An Update on our MScPT Program Expansion Plan - December 2023
As we await the opening of the Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health (SAMIH) at University of Toronto Scarborough, we continue to prepare for the arrival of 40 additional students to our MScPT program at 500 University, beginning September 2024.
We recognize that accommodating this increase in students will result in minor adjustments to our MScPT curriculum and our space. We are in the process of planning minor renovations at 500 University to accommodate the increased number of students. We are committed to following recommendations outlined by our PT Expansion Task Force and engaging with our stakeholders throughout the expansion process.
PT Expansion Task Force
This fall we established the PT Expansion Task Force, led by Euson Yeung and Sharon Switzer-McIntyre, to guide us through the expansion process, provide recommendations and support the implementation of changes related to curriculum and teaching methods to meet the needs of the additional 40 students.
To date, the task force has developed a set of decision-making principles to ensure the expansion process prioritizes reflexivity, program excellence, community building, engagement with partners and the needs of our students and faculty.
In addition to developing these decision-making principles, we have established two committees to provide recommendations and engage with our stakeholders.
Student Advisory Committee
We recognize that our current and future students, as well as our alumni, offer unique insight into our MScPT program and we believe it is important to engage our students in the planning process.
We have assembled a Student Advisory Committee, comprised of current students and recent graduates, to provide advice and input on behalf of our student population throughout the expansion process. Students are appointed for one academic year and are eligible to be reappointed for one additional term.
Human Resources Sub-Group
While our main focus is on preparing for the addition of 40 students to the program, we recognize the need to increase our human resources in the department to ensure our students continue to receive the same level of support. Our Human Resources Sub-Group, comprised of three of our staff and faculty members, will provide recommendations related to the development of principles to guide our human resource planning.
Renovation Update
Renovations are currently underway in two of our classrooms at 500 University, with an expected completion date of February 2024. The renovation team will typically operate during weekends and after class hours during the work week to minimize disruptions.
Prior to beginning renovations, we established renovation principles to ensure construction is done in a thoughtful manner.
Want to know more about the PT Expansion Project?
We are holding a Virtual Town Hall Information Session for all community partners on January 24, 2024 from 4:00-5:00 p.m. ET.
In the meantime, we invite you to submit any questions or feedback you have on the project. We will be answering your frequently asked questions in a future update.