Internal Program Pathways Process
Development
Identification of Potential Pathway
- Identify the potential pathway.
- Discuss the potential pathway with the Academic Manager.
- With approval from the Academic Manager, proceed to the feasibility assessment.
Feasibility Assessment
- Conduct a feasibility assessment, considering student demand, labour market demand, comparable existing pathways, School capacity, external approvals, and institutional alignment.
OPTIONAL: Schools may also refer to the Program Pathway Feasibility Assessment (Appendix D) used for external pathways. - If the potential pathway is deemed feasible by the Academic Manager, proceed to the planning stage.
Planning
- Create a simple work plan identifying key deliverables, stakeholders, and timelines.
OPTIONAL: Schools may also refer to the Pathways Work Plan (Appendix E) used for external pathways. - Share the work plan internally.
- Consult with internal stakeholders, as applicable, including the Office of the Registrar and the International Centre.
Curriculum Mapping
- Map the curriculum of the two programs. See Appendix F for more information on curriculum mapping, including requirements for comparable content.
- Based on the curriculum map, determine the following details of the internal pathway:
- Eligibility requirements (e.g., minimum acceptable grade, minimum GPA, currency requirements, bridging studies, language requirements, etc.)
- Amount of internal credit recognition to be granted (ensuring residency requirement is met)
- Recommended point of entry in the receiving program
- Program progression plan (e.g., bridging courses, reach-back courses)
- Anticipated time for completion of the receiving credential
- Review the results of the mapping and the pathway details with the Program Coordinator of the sending program, if not previously involved in the mapping.
- Revise the mapping and pathway details as necessary.
- If the mapping results in a favourable credit recognition opportunity for students, proceed to approval.
Implementation
Approvals
- Secure approvals from relevant external agencies (e.g., PEQAB for degree bridging programs) or professional regulatory bodies.
- Contact the Pathways Coordinator for consultation with the Office of the Registrar.
The Office of the Registrar will advise on the procedure to set up the internal pathway, as well as student application and admission processes.
- Submit the internal pathway for approval from the Dean, using the procedure and documents recommended by the Office of the Registrar.
Communication
- Develop a Communications Plan, in collaboration with the Pathways Coordinator, considering the following resources, roles, and events:
- Fanshawe’s Pathways Search Tool
- ONTransfer database
- Program Teams
- Admissions and Pathways Advisors
- School Academic Advisor
- Reputation and Brand Management (e.g., program webpages, social media, FanMail, and/or media advisories)
- Brochures, flyers, etc.
- Virtual and in-person events (e.g., secondary school guidance counsellor symposiums, Ontario College Fair, Pathways Fair, program orientation, information sessions)
Maintenance
Curriculum Modifications
- When the curriculum of programs that are part of an internal program pathway is modified either at Fanshawe’s initiative or because of a revision to the Program Standard, indicate the relevant pathways in the Curriculum Modification Request Form (submitted to the CAE).
The CAE notifies the Pathways Coordinator, who will review any curriculum modifications that affect the pathway and contact the School if action is required.
- If necessary, remap the curriculum, and adjust transfer credits awarded.
- Revise and retain the pathway if the credit recognition opportunity remains favourable to students.
Periodic Review
Quality Partnerships contacts the Academic School for a periodic review of the School’s internal program pathways. This review may be scheduled annually or biennially, depending on the type and volume of agreements.
- Collaborate with Quality Partnerships to review the status of the pathway, including curriculum.
- Collaborate with Quality Partnerships to evaluate pathway success by reviewing pathway data (e.g., pathway enrollment, student demographics, graduation rate, labour market demand) and pathway students’ feedback.
- Determine whether the internal program pathway should be maintained as is, revised, or discontinued.
Quality Partnerships in the Centre for Academic Excellence is your in-house resource for program pathways. Whether you have questions or suggestions, we would like to hear from you. Email the Pathways Coordinator or contact us at pathways@fanshawec.ca.
