Academic Calendar

The Academic Calendar lists everything you need to know about the Mount’s policies and procedures, programs, courses, important dates, and more. It is important for students to review and consult their academic calendar regularly. Here are some tips for using the academic calendar for the first time:

Review the calendar in your first year to get a sense of the courses you might like to take in the future.

Focus on current course offerings: The academic calendar lists all of the courses that could be offered at the Mount; however, not all courses are offered every semester or every year. Use myMount to determine which courses are offered each semester.

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 academic calendar. It is a good idea to copy these pages annually and post them in a place where you can easily access them.

Plan your prerequisites: Most courses at the 2000 level and above require prerequisites. When planning your schedule, we suggest thinking ahead about what courses you would like to take. If these courses require prerequisites, you should take them early in your program.

Review the scholarship and bursary section: There are numerous scholarship and bursaries available for students. The academic calendar lists them and explains the eligibility criteria for each award.

 

University Terminology

Within the Academic Calendar, there is a comprehensive list of university terminology. However, we have selected a few key terms that are particularly important to review. Please select a drop-down option to review the terms.

A - D

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 & 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 Studies): 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 a 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.

E - M

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.

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.

P - Z

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.”