Subtitle:One institution’s search for its “Bachelor”

Nicole Harnett, MRT(T), ACT, BSc, MEdDean, Diagnostic Imaging and TherapyThe Michener Institute for Applied Health Sciences

The Bachelorette“The First Season”

Choices

• Options– close the program– collaborate with a

degree-granting partner

Let’s meet our Bachelorette

• Rae Gropper, former Vice-President, Academic Affairs

Creating a Partnership• Courtship - playing the field

• Engagement - confirming intent with potential partner

• Wedding - official recognition of mutual interest and direction

• Marriage - doing all the things you said you would!!

The Courtship

• FIRST DATE QUESTIONS: “Where do you live?” “What are your

hobbies?” “Have you been in a

relationship before?” “Have you dated

someone like me before?”

• SPEAKS TO THE POSSIBILITY OF: level of integration similar educational

philosophies? experience with this

type of collaboration similar programs

already in existence?

Narrowing it down to the “One” from “Exclusive” to “Engagement”

• Negotiations for our future began in mid-1990s

• Approval received in 1998 (Therapy in 1999)

• Hammer out big picture administrative issues - what could this look like?

• planning, planning, planning…….

The Wedding

Our Vows: “We promise to…..” • First intake in 1999, first graduates in 2002• Joint degree/diploma program offered by TMI and

UT• 3 disciplines: nuclear medicine, radiation therapy,

radiological technology• 3-year, 2nd entry

NOW WHAT?

• WEDDED BLISS?? curriculum development creating “buy-in” administrivia!

Curriculum Development

• Changing routines, altering goals

….. “but what about the SYLLABUS?”• Closet space

….taking up valuable space in the curriculum• If at first you don’t succeed…..

Creating “Buy in”

• Gaining acceptance Persistence Involvement professional support Information!!

Administrivia!!

• Registrarial Issues - application/enrolment

• Financial challenges - separate funding institutions

• Curriculum and quality control

• Student standing and promotion

• Student support services

Administrivia!!Recommendations:• Project coordinator• Strong committee

structure including clear terms of reference

Example:• Joint management • Joint Curriculum• Program review,

Oversight and Board of Examiners

The Secret ?

People who believe in the project People who have similar philosophies Equal balance of commitment and decision

making Acceptance of various needs Support from professional body(s)

Happily ever after….??

Tune in next week…….