SiMON FRASER UNIVERSITY
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MEMORANDUM
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Jo
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SENATE
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...
Subject.. PROPOSAL FOR THE EXTENDED STUDIES
DIPLOMA AND PROGRAM OPERATIONS
MOTION: ?
"That Senate approve and recommend approval to the
Board of Governors the Extended Studies Diploma
Program, with requirements as set forth on
p.
6
and program operations on
p.
9 - 11 of S. 77-78."
(The Extended Studies Diploma Program proposal has been reviewed
. ?
and approved by the Senate Committee on Continuing Studies, the
Senate Committee on Academic Planning and the Senate Committee on
Undergraduate Studies. It was forwarded to faculties for comment
and again considered by SCUS with development of program operations
as noted in the paper following discussions with the pertinent
bodies. Approval is now recommended. Information regarding Models
of Professional Development Degree Programs is available in the
Office of the Registrar.)
SENATE COMMITTEE ON UNDERGRADUATE
From.
STUDIES ?
.
Date.
JUNE 16, 1977
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SC.U.S %-57
As revised by SCAP June 9, 1976,
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approved December 8, 1976 and
approved by SCUS December 14, 1976
THE EXTENDED STUDIES DIPLOMA
I.
Proposal for the Extended Studies Diploma
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Page 1
II.
Proposed Calendar Entry
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Page 6
III. Appendix
A - Hypothetical Programs for
Potential Students
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Page 7
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Revised and forwarded
to SCAP - March 25/76
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I, PROPOSAL FOR THE EXTENDED STUDIES DIPLOMA:
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A RESPONSE TO THE ADULT'S NEED FOR RECURRENT EDUCATION
Adults who look to the university for learning
opportunities have several kinds of lifelong learning needs.
Some adults wish to begin or complete a first or professional
degree at a time in their lives which is somewhat later than
normal. For these students universities provide extension
credit programs to supplement day, on-campus offerings. Other
adults, at various times in their lives, require university
resources to solve specific life problems or to satisfy immediate
professional, social or personal
learning
objectives.
Universities respond to these needs with specially-designed
short-term courses, conferences and workshops, many given on
a credit-free basis.
A third need is emerging, due in part to the rapidity
( ?
of social
change
and the increasing numbers who at some stage
in life completed one or more formal university programs. Many
of these adults wish to take substantial time out of their lives
to engage in intensive full- or part-time study. The term
applied to such study is recurrent education*. This midlife
education may be related to career development or change, to
various roles in social life, or to the personal need for
growth. These needs often are not met by traditional post-
baccalaureate degree structures or usual continuing education
offerings. The idea of recurrent education is not new and
has long been institutionalized: university professors
periodically are given sabbatical leave; the Danish Folk School
for over a hundred years has given adults recurring opportunities
to integrate sutained study with life responsibilities; and
many corporations and the armed services make similar provisions.
*Among those who have discussed the need for recurrent education
are Edgar Faure (Learning to Be, UNESCO, 1972) and Samuel Gould
(Diversity by Design, Jossey Bass Publishers, 1974).
1
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What is new in North American society
is
that this concept
should be extended to all interested and qualified adults.
Though sabbaticals for private citizens may not ever be a
reality,
wider
o pp
ortunities for recurrent university
education can
be provided.
?
it
is to meet this need in a
meaningful
and cost effective way that the Extended Studies
Diploma is proposed.*
The Extended Studies
Diploma
is
designed to meet the
individual
learning needs
of the
mature learner
who has at
least one degree by providing a coherent, full- or
,
part-time
individualized program based
upon his own stated interests
and goals.
?
The diploma
as proposed here offers adults
an
opportunity
for
a
sequential program
of
continuing
education
which, in
substance and form,
is
consistent
with their life
objectives and
responsibilities.
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Its purpose is to improve
the quality of continuing education for certain students
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while maximizing the use of the university's resources in
meeting specialized
continuing education needs.
Those with
a degree
whose objectives are intensive and
sequential continuing education are limited to the master's
and doctor's degrees, highly structured and usually under-
graduate
diploma/certificate
programs, or to taking credit
and non-credit courses on an ad hoc basis.
?
Traditionally
the purposes of graduate degrees are to provide further
specialized study beyond the bachelor's concentration and to
train persons in scholarly research.
?
Many recurrent education
needs are not met by graduate degrees.
?
To alter graduate
programs to satisfy different learning needs would erode
their unique functions.
?
Nor do conventional diplomas and
certificates meet recurrent education requirements.
?
These
*Different and more appropriate titles for this ciplom
proposed.
?
"Continuing Studies D.iplom"
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i ?
a pr):
has obvious disadvantages. ?
The "Profes
c
'onal Develo"
.
Dilozna" may be appropriate if its purpose is to be
than that proposed here, but this ti:e may be
another SFLJ program with a similar name.
