Institutional Quality Assurance

Cyclical reviews of its programs are carried out by Laurentian University, using the standards established by the Quality Council, and reporting to the Quality Council. All existing academic programs are to be reviewed every seven (7) years. The list of programs that require review, and the schedule of such reviews, is maintained by the Office of Institutional Quality Assurance.

IQAP Schedule

Flowchart: Process for Cyclical Review of Existing Programs

The Self-Study Document

In collaboration with relevant individuals, the School Director will initiate the creation of a self-study document that is broad-based, reflective, forward-looking and inclusive of critical analysis. When conducted seriously and analytically, the self-study provides the basis for a probing self-examination by the program members, for the purpose of rethinking the curriculum and the full student experience in the program.

Guidelines and Templates: Cyclical Program Review (CPR) Self-Study

Cyclical Program Review (CPR) Self-Study

Items to Consider for the Self-Study

The Site Visit

The Provost and Vice-President Academic, in consultation with the Dean, will select a team of reviewers to evaluate the program from a list of six (6) suggested individuals compiled by the Program/School under review. The review team shall normally consist of two (2) external reviewers and one (1) internal reviewer (from outside the School housing the program(s), and ideally from another Faculty).

Template: Nomination Form for External Reviewers

Template: Declaration of Arm's Length

Reporting

The external review team will prepare and submit a report that addresses the substance of both the self-study and the evaluation criteria. The School Director shall be responsible, in collaboration with relevant individuals, for preparing the School’s response to the review team’s report. The Dean then prepares a response and helps to prioritize and resource the recommendations that will be implemented. A final assessment report, that takes into consideration the self-study, the review team report, the School Director’s response, and the Dean’s implementation plan, is compiled by ACAPLAN. The Final Assessment Report must include an Executive Summary, excluding any confidential information, which is to be published on the Laurentian University website alongside the associated Implementation Plan. You can find the repository of Final Assessment Reports under Completed Program Reviews and Status Reports. 

Guidelines and Template: External Reviewers

Template for Review Team Reports - Existing Programs

Template: Final Assessment Report and Implementation Plan (FAR-IP)

The Progress Report

Normally after 18 months, those responsible for implementing the changes write a report to the Dean and to ACAPLAN, on the actions they have taken in response to the review. The report is sent to Senate for discussion. You can find the repository of Progress Reports under Completed Program Reviews and Status Reports.

Template: 18-Month Follow Up Report to the FAR-IP

The implementation of a new program involves several approval steps, both internal and external to Laurentian University. The requirements and learning outcomes of a new program are fundamentally different from those of any other approved program of study offered at Laurentian University. In most cases, the creation of a new program follows the regular program creation process as outlined in the flowchart below. In rare cases, the expedited approval process may be used.

Flowchart: Process for New Program Approval

Flowchart: Process for Expedited Approval

Revisions to an existing program will be classified as either a minor or a major modification to the program. In both cases, the program will continue to be subject to a cyclical program review.

The Office of Institutional Quality Assurance is responsible for submitting the annual report of Major Modifications to Existing Programs to the Quality Council.

For examples of major modifications visit the Quality Council’s major modification example page. 

To assist with your program’s IQAP, the Office of Institutional Quality Assurance offers various services including:

• Individual consultations The Manager of Institutional Quality Assurance will meet with your program representative(s) to assist with the IQAP.

• IQAP workshops Workshops are offered annually to faculty and staff from programs that are undergoing their cyclical reviews. These workshops will provide participants with an opportunity to learn more about the review process, receive information about potential resources and ask questions.

Degree level expectations (DLEs) and learning outcomes identify the knowledge, skill and competency outcomes that reflect progressive levels of intellectual and creative development.

Guidelines for the DLEs have been created by the Ontario Council of Academic Vice-Presidents (OCAV) and serve as the academic standards for Ontario's universities.

For more information, please consult the following:

OCAV's Undergraduate and Graduate Degree Level Expectations