Academic Regulations
These regulations apply to all students in the College of Arts and Science and the faculties of Architecture and Planning, Computer Science, Engineering, Health Professions and Management. Students in the faculties of Architecture and Planning, Computer Science, Engineering and Health Professions should also consult the regulations specific to their, faculty, school or college found in the appropriate sections of this calendar
PLEASE NOTE:
A student is governed by the academic regulations in place at the time
of initial enrolment as long as the degree is completed within the time
permitted (see Section 15, page 35), and that subsequent changes in
regulations shall apply only if the student so elects. Students applying
the old academic regulations should consult the calendar of the
appropriate year.
It is the student’s responsibility to maintain documentation of
registration and subsequent changes. For environmental and financial
reasons, the Registrar’s Office will rely solely upon computer records
and will not maintain paper records of changes to a student’s
registration. |
1. Definitions
For definitions of some commonly used terms, see page 3.
Within these regulations, reference to the Student Appeals Committee should be interpreted as the Student Affairs Committee in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, as the Committee on Studies and Appeals in the Faculty of Science, the Undergraduate Committee on Studies in the Faculty of Health Professions, the Undergraduate Academic Appeals Committee in the Faculty of Management, the Academic Appeals Committee in the Faculty of Engineering, the Appeals Committee in the Faculty of Computer Science and the dean’s office in the Faculty of Architecture and Planning.
2. Class Selection
2.1 Numbering of Classes
Classes are numbered to indicate their general level. Those in the 1000 series are introductory classes at Dalhousie. Classes in the 2000, 3000 and 4000 series are usually first available to students in the second, third, and fourth years, respectively. Often these classes have prerequisites. Some departments/schools/colleges have minimum grade requirements for entry into classes above the 1000-level. Such requirements are listed in the calendar entries for the departments/schools/colleges concerned.
An example of a class identifier is as follows: CHEM 1011
CHEM ................ subject code
1011 .................. class number & level
Classes with numbers below 1000 normally do not carry credit.
2.2 Academic Advice
At Dalhousie, academic advice is available to all students prior to registration. To find out who your advisor is, see the advising website (www.dal.ca/advising) and click on “Where to go for advising.”
Academic advisors at Dalhousie strive to enable students to make a successful transition to university, to take responsibility for learning, how to set academic, career and personal goals as well as to develop strategies for achieving them.
Specifically, academic advisors at Dalhousie help students:
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| | • assess and clarify their interests, academic abilities and life goals; |
| | • develop suitable educational plans consistent with their goals; |
| | • select appropriate classes and complementary educational experiences; |
| | • interpret institutional rules and requirements; |
| | • develop decision-making skills; |
| | • resolve academic problems, conflicts and concerns; |
| | • evaluate their progress towards their goals; |
| | • by referring them as necessary to other resources. |
3. Workload
3.1 Regular Year
3.1.1 College of Arts and Science
Five full credits (30 credit hours) per academic year shall be regarded as constituting a normal workload for a student. Students wishing to increase their workload to six half credits (18 credit hours) in any term and have a sessional GPA greater than 3.00 need to contact the Registrar’s Office. Students with a GPA less than 3.00 will need to contact the appropriate Assistant Dean to request permission.
NOTE: University Exploration students may take a maximum of 4 full-credits (24 credit hours) per regular session.
3.1.2 School of Business
Five full credits (30 credit hours) per academic year shall be regarded as constituting a normal workload for a student. However, winter term of third year and first term of forth year require BComm Co-op students to take six half credits. For this reason, BComm Co-op students must apply to exceed the normal workload policy (see below).
During the work term, the work assignment shall constitute the normal workload.
Note that the second and third summers are regular academic and workterms for co-op students.
Students who wish to exceed the normal workload must submit a completed course overload form to the BComm Co-op Program Manager. Such permission will not normally be granted for more than one half credit per term, nor to any student who is in his/her first year of study or who, in the preceding academic term, earned a term GPA of less than 3.00 on a full load of classes. Students are not permitted to take more than six courses in any single academic term.