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2
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two awards usually are given for pre-baccalaureate studies
and are highly structured, providing little opportunity for
individualized programs. In addition, most existing diplomas
comprise lower or lower and upper division courses. A collection
of ad hoc credit and credit-free courses does serve the
learning interests of many adults, but not those wishing the
kind of sustained and sequential study implicit in the idea
of recurrent education.
Two major groups of students would benefit most from the
Extended Studies Di
p
loma; professionals wishing to upgrade
or alter their qualifications and individuals wishing a
coherent and sequential program of liberal studies*. Both
groups of students would share the characteristic of having
completed at least a bachelor's degree and consequently
look to the university for their recurrent education experiences.
Professional knowledge is changing so rapidly today that
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individuals are finding it increasingly necessary to update
their knowledge periodically. In some instances, the
professional is required to do so for re-certification. Thus
the professional would be interested in such a diploma program
to make up deficiencies in his professional training, acquire
new skills, or round out his education with learning important
to him as a human
being.
Another potential student is one
who may not have entered the job market after finishing
university and, now wishing to do so, must update his
qualifications. Another may have been offered an opportunity
to enter a new area of work for which he was not fully trained,
or not trained at all, during his baccalaureate or professional
program. Or the potential learner may be looking for a liberal
studies program, the main emphasis of which will focus on
interests he has developed over the years since taking his
degree. Since the reasons for enrolling in such a diploma
*"Liberal studies" interpreted here to include the study in the
social sciences, humanities, and natural and physical sciences
for furthering one's general education.
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program would greatly differ from one individual to the next,
each candidate should be able to plan his own program in
consultation with a qualified advisor or a program director.
(Appendix A describes hypothetical programs for several
potential students.)
Schools of Engineering in ten universities in the U.S.
and Canada have adopted a form of the Extended Studies
Diploma, known as the Professional Development Degree, as
a means of helping engineers update credentials and further
their general education.
?
(Descriptions of the programs at
McMaster University and the University of Michigan are given
in Appendix B.)
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In the Professional Development Degree
program at McMaster University, the student must already have
a bachelor's degree in Engineering or its equivalent.
?
Although
there are no residence requirements and courses may be taken
elsewhere for credit,
it is
stipulated that the majority of
•
the courses be taken at McMaster.
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The student is required
to take 24 credit hours, not counting any prerequisites,
half of which must be in Engineering, with the other half in
Engineering or any other faculty.
?
The student designs his
own program with the help of a Faculty advisor.
?
He may commence
his work at the beginning of any regular university session
and has six years in which to complete his program.
?
Most of
the courses he takes are expected to be regular, advanced
undergraduate or graduate courses.*
The proposed Extended Studies Diploma generally has the
same purpose and
characteristics as
the Professional Development
Degree at McMaster University, but employs a single structure
for the recurrent education of a diverse student population.
The commitment comes from the learner himself for identifying
and pursuing his own goals in devising his program. Such an
*The University of Michigan was the first university to establish
a Professional Development Degree in Engineering. Reports on
• ?
this program demonstrate that it serves the needs of those
witLi
graduate degrees as well as those with only first degrees.
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individualized program, worked out with an advisor's help
and approval, is likely to be interdisciplinary in nature
and consist of third and fourth year courses (except in
instances where lower-level prerequisites are required,
which would not be credited towards the diploma) and some
graduate level courses. Special courses, including independent
Study courses, could be developed at some, time to meet special,
professional continuing education needs and a certain amount
of credit could be granted for work towards the diploma
taken at other universities. A department or Faculty in the
University may wish to use this mechanism for a particular
program of continuing education. For example, the Faculty
of Education might wish to stipulate a core program in curriculum
development for persons who have bachelor or graduate degrees
and who want to learn or improve skills in that specialized
area. As many students would attend on a part-time basis
because of job and family responsibilities, a reasonable
(
?
amount of time for program completion would have to be provided.
The Extended Studies Diploma program would require for
admission that the student furnish proof of having completed
a bachelor's degree at least three years prior to enrolment.
An individual's program would be evaluated in terms of the
student's background, his objectives, and the ability of the
University to provide the necessary instruction. Any course
taken at other universities under the aegis of the diploma
program would require advisor approval.
The Extended Studies diploma has enormous advantages for
both the learner and the University in its flexibility, its
use of existing courses and faculty resources, and its
adaptability to virtually all areas of study. Originally
designed for professional studies, it clearly is applicable
to the Humanities, Social Sciences, Fine Arts, and Sciences.
Providing for recurrent education needs through this mechaniLm
will maintain the integrity and purpose of traditional graduate
degrees. Finally the Extended Studies aiploma is a significant
means by which a university can demonstrate its commitment -
to the concept of lifelong learning.
