Information Requirements for Modified Programs
UNIVERSITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK
PROPOSAL GUIDELINES FOR MODIFIED ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Approved by F Senate 26 May 2014
Approved by SJ Senate 26 May 2014
OVERVIEW
This document provides a common structure for developing acceptable and complete proposals for
modified academic programs. The guidelines provided herein should optimize the chance of success of
Faculty(ies)’ submissions to the appropriate Senate Curriculum Committee, Senate Academic Planning
Committee (UNBF), Senate Academic Planning and Resources Committee (UNBSJ), both Senates, and,
eventually, Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission (MPHEC) submission. The MPHEC is
responsible for continuous quality improvement of programs and teaching at post-secondary institutions
and, in particular, at universities in the Maritime Provinces. This is achieved through review of program
proposals prior to implementation, and through monitoring institutional quality assurance policies and
procedures.
When developing a modified program proposal, liaise with the University Secretariat to assist in the
development of the proposal and coordination of the approval process (secretariat@unb.ca). It is
important that the academic planning procedures in place are helpful in moving revised programs along in
a timely fashion, with full disclosure of information to inform the decision process. Every department
and Faculty should be aware of the chain of events that must take place, the questions they must have
considered and documented, and the office that can (and those that cannot) handle events along the path
to full approval.
Scope
Universities are required to submit to MPHEC, prior to implementation, a proposal for any new, modified
or terminated university-level program (which includes degrees, diplomas and certificates) that meets any
of the following criteria:
 leads to an exit credential; or
 is the equivalent of 30 credits (or one full year) or more of study at the undergraduate level
(regardless of whether it leads to an exit credential); or
 is a type to be tracked as per MPHEC decision (which may change from time to time).
The Atlantic Advisory Committee on Health Human Resources (AACHHR) is mandated to review all
proposed new health programs and health programs in which significant change is planned, as initiated by
institutions, and programs resulting from discussions with the institutions which would support a plan to
meet the health human resources needs of Maritime and/or Atlantic Canada.
Proposals intended for implementation at the beginning of the Fall term must be completed and
submitted to the University Secretariat no later than August 31 of the preceding year. Approval
may take up to eighteen months from the date of submission.
The guidelines explain the information required for each section of the accompanying Program
Proposal. Completed proposals go through an approval process at the appropriate Senate, the
Board, and the MPHEC. Some of the required information is subsequently used during MPHEC
quality assurance processes. Please contact the University Secretariat should you have any
questions.
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Information Requirements for Modified Programs
GUIDELINES
The purpose of these Information Requirements is to outline the information required to allow an external
reader to assess that a proposed undergraduate program meets the following assessment criteria:
 Program content, structure and delivery modes reflect a coherent program design that allows for
the program objectives and anticipated student outcomes to be achieved, while providing
sufficient depth and breadth to meet the standards of quality associated with the credential
 Clearly defined and relevant program objectives and anticipated student and graduate outcomes
 Appropriate fit of name, level and content to ensure ‘truth in advertising’ and to facilitate
credential recognition
 Adequate resources (human, physical and financial) to implement and sustain the program
 Program need and viability
 Clearly defined collaborative agreements [Criterion for programs offered by two or more
institutions only, including articulated programs]
The MPHEC often receives questions as to whether program modifications ought to be submitted for
approval, and whether modifications ought to be submitted as new programs. As a rule, modifications
that affect approximately 25% or more of the program require submission. In some instances, however,
the modification ought to be submitted as a proposal for a new program given the extent of the change;
for example, normally, if the proposal is to introduce a new major or stream within an existing degree
program, the proposal ought to be submitted following the Information Requirements for a New
Undergraduate or Graduate Program.
If you are unable to complete all sections of the information requirements listed below, please note these
areas and include an explanation.
PART I: INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS FOR MPHEC
1.
PROGRAM IDENTIFICATION
1.1
Submitting Institution
University of New Brunswick Choose an item.
1.2
Faculty(ies)
Click here to enter text.
1.3
School(s)
Choose an item.
1.4
Department(s)
Click here to enter text.
1.5
Program Name
Click here to enter text.