3.1.3 Faculties of Architecture and Planning, Computer Science, Engineering, Health Professions and Bachelor of Management
For normal workloads, see the individual school or college section of the calendar. Written permission from the school or college Committee on Studies or the Program Administrator for Bachelor of Management is required if the normal workload is to be exceeded. Applications from students who give good reasons for wishing to take an overload will be considered. Such permission will not normally be granted to any student in the first year of study, or to any student who, in the preceding academic term, obtained a grade point average of less than 3.00.
3.2 Summer Session
It is recommended that students take only one full credit in each of the May-June or July-August parts of term. Students who want to exceed the recommended number of credits should speak to an academic advisor in their faculty, school or department.
4. Registration
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| 1. | It is a student’s responsibility to register. Registration instructions are available on the web at http://www.registrar.dal.ca. Registration for classes is completed using Dal.online. The timetable of classes for 2012-2013 and registration dates are available in March. |
| 2. | A student is considered registered after selection of classes. Selection of classes is deemed to be an agreement by the student for the payment of all assessed fees. |
| 3. | All students are required to obtain ID card or validate an existing ID card at the DalCard Office. |
| 4. | Space in class. Enrolment is limited in all classes, and admission does not guarantee that space will be available in any class or section. However, no student in a graduating year may be excluded from a class required by that student to meet degree program requirements because of lack of space. This rule does not apply to elective courses or to preferred sections of classes. Any student in a graduating year who encounters such a situation should immediately consult the department chair, school director or dean. |
ID cards are mandatory and must be presented to write an officially scheduled examination. In addition, some services such as the issuance of bursary or scholarship cheques, library privileges and Dalplex require the presentation of a valid Dalhousie ID card.
5. Class Changes and Withdrawal
5.1 Class Changes
It is recognized that some students may wish to make changes in programs already arranged. Class changes will normally be completed during the first two weeks of classes. (For Summer term information, see the Summer School Schedule.) The last dates for adding and deleting classes are published in the schedule of Academic Class Add/Drop Dates, page 1 of this calendar. Class changes should be made on the Web at
www.dal.ca/online
Please note that dropping or changing classes may affect your eligibility for student aid.
5.2 Withdrawal
Non-attendance does not, in itself, constitute withdrawal.
Withdrawals are effective when a student withdraws from classes on the Web at
www.dal.ca/online or written notification is received at the Registrar’s Office.
In the Faculty of Health Professions students who wish to withdraw from the university must obtain written approval from the appropriate school or college and submit the appropriate forms to the Registrar. Students should not discontinue attendance at any class until their withdrawal has been approved.
Students withdrawing voluntarily from the University should consult the individual faculty regulations and the Fees section of this Calendar.
When the work of a student becomes unsatisfactory, or a student’s attendance is irregular without sufficient reason, the faculty concerned may require withdrawal from one or more classes, or withdrawal from the Faculty. If a student is required to withdraw from a Faculty such a student may apply to another Faculty. However, in assessing the application, previous performance will be taken into consideration.
6. Counting of Credits for Two Dalhousie Undergraduate Degrees
Students who hold one undergraduate degree from Dalhousie and who wish to gain a second undergraduate degree must fulfil the requirements of the second degree and meet the following stipulations:
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| 1. | Only credits that are applicable to the program for the second degree may be counted for credit. |
| 2. | Each credit carried forward must have a grade of C or higher. |
6.1 College of Arts and Science
For the honours degree, a minimum of ten new full credits are to be taken, in accordance with “Degree Requirements” listed elsewhere in this calendar.
For the major (20-credit) BA degree, a minimum of ten new full credits, or the equivalent, must be taken. At least six of these are to be beyond the 1000-level in a new major subject, and at least three of the six must be beyond the 2000-level.
