Program (Re)Design Institute (PRDI)

Now Accepting Applications

We are now accepting Expressions of Interest for the Program (Re)design Institute, which will be held in-person on June 16 and 19, 2025, on the University of Guelph main campus.  

Applications are due on Friday, May 2, 2025. 

Expression of Interest

Please note: For new programs, an approved Notice of Intent is required to participate. Notices of Intent can be submitted at any time and are reviewed on a rolling basis.

For questions about the PRDI, please contact oqa@uoguelph.ca for undergraduate programs or gradcurr@uoguelph.ca for graduate programs.

A Microsoft Word Template of the Expression of Interest form is available to draft your application prior to submitting the Expression of Interest. The Word document is not for submission.

What is the Program (Re)Design Institute?

The Program (Re)Design Institute (PRDI) is an intensive, two-day program designed to support faculty and staff in designing or modifying new undergraduate or graduate degree or diploma programs. The PRDI intentionally integrates curriculum design principles with governance approval requirements. Through a series of interactive sessions, consultations with campus experts, and structured writing blocks, participants will work through the new program proposal or major modification process in a supportive and collegial environment. 

By the end of the two-day program, participants will have had the opportunity to complete a significant portion of their program proposal. Participants will also develop a plan to finalize the remaining sections, preparing them to move their proposal through governance approval. 

The PRDI is co-hosted by the Office of Quality Assurance, the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, and the Office of Teaching and Learning,

Who Can Participate in the PRDI?

All University of Guelph, University of Guelph-Humber, and Ridgetown faculty and staff proposing new undergraduate or graduate degree or diploma programs, or proposing major modifications of an existing degree or diploma program are eligible to apply. We recommend teams of two to five faculty and staff apply as a team. 

Please complete the Expression of Interest form to apply. Applications are due by Friday, May 2, 2025 for the June 2025 PRDI.

What Topics are Explored in the PRDI?

The PRDI includes a range of topics and activities, with opportunities to explore various aspects of program design. Topics include: 

1. Program Design Fundamentals: Backwards design, student and market demand, equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigenization considerations for curriculum design, and curriculum design factors. 

2. Program Demand, Student Demand, and Comparator Programs: Labour market and student demand information, comparator programs, and gauging interest from students and other relevant parties.

3. Program Learning Outcomes: Drafting learning outcomes to describe the knowledge, skills, and attitudes or values that graduates of the program will possess and consider capstone assessments that align with program learning outcomes. 

4. Indigenization, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Curriculum Design and Development: Consider how the curriculum will address equity, diversity, inclusion and reconciliation considerations including issues of particular concern for the equity-seeking groups identified in the University’s Inclusion Framework.

5. Alignment with Strategic Directions: Analyze University, College, and department or school -level strategic directions and identifying how the proposed program aligns with the plans. 

6. Considerations for Recruitment and Admissions: Discuss recruitment and admissions considerations to ensure that the new or revised program will attract your target students.

Sample PRDI Agenda

Do I have to Attend all of the Sessions? 

Throughout the PRDI, you’ll work with your team and consult with campus experts. This learning community will provide you with thoughtful, constructive feedback, alternative perspectives, and general support and encouragement. As such, we ask that you plan to attend both days of the PRDI and come with your pre-work and homework completed.

For questions about the PRDI, please contact oqa@uoguelph.ca for undergraduate programs or gradcurr@uoguelph.ca for graduate programs.