In order to make your transition to the Mount as smooth as possible, all students have an Academic Advisor who will provide support when it comes to choosing your courses and planning your degree. To prepare for your first year, read the four guides listed below and download the Academic Advising Booklet that pertains to your program. Once you have reviewed this site, book your advising appointment. We, the Academic Advisors, look forward to meeting with you.
What programs are offered at the Mount and what disciplines can I study?
A list of departments, programs and course listings can be found in the Academic Calendar. It is important to note that Arts and Science students are not required to declare a major or concentration until the end of the first year. This means that you have a year to test the waters and try out new disciplines. If you aren't sure what direction you are heading in, you can use your first year as a general year and explore your interests. For those of you focused on a professional degree, your program will be more structured and a specific set of courses will be required or recommended. However, you will have the opportunity to take courses from other areas to satisfy your elective requirements.
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What are my next steps, now that I have been accepted? printable version
- Research and plan ahead. Start thinking about what courses you would like to take. Check out the Academic Calendar to get to know your program and course options available to you.
- Learn the language. Once you start university you may hear words that you haven't encountered before (for example: prerequisite, unit, undergraduate, major, concentration, etc). Review the university terms listed under "What do all of these university terms mean?"
- Get to know MyMount. MyMount is our online registration program. You can find the link to MyMount on the MSVU.ca homepage. It is where you will find current course offerings, including the date, time and locations of the classes. Please note that as a new student, you are not able to register until you have received your MyMount user ID and password. In the meantime, you are able to review the course offerings by clicking on MyMount on the MSVU.ca homepage and clicking on the Registration Centre.
- Download the Academic Advising Booklet specific to your program and read it thoroughly. Use this guide to start planning your courses.
- Map out your ideal schedule. Before you meet with an Academic Advisor or register for your courses, take some time to plan your class schedule. Review the calendar and pick out courses that interest you. Visit MyMount to see what courses are available in the upcoming semesters and start creating a plan for your first year. Use the blank class schedule, to help with this process. Putting together a schedule can take some time; therefore it is helpful and productive to create a draft to take to your advising meeting.
- Meet with an Academic Advisor. Attend the Early Advising and Registration event in June or set up an advising appointment. Your Advisor will help get you on the right track and answer all of your questions about registration and your program.
Register for your classes. You will register by using the online program, MyMount. All registration is completed online (with the exception of students on Academic Probation). Fall/Winter registration for new students opens in June.
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What steps should I follow during my first year?
printable version- Know your program requirements. Being aware of what your program entails in your first year will help you plan a successful degree. Knowing what is expected will help you plan for the appropriate prerequisites and give you the opportunity to take interesting electives.
- Prepare for additional study time. The school day doesn’t end when your classes are over. For every hour you spend in class, expect to spend 2-3 additional hours working on homework.
- Get to know the Mount community. Check out the services available to you, such as the Career Planning Centre, the Writing Resource Centre, and other helpful services offered by Student Affairs and the Students' Union.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you are having trouble adjusting to university course loads, aren't sure what classes you should be taking or want a little extra help, there are plenty of people on campus you can turn to. Academic advisors, tutors, study skills counsellors and your professors are here for you.
- Start thinking about your major. You will have to declare your major before you register for your sixth unit of coursework. If you are unsure of what you want to major in, visit the Advising Toolbox for advice on how to choose your major. You may want to consult with your Academic Advisor or the Career Counsellor for assistance.
Take time for yourself. It is important to stay balanced while at university. Extra-curricular activities can help you relax after a day of studying. Find something that suits you, whether it be joining the gym, playing a sport, working part-time, listening to music, or taking part in student organizations...there is something for everyone at the Mount. Try something new and have fun!
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What is the Academic Calendar and how do I use it?printable version
The Academic Calendar will become your best friend throughout your time at Mount Saint Vincent University. The Calendar lists everything you need to know about the University's policies and procedures, regulations, programs, courses, important dates and much more. It is crucial for students to review and consult their calendar on a regular basis.
