivalent) which is not integrated with an undergraduate course.

Masters students who are enrolled in a course work or research-review option must complete at least one and a half (or equivalent) courses, which are not integrated with an undergraduate course.

Doctoral candidates shall not receive credit towards the Ph.D. degree for more than one full integrated course.

Graduate students may not take or receive credit for an integrated course at the graduate level if they took it at 91亚色 or elsewhere at the undergraduate level. These are minimum requirements; individual programs may require more stringent rules."

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• Course rubrics are reserved for approved curricular degree majors and are not for individual courses or groupings of courses.聽In a limited number of cases, discrete course rubrics have been developed for specialized programs which offer degree credit courses which are not a degree program or major (e.g. GER, GK and WRIT).
• The approval of a course rubric for a new degree program will be part of the approval process for new program.
• The change of a course rubric will be subject to the same curriculum approval procedures as for a new course rubric (Approved by the appropriate departmental and faculty committees, Faculty Council, and by ASCP).
• All proposals for either new course rubrics or new applications for an existing course rubric must be accompanied by a rationale describing the need and benefits of using the proposed course rubric.聽In particular, the rationale should describe how the proposed course rubric would serve to assist students or external readers of 91亚色 transcripts to identify the discipline or area of study of the courses.聽If the proposed course rubric is in common use at other universities or colleges, this should be noted in the rationale. Proposals must include a report on consultation with all cognate units that offer courses within the same discipline or are currently using the course rubric for which a new use is being proposed.
• In considering the appropriateness of a proposed course rubric, especially when being used to denote a sub-field within an established discipline, ASCP will bear in mind whether introducing this course rubric will result in unwarranted or extensive cross listings.
• Separate course rubrics will not be approved for certificate program courses.
• ASCP will consult with the Registrar鈥檚 Office to ensure that any proposed new course rubric or new use of an existing course rubric can be operationalized.聽In reviewing any requested change to existing rubrics, the rationale describing the need for the change and the anticipated benefits that would result will be considered in light of the resources necessary to operationalize the change.

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1. 聽The graduate diploma is awarded to students who satisfy the specified requirements at a specified minimum standard. The minimum requirements for the graduate diploma will normally be the equivalent of two full graduate courses.

2. 聽There are four types of graduate diplomas:

i. Type 1 Graduate Diploma:

This graduate diploma is awarded when a Candidate admitted to a Master's program leaves the program after completing a predetermined proportion of the requirements (for example, 50% of the course requirements). Students are not admitted directly to these graduate diploma programs.

ii. Type 2 Graduate Diploma:

This is a graduate diploma that is offered in conjunction with a Master's (or Doctoral) degree, registration for which requires that the Candidate be already admitted to the Master's (or Doctoral) program. Candidates for this graduate diploma must first be admitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies as Candidates for a Master's or Ph.D. degree in an existing Graduate Program. They will normally register for the graduate diploma after their program of studies for the Master's or Ph.D. degree has been clearly defined. Courses taken in fulfilment of degree requirements may count towards the graduate diploma, but some part of the graduate diploma requirements shall be additional to degree requirements. All the requirements for the degree as well as for the graduate diploma must be fulfilled before the graduate diploma is awarded. Normally, the graduate diploma will be awarded at the convocation at which the degree is awarded. However, students may be permitted by Graduate Diploma Coordinators to complete requirements in one additional term following the award of the degree, and receive the graduate diploma at the next convocation.

Graduate Diploma Coordinators will inform the Faculty of Graduate Studies of all those enrolled and of any subsequent withdrawals. Graduate Diploma Coordinators must notify the Registrar's Office, either prior to the award of the degree or in the term following the award of the degree, of all those students who expect to receive the diploma. The Registrar must also be informed of any subsequent withdrawals.

iii. Type 3 Graduate Diploma:

This is a stand-alone graduate diploma program to which students are admitted directly, which is not additional to a Master's or Doctoral degree, and is usually offered by an academic unit that does not offer other graduate degree programs.

iv. Type 4 Graduate Diploma:

This is a sub-specialization within an existing program. These programs are stand-alone, direct-entry graduate diplomas (i.e., not additional to the Master's or Ph.D. program) developed by a unit already offering a Master's (and sometimes a Ph.D.) program, to suit the needs of a particular clientele or market.

