Nursing, MScN

*2026-2027 - GR - Major Program Modification (Modify Existing Calendar Entry)

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(A) Proposal summary
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  • Generate a GroupID code, if applicable.

  • GroupID
  • STEP 1 - Complete the proposal summary information
  • Home faculty*
    Choose your faculty from the list of available options.
  • Content type*
    Choose the type of content you imported from the calendar. Contact ciqe@ontariotechu.ca if you require assistance.
  • Major Program Modification type*
  • Summary of proposed changes*

    The Master of Science in Nursing (MScN) was originally developed and approved as a joint program between Ontario Tech University and Trent University. The major program modification (MPM) proposed here reflects an agreed upon end to the joint program offering. The MPM proposed will facilitate a standalone MScN program offered solely through Ontario Tech University.

    Create a Stand-Alone Option for the Program:

    • The program will be offered with the same general program content and structure without relying on an institutional partner for delivery or administration of any courses or program components.
    • Administrative Needs: No Change (please see Resource section for more details)
    • Faculty Change: Require sessionals to deliver courses previously delivered through Trent University (please see Resource section for more details)

    Closure of the Joint Program Option:

    • The joint option of the MScN offered in conjunction with Trent University will be closed as of this year (final intake May 2025)

    Working in collaboration with Trent over the past five years to deliver this Professional Practice Leadership in Nursing MScN degree has been a positive experience from which both students and staff have benefited greatly. The decision to part ways has resulted from the natural progression of this program and the needs of each organization to grow and develop a graduate nursing program that aligns with their organization’s needs. The manner in which the collaboration was enacted was rather minimal as students were only impacted by the collaboration and interacted with the university outside their home university for 3-4 courses in the program. With this there were challenges, as the operational procedures for each school differed requiring a large amount of coordination by administrative staff to provide students with as seamless an experience as possible. We are confident that both universities have a solid foundation on which to grow their own independent program and are appreciative of having had the opportunity to collaborate during the early years of the program while we were starting out and determining the needs of the students, staff, faculty and university. We are excited to be moving on to now provide an independent MScN degree aligned with the graduate programs in the Faculty of Health Sciences and Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies at Ontario Tech University.

    Include a brief summary of the changes included in this proposal.
  • Is there a change to total credit hours in the program?*
  • Is a new course associated with this proposal?*
    Select 'yes' only if you are adding a brand new course to the calendar copy in this proposal.

  • If applicable, list new course codes, course titles and include hyperlinks to course proposals in Curriculog in the 'new courses' field below. To hyperlink, open a new window and search for the new course proposal in Curriculog. Copy the url from your web browser, return to this form and select the hyper link icon. Paste the url into the url field and save.

  • New courses
  • Calendar start date*
    Choose when the change should appear in the academic calendar.
  • Registration start date*
    Specify the first active term (e.g., Fall 2019).
  • Have you generated a GroupID code and added to all applicable proposals?*
    A GroupID code is used to match related proposals in the system. Use the link at the top of the proposal to generate a code, if needed.
  • STEP 2 - Attach supporting documents, if applicable
  • Are you attaching any supporting documents*

  • Visit the files section of the toolbox on the right-hand side of the form to attach any supporting documentation.

(B) Program information
Next
  • STEP 3 - Complete program modifications in Section B
  • Program or shared core name*
    Nursing, MScN
    Nursing, MScN
    This is the title of the program or shared core in the calendar.
  • Program type
  • Degree type

  • Note: If the program or shared core description does not import into the field below, it is captured in the calendar copy. In this case, do not add content to the program or shared core description field as it will import to the calendar. Admission requirements should be captured in the calendar copy.

  • Program or shared core description
  • Calendar copy*
  • Program structure
    N/A
    Describe any experiential or other applied learning opportunites that are part of the program component.
  • Program learning outcomes
  • Are you modifying program learning outcomes?*

  • Note: Program learning outcomes do not import from Catalog. Please copy learning outcomes from the corresponding program page in the current academic calendar and paste below.

