Program Review/Renewal Processes

Instructional Associates support department leaders with these processes through workshops and consultations to ensure high quality curriculum and student learning experiences. 

The purpose of the Program Review and Renewal Policy is to support and enhance the quality of VCC programs. Through this, the College builds confidence among internal and external stakeholders regarding the integrity, quality and effectiveness of our programs.

These processes are informed by VCC Program Review and Renewal Policy C.3.2.


The Annual Program Review is an opportunity for departments to examine and reflect on the state of teaching and learning in a collaborative and consultative manner. The results of this formative process will provide an analysis of changing trends impacting the department, challenges and opportunities, course delivery modes, and an annual department action plan. 

The CTLR provides an annual program review workshop orienting department leaders to the process each year, generally in the fall when the process begins with the collection and distribution of IR data packages for each department. 

Annual Program Review procedures are available from the Vice President, Academic and Research. 


Formal Program Renewal

Programs go through a formal renewal process every 5-7 years per policy 3.2. The process is an in-depth, evidence-based, forward-looking and collaborative process, often leading into curriculum development fund applications. The schedule is decided by the VP Academic in consultation with Education Quality Council (EQC). An Instructional Associate from CTLR chairs the steering committee and guides the year-long process. Departments receive a nominal amount of funding to support the program renewal.

Program renewal consists of 4 phases:

  1. Department self-study
  2. External review of department/program
  3. Final summary report
  4. Preparation of department action plan and submission to VP Academic, Education Quality Committee and Education Council