3. 聽Proposals for a graduate diploma program should include a statement on the academic rationale for the diploma, and a detailed outline of its administrative organization, curricular and other requirements, available resources, and any additional resources which may be required. Proposals will be submitted through the FGS Academic Planning & Policy Committee to the Council of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and through Senate CCAS and Senate APPC to Senate.

4. 聽Graduate diploma programs will be subject to appraisal by the Ontario Council of Graduate Studies and regular review by the Academic Planning & Policy Committee of the Faculty of Graduate Studies. The results of the review will be reported to the Faculty Council, to Senate CCAS and to Senate APPC. Normally, the initial review will take place three years after the diploma is approved, and subsequently at five year intervals.

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Descriptions

Course descriptions should be concise summaries of the general purpose and learning outcomes of the course.聽 Descriptions must include information about pre-requisites, co-requisites, historical course

Maintenance and Annual Review

It is the responsibility of the unit offering a course to maintain the accuracy of its course descriptions.聽 Changes to course descriptions have an impact on scheduling, student enrolment and degree audit processes. Once course changes are finalized and approved by the respective Faculty Councils, units must coordinate with the Office of the University Registrar to effect the changes within their timelines for curriculum changes.

It is the responsibility of the unit offering the course to annually review course descriptions, including stated pre-requisites, co-requisites, historical course codes and course credit exclusions, to ensure the information included is current and reflects recent curricular changes.

1. Cross-Listed Courses

1.1 Definition

鈥淐ross-Listed鈥� courses are offered jointly by two or more teaching units.聽 All instances of cross-listed courses are essentially the same course with different identifiers most commonly utilized to signify relevance to more than one particular discipline.

1.2 Impact to Degree Progress and Completion

Cross-listed courses must all have the same academic credit value and are not counted twice to fulfill degree requirements.

1.3 Establishing a Cross-Listing

Cross-listings of courses are arranged, changed and approved by agreement of all units or Faculties concerned.聽 Proposals for new or revised courses must include approval by the respective Faculty curriculum committee in all units impacted.

1.4 Cross-Listing Description Standards

Normally, one course is designated as the 鈥減rimary鈥� offering within the course repository and all other subject identifiers are linked to the primary course.聽 Cross-Listings are not part of the course description; however other course numbers are listed in course catalogues.

2. Course Credit Exclusions

2.1 Definition

鈥淐ourse Credit Exclusion鈥� is a formal status accorded to sets of courses that are recognized as having sufficient overlap in content.聽 Although the courses may have a significant degree of overlap, they are not considered fully equivalent. Students will not receive credit for both / all courses in a designated set of CCE鈥檚.

2.2 Impact to Degree Progress and Completion

Courses established as Course Credit Exclusions (CCE) are not equivalent; the use of a CCE course to fulfill a degree requirement must be either pre-determined by the program or approved on an individual basis for a student by a department. Completion of courses designated as CCEs will be subject to the Senate Policy on Repeating Passed or Failed Courses for Academic Credit.

While the relationship between pairs of courses which are course credit exclusions is fully reciprocal, it does not extend to other courses associated with either parent course.聽 Two courses paired as CCEs may also separately list other courses as exclusions. Those courses are not automatically deemed as CCEs unless also listed as course credit exclusions of the paired courses.

It is the responsibility of programs and departments to advise students of the impact of enrolling in specific course credit exclusions.

2.3 Establishing a Course Credit Exclusion

Course credit exclusions are arranged and approved by the agreement of the all the units or faculties concerned.聽 Proposals for new or revised courses indicating course credit exclusions must include approval from all applicable units.

