Responsibilities

The Academic Programs Committee of University Council is responsible for:

1. Recommending to Council policies and procedures related to academic programs and sustaining program quality.
2. Evaluating the fit of academic program proposals with university priorities; reviewing financial sustainability of proposals for new academic programs and program deletions; and recommending to Council on new programs, major program revisions and program deletions, including their budgetary implications.
3. Approving minor program changes, including additions of new courses and revisions to or deletions of existing courses and reporting them to Council.
4. Considering outreach and engagement aspects of programs.
5. Consulting with Planning and Priorities Committee on processes and outcomes of academic program review, following consultation with the Planning and Priorities Committee and other Council committees as appropriate.
6. Consulting with Planning and Priorities Committee on proposals for the establishment, disestablishment or amalgamation of any college, school, department or any unit responsible for the administration of an academic program.
7. Consulting with Planning and Priorities Committee on proposed or continuing affiliation or federation of other institutions with the University.
8. Reporting to Council on the academic implications of enrolment plans, changes, and admission standards.
9. Approving the annual academic schedule and reporting the schedule to Council for information and recommending to Council substantive changes in policy governing dates for the academic sessions.
10. Approving minor changes (such as wording and renumbering) to rules governing examinations and reviewing and recommending to Council substantive changes.
11. Recommending to Council classifications and conventions for instructional programs.
12. Designating individuals to act as representatives of the Committee on any other bodies, when requested, where such representation is deemed by the Committee to be beneficial.
13. Consider the priorities of the University, such as Indigenization and internationalization, when assessing current and new academic programs and policies.
14. Carrying out all the above in the spirit of a philosophy of equitable participation and an appreciation of the contributions of all people, with particular attention to rigorous and supportive programs for Indigenous student success, engagement with Indigenous communities, inclusion of Indigenous knowledge and experience in curricular offerings, and intercultural engagement among faculty, staff and students.