For the major (20-credit) BSc degree, a minimum of ten new full credits, or the equivalent, must be taken. At least seven of these are to be beyond the 1000-level in a new major subject, and at least four of the seven must be beyond the 2000-level.
For the 15-credit degree, a minimum of 7.5 new credits must be taken. At least four of these are to be beyond the 1000-level in a new area of concentration, and at least two of the four must be beyond the 2000-level. Normally, two credits will be in a subject other than the area of concentration.
Students may obtain a second BSc by completing the above requirements. More than one BA is not awarded.
6.2 Management
For the BComm co-op degree a minimum of ten (10) new full credits (plus 3 work terms) must be taken, of which at least eight (8) must be in the core area and include the three work term half class credits.
For the BMgmt degree (20 credits), a minimum of ten (10) new full credits must be taken, and all core requirements met.
6.3 Health Professions
For degrees in the Faculty of Health Professions no more than half the credits required for an undergraduate degree may be carried forward from an earlier degree.
6.4 Architecture and Planning
For the BEDS degree, a minimum of one third of the credits required in the third and fourth years must be taken while registered in the BEDS program.
6.5 Computer Science and Engineering
For the BCSc, BINF, and BEng degrees, a minimum of 10 new credits must be taken.
6.6 Transfer Credits from Dental Hygiene
Students who have completed the Diploma in Dental Hygiene at Dalhousie University may receive 5 credits towards a BA or BSc.
7. Transfer Students
7.1 Transfer Credits - All Faculties
At Dalhousie transfer credits may be granted for classes which are offered by a recognized university or equivalent institution of higher learning and which are judged to be comparable to classes offered at Dalhousie and to be appropriate to a student’s academic program at Dalhousie. Transfer credit will be granted for any class in which a final mark of C or higher was obtained.
Transfer credits are subject to the approval of the appropriate department/school/college. For classes not within the purview of a Dalhousie department/school/college, the Registrar’s Office will assess transfer credits. Students may appeal, in writing, a negative decision and should justify the inclusion of such classes in the student’s proposed program. Copies of calendar descriptions are necessary. Such descriptions are not normally included with university transcripts, and it is the student’s responsibility to provide them.
Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Management require class syllabi that includes the length of the class, topics covered, evaluation, textbook used, and required reading.
College of Arts and Science and Faculty of Management classes that are more than ten (10) years old may not be used to fulfil degree requirements unless a waiver is granted. See Regulation 15, page 35 for information on other faculties.
Transfer credits may be counted towards fulfilment of the concentration, major or honours or Commerce/Management core area requirement of a bachelor’s degree with specific advance approval from the appropriate department/school/college at Dalhousie.
To obtain a first degree or diploma, at least half of the credits, including at least half in the field of concentration or major or minor, must normally be taken at Dalhousie.
For the BComm Co-op degree, a minimum of ten (10) full credits (plus 3 workterms) must be taken, of which at least eight (8) must be in the core area and include the three workterm half-class credits.
For the BMgmt degree, a maximum of 10 full credits may be counted towards the program. Of these credits only 4 can be at the 1000 level and 3 commerce elective.
In the Faculty of Health Professions to obtain a first degree, all or most of the advanced work of the program (i.e., at least half the credits taken in the second and subsequent years of study) must be taken at Dalhousie.
Note: Transfer credits will not be awarded for work completed while a student was academically ineligible.
7.2 Architecture and Planning
For the BEDS degree, at least one third of the credits required in the third and fourth years must be taken while registered in the BEDS program at Dalhousie. Classes taken to qualify for admission are not converted to transfer credits unless they are equivalent to BEDS classes. For the Bachelor of Community Design, at least half of the credits must be taken at Dalhousie, including half in the major field.
7.3 Computer Science
For the BCSc and BINF degrees, at least half of the credits must be taken at Dalhousie. Ten CSCI classes, including 6 of the 3rd and 4th year CSCI classes, must be taken at Dalhousie
7.4 Engineering
For the BEng degree, at least half of the credits, including the final two study terms with a full class load, must be taken at Dalhousie. For the Bachelor of Applied Science, at least half of the credits for the degree must be taken at Dalhousie, including half in the major field.
