Faculty members considering launching a new program should first contact the appropriate Dean’s office. Proponents are also encouraged to contact the New Programs Hub, via new.programs@ubc.ca, to discuss your idea and get help navigating the entire approvals process. For programs involving international collaboration and partnerships, support is also available through UBC’s Global Partnership team: global.partnerships@ubc.ca.
Please note: No degree program can be offered prior to UBC receiving Ministry approval
Health-related programs (all credit and non-credit programming): Pre-consultation with the Health Programs Director in the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills and colleagues in the Ministry of Health will be initiated in Phase 1. This must be coordinated through the New Programs Hub.
Non-Degree Certificate and Diploma programs: New credit certificate and diploma program proposals do not require Ministry approval, however, certificates that ladder into another degree program at UBC and diploma programs must follow the Ministry’s Non-Degree Program Review process. This must be coordinated through the New Programs Hub. Please refer to Senate Policy V-128: Academic Credit Certificate Programs and V-127: Diploma Programs for more information about internal approval guidelines.
Timing: For a September intake, Board of Governors approval should occur no later than at the June meeting in the year prior to expected intake, to allow time for the subsequent Ministry approval process. Disclaimer: Ministry approval timelines can vary significantly and UBC has no oversight over these timelines.
Recruitment: The Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills has advised that Faculties are not to add program information to Faculty-level websites prior to full Ministry approval. Advertising and marketing at this stage is limited to program information added to the UBC Calendar with the appropriate disclaimer. Program proponents may wish to develop brochure or collateral material, but these cannot be distributed in advance to confirmation of Ministry approval.
Phase 1: Engage the New Programs Hub for program development and approvals process support. Once a program proposal is ready, developed in alignment with Faculty processes, proponents submit proposals for Faculty approval.
Phase 2: Senate documentation completed with the Budgetary Impact form signed off by the Provost – this is to be coordinated through the New Programs Hub, via new.programs@ubc.ca. Begin completing the Stage 1 Application for Approval Process (applicable only for new degree programs – Bachelor, Master and PhD level). The Office of the Provost will submit this to the Ministry following program approval by the Senate and the Board of Governors.
Phase 3: With support from the Office of the Provost, complete the board docket, attaching the student consultation on tuition and faculty response - this is coordinated through the VP Students Office. The Office of the Provost will submit to the Board of Governors' office and present the proposal at the Board meeting.
Phase 4: For new degree programs, following Board of Governors approval, the Office of the Provost will make final edits to the Stage 1 document and then submit the proposal to the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. The Provost’s Office will advise proponents of ministerial approval once granted.
Phase 5: Approximately two years after the first cohort is admitted, the New Programs Hub can support a light touch internal review of the program to ensure continued development and enhancement of the program.