Program Overview and Narrative Information

The program overview and narrative information provide program details which are located on the program webpage as well as in the new program proposal document used for submission to Credential Validation Services when proposing a new program.

Program Overview

The Program Overview provides readers with a positive and accurate description of the program. Furthermore, the Program Overview provides prospective students with comprehensive information in order to make informed decisions.

Tone

Broadly speaking, the tone of the Program Overview is engaging and reader-friendly. The Program Overview engages the audience by employing the following editorial tips:

  • Use the active voice and present tense (e.g. avoid use of the word ‘will’).
  • Use personal pronouns to address readers directly (e.g. “in this program, you create…”).
  • Do not use contractions.
  • Use simple sentence structure and concise language.
  • Use inclusive, gender-neutral language.

Structure

The structure of the Program Overview should remain clear and concise by employing the following practices:

  • The Program Overview is roughly 225-275 words, or three to four paragraphs.
  • In order to capture and maintain the reader’s attention, aim to include no more than 20 words per sentence, and three-four sentences per paragraph. This is especially important for mobile devices.
  • Use em dashes (i.e. — ) instead of semi-colons when emphasizing a point. For example: “Students acquire tools, strategies and develop business savvy to drive success around a company’s most precious asset – the brand.”
  • Use bulleted lists whenever possible to highlight key points and program features, rather than creating long lists within paragraphs.
  • Avoid use of hyperlinks in the body of the Program Description.
  • Sentences may start with verbs. The classic sentence structure may be overruled to emphasize reader engagement (e.g. “develop you skills in…”).
  • Avoid including information that is quickly dated. Program hours, course delivery modes (e.g., Online or hybrid), and other easily variable pieces of information are described elsewhere on the program page and should not be included in the Program Overview.

The following sections detail the required components for the Program Overview and provide guidelines for the sequence of content.

Paragraph 1: Context

  • Lists the full name and credential of the program.
  • Provides a rationale for the program (i.e. what this program is about and why it is relevant).
  • Lists key program benefits, such as: how graduates’ skills can be adapted to industry, the ability to use the newest technology at the College, and integration of or preparation for important industry certifications.

Paragraph 2: Knowledge, Skills and Student Experience

  • Provides a high-level overview of the skills and knowledge that students develop.
  • Highlights interesting program features and activities to allow prospective students to self-identify with what interests them.
  • States the competitive advantage of the program by showcasing unique learning opportunities.

Paragraph(s) 3-4: Employment Opportunities

  • Use a bulleted list to provide details outlining the types of work environments for graduates, and specific industries or sectors where graduates may be employed, rather than specific job titles or careers.
  • Discuss any other key distinguishing features of the program, such as accreditation, certification, or work-integrated learning (WIL).

Success Factors

Prospective students are provided with a list of success factors which are meant to identify key personal attributes of students well-suited for the specific program. These attributes may include individual’s:

  • interests
  • traits
  • motives
  • attitudes
  • values
  • other personal characteristics that can be indicators of success for a career in the particular field

The success factors also appear on the program webpage applicant self-assessment pop-up quiz, “Do you fit this program?” which is intended for students to self-determine program fit. It is recommended that programs have no more than five Success Factors.

Laddering Information

The purpose of laddering information is to recognize opportunities for continued study after completing a specified program of study. These may include credentials which provide students admission or advanced standing into a specific program, as well as specific credentials that graduates of the program may pursue upon completion of the program. Formal pathways graduates may pursue are listed on the Careers and Pathways tab of the program webpage.

Occupational Areas

The occupational areas provide general industry-related insight into career opportunities upon graduation. These are based on labour market information of the National Occupation Codes (NOCs) relating to the specific program. This information is provided by Academic Operations and Planning to support the submission to Credential Validation Services.

Careers

The Careers section provides students with potential career paths upon graduation by identifying specific and relevant career-related roles and job titles commonly used within the industry.

Expenses

the Expenses section provides students with an estimation of costs associated with the program, in addition to tuition and fees. A list of expenses is provided on the program webpage, which may include the total approximated cost of the following expenses:

  • required textbooks
  • supplies
  • required certification/exam fees
  • uniforms
  • other program-related costs

Additional Information

The Additional Information section provides an opportunity to include a supplementary information relevant to the program, such as co-op or additional program-specific requirements (police record check, vaccination status, etc.). This section of the program webpage also provides a link to the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) requirements for the program.