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In summary, diploma requirements are proposed as follows
with appropriate calendar entry:
(a) Admission
The minimum requirements for admission to the Extended
Studies Diploma Programme are as follows:
(1)
a baccalaureate ftègree with a cumulative grade
point average of 2.0 from a recognized university,
or the equivalent;
(2)
normally 3 years since completion of the bachelor's
degree;
(3)
a submitted statement of the student's objectives
in undertaking the Diploma Programme.
(b) Programme Requirements
(1)
30 credit hours in Upper Division and Graduate*
courses approved by a designated faculty advisor;
(2)
e minimum of 15 of the 30 hours in a discipline
or subject matter area which most closely fits
the learning goals of the student;
(3)
Lower Division study, as required by the advisor,
over and above the hours directly applicable to
the Diploma;
(4)
Programme completion within five years of admission;
(5)
the maintenance of a cumulative grade-point average
of 2.50.
(c) General
(1)
The Extended Studies Diploma may be taken more
than once in a person's lifetime;
(2)
Up to 12 credit hours may be earned at another
university, conditional upon prior approval of the
student's advisor, only 6 of these 12 credit hours
may be in the student's area of concentration.
*Note: ?
Enrolment in a Graduate course shall require
permission of the instructor and a CGPA of 3.0,
or permission of the Department Graduate Programme
Committee.
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(
IV. APPENDICES
APPENDIX A - HYPOTHETICAL PROGRAMS FOR POTENTIAL STUDENTS
(1)
College teacher, MA in Geography, 35 years old, 6 years
college teaching since award of MA.
Objectives: To acquire skills and understanding in curriculum
development and evaluation as required by his job and to update
his knowledge
in the discipline of
Geography (cultural and
urban geography).
Coursework - selected in consultation with and approved by
an academic advisor, with pre-readings prescribed as required.
Educ 471-4
- Curriculum Theory and Development:
?
Theory
and Application
Educ
816-5
- Developing Educational Programs
Educ 822-5
- Evaluation of Educational Practice
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Geog
443-5 -
Regional Planning
Geog
805-3 -
Theories and Recent Development in Cultural
Geography
Geog
861-3 -
Regional
Development
Geog
862-5 -
Regional Development
(2)
Elementary School Principal, 42, with M.Sc. in Mathematics.
Objectives: To take courses which will be of professional
value in her role as administrator.
Coursowork
Educ
423-4
- Analysis of Teaching
Educ
461-4
- Trends and Developments in Educational Practice
Educ
473-4
- Designs for Learning:
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Reading
Educ
813-5
- Organizational Theory and Analysis in Education
Educ
816-5
- Developing Educational Programs
Educ
818-5
- Administrative Leadership of Education Personnel
G.S.
427"5
- Alternative Futures
I
-8-
40
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(3) Practicing Electrical Engineer, 30, with a B.A.Sc.,
earned at age 23.
Objectives: To broaden his general education, with specialization
in Archaeology in which he has developed particular interest
since graduation.
rr.. ..-er..,aI..,
Pre-Admission
Prerequisites
(lower division):
S.A. 270-4 - Anthropological Concepts
Arc. 273-3 - Archaeology of the New World
Diploma Courses:
Arc.
301-2
- Prehistoric and Primitive Art
Arc. 360-5
-
Indian
Cultures of North America
Arc.
372-5
- Archaeology Laboratory Techniques
Arc.
476-5
- North America - Northwest Pacific
Arc.
881-5
- North American Prehistory
S.A.
10
386-4
- Ethnography of North American Native Peoples
S.A.
490-4
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British Columbia
(4) Housewife, 44, with a M.A. in Clinical Psychology earned
in 1951, who has spent the last 12 years
managing
a home.
Objectives: To update her qualifications so that she might
re-enter professional employment.
8'
Revised to May 31, 1977
RECOMMENDATIONS PERTAINING TO THE OPERATION OF
?
THE EXTENDED STUDIES DIPLOMA PROGRAM
General Information
1.
The already approved guidelines for the establishment of
Certificate and Diploma Programs include the following:
"Administration - For each Certificate or Diploma
Program there should be a program steering committee
which includes representatives of the departments
concerned."
The two Certificate Programs already approved each include
such provision with indication "That the program management will be
advised by a steering committee.... Recommendations for the award
of the Certificate will be made through this committee." In each
case there is also provision for advising either through designated
academic advisers or through the steering committee. The basic
component disciplines of the B.C. Studies Program are represented on
the steering committee as this is a somewhat structured program. The
steering committee for the Senior Citizens Certificate Program is a
broader committee as the program is not as formally structured.
2.
The Extended Studies Diploma proposal includes the follow-
ing:
"The
identifying
commitment
and pursuing
comes from
his
the
own
learner
goals in
himself
advising
for
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his program. Such an individualized program worked
out with an adviser's help and approval is likely to
be interdisciplinary in nature...."
