Program revisions can range from small changes to elective course offerings to major changes to core
program content. Typically, program revisions can be classified as either major or minor modifications.
It can be difficult to determine whether or not a proposed change to a program constitutes a major
modification to a program.
Algoma University has its own internal definition of what constitutes a major modification that aligns
with the Quality Assurance Framework of the Quality Council. Further clarification on the definition is
provided by listing examples for each of the three categories:
a) Requirements for the program that differ significantly from those existing at the time of the
previous cyclical review
a. The merger of two or more programs;
b. New bridging options for college diploma graduates;
c. Major changes to courses comprising a significant proportion of the program;
d. The admission, promotion, and graduation requirements for the program;
e. The deletion or addition of a field, concentration, or minor;
f. The length of the program;
g. The introduction or deletion of a work experience requirement.
b) Significant changes to the learning outcomes
a. Changes to program content, other than those listed in a) above, that affect the learning
outcomes, but do not meet the threshold for a new program.
c) Significant changes to the faculty engaged in delivering the program and/or to the essential
physical resources as may occur, for example, where there have been changes to the existing
mode(s) of delivery.
a. The mode of delivery such that a majority of required course credits in the program will
be delivered using the new mode;
b. Changes to the faculty delivering the program: e.g. a large proportion of the faculty
retires or new hires alter the areas of research and teaching interests;
c. A change in the language of program delivery;
d. The establishment of an existing degree program at another institution or location;
e. Change to full- or part-time program options, or vice versa;
f. Changes to the essential resources, where these changes impair the delivery of the
approved program.
The Quality Assurance Guide provides further examples to illustrate what is normally considered a major
modification to a program. To view these examples, click on [Link]
modifications-to-existing-programs/
Sometimes it is unclear whether a proposed change is a major modification or a new program. The
Quality Assurance Guide offers a number of examples to help define what constitutes a “new program”
versus a “major modification”. To view these examples, click on [Link]
new-programs/
At Algoma University, the Academic Planning and Priorities Committee (AppCom) of Senate makes a
determination in cases where it is unclear whether or not a proposed change is a major modification to
a program. The decision of AppCom is binding.
Once a program revision is classified as either a major or minor modification, the proposal must proceed
through the appropriate approval process. The following chart serves as a quick reference for program
revisions and the relevant approval processes.
Type of Program Revision Requirements Approval
Minor modification Algoma University Revised Department
Program Template Division
(Section One only) Curriculum Committee
Senate
Major modification Algoma University Revised Department
Program Template (Sections Division
One and Two) Curriculum Committee
Academic Planning and Priorities
Committee
Senate
Quality Council (optional – if requested
will be an expedited review)
All program revisions are evaluated according to the evaluative criteria for new programs.