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I. Concept phase

The development and presentation of a concept paper is a way for proposers to expand on ideas and get feedback before preparing a full program proposal.

A concept paper is required for all new program proposals (and some major program modifications). It is expected that the proposed program will undergo some change as the proposers move from concept paper to full proposal.

Preparing your concept paper

Step 1: Discussions with your program proposal contact

The first step in the program proposal process is having a discussion with the appropriate program proposal contact (undergraduate or graduate)regarding:

  • An overview of the process.
  • Scope of the proposal, including determining if proposed modifications to a program will be major or minor modifications.
  • Whether a concept paper will be required for your proposal.

Step 2: Complete the concept paper template

If your program proposal contact confirms that a concept paper will be required for your proposal, complete the Concept Paper Template form.

Step 3: Senior administration and stakeholder consultation

Once you’ve completed the concept paper, you will need to consult with senior administration and others in your faculty, including:

  • The dean and/or associate dean academic of the faculty delivering the proposed program for undergraduate programs (and with the proposal contact for theFaculty of Graduate Studiesfor graduate programs).
  • Your colleagues and financial administrator (“initiating group”) regarding interest in proposing or modifying an academic program. Senior administration in your faculty should be aware and supportive of the proposal from an early stage.
  • For concept papers for new programs, thethe dean of the faculty delivering the proposed program should discuss the proposal with the provost/vice-president academic.
  • You may also find it useful to consult with the Centre for Learning and Teaching  for curriculum design and development support at this stage.

Step 4: Department/school and faculty-level approvals

You will need to obtain approval of your Concept Paper at the Faculty-level or designated committee within the host faculty and FGS for graduate programs.

Step 5: Submit your concept paper

When you have approval of your concept paper at the faculty-level, submit it to the appropriate program proposal contact for your program type (undergraduate or graduate).

Step 6: Approval by governing bodies

Concept Papers are recommended to the Senate Academic Programs and Research Committee (SAPRC)  for approval and endorsement to proceed to a full proposal by either the Faculty of Graduate Studiesor the Undergraduate Academic Programs Subcommittee (UAPSC), depending on your program level.  

Concept phase form

Approval process

Undergraduate:

  • Department or school approval
  • Faculty approval
  • Senate Undergraduate Academic Programs Subcommittee (UAPSC) approval
  • Host Faculty’s Dean’s endorsement and confirmation of consultation with Provost
  • Senate Academic Programs and Research Committee (SAPRC) endorsement to proceed with a full proposal

Graduate:

  • Department or school approval
  • Faculty approval
  • approval (login required)
  • Host Faculty’s Dean’s endorsement and confirmation of consultation with Provost
  • Senate Academic Programs and Research Committee(SAPRC) endorsement to proceed with a full proposal