Program Advisory Committees

1. Program Advisory Committees New Terms of Reference (effective June 13, 2007) Bonnie St. George, Associate Dean – School of Justice and School of Emergency Services

2. Primary Roles of PACs • Assist in assessing the need for, and development of, new programs • Assist in program review • Monitor existing programs to ensure ongoing relevance of curriculum, course materials etc. • Suggest delivery strategies, facilities and equipment to be utilized

3. Secondary Roles of PACs • Identify employment opportunities for graduates • Assist with student field placement • Assist in establishing scholarships and bursaries • Disseminate program information to the community • Assist in forecasting occupational trends • Give feedback on graduate competence/effectiveness • Participate in the recruitment of students • Advise on certification requirements • Advise on professional development for staff • Assist in analysis of Key Performance Indicators

4. Key Elements - Membership • PACs should have 10-14 people (including a current student and a recent grad). Alumni are optional. • PAC members should be current or potential employers, persons with program-related skills or persons with directly relevant expertise (members of a Ministry, members of an association etc.) • Additionally, up to 3 faculty can be on a PAC • All program staff are welcome at meetings as observers.

5. Key Elements - Processes • Members are appointed for a 3 year term and may be reappointed for one additional 3 year term, at the Dean’s discretion. • If a member misses 3 consecutive meetings, the PAC Chair and Dean have the discretion to rescind that person’s membership. • Chairs serve a 2 year term and are elected by members of the PAC. • Chairs may be re-elected for a further 2 year term. • Normally the PAC Chair is an external member. • Quorum for meetings is 50% of the PAC membership.

6. Key Elements – Activities • PAC decisions should be made by consensus; if not possible, a vote may be taken. • Sub-committees of a PAC can be struck to work on special projects. • PACs meet twice yearly. An annual meeting schedule should be set and communicated to all members. • Areas for PAC focus should be identified in Spring.