2.4 Description Standards

All course credit exclusions for a course are listed in the course description following the label 鈥淐ourse Credit Exclusions鈥�. The term must always be used in its plural form and used only if there are exclusions indicated. Both parent courses must state the CCE.

2.5 Annual Review

It is the responsibility of the units offering courses paired as Course Credit Exclusions to review and confirm them annually.聽 Parent courses of a course credit exclusion that have not been offered for seven consecutive years, will be removed from the course description.

2.6 Course Credit Exclusions on Transfer Credits

Transfer credit awarded for studies at other institutions (upon admission, through a letter of permission, or exchange program) may result in 91亚色 Course Credit Exclusions being identified for the completion of students鈥� program requirements at 91亚色. Such cases are governed by the relevant program regulations and the Senate Guidelines on Transfer Credits.

3. Course Substitutes

3.1 Definition

A "Course Substitute鈥� is a descriptive term applied when a course is recognized as sufficiently similar to a required course in a degree or certificate program.聽 Substitutions may be programmatic and offered to all students or individualized for a student with departmental approval.

3.2 Impact to Degree Progress and Completion

Substitutes are used to fulfill degree requirements in lieu of a specific required course. The substitutes may be program-wide and apply to all students who transfer into a program through a particular pathway, or approved by a department for an individual student. Course substitutions do not have reciprocal relationships such as course credit exclusions.聽 It is the responsibility of programs and departments and the Office of the University Registrar to confirm approved course substitutions for students.

3.3 Establishing Substitutions

Programs may establish program-wide substitutions in recognition of an appropriate commonly used pathway to meet degree requirements for students transferring from another program or Faculty.聽 No consultation is required with other departments or units. It is the responsibility of the program to periodically review and confirm its program-wide substitutions.

3.4 Communicating Substitutions

Substitutions are not stated on course descriptions. Approved program-wide substitutions should be stated in program requirements and included in calendar copy.

Substitutions granted and approved for an individual student are considered exceptions for the use of fulfilling degree requirements and must be communicated to the Office of the University Registrar for degree audit purposes.

Substitutions granted on the basis of transfer credit received for studies at other post-secondary institutions must be communicated to students through an assessment of transfer credit.

4. Previously

4.1 Definition

鈥淧reviously鈥� is used to denote a previous identifier or number of a course. Courses may be re-labelled with new subject codes, year levels, Faculties or course numbers due to curricular changes or re-organizations among Faculties and units. Courses marked as 鈥減revious鈥� versions are the same course and considered equivalents.

4.2 鈥淧reviously鈥�: Re-numbered or Re-labelled courses

4.3 Impact to Degree Progress and Completion

Courses labelled Previously are full equivalents and subject to the Senate Policy on Repeating Passed or Failed Courses for Academic Credit . They cannot be counted twice for fulfilling degree requirements.

Curricular changes that resulted in a significant change to the academic content of a course will be assessed to determine if a course credit exclusion is applicable.

Re-numbering and re-labelling of courses must be coordinated with the Office of the University Registrar to mitigate the impact on scheduling, student enrolment and degree audit processes.

4.4 Description Standards for Re-Labelled Courses

Re-numbered or re-labelled courses shall state in the course description all previous numbers and codes following the label 鈥淧reviously鈥�.聽聽 If the course is also identified as a course credit exclusion or cross-listing with another course, the course description of the paired course must also be reviewed and adjusted accordingly.

4.5 Maintenance and Annual Review

It is the responsibility of the unit offering the course to annually review course descriptions to confirm course numbers and labels. Previous codes from courses not offered for seven consecutive years shall be removed from course descriptions.

5. Integrated Courses

5.1 Definition

鈥淚ntegrated courses鈥� are courses in which both graduate and undergraduate students (typically 4^th year) enrol concurrently. 聽They are governed by the Senate Policy and Guidelines on Integrated Courses and the practices and guidelines for cross-listed courses do not apply.