7.5 Procedures
As soon as the student’s record has been assessed the Registrar’s Office will inform the student which transfer credits have been awarded. The number of credits which have been approved, and which Dalhousie classes may not be taken, will be included in the letter. If more credits have been approved than can be applied to the student’s program, the Registrar’s Office will decide the appropriate transfer credits. Transfer credits awarded on admission appear on a Dalhousie transcript as credits only; no marks are shown.
If by registration time the student has not received written confirmation of transfer credits, the student should check with the Registrar’s Office. Information, although incomplete, may be available and may be helpful in choosing Dalhousie classes.
Before selecting classes the student should consult with the appropriate department/school/college to determine how the transfer credits will fit into the student’s specific academic program at Dalhousie.
7.6 Classes Taken at Other Universities on Letter of Permission
A student who wishes to take classes at other institutions while registered at Dalhousie must obtain approval in advance on a form available online at
www.registrar.dal.ca/forms. A Letter of Permission will be provided if all the following conditions are met:
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| | • the student is in good academic standing, i.e., students who have been academically dismissed or are on probation are not eligible |
| | • the student has not exceeded the allowable number of transfer credits |
| | • the course at the other institution is acceptable for transfer to Dalhousie |
| | • the workload will not exceed Dalhousie’s limitations |
| | • the class is not offered at Dalhousie in the term in which the student wishes to take it; or the student has a scheduling conflict; or the class is full; or the student is living outside the local area. |
The departments of French, German, Russian Studies, and Spanish and Latin American Studies have special arrangements whereby up to 5 full credits taken at other universities may be considered as part of a student’s program at Dalhousie (see Regulation 13, page 35).
No credit will be given for any classes taken at another university while a student is not in good standing at Dalhousie. See page 3 of this calendar for the definition of “good standing”.
8. Advanced Standing
Students possessing advanced knowledge of a subject will be encouraged to begin their studies in that subject at a level appropriate to their knowledge, as determined by the department/school/college concerned. However, such students must complete, at Dalhousie, the full number of credits required for the particular credential being sought.
9. Part-Time Students
Part-time students are reminded of the university policy that limits programs of study to 10 years from the date of initial registration in the College of Arts & Science and the Faculty of Management. See Regulation 15, page 35 for details on duration of study. Note also, regulation 7 above concerning the number of credits that must be completed at Dalhousie.
9.1 College of Arts and Science
Part-time students are admitted to most of the programs offered in the College of Arts and Science. Admission requirements and regulations are the same for all students. Part-time students are encouraged to consult with the College of Continuing Education for advice on their academic programs and other matters (see College of Continuing Education).
9.2 Faculty of Management
The Faculty of Management is committed to providing students the opportunity to obtain a degree/diploma through full-time study and part-time study where the latter is feasible.
9.3 Faculty of Health Professions
Because of the restriction on the duration of undergraduate studies (see Academic Regulation 15, page 35), the opportunity for part-time study is limited in the majority of programs.
The exceptions are the undergraduate programs in the School of Health and Human Performance, the School of Social Work, and the Bachelor of Science (Nursing) programs for Registered Nurses.
9.4 Faculty of Architecture and Planning
Part-time study is not available in the Bachelor of Environmental Design Studies (BEDS) program. Part-time study is available in the Bachelor of Community Design (BCD) program.
9.5 Faculty of Engineering
Because of the restriction on the duration of undergraduate studies, (see Regulation 15, page 35), the opportunity for part-time study is limited.
9.6 Faculty of Computer Science
Part-time students may be admitted to the Bachelor of Computer Science and Bachelor of Informatics program.
