The effect of the 2003 double cohort continues to have an impact. The most recent consequence is the implementation of a new bachelor program structure for the faculties of Arts, Social Sciences and Science, as well as the leisure studies (Health Sciences) and computer science (Engineering) programs.
“With the elimination of Grade 13, Ontario students who took a three-year program ended up with fewer years of study than most university students across the country,” explains Louise Jubinville, communications officer for enrolment management. “All Ontario universities agreed to align their programs and gradually eliminate three-year programs.”
“We wanted to restructure our curriculum so that students could create a program profile that more effectively met their needs,” explains Sylvie Lauzon, associate vice-president, academic. “There are now many more avenues available for a bachelor’s degree.”
The new program structure was announced two years ago and will take effect in September 2006. Presently, students can transfer from the old to the new structure online. “If a student requests a program of study change before March 10, it will be reflected in the Registration Navigator in April. This in turn will facilitate course selection next September,” points out Jubinville.
“Students should seek advice from their professors, academic counsellors and administrative assistants,” says Jubinville. “They play a crucial role in clearly explaining the changes and building the confidence of students.” Support staff and professors will be asked to persuade students to attend information sessions, visit the new program structure Web site, and, ultimately, help students make the change.
Many advantages
It’s in a student’s best interest to transfer from the old system to the new. Under the new structure, students starting their second year will have the opportunity to expand their general knowledge, enrich their learning experience and complete their undergraduate studies in two disciplines. For example, a student registered in biology will be able to add a minor in psychology. Even those beginning their third or fourth year of a four-year program in September may still be able to add a second discipline.
The new bachelor program structure is also beneficial for the University because it will simplify the degree offerings. At the conclusion of the transition period, the only three-year degree to be offered will be a general bachelor’s. The new structure will also affect some prerequisites, academic regulations and a few courses. A few disciplines will disappear completely such as études de la langue française.
“It really is the credibility of the University that is at stake here,” says Jubinville, pointing out that even before the double cohort, the School of Management saw the writing on the wall and eliminated three-year programs in keeping with norms elsewhere in the country and the world. The new structure does not touch faculties that offer professional accreditation like medicine and law because they do not offer three-year undergraduate degrees.
More information about the new degree structure