6. Associated Regulations

6.1 Implicated Policies and Guidelines

These Guidelines and Procedures have been developed in the context of, and consistent with the following related legislation and regulations:

Repeating Passed or Failed Courses for Academic Credit

Advanced Standing Policy

The Pan-Canadian Protocol on the Transferability of University Credits

Undergraduate Co-Registration Options with Ontario Post-secondary Institutions

Approved program and degree regulations

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Definition: "Undergraduate Certificate" is the term applied to a program of studies attesting to a level of competence or skills in a particular area or field. It is distinct from a defined undergraduate degree program, stream, specialization or informal concentration. A certificate recognizes a specific grouping of courses that i) are cross-disciplinary but with a thematic coherence, ii) form a coherent yet distinctive complement to the major of a degree program, or iii) lead to the acquisition of specific skills or professional expertise that may meet requirements of outside accrediting bodies.

Categories of Certificates

Cross-Disciplinary Certificate

Definition: A cluster of courses in a defined thematic area of interest, which are not confined to a single disciplinary area of study or major.

Minimum Standards: 24 credits, at least 18 of which must be at the 2000-level or above, including 6 credits at the 3000- or 4000-level. In order to receive the certificate candidates must present a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 or greater in the courses taken to satisfy certificate requirements.

Disciplinary Certificate

Definition: A series of courses in a specific area of study that form a distinctive complement to studies in an undergraduate major discipline. The majority of courses taken towards the certificate will be in one major discipline. Whenever a student's major discipline coincides with that of the certificate not all of the course credits used to satisfy certificate requirements may also be used to satisfy degree major requirements.

Minimum Standards: 24 credits, 18 of which would normally be at the 3000-level or above. At least 12 credits of the disciplinary courses that satisfy certificate requirements must be in addition to those used to satisfy requirements of an undergraduate major. In order to receive the certificate candidates must present a cumulative GPA of 4.0 or greater in the courses taken to satisfy certificate requirements.

Certificate of Proficiency

Definition: An acknowledgement of proficiency (normally in a language) in a given area.

Minimum Standards: There would normally be a comprehensive examination in addition to course requirements (normally 12 credits). In order to receive the certificate candidates must present a cumulative GPA of 4.0 or greater in the courses taken to satisfy certificate requirements, although language certificates normally have higher requirements.

Professional Certificate

Definition: A series of courses that build specific skills and/or competencies often related to a professional expertise such as might be recognized by an external professional body.

Minimum Standards: Normally 24 credits, 18 credits of which would be at the 3000-level or above. In most cases, at least 12 credits of the disciplinary courses that satisfy certificate requirements must be in addition to those used to satisfy requirements of an undergraduate major being completed concurrently. (Note:聽ASCP will consider variations to these minimum standards for certificates designed to meet specialized needs or requirements of particular professions). In order to receive the certificate candidates must present a cumulative GPA of 4.0 or greater in the courses taken to satisfy certificate requirements.

General Regulations

Program requirements are reviewed and approved by Faculty Council and Senate. Normally, Undergraduate Certificates will be completed concurrently with an undergraduate degree program and are differentiated from a degree program by a higher GPA requirement (the 4.0 specified above is a lower limit) or a more focused selection of courses. However, direct-entry, stand-alone certificate programs are available and are primarily intended to meet the need for specific professional preparation. Such direct entry certificate programs will generally be in the nature of either career-entry or mid-career development and candidates will normally already hold a degree or have significant post-secondary education. While most certificate programs (except for the Certificate of Proficiency) will require close to the minimum 24 credits, thereby differentiating a certificate from major requirements within a degree program, it is expected that some Professional Certificate programs will justify lower or higher credit requirements on the basis of standards or academic requirements set by external professional bodies. Cross-Disciplinary and Disciplinary Certificates might also in special circumstances justify a higher total credit requirement, but normally not more than 36 credits. A certificate that requires 36 credits or more may be designated as advanced. Since certificate courses are credit courses, admission requirements will be equivalent to those for an undergraduate degree program.

