Academic and Professional Credential Policy

To outline the academic and professional credentials required of those who teach and/or facilitate courses, labs, field placements and clinical placements at Seneca Polytechnic.

This policy applies to individuals teaching at Seneca.

A credential from a Canadian, or an accredited and/or recognized postsecondary institution outside of Canada that is equivalent to a Canadian credential, that indicates that the person has successfully completed a program of study.

Examples include a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma, graduate certificate, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and doctorate.

A course in a program that enables students to explore a range of topics and issues separate from their core program/major field of study.

A course that focuses on the field of study of the student’s program.

A credential from a certifying or regulatory body affirming that the individual has the essential knowledge and skills of a specific professional field required for safe and current practice.

Examples include a professional accreditation, registration or license.

The highest academic qualification available in a given field.

Examples include a doctorate, professional doctorate or master’s degree, depending on the fields or discipline.

1. Individuals teaching courses in a certificate or diploma program will generally be required to hold an academic credential at least one higher than the credential they are teaching.
2. Individuals teaching courses in a certificate or diploma program may also be required to possess the appropriate qualifications/professional credentials and expertise in the field related to the program, and, where relevant, be eligible to be practitioners in that field.

1. Individuals teaching in a degree program will hold an academic credential at least one level higher in the field of study, or in a closely related field/discipline, generally the terminal credential, of the program in which they are teaching.
2. The minimum percentage of a student’s learning in instructional settings—in-class, labs, seminars and clinical work—in a degree program taught by a faculty member holding the terminal academic credential in the field of study, or in a closely related field/discipline, will be:
   • 40 per cent of their learning in instructional settings in a three-year bachelor’s degree program
   • 50 per cent of their learning in instructional settings in a four-year bachelor’s degree program
   • 80 per cent of their learning in instructional settings in a master’s degree program

1. Individuals will provide evidence of their credential(s), which will be verified and maintained by Seneca.
2. Credentials issued by institutions outside of Canada must be assessed by a recognized credential evaluation service to determine Canadian equivalency.

1. Where applicable, individuals who teach will maintain good standing with applicable professional regulatory bodies and keep current required professional credentials.
2. Individuals serving as research or clinical supervisors will meet requirements outlined by the regulated profession.

1. Exceptions to academic and professional credential requirements may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• None

• Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Policy
• Recruitment, Selection, Orientation, Promotion and Performance Development Policy

• Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990
• Ontario College Quality Assurance Service
• Ontario Qualifications Framework
• PEQAB – Manuals & Guidelines

Approval Date: February 2018

Last Revision: July 2026