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The program development process at ÐÇ¿ÕÓ°ÊÓensures the continued responsiveness, currency and quality of AU’s programming, and is designed to align with the needs of students, industry, and other partners. The Provost and Vice President, Academic is responsible for the oversight of AU’s academic program quality, including new program development and program change. Program development is a collaborative and consultative process, led by the faculties and supported by the Office of the Provost and Vice President, Academic.

There are 3 main phases to the development of a new degree, degree specialization, certificate, or diploma. Faculty wishing to develop a new program should first contact their dean, followed by the Office of the Provost and Vice President, Academic.

1. Concept development

• Completion of notice of intent and budget templates
• Internal consultation (within and across faculty and service units)

2. Proposal development

• Completion of proposal template(s)
• Engagement with stakeholders regarding program quality and requests for support, highlighting the necessity of the program (stakeholders may include students, alumni, industry representatives, leaders of similar programs, and professional accreditation bodies).
• External desk review(s) of the proposal, coordinated by the OPVPA
• Finalization of program budget

3. Approvals

• Internal ÐÇ¿ÕÓ°ÊÓgovernance approvals
  • New degree or specialization proposals require approval from General Faculties Council and the Board of Governors; certificates and diplomas follow a modified approval process
• Submission to Alberta Advanced Education
  • System Coordination Review
  • Referral to Campus Alberta Quality Council (for degree programs only)
  • Ministry approval

Further information, including templates and guidelines, is available to faculty and staff through The Current.