10. Audit of Classes
Students who have been admitted to a faculty may audit many of the classes offered with the permission of the instructor. Registration for an audit is available from the first day of classes until the last day to add a class. Students auditing classes will not be eligible to write examinations in the audited class and will not in any circumstance be granted credit for it. Fees are payable as indicated under Fees. A class may not be changed from credit to audit or from audit to credit status after the last date for dropping classes without ‘W’ (see the schedule of Academic Class Add/Drop Dates).
11. Experimental Classes—College of Arts and Science
Experimental classes, on any subject or combination of subjects to which arts or sciences are relevant, and differing in conception from any of the classes regularly listed in departmental offerings, may be formed on the initiative of students or faculty members.
If formed on the initiative of students, the students concerned shall seek out faculty members to take part in the classes.
Whether formed on the initiative of students or on the initiative of faculty members, the faculty members who wish to take part must obtain the consent of their department.
The class may be offered over the regular session or for one term only.
A class shall be considered to be formed when at least one faculty member and at least eight students have committed themselves to taking part in it for its full length.
Classes may be formed any time before the end of the second week of classes in the fall term to run the regular session or fall term, or any time before the end of the second week of classes in the winter term. If they are formed long enough in advance to be announced in the calendar, they shall be so announced, in a section describing the Experimental Program; if they are formed later, they shall be announced (a) in the Dalhousie Gazette, (b) in the Dal News, (c) on a central bulletin board set aside for this purpose.
One faculty member taking part in each experimental class shall be designated the rapporteur of the class with responsibility for (a) advising the curriculum committee of the formation and content of the class; (b) obtaining from the curriculum committee a ruling as to what requirement or requirements of distribution, concentration, and credit the class may be accepted as satisfying; (c) reporting to the Registrar on the performance of students in the class; (d) reporting to the curriculum committee, after the class has finished its work, on the subjects treated, the techniques of instruction, and the success of the class as an experiment in pedagogy (judged so far as possible on the basis of objective comparisons with more familiar types of classes).
Students may have five full credit experimental classes (or some equivalent combination of these with half-credit classes) counted as satisfying class for class any of the requirements for the degree, subject to the rulings of the relevant curriculum committee (above) and to the approval of the departments.
12. Summer School
12.1 Summer Session
Dalhousie currently offers a Summer session of approximately sixteen weeks, May - August. See Regulation 3.2, page 32 for permitted work-load.
13. International Exchange and Study Abroad Programs
A number of programs enable Dalhousie University students to pursue part of their studies in another country and culture. For details regarding classes taken at other universities, see Regulation 7.6, page 34.
University-wide programs allow students from a variety of academic departments to take part in a study abroad or exchange program. These are coordinated by the Study Abroad and Exchange Advisor in International Student and Exchange Services (ISES), located in the Killam Library, main floor. Department-specific programs are coordinated by an individual within the department/faculty. Additional information is available at: www.dal.ca/ises.
It is important to note that there are application deadlines for these programs; plan to apply up to a year prior to departure.
14. Preparation for Other Programs
Work in the College of Arts and Science is a prerequisite for various programs in other faculties and other institutions. A brief summary of the academic work required for admission to certain programs is given here. Further information may be found later in this calendar, or in the Faculty of Graduate Studies calendar or the Dentistry, Law and Medicine calendar.
Graduate Studies: The normal requirement for admission to a graduate program is an honours degree or the equivalent.
Architecture: Two years of university study are required for entry to the BEDS program in architecture. For details, see the Architecture section in this calendar.
Dental Hygiene: Completion of 5 full credits at the university level of one regular session’s duration in the following: biology, psychology, sociology, a writing class, a one term course in introductory statistics and a one term course in introductory chemistry. For details, see the Dentistry, Law and Medicine calendar.
Dentistry: See the Dentistry, Law and Medicine calendar.
Design: Students completing one year in the College of Arts and Science at Dalhousie may be admitted into the second year of the four year program leading to the Bachelor of Design degree in communication design at the NSCAD University.
Law: At least two years of work leading to one of the degrees of BA, BSc, BComm, BMgmt. For details, please see the Dentistry, Law and Medicine calendar.