1.6
Program type (e.g., bachelor’s degree, post-baccalaureate certificate)
Choose an item. Other: Click here to enter text.
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Information Requirements for Modified Programs
1.7
Credential(s) granted (where applicable, former and proposed)
Click here to enter text.
1.8
Description of the timeframe/phase-out plan for the existing program and students/phase-in plan
for the modifications, where applicable:
1.8.1
Proposed start date for modified program, considering all required approvals including
the MPHEC’s. Click here to enter a date.
1.8.2
Anticipated date of completion of last student enrolled in existing program.
Click here to enter a date.
1.8.3
Any other information to assist in understanding how the program will transition from
the existing, MPHEC-approved program, to that being proposed.
Click here to enter text.
1.9
Institutional program code(s) for the existing program(s), as stored in the post-secondary
institution’s administrative files, that is reported under PSIS (Post-Secondary Student
Information System) (element IP 2000)
Click here to enter text. (Contact the Registrars’ Office should you have questions regarding
PSIS codes)
1.10
Date(s) of Senate Approval:
Date of Board Approval:
Fredericton
Click here to enter a date.
Saint John
Click here to enter a date.
Click here to enter a date.
1.11
Contact Person: Click here to enter text.
2.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROGRAM MODIFICATION
2.1
Description of the type of change (e.g., course change, addition of work placement, change to
online delivery.)
Email: Click here to enter text.
Click here to enter text.
2.2
Description of the purpose of the change (e.g., following the evolution of the discipline,
accommodating the clientele to be served, establishing a better focus, resulting from an external
review [provide details]). If the proposed modification includes a name change, provide a
rationale for the choice of new name/credential, including comment on the process of selecting
the name and credential(s).
Click here to enter text.
2.3
Using the table provided below as a guide, provide a side-by-side comparison of the program as
it was last submitted to the Commission and the proposed modifications. If unable to provide
information on the program as last submitted to the Commission, please provide a full
description of the modified program.
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Information Requirements for Modified Programs
Program as Last Submitted to the Commission
Program Name
Credential(s) Granted
Expected program duration (in years):
Full-time:
Part-time:
Total number of credits:
Proposed Program Modification
Program Name
Program Name
Credential(s) Granted
Program Duration
Expected program duration (in years):
Full-time:
Part-time:
Total number of credits:
Admission Requirements and Standards
(If more than one path to admission, address each)
Program Content &Roll-Out (term-by-term, year-by-year, etc.)
Brief Description*
# of credits
(or equivalent)
Brief
Description*
# of credits (or
equivalent)
Status of
Course
(new,
modified,
existing)
Link to
program
objectives
Year 1 (Fall)
Year 1 (Fall)
(a) Compulsory Courses
List: Course # and Title
(a) Compulsory Courses
List: Course # and Title
(b) Required Elective Courses (# out of #)
List: Course # and Title
(b) Required Elective Courses (# out of #)
List: Course # and Title
(c) Other Special Requirements (e.g., thesis, dissertation, major paper,
language requirements, comprehensive examinations, residency
requirements, service requirements, internship/practicum/clinical
placement)
List:
(c) Other Special Requirements (e.g., thesis, dissertation, major paper,
language requirements, comprehensive examinations, residency
requirements, service requirements, internship/practicum/clinical
placement)
List:
(d) General Elective Courses (no need to list; indicate number of credits
required:
(d) General Elective Courses (no need to list; indicate number of credits
required:
Year 1 (Winter)
Etc.
Year 1 (Winter)
Etc.
Promotion/Qualification and Graduation Standards
Minimum average in specific courses/overall program:
Minimum average in specific courses/overall program:
Maximum # of introductory (1000-level or equivalent)
Maximum # of introductory (1000-level or equivalent)
courses:
courses:
Minimum # of upper-level (3000/4000-level or
Minimum # of upper-level (3000/4000-level or equivalent)
equivalent) courses:
courses:
Other:
Other:
Method of Program Delivery
Specify:
Specify:
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Information Requirements for Modified Programs
*Course descriptions must be appended for each compulsory and required elective course including: Calendar entry, course
objectives, main themes, prerequisites, student evaluation (assessments), and preliminary bibliography (and availability).
