Objective 10

Attain pre-eminence in education for the professions

Rationale

Since 2006, there has been an increasing tendency by some of the Professional Orders and accrediting bodies to influence the educational mandate of universities. In a context of overlapping roles between universities and some Professional Orders, it has become increasingly confusing for some academic units to manage the requirements of accreditation and/or respond to the demands of these Professional Orders.

Strengths

McGill has a distinguished history in education for the professions. The first faculty of the University was in fact a professional school (Medicine). Educating for the professions at McGill continues to prepare future professionals such as medical doctors, agronomists, musicians, Church ministers, dentists, teachers, engineers, lawyers and accountants. Professional education at McGill is sustained and enriched by a research university environment where disciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches are highly valued. Professional education covers a vast variety of programs that are accredited by Canadian and/or U.S. accrediting bodies and allows its graduates to be admitted to a variety of Professional Orders in Quebec and elsewhere. Every McGill Faculty and the School of Continuing Studies offer professional programs.

Challenges¹

Strengths and Aspirations (2006) noted that the “University will maintain and shape accreditation for professional programs . . . at the undergraduate and graduate level . . . .” and that McGill “will take a stronger leadership role in shaping [accreditation] standards and processes . . . .” Given the variety of professional programs affected by external orders and accrediting bodies, and the complexities inherent in these and related processes, efforts are needed to ensure clear direction, effective coordination and leadership.

Strategy 10.1: McGill will promote the contribution of professional programs to the welfare of society in Quebec, in Canada, and internationally. (21^st Century Education for the Professions Work Group)

Action 10.1.1: Acknowledge education for the professions in the University’s mission statement and allow it to influence strategic decisions in the future.

Action 10.1.2: Communicate to internal and external audiences the value of service provided by McGill’s professional programs to the local, national, and global communities.

Strategy 10.2: McGill will aim to have a more significant influence within Professional Ordres and more specifically within the Education Committees of the Ordres (comités de la formation). (21^st Century Education for the Professions Work Group)

Action 10.2.1: Develop closer ties with sister Quebec universities to address common issues and increase McGill’s presence within the Ordres.

Strategy 10.3: McGill will recognize that academic units that offer professional programs have additional needs and requirements, in particular and not limited to, accreditation exercises. (21^st Century on Education for the Professions Work Group)

Action 10.3.1: Create an Advisory Committee to the Provost on Professional Programs and strengthen communication, coordination and support for the University’s professional programs.

Strategy 10.4: McGill will recognize the contribution of professional programs contribute to the welfare of society provincially, nationally and internationally. (21^st Century Education for the Professions Work Group)

Action 10.4.1: Investigate the option of acknowledging professional students in the University mission statement.

Strategy 10.5: McGill will emphasize an increased presence within the Orders and more specifically within the Education Committees of the Orders (comités de la formation). (21^st Century Education for the Professions Work Group)

Action 10.5.1: Develop closer ties with sister Universities in Montreal and Quebec to address common issues.

Strategy 10.6: McGill will recognize that professional programs have special needs independent, including role of clinical personnel, from those of the parent unit. (21^st Century Education for the Professions Work Group)

Action 10.6.1: Maintain the present work group as an Advisory Committee to the Provost.