It is clear that for this Diploma there may be a number of
relatively structured programs, with repetition of courses, suitable
for a number of students. In other instances there may be considerable
diversification in the courses which individual students may wish to
select and which may be appropriate for approval. It has been suggested
that where there is a repetition or structured program which can be
available to a number of persons that such a structured program should
come forward for independent approval through SCUS and Senate.
It is also clear that on the Extended Studies Diploma a pro-
gram may include courses from one discipline only, or courses from a
variety of disciplines but from one faculty, or courses from a few
departments but across faculties, or courses from a number of depart-
ments across a number of faculties.
It is essential that there be appropriate means for the
advising of students on a variety of courses which will constitute an
approved program, and it is essential that there be an appropriate body
to give final approval for recommendation of the Diploma on successful
completion.
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Recommendations
To meet the intent of the above and to ensure effective
procedures the following recommendations are made:
1.
The Academic Advice Centre shall serve as an information
and referral agency for persons interested in an Extended Studies
Diploma Program.
2.
The Dean of each faculty shall appoint at least one
Extended Studies Diploma adviser/coordinator whose function will be
to assist potential Diploma Program students in designing a program
of study.
It is suggested that either the faculty adviser of the
Academic Advice Centre or the Chairman of the faculty undergraduate
curriculum committee be considered as a suitable person for this
position, or some other person named either by the Dean or at his
request by the Chairman of the faculty undergraduate curriculum
committee likely from the membership of that committee.
3(1) ?
The Dean of each faculty shall ensure that appropriate
mechanisms are established within the faculty for approving indi-
vidualized Diploma Programs consistent with the intent of, and
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Senate regulations governing, the Extended Studies Diploma Program.
(ii)
At least three faculty members shall be appointed or
elected to constitute the faculty Extended Studies Diploma committee
which shall act as an overall steering committee and approving commit-
tee and Diploma recommending committee. It is suggested that this
committee appropriately may be the faculty undergraduate curriculum
committee or a subset of that committee.
(iii)
Programs having, a priori, a defined set of courses intended
to be taken by a substantial number of persons should be forwarded for
consideration and approval by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate
Studies and Senate. It is expected that each faculty committee may
establish suitable guidelines and structures to identify programs
likely to be approved.
(iv)
Each department may appoint an individual or individuals to be
available for consultation with the Extended Studies Diploma adviser/
coordinator identified in 2. above. Where a student wishes to take a
program solely within one department the advice from the departmental
individual would be of considerable assistance, as would be the advice
from various departmental persons if an individual is taking work
across a variety of disciplines within one faculty.
(v)
When a preliminary program has been developed to the sat is-
faction of the Extended Studies Diploma adviser/coordinator identified
. ?
under 2., the program should be approved by the faculty Extended Studies
Diploma committee if not already approved as a suitable program under
3(iii) above. Any proposed changes to an individual student's program
outside of already approved programs should receive clearance at appro-
priate times from that committee to ensure that final completion of
work will lead to recommendation by the committee for the diploma.
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?
.
(v) ?
Forms suitable for these purposes will be developed by the
Registrar's Office to be maintained and filed in the appropriate faculty
for individuals registered in an Extended Studies Diploma Program.
4. The Dean of each faculty will forward to Senate from the
faculty Extended Studies Diploma committee recommendations for the
granting of the Extended Studies Diploma to those students who have
successfully completed an approved program of study in that faculty.
5(i) ?
It is expected that most individualized Diploma Programs
will consist of a preponderance of courses from one faculty. In such
cases the faculty Extended Studies Diploma Program committee will under-
take responsibility for program approval and recommendation for award
of the Diploma.
(ii)
?
In a case where a Diploma Program consists of the majority
of course-credits drawn equally from two or more faculties, the faculty
to be responsible for program approval will be chosen by the student at
the commencement of the Program.
(iii) ?
In a case where a Diploma Program involves courses unequally
from two or more faculties, program approval will rest with the faculty
with the preponderance of course-credits or will require approval by
each of the respective faculty committees where this is obviously more
appropriate, and the determination of the faculty for the recommendation
for the Diploma will continue with the faculty with the preponderance of
course-credits.
(iv) ?
The Dean will ensure that appropriate procedures are followed
to identify approval of individual programs and to forward appropriate
recommendations to Senate for Diploma awards.
6.
Each Dean will provide a status report to the Senate Committee
on Undergraduate Studies at least annually on the various programs, and
from time to time as appropriate on any problems requiring resolution or
on recommendation for improvement.
7.
A student wishing to be granted a Diploma on completion of an
approved program will be required to make application through the
Registrar's Office, in a manner similar to applying for degree graduation.
II
