Curriculum Development activities focus on enhancing student learning experiences through academic program reviews and new program development. These supports are grounded in a philosophical approach that values student-centeredness and evidence-informed decision-making.
Departments have access to support for the development and refinement of program learning outcomes, curriculum mapping, administration of site visits, coordination of the Student Curriculum Consultants program and guidance on the Quality Assurance and institutional curriculum approvals processes. Support can also be provided to programs as they implement areas of improvement or enhancement identified during the Quality Assurance process.
Institutional Quality Assurance Process Overview
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Graduate and Undergraduate Programs were reviewed in 2023 and are pending final approval of Final Assessment Reports
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Graduate and Undergraduate Cyclical Review site visits during the 2024 winter/spring term
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Graduate and Undergraduate Programs are currently developing their Self-Study report and will be reviewed in 2025
Accomplishments
Inclusive Teaching and Learning Resources
- In response to discussions with students and instructors at McMaster, the MacPherson Institute and the Equity and Inclusion Office launched a new resource to help foster more inclusive approaches in the classroom.
- The new Inclusive Teaching and Learning Resources website offers a variety of resources, links and tools that instructors can use to support building inclusive teaching and learning spaces.
- Resources on the webpage are categorized into four themes of inclusive practice: anti-racist pedagogies, decolonization, accessibility and assessment and grading.
Additional Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA) Supports
- Program Review Self-Study Guidebook reformatted into an e-book for improved accessibility and updated with prompts for EDIA considerations
- Conducted an institutional scan to understand the needs of faculty members related to decolonizing classrooms and curriculum
- Continued to partner with Student Accessibility Services regarding essential learning requirements for Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and Public Service Employment Act (PSEA)
- A new session titled “IQAP and EDIA: Sharing Experiences and Best Practices” was added to the cyclical program review lunchtime information sessions
Curriculum Development Supports
- Piloted “Curriculum Links,” a new curriculum mapping tool, which offers expanded curriculum mapping capabilities for programs. Full integration of the tool is planned for 2024-25
- Expanded the acclaimed Student Curriculum Consultants program
- Supported the development of the new Leadership and Civic Studies program proposal, also known as Wilson College, and assisted with the site visit in November 2023 (approved by Quality Council to commence)