2024-79

Motion Introduced by: Curriculum and Academic Programs Committee

Date of First Reading: March 25, 2024

Date of Second Reading: April 29, 2024

Title of Motion: Request from the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts – The Design School – for the establishment of a graduate degree – MS in Indigenous Placekeeping and Design

Action Requested: This curricular proposal has received all college, school, unit and university administrative approvals, and is being presented to the Senate for review and voting decision. 

Rationale: This degree program allows students to develop applied skills, while providing an overview of Indigenous design processes and design thinking, earning credentials across a broad range of competencies. The design industry requires constant innovation to keep up with societies changing needs including research and soft skills. Areas of focus that the graduate student will learn include: Indigenous research methods, cultural design, cultural competency, group facilitation, concepts of holistic resiliency, ethics and asset-based community development. These competencies prepare graduates for excellence in a range of occupations.