Non-Credit Proposals
Non-credit programming is guided by UBC Okanagan Senate Policy O-129 Non-Credit Credentials.
Faculty interested in developing a new non-credit course or program should first contact their Faculty and Department to discuss their idea. They are also encouraged to consult early with the Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) unit in the Office of the Provost and Vice-President Academic to learn about the central support and (where requested) services available to develop and deliver new non-credit programming.
Categories of Non-Credit Credentials
Non-credit credentials recognize learning opportunities offered at UBC Okanagan other than those for academic credit. Credentials are issued in the form of a non-credit letter (attendance, completion, proficiency) or non-credit certificate.
Assessment is limited to verification of learners’ presence at the time and place of the activities leading to the Letter of Attendance. Typically consists of fewer than 150 expected hours of learning activities.
Assessment is limited to verification of learners’ presence at the time and place at which the activities leading to the Letter of Completion are offered and verification that the learner has completed all tasks assigned as part of the Letter of Completion. Typically consists of fewer than 150 expected hours of learning activities
Assessment must include verification of learners’ presence at the time and place at which the activities leading to the Letter of Proficiency are offered, and verification that the learner has achieved a level of performance in completing all tasks assigned as part of the Letter of Proficiency program that would indicate proficiency. Typically consists of fewer than 150 expected hours of learning activities.
Consists of a minimum of 150 expected hours of learning activities. May consist of one or more Letters of Completion and/or Letters of Proficiency, in addition to other requirements.
Assessment must include verification of learners’ presence at the time and place at which the non-credit certificate is offered, and verification that the learner has achieved a level of performance in completing all tasks assigned as part of the non-credit certificate program that would indicate proficiency.
Program Development
- Connect with your Department Head, Associate Dean and Dean to discuss the non-credit program concept.
- Curriculum and program leads in your Faculty can advise on the process, timing, and available resources.
- Identify potential partners both internal and external to UBC.
- Investigate funding opportunities and partnerships that can support program development.
- The Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) unit can provide guidance around credential type, market research, funding opportunities, project budgeting, curriculum design and implementation logistics.
- The non-credit concept brief document linked below can support this consultation process as you develop your idea.
Approval Process
Once a proposal is ready, and developed in alignment with Faculty processes, submit your proposal for Faculty approval. Follow the process for either a non-credit letter (attendance, completion, proficiency) or a non-credit certificate.
Non-Credit Letter (Attendance, Completion, Proficiency) Approval Process
Faculties and the College of Graduate Studies (COGS) have delegated authority from the Senate to approve new non-credit letters (attendance, completion, proficiency) under Senate Policy O-129. Once the proposal is approved by the Faculty/COGS and has received fee approval from the Office of the Provost (see fee approval process below), it can proceed with implementation.
Once approved, documents must be submitted for notification to:
- The Office of the Senate okanagan.curriculum@ubc.ca and
- The Office of the Provost programs.okanagan@ubc.ca
The non-credit letter application form linked below is recommended to support the approval and sign-off process. Please refer to Faculty-specific requirements for submission and approval.
non-credit letter application form.docx
Non-Credit Certificate Approval Process
New non-credit certificates require the approval of the proposing Faculty or COGS, Senate Curriculum Committee (for program requirements), Senate Admissions and Awards Committee (for admission requirements), and Senate. Non-credit certificates require fee approval from the Office of the Provost before implementation (see fee approval process below). Currently, forms are being developed for the non-credit certificate submission process with the UBC Okanagan Senate.
Proponents are encouraged to submit non-credit certificate proposals in a format that meets the Senate policy requirements (See Senate Policy 0-129.2) and should consult with the UBC Okanagan Senate office. (okanagan.curriculum@ubc.ca)
Non-Credit Fee Approval Process
The Provost and Vice-President Academic has delegated authority from the Board of Governors to approve fees for non-credit programs. Fee approval is required before implementation.
The fee approval process can occur concurrently with Faculty and Senate approval processes indicated above. Please use the fee approval form and budget template linked below and submit fee approval documentation to the Provost’s Office by emailing programs.okanagan@ubc.ca
Non-credit fee approval form.docx Fee approval template and guide.xls
Reminder: Non-credit health-related programs may be required to complete the new health program review process. Please contact the Provost’s Office for guidance by emailing programs.okanagan@ubc.ca.
Approval Paths and Anticipated Timelines
- Concept development and consultation
- Faculty approval process and sign off by Dean
- Fee approval process: Office of the Provost
- a. For Non-credit Letters: Submit documentation of approved non-credit letter to Senate Curriculum Committee and Provost’s Office for notification.
b. For Non-credit Certificates: Submit documentation for review and approval to Curriculum Committee, Admissions and Awards Committee and Senate. - Implementation
- It is recommended to initiate the non-credit letter process at least 6 months prior to the anticipated program start and to initiate the non-credit certificate process at least 12 months prior to the anticipated program start dependent on Senate timelines
Non-Credit Program Development Resources
The Continuing and Professional Education unit provides expertise and consultation support to Faculties in developing new non-credit learning opportunities including micro-credentials. As the concept is developed, the CPE team can provide support for program design, market research, business case and proposition development, budget modelling, pricing, marketing and advise on the approval process as needed.
Once a program is approved, CPE can support program implementation including learner registration, fee payment, record keeping, online learning platform provisioning, and credential issuance.
The expertise and support provided by the CPE team help ensure proposed programs are financially feasible, meet industry and learners’ needs and market demand, and align with provincial and University priorities. Please see the CPE services summary linked below and contact the team at cpe.ubco@ubc.ca.
Non-credit programs can be delivered in a variety of formats including online synchronous or asynchronous, in-person, blended or hybrid. See the resource below for more information about supported delivery modes.
A variety of guides and resources are available to support the development of programs and curricula in the non-credit space. The BC Ministry of Advanced Education and Future Skills has published a framework and a Micro-credential Toolkit in partnership with BC Campus.
The BC Ministry of Advanced Education and Future Skills has funded more than 200 micro-credential programs across BC. Find out more about micro-credential strategy, resources and funding opportunities through the StrongerBC: Future Ready Action Plan and Micro-credential Funding Opportunities.
UBC Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Framework– UBC’s PLAR Framework supports Faculties and academic program leaders in determining how prior learning may be recognized within their program, offering guidance to navigate policy and apply best practices.
CONTACT
- Office of the Provost and Vice President Academic non-credit program development process: programs.okanagan@ubc.ca
- Continuing and Professional Education (CPE): cpe.ubco@ubc.ca