Guidelines Graduate Programme Proposals The procedure for processing proposals for the initiation of new graduate programmes in any academic unit will be as follows: 1. At the proposal development stage, the proponents will: (a) meet with CIAP to discuss resource implications and any special fee structures that are being considered. CIAP will either confirm that resource implications are minimal, or, in the case that significant resource issues are identified, consult further with the proponents to ensure that all relevant issues are considered. In either case, CIAP will prepare a resource implication report. request the University Librarian to prepare a report evaluating the Library’s holdings in support of the sub-area of the discipline(s) of the proposed programme. (Please allow 4 - 6 months.)
(b)
2.
The academic unit will submit the programme proposal with appropriate supporting documentation to their Faculty/School Council who will forward the package to the Academic Council of the School of Graduate Studies for approval in principle. The application must include: (a) a definite statement concerning the justification of such a new programme being initiated, and the academic, local and/or national need for such a programme at MUN; a history of Bachelor’s (Hons.)/Master’s and any graduate information from the department which is making application, including information on whether or not recipients of degrees continued on to higher studies elsewhere; the number and source of enquiries for the proposed programme, i.e. are they local MUN graduates, or are they enquiries from other institutions; a statement of space and facilities available to support the new programme, including any reference to additional faculty appointments which may be deemed necessary before the programme might be initiated; CIAP resource implications report; complete curricula vitae of the faculty members in the department with particular reference to those who will be associated with the proposed programme;
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e) (f)
[continued]
(g)
a draft of the proposed departmental regulations governing the degree in the academic unit, along with a draft of modifications that will be required in existing regulations. Include also the titles and descriptions of new courses that may be proposed to implement the programme on the “Request for Approval of a Graduate Course” form; and library holdings evaluation.
(h) 3.
Having sought recommendations for appropriate individuals, internal and external, the Dean of Graduate Studies will initiate the establishment of a committee to evaluate the proposal for initiation of the proposed programme. The Head/Director will designate one member of his/her academic unit as a resource person to be the liaison with the evaluation committee. The Dean will convene the meetings of the committee so as to meet the schedules of both internal and external members. External shall be taken to mean academics from institutions other than Memorial University of Newfoundland. The report of the review committee will be submitted to the Dean of Graduate Studies. The report of the review committee will be forwarded to the proponents for a response, then the proposal, review committee report and the proponent’s response will be submitted to Council. Academic Council will make its decision concerning the approval of the new programme and the attendant new regulations and courses, and make appropriate recommendations to the University Senate.
4. 5.
6.
Expansion to Programmes Procedures whereby an academic unit may request an expansion of the area in which graduate studies may be initiated are basically the same as those outlined above. They differ primarily in that the review committee established by the Dean of Graduate Studies on the recommendation of the Head, is composed, normally, of internal members only. This is not to say that such evaluation committees may not have external members - but it need not. Documentation of the nature, and in the spirit of that requested above will be necessary to support justification for the expansion of the degree.
(March 26, 2004)