Cyclical Program Reviews
The University of Guelph's quality assurance processes place strong emphasis on the importance of the assessment of learning outcomes along with quality of faculty, instructional support and academic learning environments required to mount and sustain successful programs and support the academic planning process. Cyclical reviews of academic programs emphasize the University's dedication to continuous curriculum improvement and program evolution and have overarching goals to:
- Reflect upon institutional strategic directions, missions and mandates, such as Indigenization and decolonization; equity, diversity and inclusion; internationalization, experiential learning, etc.;
- Continue to develop and deliver programs with high standards, quality and innovation;
- Ensure quality enhancement and continuous improvement; and
- Meaningfully engage stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, alumni and external partners.
The cyclical program review results in a Final Assessment Report and Implementation Plan which become the basis of continuous improvement and monitoring of key performance indicators. The primary responsibility to execute the Implementation Plan and ensure ongoing quality enhancement lies jointly with the College Dean(s) and Chair/Director of the academic program.
2024-2025
- Chemistry (BSc Programs)
- Chemistry (MSc, PhD) - Joint with UWaterloo
- English and Theatre Studies
- Environmental Sciences
- Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics
- Food Science
- Toxicology
2025-2026
- Doctor of Veterinary Science
- Integrative Biology
- Management (PhD)
- Marketing and Consumer Studies
- Master of Business Administration
- Molecular and Cellular Biology
- Neuroscience (BSc)
- Population Medicine
2026-2027
- Business Administration (BBA) - University of Guelph-Humber
- Media and Communication Studies (BAMS) - University of Guelph-Humber
The Office of Quality Assurance coordinates the Cyclical Program Review process on an eight-year cycle for existing undergraduate and graduate programs, specifically:
- Undergraduate Degrees and Specializations (baccalaureate 4-year honours and 3-year general degree programs and majors, including joint or collaborative degree programs or majors and professional degree programs);
- Graduate Degrees (doctoral programs, thesis- and course-based masters programs, and executive programs, including joint graduate programs, dual degree graduate programs, and combined degree programs); and
- Graduate Diplomas (Type 1, Type 2, Type 3).
Cycle of Program Review
A visual overview of the Cyclical Program Review process is outlined below and detailed procedures are outlined in the Institutional Quality Assurance Process, Section 5: Cyclical Review of Academic Programs.
Academic unit(s) can expect to receive a notice of upcoming cyclical review approximately 18 months in advance of the Self-Study deadline. The call for review will identify the specific programs that will be reviewed.
The Office of Quality Assurance hosts an annual Cyclical Program Review Kick-Off and a series of workshops to support programs through the review process. More information will be made available in the Microsoft Teams site for each Cohort.
Flow Chart: Cyclical Program Review Process