2.4
Using the table provided below as an example, identify the mechanisms through which
student/learning outcomes will be achieved:
Student/Learning Outcomes
(proposed modified program)
Mechanisms through which the achievement of student
learning outcomes will be measured
Degree-level
Outcome #1: [Example] All degree students are
expected to demonstrate competence in English.
Students are required to complete, successfully with a mark of C or
above, a minimum of 12ch of courses that contain a significant
amount of writing in English. Courses that satisfy this requirement are
identified by a [W] in the academic calendar.
Outcome #2: SPECIFY
Etc.
Discipline/specialization/field
Outcome #1: [Example] Ability to develop and analyze
financial and managerial information and forecasts
MGMT 2250; MGMT3250; MGMT3369 - in these required courses for
the Major in Finance, students learn to: record transactions (debits
and credits), develop and analyse journals and ledgers, adjust entries
and year-end calculations, construct financial statements, develop
product costs (with competitive comparisons), forecast sales, etc.
Outcome #2: SPECIFY
Etc.
Note: In assessing the appropriateness of anticipated student outcomes, the Commission focuses on the overall coherence of the program linked
to the outcomes, the measurement of their achievement, the various program components, etc.
2.5
In the case of articulated or other collaborative programs, changes to the inter-institutional
agreements (or equivalent) should be stated and explained; append to the proposal a copy of the
revised agreement.
Click here to enter text.
2.6
Confirm whether enrolments in the program are anticipated to remain the same, increase or
decrease as a result of the program modification. If enrolments are expected to change, identify
the degree of change expected (e.g., an additional 10-15 students are expected to enroll each year
as a result of the modification for a total 65 students per year once fully implemented).
Click here to enter text.
2.7
Explanation of the impact the proposed modification will have on existing resources. If no
impact is anticipated, provide a rationale for this conclusion.
Click here to enter text.
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Information Requirements for Modified Programs
2.8
Using the table provided below as an example, proved a revised budget that accounts for the
proposed program modifications (created with the assistance of the Dean and where necessary,
RPB):
A. Anticipated Enrolments
1st year
FTE (#)
$
2nd year
FTE
(#)
$
3rd year
FTE
(#)
$
4th year
FTE
(#)
$
5th year
FTE
(#)
$
--
--
--
--
Enrolments
Anticipated enrolments (accounting for new admissions,
attrition, graduation)
--
B. Total Costs
Salaries & benefits
Full-time faculty
Current allocation*
Additional
Part-time faculty/adjuncts/lecturers
Current allocation*
Additional
Teaching/research assistantships
Current allocation*
Additional
Administrative staff
Current allocation*
Additional
Program coordination/management
Current allocation*
Additional
Clinical/practicum/fieldwork coordination
Current allocation*
Additional
Other: please specify ___________________
Current allocation*
Additional
Other costs
Facilities (e.g., classroom space, laboratories, work stations)
Current allocation*
--
--
Additional
--Equipment (e.g., hardware, software, instruments)
Current allocation*
--Additional
--Library (e.g., periodicals, texts, study space)
Current allocation
--Additional
--Support and back-up services (e.g., computer back-up, technician back-up, technical assistance)
Current allocation*
--Additional
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Information Requirements for Modified Programs
Student financial support (e.g., scholarships, bursaries)
Current allocation*
Additional
Other: please specify ___________________
Current allocation*
Additional
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Total Costs
C. Total Revenues/Other Income
Internal budget allocation
Current allocation*
--Projected
--Tuition fees
Current allocation*
--Projected
--Targeted provincial government funding
Current allocation
--Projected
--External donations/grants/subsidies (Please specify: _________________________)
Current allocation
--Projected
--Other: Please specify ________________
Current allocation
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--
Total Revenues
--
--
--
--
--
Annual surplus (deficit)
--
--
--
--
--
Cumulative surplus (deficit)
Notes: * UNB’s accounting system does not allow for
accurate projections of current allocations.
--
--
--
--
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Projected
2.9
Potential impact of the change on other programs at the institution (e.g., reduction in required
elective options/cross-listed courses) and how this will be addressed.
Click here to enter text.
2.10
An indication of other institutions involved, or that have been consulted.
Click here to enter text.
