Frequently Asked Questions
OISE's Transition to a Four-Department Structure
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Students
As a student will the restructuring at OISE affect my degree?
What if my program does end up changing in 2013-14; how will that affect my degree?
My program is moving to a new department. What do I need to know?
I am a newly admitted student who will be starting my studies at OISE between now and September 2012. How do the program moves and department name changes affect me?
If the department names are changing, how will I know what courses I am supposed to take?
I am a student representative in my current department's governance structure; will I be able to continue?
What will appear on the diploma and transcript upon graduation?
Will employers recognize degrees from the new departments?
I am a lapsed student, how will the changes affect me when I return to complete my degree?
Who can I contact for more information?
As a student will the restructuring at OISE affect my degree?
The short answer is no. Although department names are changing and programs are moving to new departments, the programs themselves are not changing as a part of the transition from five departments to four. In other words, no program names are changing; no program requirements are changing; no new programs are opening; no existing programs are closing.
That said, to take advantage of the new combination of faculty within the reconfigured departments, and/or to respond to the recommendations of the academic reviews that are taking place in 2011-12, programs may elect to engage in a process of program renewal, which could result in program changes, including the closing of existing programs and/or the opening of new ones. Those changes would go through governance no earlier than academic year 2012-13, with changes to take effect no earlier than academic year 2013-14.
What if my program does end up changing in 2013-14; how will that affect my degree?
We can't provide details before we know what the changes might be. Normally, when program changes are introduced, existing students are "grandparented" so that they can complete their degrees following the rules and requirements that were in effect when they were admitted to the program. Often existing students also have a one-time option to switch to the new rules and requirements when they take effect. Grandparenting also applies if a program is being closed.
If program changes end up being proposed in 2012-13, affected students will receive ample notice and be provided with detailed information regarding their options.
My program is moving to a new department. What do I need to know?
To ensure that students who are enrolled in summer courses are not disrupted by the change in department structure, student moves will be reflected in ROSI in the Fall Session 2012. Students will continue to work with faculty in their programs and will receive notice if any of their administrative contacts are changing. Students with questions should contact their Program Coordinators and Department Chairs.
I am a newly admitted student who will be starting my studies at OISE between now and September 2012. How do the program moves and department name changes affect me?
Students will be admitted into the department in which their program is currently housed. Student moves to the new departments will be reflected in ROSI in the Fall Session 2012.
If the department names are changing, how will I know what courses I am supposed to take?
We are working with the Registrar's Office to ensure a smooth transition from the current course numbering system to a new system that reflects the new department configuration, including the new department names. More details regarding the new department acronyms and lists of course substitutions and course credit exclusions will be posted on this website as they become available.
Course code changes will take effect as of Summer Session 2013.
I am a student representative in my current department's governance structure; will I be able to continue?
As OISE transitions to the four-department model, each of the four Transitional Councils will work out the governance structure for its department. The details are being worked on and students will be consulted and informed along the way.
What will appear on the diploma and transcript upon graduation?
We are working with the Registrar's Office to determine how program moves and/or department name changes might affect the University of Toronto parchment and/or transcript. More information will be posted on this website as it becomes available.
Will employers recognize degrees from the new departments?
Degrees are granted by the University of Toronto, not by departments. Programs within OISE have built strong reputations for excellence. This is due in large part to the quality of the faculty and alumni from these programs. The four-department structure was chosen in part because it promotes and supports excellence in programs; and builds on existing strengths while nurturing new and emerging areas of programming.
A letter explaining the departmental name changes to prospective employers or graduate institutions will be provided to students upon graduation.
I am a lapsed student, how will the changes affect me when I return to complete my degree?
Just as with continuting students, lapsed students who are returning will be part of the newly configured department stucture. Their department moves will be reflected in ROSI in the Fall Session 2012.
Who can I contact for more information?
Questions pertaining to specific departments or programs should be directed to the relevant Department Chair or Program Coordinator. For all other matters regarding the transition process, please email dean.oise@utoronto.ca.