Major Modifications
The distinguishing characteristic of a major modification is that such an academic change would significantly alter the learning outcomes of a degree program. Some changes may lie on the border of a minor and major modification. It is strongly recommended you consult the Graduate Affairs Officer before you begin developing a proposal for a major modification.
Major modifications are classified as one of the following
1) Significant Modifications to Existing Graduate Program
This type of modification significantly changes a graduate degree program’s requirements in terms of its knowledge base and learning outcomes.
2) Proposal for a New Field within an Existing Graduate Program
A field is an identified area of specialization or area of study in a graduate degree program that is related to the distinct, demonstrable and collective strengths of the program’s faculty members. Fields reflect the capacity of the research faculty to support graduate level research in specific areas.
For more details, please visit the SGS Graduate Program Definitions
3) New Combined Degree Program from Existing Degree Programs
A combined program allows a student to complete two degree programs at the same time within a reduced time period. The combination involves two existing degree programs, at least one of which must be a graduate program. This is facilitated by a limited number of identified program credits counting towards both programs.
For more details, please visit the SGS Graduate Program Definitions.
Divisional Governance for Major Modifications in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine
Divisional governance for major modifications is a four step process. You are encouraged to seek the advice of the Graduate Affairs Officer at GLSE at any point of this governance process.
The first step is to seek the approval of a proposed academic change at the departmental level (i.e. within your graduate unit). Typically, this approval is granted by the committee responsible for graduate education in your department. Please contact your Graduate Coordinator for information about meeting dates and departmental protocol. The proposal should include the appropriate and completed template, as well as any supporting documentation (e.g. course syllabus). Once the departmental committee approves this modification, the proposal moves on to the next step.
The second step is to obtain the approval from the GLSE Graduate Curriculum Committee (GCC) which is chaired by the Vice-Dean, Graduate and Academic Affairs. The proposal package (outlined above) should be sent to the Graduate Affairs Officer at GLSE at least 2 weeks before the next meeting. Meeting dates for GLSE GCC are listed here. The proposal should be presented to the GLSE GCC by a faculty member in the corresponding graduate unit (i.e. Graduate Coordinator or designated faculty). Once this approval is attained, the proposal moves on to the next and final step.
The third step is to obtain the approval from the Temerty Faculty of Medicine Education Committee (GEC), a subcommittee of Medicine's Faculty Council. The proposal is presented by a faculty member in the corresponding graduate unit, ideally the same person who presented the same proposal at the GLSE GCC. Meeting dates for FOM GEC are listed here.
The fourth and final step in the divisional governance process for major modifications is to obtain the approval of the Temerty Faculty of Medicine's Faculty Council. The proposal can be presented by the same faculty member or a designate. Meeting dates for Faculty Council are listed here.