Senate Standing Committee on Academic Planning & Priorities Friday, September 11, 2015

Senate Standing Committee on Academic Planning & Priorities

Friday, September 11, 2015 9am - Noon

Surrey Campus, Cedar 2110

A G E N D A

1. Call to Order ............................................................................................................ Jennifer Au

2. Confirmation of Agenda

3. Approval of Minutes - May 15, 2015

4. Pending Business

5. Chair's Report ......................................................................................................... Jennifer Au

6. Updates on the New Program Development, Revision and Approval Process and Timeline .............................................................................................. Jennifer Au

7. Quality Assurance Framework ..................................................................................Alan Davis

8. GV10: Mission, Vision and Values Development and Amendment Policy and Procedures ...............................................................................................Alan Davis

9. SSCAPP Mandate and Membership ........................................................................ Jennifer Au

10. For Information: Fiscal year 2016-17 Budget Presentation Schedules ................... Jennifer Au

11. Items for Discussion

12. Adjournment

Next Meeting

Friday, Ocotber 2, 2015 9am - Noon Surrey Campus, Cedar 2110

SSCAPP May 15, 2015 Page 1

MINUTES

Senate Standing Committee on Academic Planning and Priorities

Friday, May 15, 2015, 9am

Surrey Campus, Cedar Building, Room 2110

Present:

Jennifer Au Tru Freeman Romy Kozak Jerry Murphy Carolyn Robertson Gillian Welton Robert Wood / Chair

Regrets:

Amandeep Cheema Arthur Fallick Bruce Ferguson Don Mathewson Jan Penhorwood

Ex-Officio / Non-voting

Dana Cserepes Jane Fee Sal Ferreras Lori McElroy Tom Westgate

Guests:

Todd Mundle Stuart McIlmoyle

Recorder

Lori Scanlan / University Secretariat

1. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 9:05 am.

2. Confirmation of Agenda

Moved by Carolyn Robertson; seconded by Jerry Murphy:

THAT the Agenda be confirmed. Motion Carried

3. Approval of Minutes of April 17, 2015

Moved by Jerry Murphy; seconded by Gillian Welton:

That the Minutes of April 17, 2015 be approved as amended. Motion Carried

4. Pending Business

Sal Ferreras, Provost and Vice President Academic, discussed the Teaching and Learning Sub-committee and shared information from various consultations. A plan for Teaching and Learning has been undertaken and will be shared with SSCAPP when it is ready.

5. Chair’s Report

No Report

6. Mandate Revision: SSCAPP

The committee reviewed revisions to its mandate and suggested a few amendments to clarify the wording.

SSCAPP May 15, 2015 Page 2

The committee discussed the following issues and felt that further research is required before it can determine if they should be a part of the SSCAPP mandate: admission requirements, articulation affiliations, and contractual agreements.

Action: Jane Fee to talk to the Provost regarding Articulation affiliations and contractual agreements as part of the SSCAPP Mandate.

7. Internationalization Plan / Stuart McIlmoyle

Stuart McIlmoyle, Associate Vice President International, presented the KPU Internationalization Plan. He explained the process and consultations used to develop the plan and how it ties to Vision 2018 and the Academic Plan.

Topics discussed included:

The integration of domestic and international students

The Global Competency Program and certificate

The development of a “Gap Year Experience” for students

The recognition of students’ international credentials and education

The acquisition of foreign language

The building of sustainable partnerships and the impact of ethical and sustainable decision making

The need to ensure that criteria are measurable

Moved by Carolyn Robertson; seconded by Tru Freeman:

THAT SSCAPP endorse KPU’s Internationalization Plan. Motion Carried

8. Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM)

The Provost presented the SEM and explained that it was a deliverable of the Vision 2018 document. He emphasized the importance of the plan’s phases and explained how Phase two will be focused on decisions and bringing those decision to key groups for consultation. Dr. Ferreras discussed the need for qualitative measures and their importance, especially for some of the smaller KPU programs.