  • Program learning outcomes

    By the end of the program, students graduating will be able to:

    • Develop an in-depth knowledge of health systems, policy, and changing contexts of nursing and healthcare that builds on the knowledge of a baccalaureate nurse.
    • Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of interprofessional collaboration in preparation for advanced nursing leadership roles.
    • Appraise nursing-related safety and quality assurance initiatives.
    • Apply a systematic approach to gather evidence, plan, implement and evaluate solutions to nursing practice and health care system problems.
    • Collaborate in research, engage knowledge development, synthesis and quality assurance related initiatives using core research methods within current practice settings.
    • Analyze different methods of inquiry used while engaging in written and oral scholarly activities relevant to nursing professional practice leadership.
    • Design innovative solutions to problems/issues in a specialized area of the nursing practice.
    • Critique complex health system issues across multiple levels, from individual patient care to coordination amongst different organizations.
    • Analyze current and emerging trends in nursing and the health sciences, to synthesize evidence to inform strategic responses at both the unit and organizational level.
(C) Detailed proposal information
Next
  • STEP 4 - Complete Section C
  • Introduction
  • Brief background on existing program*

    The Master of Science in Nursing (MScN) professional practice leadership degree was created in collaboration with Trent University. The first student intake was in Spring/Summer 2020. The degree has been delivered online asynchronously, with 4 of the required courses delivered through Trent University and 4 of the required courses delivered through Ontario Tech University. The project and thesis work have been overseen by the students’ home university.

    The formal decision for the end of the jointly delivered program, in accordance with the terms of the original Trent-OTU Program Agreement was decided in Fall 2024 /Winter 2025 between the Deans of both programs and with an agreement for the completion of current students and arrangements for both schools to move to independently offered programs starting in 2026.

  • Rationale for the modification*

    With the end of the original Memorandum of Understanding (Trent-OTU Program Agreement) of the partnership with Trent University, we now have the opportunity to design and deliver the program solely at Ontario Tech University. This will simplify access for students and allow program components to align with the structure and objectives of the Faculty of Health Sciences and existing MHSc degree to ensure consistency and cohesion.

  • Fit with the mission, mandate, strategic plans of the University, and the broader array of program offerings*

    The MScN program aligns with the University’s mission, including tech with a conscience, learning re-imagined, creating a sticky campus and partnership. This asynchronous program, tailored to the learning needs of professional nurses working in partnering organizations across Ontario and beyond. It is adapted to the educational needs for Professional Practice Leadership Nurses who will work in advanced practice roles or as nurse educators in the field of nursing, to meet the demands in nursing and for nurse educators of the future. The flexibility of this program with the online delivery methods, as well as part-time and course-based options, are great examples of how our programs align with the university’s mission. Additionally, providing this program solely at Ontario Tech will decrease some of the confusion the students experienced working within two distinct universities with differing operational processes. The vision and values of the university are also embedded in this program as this program provides an online graduate education to nurses to promote sustainability and ensure Professional Practice Leadership Nurses of the future have an education imbedded in integrity, inclusion, intellectual resilience and innovation.

    Evidence of fit, particularly areas of teaching and research strengths, and complementary areas of study.
  • Resource requirements
  • Faculty members*

    Faculty members will be required to teach the courses historically taught by Trent University, which increases the overall course load within the faculty by four courses. NURS 5021G: Advancing Nursing through Leadership, NURS 5119G: Program Evaluation for Healthcare Leaders, NURS 5120G: Philosophy of Nursing Sciences, NURS 5118G: Applied Biostatistics for Nursing and Health Sciences. These courses will be taught by either sessionals or full time faculty members. More details provided below.

    List of core faculty associated with the program, including appointment status, home unit, areas of teaching and research interests, and any new faculty requirements and gaps they would be expected to fill.
  • Additional academic and non-academic human resources*

    No new staff are required as the administrative workload will be neutral.

    Details of any administrative requirements, including support staff, adjunct and part-time faculty, supervision of experiential learning opportunities, and any other additional academic and non-academic human resources.
  • Physical resource requirements*

    There will be no change in the mode of delivery, therefore there will be no new requirement of resources.