Undergraduate Certificate Courses: Undergraduate Certificate Programs are composed of courses which have been approved for credit in an undergraduate degree program. Each Program is responsible for determining which courses are acceptable for satisfaction of the Certificate Program requirements.

Minimum Requirements for Multiple Certificates: Students may acquire more than one certificate provided that at least 18 credits in each certificate are unique to the specific certificate.

Residency Requirements: The University residency requirement for undergraduate certificate programs is 18 credits for certificate programs requiring up to 36 credits, and 50% of the required credits for certificates comprising more than 36 credits. Normally, for undergraduate certificate programs requiring 18 credits or less, all credits are completed at 91亚色.

Admission / Graduation Application and Transcript Notation: Students seeking direct entry to a certificate program must submit written application when applying for admission to the University. Students already enrolled in an undergraduate degree program are also expected to apply for entry to a certificate program, normally prior to completion of 36 credits of their undergraduate degree program. Students must also submit application to graduate from a certificate program. Applications should be obtained from and filed with the unit administering the certificate program. Transcript notation that the requirements for a certificate have been completed will be made once the Registrar鈥檚 Office has received notice from the unit administering the program. Certificates will not be conferred until candidates have successfully completed an undergraduate degree program if they are simultaneously enrolled in a degree and a certificate program.

Certificates of Completion

Definition

Certificates of Completion are awarded for the successful completion of an access or bridging program, which are defined as a designated program of study designed to 鈥渂ridge鈥� students into an academic degree program. The Certificates of Completion are distinct from both an undergraduate certificate and a non-degree studies certificate. A Certificate of Completion recognizes a student鈥檚 accomplishment in a specified grouping of courses designed to lead to the acquisition of academic skills and knowledge necessary to perform successfully in an academic degree program, where that recognition may be desirable for external audiences.

General Regulations

Access / bridging program requirements are reviewed and approved by Faculty Council (if appropriate) and Senate. In order to receive the Certificate of Completion of the program, candidates must meet the minimum requirements as stated by the program to satisfy certificate requirements.聽The certificate program is normally a direct-entry stand-alone program primarily intended to prepare students to meet the needs of an academic degree.聽In this way, the Certificate of Completion recognizes the successful passage across a 鈥渂ridge鈥� into a university degree program.聽Normally, this 鈥渂ridge鈥� will be into the first year of a university degree for students with no prior university education and will be into an advanced level for students with international university education, and/or other post-secondary education credentials.聽The requirements of a Certificate of Completion may include a combination of academic and non-academic credits, or consist solely of academic credits, with a minimum requirement of 12.0 academic credits in either model.

Certificate Courses for Academic Credit: Courses for academic credit are courses which have been otherwise approved for academic credit. Each Certificate Program is responsible for determining which courses are acceptable and satisfy the Certificate Program requirements.

Certificate Activities for Non-credit:聽Activities for non-credit workshops/courses/modules are designed to supplement the academic credit by offering students exposure to the range of learning, professional and communication skills, and related cultural knowledge, for example, necessary to successful performance in an academic degree.聽Each Certificate Program is responsible for determining this content.

Residency Requirements: Students will complete all required academic and non-academic credits at 91亚色 or at an institution collaborating with 91亚色 in an Inter-Institutional Program. Thus, the University residency requirement for programs eligible for the Certificate of Completion is normally 100% of the required credits but in no case less than 60% of the total combination of academic and non-academic credits.

Admissions Application: Students seeking direct entry to a Certificate of Completion program must submit a written application when applying for admission to the University. Applications should be obtained from and filed with the University鈥檚 Office of Admissions. Certificates will be awarded upon successful completion of the program.聽Normally, students receiving a Certificate of Completion will be eligible for internal transfer directly into select degree programs.

Transcript Notation: A transcript notation that the requirements for a certificate have been completed will be made once the Registrar鈥檚 Office has received notice from the unit administering the program.

