As mandated by the Council on Ontario Universities (COU) Quality Assurance Framework, the University has established processes for ensuring the continuing high quality of both existing and new undergraduate and graduate programs. The ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Quality Assurance Process (QUQAP) replaces the Internal Academic Review as well as the Ontario Council on Graduate Studies review processes.
All documents pertaining to the Quality Assurance including the province's Quality Assurance Framework, the QUQAP document and templates for new programs, cyclical program reviews, and modifications to existing programs (minor and major) can be found on the Office of the Provost website. Be sure to download the required templates from this site as they are updated periodically.
Please consult with your Associate Dean in the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs before you start a major modification, or if you have questions about the templates that must be completed for major or minor modifications.
The ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Centre for Teaching and Learning can provide program-specific consultation on graduate degree level expectations and learning outcomes. Contact ctl@queensu.ca.
The following are some resources on graduate degree level expectations, learning outcomes, and indicators of achievement.
The approval process to be followed depends on the type of program you wish to develop. For all new Graduate Diploma, Master's, and PhD programs, however, a case must be made as to the societal need for graduates of the proposed program and the student demand for the proposed program. Please follow the link below for examples of questions you may include in a survey or interview to assess the need.
Graduate Certificates, Diplomas, and Collaborative Programs follow and Expedited Approval Process as they do NOT require external reviewers.
Dual credential programs and combined programs are considered a Major Modification and follow an internal approval process (i.e., Quality Council (QC) approval is not required, though the development of such programs is reported to the QC).
New degree programs (including Joint Programs) at the Master's and PhD levels require a Full Proposal and Review Process, which includes a site visit by external reviewers.
Protocols for the Cyclical Review of Existing Programs apply to existing Senate-approved undergraduate and graduate programs and focuses on ensuring that all academic activities contribute to and are consistent with the mission of the University. When possible and desirable, undergraduate and graduate program reviews can be conducted concurrently, and if appropriate, can be scheduled to coincide with external accreditations. Orientations organized by the QUQAP Office are held annually to provide details about the process and the resources available to assist with the process.