UFV resources for implementing programs
Refer to Gather evidence to support your new program for resources to assist with the research needed to support new program development.
Course and Program Approval Policies 21 and 209
The approval of new programs at UFV is governed by the following policies:
- Undergraduate Course and Program Approval (21) and procedures
- Graduate Course and Program Approval (209) and procedures
External Program Advisory Committees Policy 60
Program Suspension and Discontinuance Policy 222
Writing resources
Refer to the UFV writing style guide for instructions on how to properly produce written material at UFV.
B.C. Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training
The BC Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training regulates the assessment criteria and process for the approval of credentials.
Degree Quality Assessment Board
The Degree Quality Assessment Board (DQAB) is an independent advisory board that ensures legislated quality assurance requirements are met for post-secondary education in B.C. Visit the DQAB website for instructions on meeting legislated quality assurance requirements for post-secondary education in B.C.
See the list of applications currently under review by the DQAB.
Undergraduate and graduate degrees
For undergraduate and graduate degree criteria and guidelines, visit the degree authorization section of the ministry website.
All new degree-level programs are posted on the Post-secondary Institution Proposal System (PSIPS) for peer review for a 30-day period before submission to the Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training for approval. UFV was granted exempt status to the Baccalaureate level in July 2013. This means that review by the Degree Quality Assessment Board (DQAB) is no longer automatically required for degree programs, but the Minister can request a fuller review by the DQAB before making a decision.
See also the guideline on naming of degrees provided by the Ministry of Advanced Education.
Certificates and diplomas
For certificates and diplomas, see the non-degree guidelines and templates on the B.C. Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training website. This applies to credit certificates and diplomas (including post-baccalaureate certificates and diplomas, and graduate-level certificates) except for certificate programs that do not ladder into other credentials.
Ministerial-level approval is not required for these programs, but the proposals must be submitted for public and peer review on the Post-secondary Institution Proposal System (PSIPS) for a 30 day period. UFV must respond to comments made as a result of PSIPS peer review.
Contact PDQA for assistance with preparing the full program proposal and related material, or if you have questions about the approval process.