Important tips for using the Academic Calendar for the first time:
- Highlight important dates. Be sure to review the Academic Course Add/Drop Dates and Important Dates in the University Year listed at the beginning of the Calendar. We suggest students copy these pages each year and post them somewhere prominent. Knowing these dates will help your year run smoothly and avoid problems such as academic penalty for dropping a class after the deadline, late payment of fees, scheduling conflicts when traveling home after exams, etc.
Focus on current course offerings. The Calendar lists all the courses offered at the Mount. However, all courses are not offered every semester, or every year. An official list of course offerings is released by the Registrar’s Office each year before registration opens and is available online via MyMount. Students will have access to view all available courses and time slots for that semester. Review the Calendar in your first year to get a sense of what courses you might like to take in the future and to help you plan out the completion of your degree or to plan your academic career. Your calendar is your guideline for all the courses you need to take in order to complete your intended degree. For BA and BSc degrees, majors must be declared before registering for your sixth unit of coursework. Plan your prerequisites. Most courses at the 2000 level and above require prerequisites. When planning your schedule it is a good idea to think ahead to future terms and decide what courses you might like to take. By doing this, you can work backward by completing the prerequisite courses in your first few terms. Consult the Calendar when you have questions. The Calendar is the main resource for policies and procedures and most of your questions can be answered by reading through it. You can find important information on everything from procedures for course registration and withdrawal, grading and examinations, academic offences and appeals to admission requirements and course descriptions. See the index for page numbers to the sections you are looking for. Review the scholarship section to find opportunities for scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you throughout your time at the Mount. Take a moment to read about the University’s rich history, mission, vision and values. Learning a little more about the Mount community will make you love it that much more.
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What do all of these university terms mean?
For a comprehensive list, see the glossary of terms in the online Academic Calendar
Academic Calendar - 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. Available from Registrar’s and Deans’ Offices, Distance Learning and Continuing Education, and the Assisi Information Desk.
Academic Probation - Students with a cumulative grade point average of less than 1.7 and greater than or equal to 1.0 who have completed at least three units of credit will be placed on academic probation when winter semester results become available.
Advisor - A faculty member or administrator who helps you plan your program and select your courses.
Bursary -A monetary grant based on demonstrated financial need.
Concentration (Arts and Science) - A concentration in Arts and Science consists of four units of study in one subject area as defined by the department offering the program. See specific degree requirements in the Academic Calendar.
Concentration (Professional) - Several professional degree programs require students to complete a concentration, a minimum of three units of coursework in a specific area within the professional program. See specific degree requirements in the Calendar.
Dean -The 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.
Declaring your major - The process in which students officially select their major by having their Advisor sign a "Declaration/Change of Program form" and submit it to the Registrar's Office.
Elective - An optional course or subject not required for your particular program of study.
Full-time Student - A student taking 3.0 or more units of credit during the regular academic year (September to April).
GPA (Grade Point Average) – The total of your grade points averaged over the number of units contributing points of 0.0 and greater (basically, the average of your grades).
Half-unit - A course that normally runs for one term only (either in the fall or the winter term).
Laboratory(Lab) - In addition to class time, some courses have labs. If you register for a course which has a lab, you are required to sign up for a lab time as well.
Major - A planned selection of courses in a particular subject; usually between 6.0 and 8.0 units of a 15 unit degree or between 8.0 and 10.0 units of a 20 unit degree.
Minor - A secondary area of study within a degree; usually 3.0 units of credit.
Part-time Student - A student taking 2.5 or fewer units of credit during the regular academic year (September to April).
Placement Test - A test to determine at which course level you should be placed to begin your studies. Placement tests are required for some math courses. It is also recommended for students taking French.
Prerequisite - A course required before taking another course at a higher or upper level.
Scholarship - A monetary award based on academic achievement.
Transcript - An official document prepared by the Registrar recording the entire academic history of a student. Copies can be requested in writing from the Registrar’s Office by completing the "Transcript Request form."
Tuition - The fees you pay for your courses.
Tutorial - In addition to class time, some courses have tutorials; this is an opportunity to get more individual help in the subject area.
Undergraduate - A student who is working toward a first credential.
Unit - A course that runs for the full academic year (September-April); sometimes referred to as a “credit.”
MyMount -MyMount 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.
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