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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鈥痬ajor program modifications). It is expected that鈥痶he proposed program鈥痺ill undergo some change as the proposers move from鈥痗oncept paper鈥痶o full proposal.

Preparing your concept paper

Step 1: Discussions with your program proposal contact听

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

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

Step 2: Complete the concept paper template听

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

Step 3: Senior administration and stakeholder consultation

Once you鈥檝e 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 the听Faculty of Graduate Studies听for graduate programs).
  • Your colleagues and financial administrator (鈥渋nitiating group鈥) 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.听
  • For concept papers for new programs, the听the 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鈥Centre for Learning and Teaching鈥 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鈥痽our 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听

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

Concept phase form

Approval process