7210-22 Complementary Courses Policy

Purpose

This policy has been implemented to ensure that the College will offer students a selection of complementary courses that will serve to enrich and diversify their learning experience while supporting the mission, vision and values of the institution. According to the ministry, the goal of complementary general education is to allow “students to complete their program of study with learning activities that promote balance and complementarity by exposing them to fields outside their program-specific component.” This goal of balance and complementarity should be applied in the development and teaching of all complementary courses offered at the College.

Policy statement

The College will provide students with complementary courses proposing a wide choice of meaningful and relevant learning activities that are in line with the goal of complementary general education.

Overview of procedures

• The College will create an Academic Council Standing Committee for Complementary Courses to ensure the proper implementation of the policy (the “Complementary Course Committee”).
• The Complementary Course Committee will review proposals for new complementary courses.
• The Academic Dean’s Office will maintain a bank of acceptable complementary courses.
• The Complementary Course Committee will recommend, on an annual basis, the offering of complementary courses for the upcoming academic year based on the following elements:
  • principles of balance and complementarity;
  • conformity with the educational aims of general education;
  • capacity to enrich and diversify the educational experience of students while supporting the mission, vision and values of Vanier College;
  • needs of programs;
  • enrolment;
  • continuity;
  • equity amongst disciplines;
  • and allocation and collective agreement constraints.