Discussion included:

The necessity to supply programming focused on mature student requirements

The projected 4% increase in headcount and the need to develop a proper enrollment projection model

The possibility for growth in English Language Studies and Academic and Career Preparation under the new “Pathways to University Studies” model

The Provost ended his presentation by sharing how the consultation process for Phase two would be similar to that used for the Academic plan with discussions beginning in Fall 2015.

Moved by Gillian Welton; seconded by Carolyn Robertson:

THAT SSCAPP recommend the Strategic Enrollment Management Plan for approval by Senate.

Motion Carried

SSCAPP May 15, 2015 Page 3

9. Items for Discussion

No items were brought forward.

10. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 11:29 AM.

1

A Proposal for a Quality Assurance Framework for KPU

Office of the President and Vice Chancellor

Draft: August 10, 2015

Quality assurance (QA) processes and frameworks for higher education have been adopted around the

world by provinces, states, nations and international collectives. Assessing the quality of programs and,

increasingly, the learning outcomes of program graduates, is a vital aspect of any credible institution or

system.

For KPU, while a number of policies and processes exist, adopting an overall framework would help to:

address the call for increased public accountability

identify duplication and gaps in current evaluations

include the academic support services that contribute to learner success

align QA with the goals of the Academic Plan and Vision 2018

ensure balance between imposed accountability (we understand AVED to be considering a

similar process) and continuous improvement and innovation in curricular and teaching

developments.

There are many systems, especially from elsewhere in Canada, the US, Australia and Europe, that can be

adopted or adapted. No overarching QA system exists in BC, but KPU is typical in having a number of

regular and relevant reporting channels:

KPU reports annually to the Ministry of Advanced Education through its Accountability Plan and

Report;

degree program proposals require ministerial approval in the context of the Degree Quality

Assessment Board (for which KPU has Exempt Status, and needs to ensure that it continues to

meet the necessary criteria for such status and) and which is itself consistent with the Council of

Ministers of Education Ministerial Statement on Quality Assurance of Degree Education in

Canada;

as a member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, KPU regularly has to

attests to the criteria for membership, which include having appropriate QA policies; and

several program areas such as Nursing, Business, Design and Trades are subject to external

validation and accreditation of various kinds.

2

In addition, KPU undertakes numerous surveys of students (with respect to their courses and

instructors), with graduates, and with the community. It also has in place, or is developing policies for

program development, revision, review and discontinuation.

Through its internal audit activity, KPU also reviews supporting services such as Information Technology,

and Purchasing etc.

Performance reviews of faculty, staff and administrators are required for all employees, and in some

cases these are undertaken in the context of collective agreements.

Adopting a QA framework at KPU is not complicated: a lot of work has been done elsewhere which has

already taken account of international best practices. The following proposal is based largely on the QA

processes found in Ontario universities and colleges which have evolved over decades of

implementation.

The KPU framework focusses on the policies, processes and practices for:

program design and development

continuous improvement of programs and curricula

continuous improvement of program delivery and assessment

continuous improvement of educational support services

allocation of resources to academic and support areas.

These 5 areas of the framework are expanded in the tables following.

The establishment of the KPU QA Framework requires broad consultation with all the stakeholders in

teaching and learning at KPU, and will be subject to a periodic audit which will involve:

A self-study by KPU on its implementation of the QA Framework undertaken by Institutional

Analysis and Plannning.

Depending on the outcome of this self study:

An audit of the self-study by a team of external colleagues

A report to Senate and to Board on the results of the audit, along with a plan for adjustments

and improvement.

After discussion with governance groups and the KFA, it is intended that this self-study and audit be

undertaken in the 2015/16 year.

3

QA Area Criteria

1. Program design and development

1.1 Policies and procedures exist and are implemented for new program development which prescribes the pertinent information needed to allow internal and external governance bodies to assess academic and fiscal viability.

