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Academic Alert
Students who achieve a term GPA below 1.7 in their Fall semester grades will receive a letter, considered an Academic Alert, from the Deans’ Office. Academic Alert is not an academic standing, but is an early warning that a student may be in academic jeopardy and indicates that academic advising should be sought.
Academic Appeals ProceduresAn orderly opportunity for students to question interim grades, final grades and other academic decisions related to their coursework.
Academic DismissalStudents on academic probation who have achieved a term GPA less than 1.7 at the end of the winter semester, and students in good academic standing who have completed 3.0 units and have achieved a cumulative GPA less than 1.0 will be academically dismissed for a twelve month period.
Academic OffencesPlagiarism, cheating and any misrepresentations related to your academic work.
Academic ProbationStudents with a cumulative grade point average of less than 1.7 and greater than or equal to 1.0 who have completed at least 3.0 units will be placed on academic probation when winter semester results become available.
Academic StandingThere are three types of academic standing:
- Good standing: Eligible to register
- Academic probation: Defined above
- Academic dismissal: Defined above
Advanced StandingWhere movement into higher level courses is permitted but no transfer credit is assigned.
AdvisorA faculty member or administrator who will help you plan your program and select your courses.
AlumnaA former student or graduate of the University; plural is alumnae.
Audit StudentA student who registers with the University to attend a university course for interest purposes but not as a candidate for university credit. No credit will be issued and fees are reduced.
Authorized External Course (AEC)Previously called “Letter of Permission.” An official document granting prior approval to take a course at another university for credit at the Mount. See Registrar's Office Forms.
BursaryA monetary grant based on demonstrated financial need.
Calendar (Undergraduate and Graduate)An annual publication listing key dates in the academic year, admission requirements, program requirements, rules and regulations, and course descriptions. Course information changes from year to year but the degree requirements described in the Calendar in the year of your admission to the degree remain in force as you complete your program.
CGPA - see GPA.
Concentration, Arts & ScienceA concentration in Arts and Science consists of 4.0 units of study as defined by the department offering the program.
Concentration, ProfessionalSeveral professional degree programs require students to complete a concentration, a minimum of 3.0 units of coursework in a specific area within the professional program. See specific degree requirements in the Calendar.
Co-operative EducationSeveral professional degree programs offer co-operative education allowing students to integrate academic study with alternating paid co-op terms.
Course Change FormThe form must be completed if registration changes (adding/dropping courses) are made, including section changes, and submitted to the Registrar’s Office. See Academic Course Add/Drop Dates 2011-2012 and section 2.2.7 Withdrawal.
Cross-listed CourseCross-listed courses carry two or more subject prefixes. Such courses are recognized by each department shown by the subject prefix and may be counted towards either subject area, but not both. For example, CMPS 2275/INTE 2275 may be counted either as a CMPS credit or as an INTE credit, depending upon the student’s program, major or minor.
DeanThe head of a faculty within the University. At the Mount, we have a Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science, a Dean of the Faculty of Professional Studies, a Dean of the Faculty of Education and a Dean of Graduate Studies.
Deans’ ListA list of outstanding scholars in undergraduate programs, who achieve a GPA of 3.5 or higher in 5.0 consecutive units, with no grade below B-. Students may be enroled on either a full-time or part-time basis.
DEFA course notation meaning Deferred, given through the Registrar’s Office in exceptional cases when a student is unable to complete course requirements due to medical or other reasons during the time frame provided for completing an INC (Incomplete) grade.
Degree RequirementsListed in this Calendar and outlined on department worksheets, indicating the course requirements needed to complete the degree.
Early RegistrationSelecting and enroling in classes before the regular September registration period, usually in July for new students.
ElectiveAn optional course or subject not required for a particular program of study.
Exam ConflictAn exam conflict might be: overlapping exam times, a work commitment that cannot be changed, or scheduled to write three exams in three consecutive writing times. An Exam Conflict form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar’s Office prior to the deadline.
Exam Schedule (When) and Seating Plan (Where)The exam schedule tells when an exam will be written. A detailed schedule listing each course, date and time is posted outside the Registrar’s Office and the Seton Auditorium. The seating plan is posted outside the Registrar’s Office and the Seton Auditorium the last week of classes indicating where the exam will be written.
F*A course notation meaning Failure resulting from an academic offence.
