New Health programs (CIP 51) require a Health Education Program Review.
MAEST and Ministry of Health review new Health programs to identify if the program meets labour market needs and does not represent unnecessary program duplication. Proceed to Step 15 while the Health Education Program Review is in progress.
Changes to an existing Health program, require Deputy Ministers of Health review prior to External Review.
If the new program proposes an increase in credential level in health (e.g. Diploma to Degree), VIU will need to submit a letter of intent to the Deputy Minister of Health BC (and copy to the DM of Advanced Education). Proceed to Step 15 while the Deputy Ministers of Health review is in progress.
Step 15: Proposal posted to Ministry website for 30-day peer/public review
Applies to new degree and non-degree credit programs, except for certificates that do not “ladder” into diploma programs. If new certificate program does not ladder into a diploma program, then certificate program is approved for implementation. Go to Phase V Implementation.
Institutions can begin the peer review process for non-degree programs after Senate approval, and before a review by the Board, while new degree programs start the external review upon Board approval.
OUPA posts the full program proposal and appendices to the ministry Post-Secondary Institution Proposal System (PSIPS) for a 30-day period to allow for comments from peer institutions, ministry staff, and interested members of the public. Appendix documents are not available for public download.
OUPA forwards peer comments to the appropriate Dean and proponent(s) for a response and uploads response to PSIPS site.
If new non-degree program, minister approval is not required. At the end of the peer/public review period, the non-degree program is approved for implementation. Go to Phase V Implementation.
If new degree program, go to Step 16.
Step 16: Degree Quality Assessment Board makes recommendation on Stage 1 to Minister
The Degree Quality Assessment Board (DQAB) will review the Stage 1 application, the employer demand assessment report prepared by Ministry of Jobs, and publicly posted comments to determine whether the criteria have been adequately addressed and makes a recommendation to the Minister.
Step 17: Minister decides whether the proposal meets Stage 1 criteria
Minister decides whether the proposal meets criteria related to the institution’s mandate and academic plan, system consultation and coordination, labour market need, and student demand.
Bachelor Program
If Minister decides “yes”, program is approved for implementation. Go to Phase V Implementation.
If Minister decides “no”, institution withdraws proposal.
Master Program
If Minister decides “yes”, the Master’s degree proposal may proceed to Step 18.
If Minister decides “no”, institution withdraws proposal.
Step 18: Degree Quality Assessment Board makes recommendation on Stage 2 to Minister
DQAB determines the type of review – either a desk audit or site visit by external experts. Typically a site visit is required.
DQAB reviews the proposal, expert reports, peer/public comments and institutional response, and makes a recommendation on Stage 2 to the Minister.
Step 19: Minister makes final decision for Master's Degree program
The minister reviews the board’s recommendation and assessment requirements before making a final decision.
If Minister decides “yes”, program is approved for implementation. Go to Phase V Implementation.
If Minister decides “no”, institution withdraws proposal.
