Feedback is essential to support the continuous improvement of program delivery at Conestoga and to uphold college commitment to career-oriented programming. Program Advisory Committees (PACs) play an essential role in providing this feedback and serve as a necessary link between Conestoga and the communities it serves. 

All post-secondary education programs of study at Conestoga, both full-time and part-time, which lead to an employment related credential, or are approved by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU), will be associated with a PAC. For any program not leading to an employment related credential, such as foundation programs, PACs are optional.

Conestoga College maintains a glossary of terms specific to the institution. The terms in use for this document are defined below.

1. In accordance with the Ministry Framework for Instruction Policy Directive, the Board of Governors will ensure that a PAC is established for each program of instruction or cluster or related programs at Conestoga.


2. PACs provide advice and guidance to the program academic team through regular PAC meetings. The role of PACs is to identify and provide input on three essential elements that facilitate a strategic outlook of the program:
1. Workforce/industry/business trends
2. Curriculum relevance and enhancing the learning experience
3. Student/graduate success and continuing professional learning
3. During the developmental stages of a program, Conestoga may establish an Ad Hoc Program Advisory Committee known as a Program Development Advisory Committee (PDAC). When the program is formally implemented, the PDAC will be dissolved and a PAC will be established.


4. PAC membership comprises a cross section of professionals external to Conestoga who are appointed to the PAC. External members have a direct interest in, and diversity of experience related to, the particular occupational area addressed by the program.
1. Membership terms are three (3) years and will be reviewed annually based on participation and program needs. Members are eligible for reappointment.
5. PACs will be comprised of voting and non-voting members. Voting members are external to the program and are appointed. Non-voting members include students, faculty and staff who serve as a resource to the committee. Voting members are approved by the Academic Coordinating Committee (ACC) and reviewed by the (ACASA) for information purposes.
1. PACs should be composed of a minimum of 6 voting members and typically no more than 15 members.
1. A quorum for motions and resolutions will be represented through a clear majority of voting members (50 percent plus one).
2. Voting can be conducted electronically when appropriate.
6. In order to encourage an arm's length relationship between the PAC members and the administration of the College, voting members of the program advisory committees should not include current Conestoga employees or Board of Governors members.


7. Recommendations from PACs are advisory in nature to the Executive Dean/Dean responsible for the school, institute, and/or department.


8. The Executive Dean/Dean responsible for the school, institute, and/or department has accountability for ensuring PACs will follow Conestoga's PACs Procedure and Guidelines.


9. Academic Administration has accountability for ensuring Conestoga's Program Advisory Committees Policy and Procedure are upheld at the institutional level.