Vice-President Academic & Provost Rhonda Lenton and Vice-President Finance & Administration Gary Brewer have issued the following update to the University community on the Academic & Administrative Program Review:
As has been broadly communicated to colleagues since last May 2013, York is facing a financial challenge that must be addressed if the University is to continue to advance its core academic priorities. As part of a strategy to address that challenge, the University is undertaking an Academic & Administrative Program Review (AAPR), the intent of which is to:
- fully realize the goals for York’s continued success as articulated in the White Paper, University Academic Plan (UAP) and Strategic Research Plan (SRP);
- develop an evidence-based approach to better shape our Strategic Mandate Agreement with the government and to better inform our internal decision making processes;
- assess the efficiency and effectiveness of our administrative supports and service programs; and
- ensure the sustainability of the University as it strives to fulfill its mission and strategic academic plans.
While important details about the AAPR process are pending further discussion and consultation, most especially in regards to the development of the program information form, colleagues have submitted questions through the AAPR website and the Academic Policy, Planning and Research Committee on a variety of matters.
Why has the name changed from Academic and Administrative Prioritization (AAP) to Academic and Administrative Program Review (AAPR)? What is the timeline of AAPR? How does it relate to PRASE?
The name was changed as a result of feedback from the community. The term AAP left the impression that the focus for the process was prioritization of programs rather than taking an institutional lens on what we are doing well, where we have challenges, and on identifying possible opportunities for change and strategic investment. The first stage of AAPR being undertaken in 2013-14 is about gathering the data and information about academic and administrative programs based on common criteria followed by a review of the information by Academic and Administrative Task Forces.
The reports prepared by the task forces will be taken up in 2014-15 in divisions and faculties across the University in order to arrive at collegially-determined recommendations that would come forward to Senate and the Board of Governors as appropriate for approvals. The implementation of approved proposals is expected to take two to three years depending on the nature of what is recommended.
Finding out more about AAPR - Community Information Sessions
In order to respond more fully to questions, brown bag community information sessions will be hosted by the vice-president academic and vice-president finance and administration on the Keele and Glendon campuses. These sessions are intended to be informal conversations with the vice-presidents to clarify what AAPR is, to answer questions, and to provide context for developing AAPR at York, understanding that there are important details of the process still being discussed.
The first session is on Nov. 27, from 12:30-2pm in Winters Dining Hall, 001 Winters College, Keele Campus, and the second will be held on Nov. 29, from 12 to 1:30pm in the BMO Conference Centre, Glendon Hall, Glendon Campus. Bring your lunch and your questions and input – scheduled dates will be posted on both YU Link and the Provost’s website. To submit a question in advance, please complete the community feedback form here. We will do our best to address all questions at the session. Answers to questions not addressed during the session will be posted on YU Link.