Fair Treatment/Employment Equity AdvisorAn advisor who provides information and assistance, including mediation, of complaints under the Fair Treatment Policy, on behalf of students, faculty and staff. Awareness raising and training sessions are provided by the Advisor. The Advisor also coordinates the Mount's Employment Equity Program. The Advisor can be reached at (902) 457-6242.
FeesFees are the costs associated with various aspects of attendance at the University. See Money Matters.
Full-time Students
Full-time students are enroled in 3.0 or more units during the September to April academic year.
General Studies
Students enroled in the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degrees can complete their studies with a general studies degree.
Plans to complete a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science General Studies must be declared prior to registering for the sixth unit of coursework. Once you have declared, changes can be made at any time with the approval of the appropriate department.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
The total of grade points averaged over the number of units contributing points of 0.0 and greater. Final grades with “neutral” points do not effect your GPA. GPA (also called cumulative GPA) is based on all coursework completed from September 1996 onward.
Grade Points
The value (ranging from 0.0 to 4.3) given to each final grade (e.g., A+ = 4.3, F = 0.0).
Grade Report
Available at the end of each academic term/session, a grade reports list the courses taken during the term and the grades earned including withdrawals and failures. Any fees owing to the University for the term/session must be paid in full before receiving a grade report or to view grades through WebAdvisor.
Graduate Student
A student enroled in a graduate program.
Honours at Graduation
Also known as graduating “with distinction,” this designation is awarded according to a specific set of guidelines as interpreted by the Committee on Academic Policy in consultation with the Registrar. See section 2.2.24 Graduation.
Honours Degree
Awarded after completion of an honours program (see below). An honours degree usually requires 20 units.
Honours Program
A course of study which considers a particular discipline in depth, usually undertaken by students with post-graduate study as a goal. Students must fulfill specific departmental and general university requirements.
Honours Thesis
Original research in a specific field written by a candidate for an honours degree.
INCA course notation meaning Incomplete which is given instead of a grade when an arrangement exists between the professor and the student indicating requirements for the course shall be completed by a predetermined date. If these arrangements are not completed in the specified time, the INC notation shall be changed to F (failure).
Intention to Graduate Form
Students must complete this form when enroling in their final session of coursework. The form indicates when the student intends to graduate (either Spring or Fall Convocation), the program being completed and the name wanted on the parchment. The Intention to Graduate form is available at the Registrar’s Office, Deans’ Office, and Assisi Information Desk.
IP
A course notation meaning In Progress. A final grade notation of IP is given in seminars, independent and directed studies at the senior undergraduate level. Students must complete the required work within four months of the month the notation is given.
LaboratoryRegularly scheduled meeting times in addition to lecture times for many courses in the timetable. Lab times are published in the timetable and when registering for a course, students are also required to sign up for a lab time.
Local Address
If a student’s address changes while attending the University, the Registrar’s Office must be notified. Failure to do so could result in not receiving correspondence and other important information.
MajorStudents enroled in the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degrees can complete their degrees with a major-a planned selection of courses in one discipline intended to provide background and depth in the discipline. See specific degree requirements.
Students intending to complete their degree with a major must declare the major before registering for the sixth unit of coursework. For the procedures on how to declare your major, refer to section 2.2.5 Declaring a Major.
Mature Admission Students
Mature students who wish to continue their education must meet one of the following three criteria: graduated from high school but lacking the required grade average or course requirements and three years have elapsed, not graduated from high school and five years have elapsed or have been away from formal education at the high school or community-college level for five years or more.
Mature Student
A student who returns to university after a break in her/his education for work, family responsibilities, etc.; normally after 3-5 years have elapsed.
MinorA secondary area of study. A minor normally requires completion of 3.0 units in a related field. Students must achieve a GPA of 2.0 in the required 3.0 units of the minor as specified by the program.
NCRA course notation meaning No Credit, Repeat; allowed only in courses graded on a pass/fail scale.
NXMA course notation given in 1.0 unit courses for which no December grades are given.
Non-degree
A student enroled in coursework but not working towards a specific degree program.
OrientationA program providing academic and social information to introduce new students to the University environment.
Part-time Students
Part-time students are enroled in 2.5 or fewer units during the September to April academic year.