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GUIDELINES

1. 聽Roles and Expectations

Organized Research Units may be institutionally based or based within Faculties.聽Institutional ORUs will normally be expected to attract and support a large critical mass of researchers from across multiple units and Faculties.聽Faculty-based ORUs normally bring together a critical mass of researchers predominantly from a single Faculty.

All ORUs are expected to:

• attain at least national leadership and international recognition in the relevant area of research.
• normally align with the strategic research objectives of the University and/or聽lead Faculty and drive development of research at the Institution in their areas
• identify opportunities and be a focus for research-related faculty recruitment
• build around a single focus, or serve as a synergistic hub for convergent programmatic activities
• provide successful leadership in the pursuit of programmatic and infrastructure funding, while also taking advantage of opportunities to grow and develop their research programs and to sustain their operations
• provide an enhanced research and training environment for undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral fellows
• develop extensive relationships within the region, nationally and internationally and to actively engage in knowledge transfer and knowledge mobilization activities to an extent appropriate to the area of research

2. Organized Research Service Units

In some instances, the operations of an ORU may primarily involve the provision of service or contract research products to internal or external clients.聽Such ORUs shall receive the designation of Organized Research Service Units (ORSUs).聽While excellence in scholarship and education remains an important goal of these units their evaluation places emphasis on the demonstrated excellence and the continuing relevance of the core services provided.

PROCEDURES

1. Responsibility for Documents and Processes

Responsibility for templates and processes with respect to the chartering, governance and review of 91亚色 Research Institutes and Centres lies with the Vice President Research and Innovation, who shall seek advice from and consult with the APPRC Sub-Committee on ORUs and may consult with other relevant groups around the University.

2. Timing of Applications

Proposals for new ORUs may be submitted at any time or in response to calls for proposals by the VPRI (Institutional ORUs) or Faculty Research Office (Faculty-based ORUs).聽(For spontaneous proposals, prospective applicants are strongly advised that the viability of an application is contingent upon the availability of resources and other forms of support from the applicable Faculty/Faculties and/or the Division of the Vice-President Research and Innovation.)

3. Application Components

3.1 Templates and Processes

All applications must conform to prescribed templates consistent with the Senate Policy on ORUs.聽Applications for Institutional ORU status must be accompanied by letters of support from all participating Faculties.聽Applications for Faculty-based ORU status must be accompanied by a letter of support and commitment by the Dean/Principal of the lead Faculty, who may also provide the reports of any external peer reviews that they have requested, and by letters of support from other participating Faculties.

The office of the VPRI shall ensure due diligence in the assessment of ORU charter applications.聽The VPRI may seek advice from appropriate internal and external advisory bodies in developing an assessment, and will declare the source of the advice received.聽Applications for ORU status also may, at the discretion of the lead Faculty/VPRI, be subject to external peer review in addition to internal consultation.

4. Criteria

Applications will be assessed by comparison to the expectations for ORUs as described under Guidelines, with the weighting placed on individual criteria appropriate to the nature of the application and the context in which it is submitted.

5. Approval Process

All applications and accompanying review documentation shall be provided to the Sub-Committee on ORUs of APPRC for information and discussion.聽No member of APPRC or its Sub-Committee on ORUs may participate in discussions regarding recommending an ORU charter (application or renewal) if they are a member (current or prospective) of the ORU under consideration.

Applications are expected to fulfill two criteria for chartering:聽1) be of a high academic standard with realistic goals and aspirations appropriate to the area of research, clearly defined and meeting the expectations set out in the guidelines; and 2) have a commitment for appropriate levels of resource support to fulfill the charter mandate.聽For applications fully fulfilling these criteria, the VPRI will propose to the Sub-Committee on ORUs that the applicants be granted a Charter. The Sub-Committee on ORUs shall be responsible for making recommendations to APPRC.聽APPRC shall be responsible for making recommendations to Senate.

Unsuccessful applicants may re-apply under the terms specified in clause 3, above (Timing of Applications).

