Comprehensive Program Review

Humber’s comprehensive program review framework involves a consultative approach that takes into account quantitative and qualitative considerations with contextual determinants. Program review is as an evidenced-informed, critical reflection process that supports the program throughout its lifecycle. The process supports transparency through the application of clear criteria, promotes continuous quality improvement and ensures alignment of academic programs to Humber’s vision and mission. Ontario College Certificates, Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas and Graduate Certificates are reviewed on a 5 – 7 year cycle, following Humber’s rigorous internal process. The Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) grants consent to Humber to offer degree programs, also for a 5 - 7 year duration. The process for consent renewal involves a detailed submission to MCU, in which evidence of adherence to the terms and conditions of consent, as well as Post-Secondary Education Quality Assurance Board (PEQAB) standards.

Performance Metrics

Performance measures, accessed through an interactive, web-based institutional data dashboard, include, but are not limited to:

  • Application and Enrolment data
  • Entering Student Profiles
  • Learner Experience Indicators
  • Attrition and Retention Outcomes
  • Course Level Grades Analysis
  • Financial Viability and Sustainability

Performance metrics are not linear processes that directly translate quantitative measures into specific program ratings, but also involve discussions that take into account a range of contextual factors.

Alignment with Program Vocational Learning Outcomes

A holistic review of a program’s map is conducted during the program review process. This review prompts an evaluation of the PVLOs relevancy, currency and alignment to the Ontario Qualifications Framework (OQF).

Program Review Consultation

The program review process includes cross-institutional consultation with departments including, but not limited to:

  • Libraries
  • Student Success and Engagement
  • Innovative Learning
  • Office of Research and Innovation

Self Study Report

Administrators, Program Coordinators and other faculty complete a self-study based on their in-depth understanding of the program outcomes, curriculum and student experience. The template for this self-study guides them through a series of prompts relating to:

  • program objectives, recruitment, admissions and enrolment
  • program title and content
  • program content and delivery
  • graduation and employment outlook
  • learner experience including student feedback
  • program resources
  • annual program quality assessments
  • alignment with the Ontario Qualifications Framework
  • assessment against degree level standards (degrees only)

Responses to these areas are informed by relevant student, program, college and, where applicable, industry certification data. The self-study provides an opportunity for critical reflection and for the identification of strengths and accomplishments of the program, as well as areas in need of strengthening and opportunities for improvement.

External Site Visit

A Program Evaluation Committee (PEC) is commissioned to evaluate the program on the basis of the self-study and a site visit. The committee is comprised of an external senior academic in a related discipline, and representative from industry for non-degree programs. An external senior academic, a subject matter expert and one student or recent alumnus make up the PEC for degree programs.

Following the site visit, the PEC submits a report to Humber that summarizes their observations and offers an analysis and recommendations. This report is the impetus for the program action plan.

Action Plan

The Academic Faculty references the self–study and the Program Evaluation Committee report in the development of an action plan that supports continuous quality improvement. The action plan addresses short and long-term program goals that are implemented throughout the five-to-seven year program review/consent renewal cycle and includes metrics to evaluate the success of each initiative. Associate Deans and Program Coordinators report on progress towards the implementation of the action plan as part of the Annual Program Quality Assessment process. Metrics will be used to identify the success of changes to the program.