1.2 Each program has clearly stated intended learning outcomes which are consistent with the credential being granted.

1.3 Each program’s intended learning outcomes are operationally meaningful and provide a sound basis for curricula development and revision and for the design of teaching and learning activities and assessments, are used in the day to day work of faculty, and are used in prior learning assessment.

1.4 Requirements for admission to, and continuation in each program, along with options for transferring credit and for prior learning assessment are derived from, and flow coherently from, the program’s stated learning outcomes.

1.5 All program requirements are accurately and clearly communicated to prospective and current students.

2. Continuous improvement in programs and curricula

2.1 Policies and procedures exist and are implemented for the regular review of programs and their stated learning outcomes that identify and rectify weaknesses, and facilitate the evolution of programs to maintain their relevance and fitness with the KPU Mission and with the needs of the region that KPU serves. Where relevant, external program review may also be required, or may serve in lieu of the KPU process.

2.2 Data is gathered from graduates, employers, students and other stakeholders are used for the regular quality assurance of all programs.

2.3 Systems exist that monitor improvement following program reviews. 2.4 Policies and procedures exist and are implemented that determine the continuation or

suspension of courses and programs 2.5 Policies and procedures exist and are implemented ensure the regular review of individual

courses to ensure their currency and relevancy, and their fit with the relevant program’s intended learning outcomes.

2.6 Assessment of the capabilities of program graduates (including knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes) demonstrates consistency with the intended program learning outcomes.

3. Continuous improvement of program delivery and assessment

3.1 Policies and practices are established, implemented and monitored regarding the continuous improvement of teaching and learning strategies, with encouragement and support for innovation and new methods which are consistent with best practices and research.

3.2 Academic policies and procedures for assessment and appeals are established and implemented

4

across each program to ensure that evaluation methods are aligned with course objectives; methods are valid and reliable; required standards are clearly specified; learners receive prompt and constructive feedback (both formative and summative) and there is an appropriate process for student academic appeal and supplemental assessments.

4. Continuous improvement of educational support services

4.1 Policies and procedures are established, implemented and monitored to ensure that the library; learning centres; advising; financial aid; coöp and career services, counseling, and other academic support services meet the needs of students, and facilitate learning, and are provided by appropriately qualified faculty and staff.

5. Allocation of resources to academic and support areas

5.1 Policies and procedures exist and implemented to ensure that the teaching staff involved in any program:

possess the combination of experience and credentials appropriate to, and required by, the program’s stated learning outcomes;

provide the published learning experience, participate in reflective practice;

undergo initial and continuing professional development to enhance their teaching expertise and/or to ensure current in their subject matter; and

are oriented, coordinated and evaluated. 5.2 Policies and procedures exist and are implemented to ensure that teaching staff:

execute their professional responsibilities;

are accessible and available for student inquiries;

meet the needs of students and facilitate the achievement of the course objectives and thus the program intended learning outcomes;

provide prompt and constructive feedback to students; and

promote a positive attitude to learning for students. 5.3 Learning facilities, equipment and IT support the promised modes of delivery, and are accessible

to students. 5.4 Policies and procedures exist to ensure sufficient numbers and continuity of faculty and staff to

carry out both classroom and non-classroom support roles for student success. 5.5 Leadership, organization and the management of human resources, learning resources and

academic facilities are optimized without sacrificing quality. 5.6 Budgeting, financial services, facilities and IT ensure an appropriate level of support and

assistance to program areas and contribute to student achievement of intended learning outcomes.

  

 

   Page 1 of 2    Policy No. GV10 

  

   

Policy No.    

GV10 

Original Effective Date 

  

Approving Jurisdiction  Board of Governors 

 Reviewed: 

 

  

Signed By  Chair, Board of Governors 

 Revised: 

  

Administrative Responsibility  Office of the President 

 

Mission, Vision and Values Development and Amendment Policy 

  

A. CONTEXT AND PURPOSE  

1. Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) received its charter from the BC provincial government in 2008, and receives an annual mandate letter from the Government of British Columbia which provides specific expectations for that year. 