    Details of any physical resource requirements, including library holdings, information technology support and student services, special equipment, and space requirements (classrooms, laboratory, graduate student work/study space, other).
  • Business plan
  • Statement of funding requirements*

    Funding changes may be related to the requirement to deliver courses previously delivered through Trent University (e.g. sessional costs). There is no minimum funding requirement for MScN students.

    A summary statement of the funding required to support the modification, including projected enrolments, start-up and continuing costs, if applicable.
  • Statement of resource/funding availability*

    The proposed stand-alone program is well supported by existing resources in the Faculty of Health Sciences. It will align with the resources and funding structures currently in place for other graduate programs within the faculty. By no longer coordinating with a partner university, with different systems, policies, procedures, and timelines, the administrative load, for both staff and faculty, will be offset. As a result, we anticipate that the change will be neutral in terms of overall workload for the program director and administrative staff. The time and effort previously spent on cross-institutional coordination will be redirected to supporting students in the stand-alone program, which will support greater consistency and efficiency in managing the program.

    Statements attesting to the adequacy of resources to support the modification from Deans who may have faculty members involved in or are contributing resources, the Registrar or the Dean of Graduate Studies, the Chief Librarian and the Provost.
  • Transition and communication plan
  • Transition plan for both new and current students*

    Current MScN students will continue on the existing program map delivered jointly by Trent University (final intake Spring 2025), as per the Trent-OTU Program agreement.

    Students who begin in the Spring 2026 academic term will follow the stand-alone program.

    Semester (e.g., Fall 2025) for the implementation of the proposed changes; include a plan for all current students in the program, by year level. If this change impacts students that are not new and/or 1st year students as of the start date, then a transition plan is required. Please remember to consider off-map students.
  • Communication plan for both new and current students*

    The current students in the program will be informed of the program changes via email, the updated handbook, and an online meeting facilitated by the Graduate Program Director and Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Research.

    Incoming students will be made aware of these changes via the website and Academic Calendar.

    The Graduate Academic Advisor and faculty are aware of the changes and will be provided with a summary of the changes in the event that they are speaking with current or prospective students.

    Please explain how the current students will be made aware of this change (e.g., Who will be responsible for notifying students? How? Is Academic Advising aware?). Please remember to consider off-map students.
  • Converting to online options
  • Does this proposal contain any intended conversion of program components to online options? If yes, please complete the remaining items below*
  • Adequacy of technological platform

    N/A

    Describe the adequacy of the technological platform to be used for online delivery
  • Maintenance of and/or changes to program-level learning outcomes

    N/A

    Describe how the current program-level learning outcomes will be maintained and/or changed when moving to online delivery.
  • Maintenance of and/or changes to program objectives

    N/A

    Describe how the current program objectives will be maintained and/or changed when moving to online delivery.
  • Maintenance of and/or changes to the quality of education

    N/A

    Describe how the quality of education will be maintained and/or changed when moving to online delivery
  • Sufficiency of support services and training for teaching staff

    N/A

    Describe the support services and training for teaching staff that will be made available when moving to online delivery.
  • Sufficiency and type of support for students in the new learning environment

    N/A

    Describe the sufficiency and type of supports that will be available to students when moving to online delivery.
  • Other
  • Additional supporting information, if applicable
    Describe any additional information needed to support the proposal.
(D) Impact and consultation
Next
  • STEP 5 - Complete Section D

  • Consultation is central to governance at Ontario Tech. Faculties are required to consult with all areas impacted by this change, and the home faculty dean is responsible for all consultation decisions in this section of the form. Note that any false statements related to consultation may require re-submission of proposals.

  • Faculty Consultation
  • Will this change impact any other faculties? Some examples may include, but are not limited to, the scenarios listed below.*

  • Examples:

    • A course from another faculty is being added or removed from the program map.
    • Changes to joint and/or service programs (e.g., 'and Management' programs, targeted minors).
    • Changes to year of offering for courses from another faculty (e.g., moving a course from Year 1 to Year 2).

    Additional examples can be found in the Resources section of the CIQE website.

