Policy 176: Non-Degree Credit Programs

1. Purpose 

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines and procedures for the development, approval, review, and administration of Non-Degree Credit Programs at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU).

2. Application and Scope

This policy applies to all Faculties and other entities offering Non-Degree Credit programs at TMU. 

3. Definitions

3.1. Non-Degree Credit Program:

A structured educational offering for which no component is approved for any degree credit. Such programs impart specialized knowledge, skills, and competencies that are validated through the assessment of learning. These programs can include, but are not limited to, certificates, post-graduate certificates, executive education certificates, and microcredentials. This definition does not include co-curricular and extracurricular activities designed for the engagement and development of currently enrolled TMU students, internal professional development initiatives created for the training and skill enhancement of TMU employees, and activities related to athletics and recreation, including summer camps. 

3.2. Offering Units:

Faculties and other entities authorized to offer Non-Degree Credit programs.

3.3. Coordinating Committee on Non-Degree Credit Programs (see Section 5.4)  

A subcommittee responsible for reviewing Non-Degree Credit programs, ensuring consultation and coordination among offering units, and advising the Provost on matters relevant to Non-Degree Credit Programs.

3.4. Learners:

Participants enrolled in a Non-Degree Credit program.

4. Values and Principles 

Non-Degree Credit Programs at TMU are designed to complement the university’s academic mission, promote lifelong learning, provide post-graduate professional development, and enhance community engagement.

4.1 Complementarity: Non-Degree Credit Programs will complement the academic mission of TMU and not compete with degree programs. They should also avoid duplicating existing Non-Degree Credit programs at the university. To ensure distinctiveness, Non-Degree Credit programs should be differentiated from existing offerings in terms of their target audience and design.

4.2 Responsibility: Offering units will manage and make arrangements for the administration of their own Non-Degree Credit programs, including financial management, registration, grade management, marketing (consistent with TMU marketing and brand guidelines) and conferring credentials. Offering Units providing Non-Degree Credit programs will have processes for resolving complaints or disputes that arise between learners and instructors or between learners and staff, for dealing with breaches of academic integrity, non-academic conduct, and for accommodating learners with disabilities.

4.3 Self-Sufficiency: Non-Degree Credit Programs should be self-sufficient and potentially generate revenue to support the academic mission of the university.

4.4 Flexibility and Efficiency: The governance and regulatory framework will be flexible and efficient, ensuring appropriate administrative, budgetary, and academic oversight.

4.5 Learner Experience: Learner experiences should meet a high standard of quality, service, and accessibility. This includes, but is not limited to: clear communication, responsive customer service, and efficient administrative processes. Programs should offer access to timely guidance, well-structured materials, accessible technology, and knowledgeable instructors or facilitators. Ongoing feedback mechanisms should be in place to continuously improve the learning and service experience.

5. General Regulations

5.1. All Non-Degree Credit Programs must:

5.1.1. Align with values and principles stipulated in the Senate Policy Framework.

5.1.2 Be reviewed annually by the Coordinating Committee on Non-Degree Credit Programs (see Section 5.4).

5.1.3. Include assessment of learning.

5.2. Admissibility of Learners

5.2.1. Learners need not be admitted to a degree program to enroll in Non-Degree Credit Programs.

5.2.2. Offering units will establish specific admission requirements for Non-Degree Credit programs.

5.3. Offering Units

5.3.1. The Chang School may offer Non-Degree Credit Programs and will continue to work collaboratively with other Faculties in accordance with Policy 76: Development and Review of Continuing Education Offerings. 

5.3.2. All other Faculties and other entities may offer Non-Degree Credit Programs in areas of study relevant to the academic disciplines and areas of expertise offered by the Faculty or other entities.

5.3.3. All other Faculties and other entities will consult with The Chang School on the offering of Non-Degree Credit Programs to evaluate partnership opportunities.

5.3.4. Offering units shall consult with Faculties and other entities on the offering of Non-Degree Credit Programs where there may be overlap with existing offerings.

5.4. Coordinating Committee on Non-Degree Credit Programs

5.4.1. Composition: This committee reports directly to the Academic Standards Committee (ASC) of Senate, is co-chaired by the Provost & Vice-President Academic and Vice-Provost Academic (or designate), and consists of the following members: 

5.4.1.1. Dean (or designate) or leader from each offering unit

5.4.1.2. Director of Curriculum Quality Assurance (non-voting)

5.4.2. Responsibilities: The committee ensures compliance with this policy, promotes consultation, reviews the annual report to Senate on Non-Degree Credit programs from all offering units, and advises on matters relating to Non-Degree Credit Programs.

5.5. Record Keeping and Reporting

5.5.1. Offering units must maintain records and comply with TMU's records retention schedule.

Procedures

1.  Quality Assurance Process:

1.1. The Academic Standards Committee and Senate will review and approve the establishment of and changes to the quality assurance processes of all offering units of Non-Degree Credit programs.

1.2. Offering Units will have in place processes for approving new programs, modifying existing programs, assuring quality, closing programs, and making decisions about the frequency of offerings.

1.3. Offering Units will provide an annual report to the chair of the Coordinating committee who will compile an annual report for information on Non-Degree Credit programs to the Senate.

2. Financial and Operational Viability:

2.1. The Provost & Vice-President Academic and the Dean or leaders of the offering units oversee the financial and operational aspects of Non-Degree Credit Programs. The Provost & Vice-President Academic retains authority to discontinue any offering.

3. Compliance with University Policies:

3.1. Non-Degree Credit program activities are expected to comply with all relevant TMU policies.

Related University Policies

Policy 76:   Development and Review of Continuing Education Offerings

Policy 112:  IQAP Policy - Development of New Graduate and Undergraduate Programs