# Background

The delivery of programs of instruction is an important aspect of the business of colleges of applied arts and technology in Ontario. As defined in O. Reg. 34/03 under the Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology Act, 2002, a program of instruction means a group of related courses leading to

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[Open original PDF →](https://www.northerncollege.ca/uploads/2025/07/A2_Programs-of-Instruction.pdf)

Referenced from: [Board of Governors](/pages/about/board-of-governors/)

## Document text

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A - Ends

## Background

The delivery of programs of instruction is an important aspect of the business of colleges of applied arts and technology in Ontario. As defined in O. Reg. 34/03 under the Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology Act, 2002, a program of instruction means a group of related courses leading to a diploma, certificate, three-year applied degree, or other document awarded by the Board of Governors.

The Act identifies that the objects of the colleges, or their mandate, is to offer a comprehensive program of career-oriented, postsecondary education and training that:

-  assists individuals in finding and keeping employment;
-  meets the needs of employers and the changing work environment; and,
-  supports the economic and social development of their local and diverse communities.

The Minister's Binding Policy Directive, Framework for Programs of Instruction, 2009, identifies the following principles:

-  Colleges play a major role in the achievement of economic prosperity in the province of Ontario through the provision of programs of instruction that prepare graduates to meet the needs of the workplace, the economy, and society.
-  A college is best positioned to determine the programs of instruction it should offer based on its strategic direction and the needs of its community and stakeholders. A college is also best positioned to ensure the ongoing relevance and quality of its programs of instruction.
-  A college is best positioned to determine when it can better serve its students preparing them to meet the needs of the workplace, the economy, and society offering programs in partnership or other cooperative arrangements with other entities, including private career colleges, that are legally authorized to offer postsecondary educational programs.
-  Credentials awarded in the college system must be credible and meaningful for, and understood by, students, employers, and the general public.

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Policy #:

A-2

2023-01-24

05-01-23

## PROGRAMS OF INSTRUCTION

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A-2

Approved: 2014-03-05

2023-01-24

05-01-23

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-  A college's decision-making processes can be made more effective by enabling students, external stakeholders, and college staff to advise on the development, establishment, delivery, and review of its programs of instruction.
-  All advertising and marketing of college programs must reflect transparency and accuracy.

## Policy

The Northern College Board of Governors will:

-  approve the programs of instruction that the College will offer;
-  ensure that programs of instruction are developed and implemented consistent with provincial standards where they exist;
-  ensure that all new and modified postsecondary programs of instruction leading to one of the following credentials - Ontario College Certificate, Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma,Ontario College Graduate Certificate, or Bachelor's Degree - receive system-wide validation that the programs of instruction conform to the Credentials Framework and are consistent with accepted college-system nomenclature/program titling principles;
-  ensure that credentials awarded to students on successful completion of their respective programs of instruction are consistent with Credentials Framework;
-  ensure that articulation and/or pathways to further education are considered and mapped out where possible;
-  ensure that program advisory committees are established;
-  ensure that protocols for grading, advancement, and dispute resolution are established and publicly communicated;
-  ensure that programs of instruction offered by the College are reviewed and revised on an ongoing basis.
-  ensure that college communications, advertising, and marketing meet the requirements of the Minister's Binding Policy Directive.

## Monitoring System

The President will provide the Board with an annual summary report of program reviews completed during the year as well as new program introductions, suspensions, and cancellations.

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<small>Source: [https://www.northerncollege.ca/uploads/2025/07/A2_Programs-of-Instruction.pdf](https://www.northerncollege.ca/uploads/2025/07/A2_Programs-of-Instruction.pdf)</small>