Passport Learners
The program opens many regular undergraduate courses to persons not seeking academic credit. Learners may attend lectures in designated courses with permission from the instructor but are not required to write tests and exams and do not receive an official transcript. Prospective students should contact Distance Learning and Continuing Education.
Permanent Address and “Other” Addresses
Students must notify the Registrar’s Office of any changes to the permanent address in order to receive correspondence and other important information. Change of address for Christmas, summer vacations or co-op work terms should also be given.
Placement Test
An assessment of a student’s abilities in a particular area given before registration in a course. It allows a department to determine what level of study a student is best prepared to undertake.
Practica Route
Several professional degree programs offer the practica route (as an alternate to the co-operative education route) for completion of the degree. The practica route is primarily for students who have previous university coursework or work experience in the specific profession. See specific degree requirements.
PracticumA course of study involving the supervised practical application of previously studied theory. For example, the Child and Youth Study program includes 2.0 units of practica.
PrerequisiteA course or combination of courses that must be completed before registration in another course is permitted. Students registering in courses do so on the understanding that they will meet/complete course prerequisites. Failure to do so could result in deregistration and academic and/or financial penalty.
ProgramA basic plan of study or coursework in a specific field; also called a curriculum.
Reactivation Form
Students who leave the University for an academic year and then return must complete a reactivation form. Forms are available at the Registrar's Office.
Resident Assistant
A full-time undergraduate student whose major function includes interpreting and enforcing policy to students living in residence.
ScholarshipA monetary award based on academic achievement.
Sexual Harassment Advisor
An advisor who provides information and assistance, including mediation, of complaints of sexual harassment under the Fair Treatment Policy, on behalf of students, faculty and staff. The Advisor also coordinates the Mount's Employment Equity Program. The Advisor can be reached at (902) 457-6242.
Statement of Standing
Issued to students who change degree programs and to transfer students. This letter lists the courses completed toward your degree including Mount courses and courses transferred from another university. The statement also indicates how many courses are needed to complete the program. See section 2.1.8 Admission Requirements for Transfer Students.
Student Judicial System
A student judicial system for non-academic infractions is in effect. The definitions of misconduct include, among others: conduct which threatens or endangers the health and safety of any member of the University community on or off campus; use of abusive or obscene language or gestures at any university sponsored functions or operations; obstruction or disruption of any university or Students’ Union sponsored function; failure to comply with the instructions of university or Students’ Union officials acting in the performance of their authorized duties; and violation of any law of Canada.
A copy of the Student Judicial Code is available from the Secretary of Senate, the Office of Student Experience, and the Students’ Union Office.
Student Identification Card
The Student Identification Card has your picture and other personal identification information on it. These are produced by the Library on an annual basis each autumn. Student ID cards are needed to use the Library, Computer Labs, to display when writing exams and to participate in many student and other activities on campus and in the metro area.
Term Grade Point Average (TGPA)
The grade point average achieved at the end of each academic term, calculated on the final grades for each academic term.
TimetableThe timetable lists all the courses and labs offered for the academic year or session showing course ID, course number, name, time, classroom location and faculty for each course and lab offered. The timetable is available via WebAdvisor.
TranscriptAn official document prepared by the Registrar’s Office recording the entire academic history of a student. Complete the Transcript Request form. Transcripts can be requested in writing to the Registrar’s Office. See section 2.2.9 Transcripts.
Transfer Credits
May be granted to students who attended another university before being admitted to the Mount and counted toward the program here. See section 2.1.8 Admission Requirements for Transfer Students.
Tuition Structure
Tuition fees are assessed on a per 1.0 unit course cost. The number of units a student is taking will drive the tuition calculation. Certain other fees such as Students’ Union medical continue to be based on a student’s status as being full-time or part-time.
UndergraduateA student who is working toward a first credential.
UpgradesStudents who hold a degree may upgrade to major or honours standing by completing additional requirements after consultation with the Registrar’s Office.
Visiting Students
Students from other universities taking coursework at Mount Saint Vincent University with formal approval from their home university.
WA course notation meaning withdrawal without academic penalty.
WebAdvisorWebAdvisor is the University's Web interface that allows students to search the class timetable, register and pay for courses, view a statement of financial account, and access grades.
WFA course notation meaning withdrawal with academic penalty; deadline driven.
WPA course notation meaning withdrawal after the deadline without academic penalty; deadline driven.