6. Annual Reporting

ORUs are expected to maintain a sound financial footing and to comply in full with all applicable University policies and relevant external requirements.

Conforming to prescribed templates, retrospective annual reports shall detail progress made toward achieving goals and finances, together with a prospective research and financial plan for the year ahead.

Institutional ORUs submit their reports to the office of the VPRI.聽Faculty-based ORUs submit their reports to the Lead Faculty, but provide copies to other participating Faculties and the Vice-President Research and Innovation.

Annual reports shall be forwarded to the Sub-Committee on ORUs of APPRC for information and comment.In the year before the end of their charter, interested ORUs may submit an application for a new charter.聽The application process will consist of two parts: a) a retrospective review of the past term and b) a proposal for the next term.

7. New Charters

The application process is administered by the Office of the VPRI in consultation with APPRC and resources shall be made available through the office of the VPRI to support the review process.聽This will include a site visit of up to two days by an expert external review team of normally 3 members selected by the VPRI in consultation with the Sub-Committee on ORUs on the basis of suggestions by the ORU itself, and the participating Faculties.聽Materials to be provided in advance of the site visit will include all annual reports and plans from the past and a full application addressing the proposed next term of activities.

As part of the review process, the review team will receive an overview of the philosophy, culture and expectations for ORUs at 91亚色 so as to be able to appropriately appreciate the unique aspects of the 91亚色 ORU environment.聽This introduction will include a welcome briefing by the VPRI and interaction with at least one member of the Sub-Committee on ORUs, and the opportunity to meet with other ORU directors in related areas (Institutional or Faculty, based on the individual review).聽While review visits are expected to follow a common protocol, time will also be provided to the team to allow them to appropriately explore issues that they may identify during the course of the review.

The review team shall report on ORU progress against expectations and assess and report on the continuing opportunity for the ORU as well as the alignment of the ORU with ongoing internal Faculty/University strategic priorities and external priorities and opportunities.聽The Review Committee report will be communicated to the ORU and the ORU director shall have an opportunity to provide a written response to the report. The VPRI also may seek advice from others in the formulation of recommendations regarding applications for new charters.

Applications for new charters and accompanying review documentation shall be provided to the Sub-Committee on ORUs of APPRC for information and discussion.

Applications are expected to fulfill three criteria for subsequent chartering:聽1) being judged through external peer review to have met expectations outlined in their existing charter; 2) have a new charter proposal that continues to be of a high academic standard with realistic goals and aspirations appropriate to the area of research, clearly defined and meeting the expectations set out in the guidelines; and 3) have a commitment for appropriate levels of resource support needed to fulfill the new charter mandate.聽For Applications fully fulfilling these criteria, the VPRI will propose to the Sub-Committee on ORUs that the applicants be granted a new Charter. The Sub-Committee on ORUS shall be responsible for making recommendations to APPRC.聽APPRC shall be responsible for making recommendations to Senate.

Unsuccessful applicants may re-apply under the terms specified in clause 2, above (Timing of Applications).

In the absence a new Senate-approved charter, ORU funding will cease at the expiration date of the existing charter and ORU activity will cease no more than three months following the expiration of the Charter, at which time the designation of Research Centre / Research Institute shall no longer be used by the research group.

8. Sunset (Winding Up) Provisions

All ORU assets are the property of the University in the absence of explicit agreements stating otherwise.聽All agreements with respect to ORU assets must be in compliance with University policies and procedures and must be approved by the affected Faculties and VPRI before execution.

It is recognized that during the course of their lifespan ORUs may accumulate assets dedicated to the areas of ORU activity.聽This may include physical assets as well as supports such as endowments.

In their accumulation such assets may be accompanied by a legacy clause that specifies their disposition within the Institution when the charter of the ORU expires and ORU activities cease.聽In the absence of a legacy clause or sunset agreement in the ORU charter, following the expiration of its charter the assets of an Institutional ORU revert to the VPRI, whereas assets of a Faculty ORU revert to the Faculty.

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