Program revitalization

Joining forces to refresh our programs

In summer 2025, the new president and vice-chancellor issued a clear call for uOttawa’s academic community to come together and reflect on the future of the programs we offer. This program revitalization process marks the beginning of an ambitious joint project driven by faculties and academic units, one that’s rooted in their expertise on their own disciplines.

This process is not an administrative exercise or a top-down reform. It’s based on a core belief that it’s the experts in each field who determine the quality, relevance and reputation of our programs. With that in mind, the goal of this process is to create a shared space where we can deliberate, ask questions and update our programs in light of students’ goals, research breakthroughs, market needs and major societal issues.

Focusing on collaboration, dialogue and collective wisdom will make this program revitalization a unique opportunity to strengthen ties between research, education and teaching innovation, and to work together and envision learning pathways that can meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Why do this revitalization?

The world is changing fast — and so is what’s expected of uOttawa. To produce graduates with the skills to understand, analyze and transform their environment, we need agile, relevant, meaningful programs.

The revitalization will support academic teams in reflecting on these issues and provide them with a shared framework to:

maximize the knowledge and skills our students learn so they’re well prepared for their future careers
make our programs more appealing and relevant to both Canadian and international students
support academic excellence by fostering an environment that will help us recruit and retain top researchers
align programs with current and emerging societal issues, keeping them relevant and impactful to the community
position programs in line with international standards of academic excellence, making them more competitive and raising their profile

A joint effort

Working Session — March 19

On March 19, we’ll be officially kicking off the process with the Working Session. It will bring together academic leaders, program directors, program co-ordinators and academic administration managers in one space for reflections and discussions.

This event is not intended to impose solutions or come to final decisions. It aims to start the conversation, outline a shared vision and engage key actors in a joint transformation project.

Revitalization work will take a supportive approach that respects the realities of each discipline and the unique dynamics of each faculty. Through the steps that follow, we’ll be able to build on initial reflections, support localized analyses, outline potential directions and ensure clear alignment with University and regulatory frameworks.

Three workstreams to guide reflections

This process is based on three complementary workstreams that were developed as tools to spark reflection and support action within faculties and academic units.

Workstream 1: Simplification and Flexibility

Explore flexible approaches to enhance student success and program viability.

Students in the immersive cylinder at INNOVA

Workstream 2: Modernization

Update current programs to make them more appealing, coherent and aligned with modern teaching practices.

Workstream 3: Program Innovation and Relevance

Anticipate future needs and ensure the overall range of programs offered remains relevant over the long term as society changes.

How can you get involved?

Program revitalization is a joint effort. Throughout the process, members of the academic community could be called on to be part of discussions.

With each faculty adopting its own unique approach, you could participate in a number of ways. You could, for example:

take part in discussions, workshops or activities within your faculty
share your perspectives, ideas, needs or issues faced when your unit asks you to od so
check this page regularly to keep up with progress on the revitalization
use any tools and resources provided for you on this page as the process moves forward

The process will evolve over time, so other opportunities to participate could arise as work continues.

This page will be updated as soon as more information is available.

A few inspiring examples

These projects at our university are fuelling the work in progress and inspiring future efforts. They provide examples of streamlined, interdisciplinary approaches that align with market needs, helping to shape modern, relevant, meaningful programs.

Dual fast-track degree program in food science and nutritition | Faculty of Health Sciences

A combined Honours BSc Food Sciences and MSc Nutrition and Food Biosciences that reduces time to completion by one full year.
This is accomplished through the elimination of 30 credits of electives and reducing the Honours BSc component to the compulsory and optional courses within the existing BSc.
All program learning outcomes of the two separate degrees are met within this accelerated program.

Honours BSc in Translational and Molecular Medicine | Faculty of Medicine

A research-intensive undergraduate program in third and fourth year that builds upon two full years in a BSc program.
The program stresses hands-on lab training and research projects in both the third and fourth years and focuses on bridging the gap between basic science and clinical applications.

Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Design | Faculty of Engineering

First introduced as a three-year program, soon to be available as a four-year program, this program emphasizes experiential and hands-on learning through mandatory internships and 450 hours of community service.
It allows students to choose between various customized learning paths such as cybersecurity, project management, STEM education, technology and public policy, UX design, sustainable design, and responsible artificial intelligence innovation.

PhD in Nursing and PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences | Faculty of Health Sciences

Addition of online options to maximize the impact of the programs for professionals in the field, including those in remote areas.

Master of Education | Faculty of Education and Master of Health Administration | Telfer School of Management

Addition of online options, thereby maximizing the impact of programs for professionals in the field and those in remote areas

MA in Anthropology | Faculty of Social Sciences

8-month course-based option and 16-month course-based with coop option.
Allows a broader base of students with professional and academic career goals, elevating the training experience for all via their interactions.