| AC-TOR-029 |
|
| Department: | Academic Affairs |
| Previous Revision Date: | June 28, 2018 |
| Most Recent Approval Date: | June 30, 2022 |
| Effective Date: | June 30, 2022 |
I. MANDATE
The members of the Academic Approval Council (AAC) have the mandate to support education quality of the academic programs.
II. PURPOSE
The purpose of the Academic Approval Council (AAC) is to review, monitor, and advance academic program curricular content and design. Reporting to the Head of Academic Affairs and Operations or designate, the Academic Approval Council’s mandate is to:
- Review and approve model routes for approved programs
- Review and approve new and existing course outlines
- Advise on the Centre for Learning Innovation and Simulation (CLIS) “Curriculum Quality Assurance Report”
- Advise on the adoption and use of educational technologies
The Academic Approval Council will remain informed by receiving updates on:
- New program model routes that have been endorsed by Senior Management Team (SMT) and approved by Michener/UHN Board Education Committee, Michener Board of Governors (the Board) for development and offer
- New and updated academic policies
This committee contributes to the Education Strategy by:
- Reviewing and maintaining evidence of continuous curriculum quality improvement
- Examining and incorporating best practices in teaching and learning
- Reviewing and advising on opportunities for curriculum innovation
- Reviewing and advising on opportunities for partnership with patients
This committee contributes to the Purpose, Values, Principles (PVP):
UHN’s Purpose Transforming lives and communities through excellence in care, discovery and learning
Our Primary Value above all else, the needs of patients come first
Values: Safety, Compassion, Teamwork, Integrity, Stewardship
Safety Safest healthcare for patients and staff
Compassion Kindness and respect in every interaction
Teamwork Collaboration, Cooperation, and Diversity
Integrity Ethics, Respect, and Responsibility
Stewardship Optimize our resources for the greater common good
III. MEMBERSHIP
Voting members:
- Head of Academic Affairs and Operations or designate – voting member, only in the event of a tie
- Four (4) Faculty – cross program representation with curriculum development experience at the professor level
Non-voting members:
- Curriculum/Faculty Development Specialist from CLIS
- Administrative Assistant (Officer of Academic Affairs)
- Academic Chairs
Term of Members:
Faculty members will serve for two, two-year terms.
The following members are permanently appointed through their positions and job responsibilities.
- Head of Academic Affairs and Operations or designate
- Administrative Assistant (Office of Academic Affairs)
- Curriculum/Faculty Development Specialist
- Academic Chairs
IV. ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Members bring time, talent, special skills and perspectives to AAC. In agreeing to assume this important role, a member is expected to:
- Prepare in advance for meetings by pre-reading material to be discussed
- Actively participate, advise, make and vote on decisions or recommendations supporting the mandate of the AAC
- Annually review the AAC Terms of Reference
V. DECISION MAKING PROCESS/VOTING
Quorum/voting
50% of voting membership
Please note that to ensure a rich review and consideration by all critical perspectives in this process, it is essential to have a broad range of members participate in each meeting. Members who cannot attend a scheduled meeting shall submit their feedback on the meeting documents electronically to the Administrative Assistant (Officer of Academic Affairs) prior to the scheduled meeting. No proxy votes shall be accepted. The Head of Academic Affairs and Operations or designate will vote in the event of a tie.
VI. MEETING FREQUENCY
Meetings will be scheduled, at a minimum, four times per calendar year. The dates for the meetings will be posted by the end of August of each year. Additional meetings may be called by the Head of Academic Affairs and Operations or designate – if necessary –and will be held electronically.
VII. ACCESS TO MEETINGS
Meetings are open to the Michener Community. Minutes of the open meetings are available on the internal shared directory.
VIII. DESIRED OUTCOMES
AAC ensures a broad and informed consultative process to support the ongoing quality of academic programs.
IX. APPENDICES
- AAC Request for Approval/Recommendation Form (currently under revision)