2.11
Description of the accreditation requirements and/or implications resulting from the
modification.
Click here to enter text.
2.12
In the event the modification includes a change in delivery mode to include technologicallymediated or other distance delivery:
2.12.1 Describe how the delivery mode(s) will contribute to an enhance learning and create a
community both among students and between students and faculty.
Click here to enter text.
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Information Requirements for Modified Programs
2.12.2 Description of support available to faculty (required and optional pedagogical training,
technical support for course design and then instruction, etc.) and to students (required
and optional orientation to technology use, communications on expectations for
interaction and performance, etc.).
Click here to enter text.
2.12.3 Describe faculty availability to students, faculty-to-student feedback, and opportunities
for interaction with other students, within this program.
Click here to enter text.
2.12.4 Describe the mechanisms in place to ensure the following for the proposed program:
 Reliable, sufficient, and scalable course-management systems
 Appropriate hardware, software, and other technological resources and media
 Well-maintained and current technology and equipment
 Sufficient infrastructure to support existing services and expansion of online
offerings
Click here to enter text.
3.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
3.1
Any other information that the institution feels will assist the MPHEC in its understanding and
assessment of the proposed modification. Reports of internal or external assessments, and a
summary of the response, where applicable, would be helpful.
Click here to enter text.
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Information Requirements for Modified Programs
PART II: INTERNALLY REQUIRED INFORMATION
9.
OTHER FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
9.1
Referring back to budget assumptions describe the basis for the enrollment estimates, including
attrition assumptions.
Click here to enter text.
9.2
Other student fees proposed. Rationale for the fee and its level. Attach approval from the VicePresident (Finance and Corporate Services).
Click here to enter text.
9.3
Describe any other anticipated revenue (e.g., non-tuition operating funding, capital funding and
student support funding). Append confirmation of external funding or internal funding approved
by the Vice-President (Finance and Corporate Services).
Click here to enter text.
9.4
Use the chart below to describe incremental expenses.
Incremental non-salary operation expenses
Year 1
Recruitment and relocation
Materials and supplies
Communications
Advertising
Travel
Computing
Equipment
Other (list)
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
TOTAL
9.6
Describe any special insurance or risk exposure implications and mitigation strategies.
Click here to enter text.
9.7
Describe the resources from other departments and Faculties that the proposed program will
draw on.
Click here to enter text.
9.8
Describe consultations with the Registrar’s Office, Financial Services, the libraries, Facilities
Management, Information and Technology Services, the bookstore, etc., as appropriate.
Click here to enter text.
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Information Requirements for Modified Programs
10.
QUALITY ASSURANCE MANAGEMENT PROCESS
Programs at UNB are subject to periodic review. Your signature below indicates your awareness
of UNB’s quality assurance policy and procedures.
Date: Click here to enter a date.
______________________________
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Information Requirements for Modified Programs
APPENDICES FOR MPHEC SUBMISSION
Please ensure that each of the following are appended/included, as applicable, when submitting a
completed program proposal:
☐
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A list of appendices to the program proposal
Detailed course descriptions for each compulsory and required elective course including:
calendar entry, course description, course objectives, main themes, prerequisites, student
evaluation (assessments), and required texts.
Evidence of internal consultation with departments/faculties affected by the proposed program
Written correspondence/reports from (internal or) external experts consulted during program
development
Budget
Policies, guidelines and practices pertaining to technology-mediated and other distance delivery
modes
(Revised) Signed inter-institutional agreements (for articulated and other collaborative programs)
Letter of AACHHR support (for health-related programs)
CHECKLIST
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
☐
All of the information requirements have been addressed.
All relevant appendices are attached
Phase-out plan has been provided
Institutional program codes have been provided
Side-by-side comparisons are complete
An explanation of the impact the modification will have on resources is provided
An explanation of the impact the modification will have on other programs is provided
An explanation of how comments from experts/assessors/consultants etc. were addressed is
included in the proposal
Any additional information to help the MPHEC assess the quality of the proposed program
Signature (or appended letter) confirming the collaborative submission, and principal applicant,
where applicable
The proposal has been submitted to the Senate Curriculum and Academic Planning and/or
Academic Planning and Resources Committees
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