IQAP

McMaster’s IQAP is designed to facilitate the development and continued improvement of our undergraduate and graduate academic programs, and to ensure that McMaster continues to lead internationally in its reputation for innovation in teaching and learning.

• IQAP Cyclical Review Schedule
• Cyclical Program Review Process – Flowchart
• 2019 – 2020 Cyclical Review Timeline

The Self Study Document	In collaboration with relevant groups and/or individuals, the Chair will initiate the creation of a self-study document that is broad-based, reflective, forward-looking and inclusive of critical analysis. The self-study is an opportunity to review collections of courses and learning opportunities holistically with a focus towards the overall program learning experiences of the students as well as to demonstrate the uniqueness of each of McMaster’s programs. Self-Study Guidebook 2019-2020 Self-Study Template
The Site Visit	The Vice-Provost (Faculty) or the Vice-Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies, in consultation with the Dean, will select a team of reviewers to evaluate the program from a list of 6 suggested individuals compiled by the Program/Department under review. The review team shall normally consist of two external reviewers and one internal reviewer. Sample site-visit schedule Guidelines for Selecting Arm’s Length Reviewers Template for Suggested Internal Reviewers Template for Suggested External Reviewers
Reporting	The review team will prepare and submit a report that addresses the substance of both the self-study and the evaluation criteria. The Chair shall be responsible, in collaboration with relevant groups and/or individuals, for preparing the Program’s response to the review team’s report. The Dean then prepares a response and helps to prioritize and resource the recommendations that will be implemented. A final assessment report, that takes into consideration the self-study, the review team report, the Chair’s response, and the Dean’s implementation plan, is compiled by the Quality Assurance Committee and submitted to Undergraduate Council/Graduate Council, the University Planning Committee, Quality Council, and posted on McMaster’s website. Template for the Review Team Report Template for Review Team Report Confidential Appendix Template for Program Response and Implementation Plan Repository of Final Assessment Reports
The Progress Report	Normally after 18 months, the Chair and Dean will meet to discuss progress regarding the program’s Implementation Plan. A Progress Report is prepared and submitted to the Quality Assurance Committee.

 

McMaster’s IQAP is designed to facilitate the development and continued improvement of our undergraduate and graduate academic programs, and to ensure that McMaster continues to lead internationally in its reputation for innovation in teaching and learning.

New program proposals must go through full review for approval. The procedure of the approval process is outlined in the flowchart below.

General Documents of New Program Proposals

• New Program Proposal Guidebook
• New Program Approvals Process Flowchart
• Statement of Intent
• (Undergraduate/Graduate) New Program Proposal Template
• Resource Implications and Financial Viability Template

Deadlines

Each year, the Ministry establishes a review cycle with specific submission deadlines. Submissions received after the deadline will be automatically placed into the next submission cycle. Programs not approved by February 1 will not be eligible for funding and OSAP for that fiscal year, and all enrolled students must be reported as ineligible for funding in that fiscal year.

Expedited Program Approval
Programs may request an expedited approval if they meet one of the following criteria:

1. an institution requests endorsement of the Quality Council to declare a new Field in a graduate program. (Note that institutions are not required to declare fields in either master’s or doctoral programs.); or
2. there is a proposal for a new Collaborative Program; or
3. there are proposals for new for-credit graduate diplomas; or
4. an institution requests it, there are Major Modifications to Existing Programs, as already
   defined through the IQAP, proposed for degree program or program of specialization.

Expedited approvals do not require external reviewer approval and have faster turn-around on decisions by the Quality Council.

Documents for Expedited Review

• Procedures for Expedited Approval of New Programs
• Procedures for Expedited Approval of New Programs – Flowchart
• Expedited Program Proposal Template (same as New Program Proposal Template)

For additional budget-related information regarding New Program Proposals or Expedited Program Proposals, please contact Linda Coslovi, Associate Vice-President, Finance and Planning (Academic), at coslovi@mcmaster.ca.

Facilitated group discussions	These discussions are used to elicit program-specific student feedback which can be incorporated in your IQAP.
Student feedback surveys	Surveys are sent out to current students and graduates of the programs to elicit feedback which can be incorporated into a program’s self-study to assist in the cyclical review process.
Individual consultations	A MacPherson Institute consultant will meet with your program representative(s) to assist with the IQAP. For example, MacPherson Institute consultants can assist with the articulation of Program Learning Outcomes curriculum mapping, connecting with programs to educational technologies and commenting on drafts of self-studies and new program or modifications proposals.
IQAP workshops	Workshops are offered annually to faculty and staff from programs that are undergoing their cyclical reviews. These workshops will provide participants with an opportunity to learn more about the review process, receive information about potential resources and ask questions.
Departmental retreats and meeting facilitation	Consultants are available to facilitate departmental retreats or meetings as needed. For more information or to request a consult, contact iqap@mcmaster.ca.