 2. Each public post‐secondary institution periodically interprets its charter and mandate in the 

context of its mission, vision and values and through a process of stakeholder engagement so as to align with the changing needs of society, especially in the region it serves, and with the evolution of higher education, the nature of work, and emerging social, economic and cultural issues.  

 3. This policy clarifies the process by which these periodic reviews are undertaken. Normally this 

would occur about every five years in the context of strategic planning, but other pressures or opportunities may prompt such a review at any time. 

 4. Section 35.2(6) of the University Act states that “the senate ……must advise the board, and 

board must seek advice from the senate, on the development of educational policy for the following matters:  

 (a) the mission statement and the educational goals, objectives, strategies and 

priorities of the special purpose, teaching university”.  

5. The University Act, Section 62(2), also informs the accomplishment of the University’s mission and the achievement of its vision through the process of setting the annual budget:  

“The president must prepare and submit to the board an annual budget in consultation with the appropriate standing committee of the senate”. 

  

  

 

   Page 2 of 2    Policy No. GV10 

B. SCOPE AND LIMITS  

1. This policy applies to all members of the KPU community – including, but not limited to students, faculty, staff, administrators, Board of Governors’ representatives, and members of the communities we serve who are asked to contribute to the discussion of KPU’s mission, vision and values and to the setting of annual priorities and the University’s budget. 

 C. STATEMENT OF POLICY PRINCIPLES  

1. Kwantlen Polytechnic University will periodically undertake a review of its mission, vision and values statements in order to reflect its changing mandate from government and the current and future needs of students and communities in the region it serves. 

 2. Furthermore, within the terms of the mission, vision and values statements in effect, the annual 

process of setting priorities and establishing the university budget is guided by KPU’s PRINCIPLES TO GUIDE BICAMERAL GOVERNANCE AT KWANTLEN POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY. 

 

D. DEFINITIONS Refer to the related Procedures document for definitions which will enhance the reader’s interpretation of this Policy.  

E. RELATED POLICIES & LEGISLATION  University Act Vision 2018 KPU Academic Plan Board Governance Manual Senate Standing Committee on University Budget Mandate Senate Standing Committee on Academic Planning & Priorities Mandate Principles To Guide Bi‐cameral Governance at Kwantlen Polytechnic University  

 

F. RELATED PROCEDURES Please see the Mission, Vision and Values Procedures GV10. 

 G. POLICY HISTORY  

Review Date  Revision Date 

 

   

   Page 1 of 2    Procedure No. GV10 

  

   

Policy No.    

GV10 

Original Effective Date 

  

Approving Jurisdiction  Board of Governors 

 Reviewed 

 

  

Signed By   Chair, Board of Governors 

 Revised 

  

Administrative Responsibility  Office of the President 

Mission, Vision and Values Development and Amendment Procedures 

A. DEFINITIONS  

1. Mandate:  “A document giving an official instruction or command” (Canada Space Dictionary online).  Kwantlen’s mandate from the Government of British Columbia includes the following statutory provisions: 

“Section 47.1 of the University Act and the Designation of Special Purpose, Teaching Universities Regulation: A special purpose, teaching university must do all of the following:

provide adult basic education, career, technical, trade and academic programs leading to certificates, diplomas and baccalaureate and master’s degrees, English as a second language and adult special education programs that meet the needs of its designated region; and,

so far as and to the extent that its resources from time to time permit, undertake and maintain applied research and scholarly activities to support the programs of the special purpose, teaching university. “

 

2. Mission:  A clear statement of KPU’s core purpose: what it strives to achieve, for whom, and how. 

 

3. Values: The statement of KPU’s values guides all decision making and activities of the university, both individually and collectively.  

4. Vision:  The vision describes a future for KPU within a specified time frame. It thus sets a direction for the University that informs planning at all levels, and includes explicit strategic 

   

   Page 2 of 2    Procedure No. GV10 

goals. Planning is then organized around these goals: the academic plan and resource allocation, as well as plans developed by each faculty and department. 