  • If you answered yes to the question above, please explain and outline the consultation process in detail. Attach relevant documents (emails, Faculty Council minutes, etc.) or include links to corresponding documents.*

    N/A

  • Student Consultation
  • How have current or prospective students been consulted about this change? (e.g., informal conversations, attendance at meetings, survey, indirectly through academic advising). Please provide details below. *

    Current students have been invited to provide input about the proposed changes, with an opportunity to provide feedback on current program delivery and suggestions via an online survey and an online meeting.

  • Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
  • What considerations have been made for equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization?*

    The proposed program changes reflect an ongoing commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion by increasing access to higher education to better serve a diverse population of learners, including working professionals. Providing the program solely through Ontario Tech University promotes accessibility by streamlining the administrative processes, reducing barriers for applicants, and ensuring consistency for students.

  • For more information and guidance on incorporating equity, diversity and inclusion principles in curricula, please visit the Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging resource section of the CIQE website.

  • Indigenous Content and Consultation
  • Does this change include any Indigenous content?*

  • For more information on how Indigenous content is defined at Ontario Tech University and how to consult with the Indigenous Education Advisory Circle, please refer to the Protocol for Consultation with the Indigenous Education Advisory Circle.

  • Has the IEAC been contacted?
  • If Yes, when?
  • What was the advice you received from the IEAC? And, how has it been included in your proposal? Please attach or provide links to documents that outline the consultation process and advice given.

    N/A

  • Did the IEAC ask you to return the proposal to them for review?
    If Yes, have they completed their review?
  • Other Consultation
  • Have you consulted with the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Office of the Registrar, Student Life, the Library and/or any other areas on campus that may be impacted?*
  • If yes, please explain and outline the consultation process in detail.*

    Consultation regarding the end to the Trent-OTU Program Agreement has occured between the Faculty, Dean, and SGPS.

    Consultation with Graduate Program Committee (GPC) and Faculty Council.

    Consultation with Nursing Faculty Members (meetings throughout Winter/Spring 2025)

    Consulation with the Quality Council was facilitated through CIQE to ensure obligations under the IQAP and provincial framework were met.

  • Does this change involve co-op?*
  • If yes, please acknowledge that you have consulted with the Director, External Relations and Partnerships by checking the box below.
(E) Routing
Next
  • STEP 6 - Enter routing information

  • Important note: it is imperative that you choose the correct routing path as it cannot be changed once a proposal has been launched. If you have made a routing error after launching the proposal, the proposal will be cancelled and a new proposal will be required. If you require assistance with routing, please contact ciqe@ontariotechu.ca.

    Please note that changes to joint or collaborative programs do require approval at Faculty Council of each faculty involved in the program. You do not need to include other faculties in the routing, however, consultation with other faculties should be noted and any required approval by other Faculty Councils (and date of approval) should be noted in the comments section as approval is logged on the home Faculty Council step.

  • Should this proposal be routed to the Program Approval step prior to Curriculum Committee?*
    If your curriculum committee is organized by program, or if program-level approval prior to curriculum committee is not required, select 'no'.
  • Faculty or program-level group*
    Choose your faculty or program-level group from the list of options. If your faculty has program-level committees, choose the corresponding program group from the list. Otherwise, choose the home faculty. You may choose more than one option, but please note that your proposal will go to the committees of all options selected. The proposal will not move on to the next step until all faculties have approved at their respective committees.
  • Are there departments associated with your faculty?*
  • Is this change for the Sustainability Studies program?*
(F) End of proposal
Next
  • STEP 7 - Save and ensure all required fields are complete
  • STEP 8 - Validate and launch proposal
  • STEP 9 - Review program modifications

  • To view the proposal with mark-up, navigate to the discussion section of the toolbox on the right-hand side of the form and change the ‘User-Tracking’ setting to ‘Show current with mark-up’. To view the calendar copy with mark-up, click the ‘Preview Curriculum’ icon and then the red pencil icon.

  • STEP 10 - Approve proposal

  • As the originator, you must approve the proposal to send it on to the next step. To approve, navigate to the decisions section of the toolbox on the right-hand side of the form.

(G) CIQE use only
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