Program Changes and Approval

The Vice-Provost (Programs) and the Programs Team provides support and advice to faculties and departments that are considering program changes or the development of new programs. The goal is to ensure changes and new programs are moved forward in a timely manner while ensuring that the University is compliant with policy and legislation.

Faculties and departments are encouraged to contact the Office early to seek guidance in the required processes. Graduate Program proposals are coordinated in collaboration with the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

Changes to Existing Programs

Program changes require approval at various University Governance committees and from the government. Even a minor change to a program, such as an adjustment to the program name, will require consultation and approval at varying levels within and outside of the University. Other types of changes may include but are not limited to: academic standing, admission criteria, program requirements, required courses, course name changes, program suspensions and/or program terminations.

Proposals for New Programs

Before new programs can be offered by the University of Alberta, they must be approved by the Alberta Ministry of Advanced Education. Proposed new programs will follow a prescribed path of approval through University Governance and the Ministry of Advanced Education. The Office will provide advice on bproposal templates, recommended consultation, governance approval pathways, and timelines.

Please fill out our Intake form to book a consultation with the Programs Office.

Tool Kit

• Guidelines:  Indigenization, Decolonization, Responding to the TRC Calls to Action in Academic Programs and Curricula
• Internal Program Proposal Template
• Internal Suspension and Termination Template
• Undergraduate Embedded Certificate Framework
• Embedded Certificate Template
• Non-Credit Programming Framework
• Non-Credit Micro-credential Development Guide
• Non-Credit Certificate and Diploma Template