 

B. PROCEDURES  1. The need for a review of the mission, vision and values can originate from anyone internal or 

external to KPU through communication to the Board Chair, the Chancellor or the President, along with sufficient documentation that supports the proposal. 

 2. The request will be shared with the Board and the Senate, and each governance body will use its 

own processes to determine if the request should or should not be accepted.  

3. The Senate will provide advice to the Board on the need for such a review. The Board will consider that advice and instruct the President accordingly. 

 4. If a review is approved, the President will provide to the Board and to the Senate a detailed plan 

for undertaking the review, including stakeholder involvement.  

5. If a review is not approved, the President will report this to the Senate.  

6. Senate will provide advice to the Board on the mission statement and the educational goals, objectives, strategies and priorities of the special purpose, teaching university (University Act Sec 35.2(6)(a)). 

 7. The annual processes of setting priorities and the university budget that align with the approved 

Mission, Vision and Values will be undertaken in full consultation with the relevant senate standing committees. 

 

C. RELATED POLICY

Refer to the Mission, Vision and Values Policy GV10 

D. POLICY HISTORY   Review Date  Revision Date 

2016-17 Budget Presentation Meetings

Service and Administration

Friday, October 16, 2015

Surrey Boardroom

Time Department PresentersTime Allotment

(mins)

9:00 Office of the VP Finance & Administration Jon Harding 15

9:15 Marketing & RecruitingJoanne Saunders

May Doerksen15

9:30 External & Government Affairs Marlyn Graziano 15

9:45 Office of Advancement Steve Lewarne 15

10:00 General Counsel Shelley Wrean 15

10:15 Break 15

10:30 Facilities

Karen Hearn

Kim Baxter

Iain Hunter30

11:00 Student ServicesJane Fee

Jennifer MacArthur45

11:45 Office of ResearchArthur Fallick

Leslee Birch20

12:05 Financial Services Kathy Lylyk 15

Kwantlen Polytechnic University

2016-17 Budget Presentation Meetings

Service and Administration

Friday, October 23, 2015

Surrey Boardroom

Time Department PresentersTime Allotment

(mins)

9:00 Provost & VP AcademicSal Ferreras

Natalie Walker 30

9:30 Continuing & Professional StudiesJim Pelton

Shannon Kloet 30

10:00 AVP Administration Harry Gray 15

10:15 Break 15

10:30 Information Technology

Maggie Fung

Keith Lau

Sukey Samra30

11:00 Institutional Analysis & PlanningLori McElroy

Sunita Wiebe 30

11:30 Office of Teaching & Learning Todd Mundle 15

11:45 Library

Todd Mundle

Lyn Benn

Ann McBurnie20

12:05 Lunch Break 55

13:00 InternationalStuart McIlmoyle

Ariana Arguello30

13:30 Deans 60

Kwantlen Polytechnic University

2016-17 Budget Presentation Meetings

Faculties

Friday, October 30, 2015

Langley 1030

Time Department PresentersTime Allotment

(mins)

8:30 Faculty of Health

Tru Freeman

Jean Nicolson-Church

Marc Guay45

9:15 School of Business

Wayne Tebb

Duane Radcliffe

Deborah Carmichael45

10:00 Break 15

10:15 Faculty of Arts

Diane Purvey

Associate Deans

Carla Deresh45

11:00 Science & Horticulture

Betty Worobec

Joel Murray

Lana Mihell60

12:00 Lunch Break 60

13:00 Academic & Career Advancement

Patrick Donahoe

Aimee Begalka

Lois Armerding45

13:45 Trades & TechnologyBrian Haugen

Amy Ditchburn45

14:30 Break 15

14:45 Wilson School of DesignCarolyn Robertson

Sarb Loodu/Caroline Barnhart 45

Kwantlen Polytechnic University