Policy 158: Program Advisory Councils

1.  Purpose

The purpose of this Policy is to define the role, responsibilities and composition of Program Advisory Councils (PACs) for undergraduate academic programs within Toronto Metropolitan University (the university).

2.  Application and Scope

All undergraduate academic programs are required to establish a Program Advisory Council (PAC). Where a School/Department has more than one program, it may decide that one Advisory Committee may serve those programs. PACs are not authorized to make decisions on behalf of the program, school/department or the University, as decision-making authority rests ultimately with the Senate or the Board of Governors.

3.  Definitions

3.1 Program Advisory Council (PAC) 

A group of volunteers that provides expert advice to a school or department on undergraduate and Chang School program related matters such as curriculum, program review, technology and trends in the industry, discipline or profession.

3.2 Academic Unit

The program/department/school responsible for the development, delivery and administration of one or more programs. 

3.3.  Alumni

For the purpose of this Policy, “alumni” are former students or graduates of TMU as chosen by the Program and/or who are representative and active in the relevant industry, fields or profession. 

3.4.  Dean

The Dean is the head of a Faculty.  

3.5.  Provost and Vice President, Academic 

The university's chief academic officer, with overall responsibility for all academic matters.  

4.  Values and Principles

4.1.  The values stipulated in the 2025 - 2030 Academic Plan are applicable and fundamental to this policy.

4.2.  Inclusive Academic Excellence: Embedding the principles of EDI and accessibility into academic decision making to leverage the diversity of knowledge, perspectives and experiences that enrich every aspect of the community. We will do this by ensuring our curriculum remains relevant and reflects emerging trends and technological advancements. 

4.3.  Respectful Collaboration: By building on our strengths, and collaboration with advisory bodies, TMU will continue to enhance its academic programming and ensure that our graduates are well-prepared to thrive and equipped with the tools required to lead positive change in an ever-evolving world.

4.4.  Student Success: TMU strives to offer high-quality academic programs led by world-class educators, researchers, and creators. As we pursue inclusive excellence.

4.5.  Sustainability: TMU is committed to financial sustainability in order to ensure the long-term health of our institution for future groups of students and employees, and to allow us to continue supporting students. We are committed to finding innovative solutions to real-world problems, and driving economic growth for the benefit of our community and the world.

5.  Roles and Responsibilities 

5.1. Program Advisory Council (PAC)

The role of the Program Advisory Council is to promote the Program in the broader community, including among potential employers, and to advise and assist the program with respect to external liaison. They support the process as an endorsing (consultative) body. Where appropriate, the PAC will advise on, and participate in, fund-raising and the securing of resources to support the program.

5.2. Provost and Vice President Academic 

The Provost is responsible for Toronto Metropolitan University’s academic growth and operations.  

5.3.  Dean 

Dean is the head of a Faculty and is responsible for the overall effective and transparent leadership and governance of a respective Faculty in accordance with the provisions of the Toronto Metropolitan University Act, university policies and procedures, and collective agreements, under the authority of the Provost.

5.4.  Undergraduate Degree Program (Program) 

The complete set and sequence of courses, combination of courses, or other units of study, research and practice prescribed by the University for the fulfillment of a baccalaureate degree. Degrees are granted for meeting the established requirements at the specified standard of performance consistent with the University’s Undergraduate Degree Level Expectations (UDLEs).

6.  General Regulations 

6.1.  All undergraduate degree programs are required to establish an Advisory Council. Where a School/Department has more than one program, it may decide that one Advisory Committee may serve those programs.

6.2.  As a Program Advisory Council is advisory in nature, it shall be designated as a “Council”.  

6.3.  Members of Program advisory councils must operate within the guidelines of the policies and procedures of Toronto Metropolitan University.

6.4.  Members of Program Advisory Councils must maintain privacy and confidentiality related to any TMU proprietary information. 

6.5.  Advisory Councils may be called upon to:

6.5.1.  advise on curriculum development and change to help ensure that graduates possess the competencies, knowledge, and skills required by the profession;

6.5.2. advise on matters related to outside accreditation, where appropriate.

6.5.3. assist in determining current and projected demand for program graduates;

6.5.4. assist in identifying ways in which the Program can most effectively meet societal needs;

6.5.5. participate in program review and any accreditation processes;

6.5.6. assist in the identification of student placements and graduate employment opportunities;

6.5.7. assist in identifying fundraising opportunities to financially support students (awards, bursaries, scholarships) and/or specific program initiatives; and

6.5.8. promote the Program and Toronto Metropolitan in the external community, developing effective links with the profession and the broader community and enhancing the University profile.

6.6.  Advisory Councils should report on their activities to the appropriate Dean(s) and to the Provost and Vice President Academic, for their information, by May 30 of each year. 

Related Documents 

Policy 45: Governance Councils 

Policy 126: Periodic Program Review of Graduate and Undergraduate Programs

Policy 127: Curriculum Modifications: Graduate and Undergraduate Programs

Procedures - Policy 158: Program Advisory Councils

1.  Membership 

1.1. Program Advisory Councils shall consist of an appropriate mix of members, depending on the discipline and program objectives, as follows:

1.1.1.  Program alumni who are active in the industry, field or profession;

1.1.2.  Other representatives with expertise in the Program field(s). These may be drawn from private and public organizations and agencies, professional bodies, Toronto Metropolitan schools/departments, other universities, or from the community-at-large; and

1.1.3.  The Chair/Director (and, where relevant, the Program Director).

1.1.4.  Efforts should be made to achieve an Advisory Council membership which reflects the composition of Toronto Metropolitan University and the community-at-large considering equity-deserving groups and being inclusive of Indigenous people.

2.  Program Advisory Council Chair

The Chair shall be elected by the members of the Program Advisory Council.

3.  Selection and Approval of Members

Members are approved and appointed by the Dean, or designate in consultation with the Chair/Director and the Chair of the Program Advisory Council (if one is in office at the time).  

4.  Privacy and Confidentiality 

Privacy and Confidentiality requirements will be established and monitored according to the individual guidelines of each Faculty/Program/Department as appropriate.

5.  Term of Office 

PAC members serve a three-year term, but may be appointed for further three-year term(s).

6.  Meetings 

Program Advisory Councils will meet as needed, at least once a year. 

7.  Sub-Committees 

The PAC may establish sub-committees as needed.

8.  Minutes and Agenda   

The Program Chair/Director is responsible for the agenda and minutes of the meeting. The Chair will submit minutes of their meetings to the Dean.