Medicine: A BA, BSc, BComm, or BMgmt degree. For details, see the Dentistry, Law and Medicine calendar.
Veterinary Medicine: The equivalent of twenty one-term classes (two years of university study) are required for admission to the Atlantic Veterinary College of the University of Prince Edward Island. Credits must include two mathematics classes, including statistics; four biology classes, including genetics and microbiology; three chemistry classes including organic chemistry; one physics class; two English classes, including one with an emphasis on writing; three humanities and social sciences classes; five electives from any discipline.
15. Duration of Undergraduate Studies
15.1 College of Arts and Science/Faculty of Management
Students are normally required to complete their undergraduate studies within ten years of their first registration, and to comply with the academic regulations in force at the time of that registration. This is also the normal limit for transfer credits. However, the student appeals committee of the appropriate Faculty or School may grant permission to continue studies for a reasonable further period, subject to such conditions as the committee deems appropriate and with the stipulation that the student must meet the degree requirements in force when the extension is granted.
15.2 Faculty of Health Professions
With the exception of the undergraduate programs in the School of Health and Human Performance and the School of Social Work to which Regulation 15.1 applies, students in the Faculty of Health Professions are normally required to complete their undergraduate studies within six years of first registration in professional classes.
15.3 Faculty of Architecture and Planning
Students in the BEDS program are normally required to complete their degree within four years. Students in the Bachelor of Community Design program must complete their degree within 10 years.
15.4 Faculty of Computer Science
Students in the BCSc degree program are normally required to complete their degree within 8 years.
Student Exchange and Study Abroad Agreements
NOTE: For the Student Exchange and Study Abroad Agreements table, please select this link.
15.5 Faculty of Engineering
15.5.1 Diploma of Engineering
Students registered in the Diploma of Engineering program are normally required to complete their requirements in a period of time not exceeding four consecutive calendar years from their first date of registration.
15.5.2 Bachelor of Engineering (Upper Division)
Students registered in the upper division component of the BEng program are normally required to complete their degree, including any coop education requirements, in a period of time not exceeding five consecutive calendar years from their first date of registration in Term 5.
15.5.3 Food Science
Students in the BASc degree program in Food Science are normally required to complete their degree within 8 years of their first registration in the program.
16. Assessment
16.1 Method
Examinations may be oral, written (closed or open book) under supervision, or take-home.
Students will be provided with a class outline by the instructor at the first meeting of the class. In order to complete a class satisfactorily, a student must fulfil all the requirements as set down in the class outline. Changes to the outline which affect assessment components, the weight of individual assessment components, or examination requirements with a value of ten percent or more must have the approval of at least two-thirds of enrolled students in order to be valid.
When collaboration is included as part of class expectations as in group projects or group assignments, the instructor will provide in the class outline, a statement of the degree of collaboration permitted in the preparation and submission of assignments.
Within four weeks after the beginning of each term, class outlines will be placed on file with the appropriate faculty/school/college.
Students should be aware that certain classes at the University involve required laboratory work where radioactive isotopes are present and are used by students. Since there are potential health risks associated with the improper handling of such radioactive isotopes, Dalhousie University requires that, as a condition of taking a class where radioactive isotopes are to be used, students read and agree to comply with the instructions for the safe handling of such radioactive isotopes. In the event that students do not comply with the instructions for the safe handling of radioactive isotopes, students will receive no credit for the required laboratory work unless other acceptable alternatives are arranged with the instructor. In many cases, alternate arrangements are not possible and students should consider enrolling in a different class.
16.1.1 Academic Accommodation for Students with Learning Disabilities
See Accomodation Policy page 21.
16.2 Examinations and Tests
Tests are normally scheduled during class time. Tests scheduled outside class time should not conflict with the regularly scheduled classes. Dates and times must be included in the course syllabus..
Periods of approximately three weeks in the spring and one and one-half weeks in December are set aside for the scheduling of formal written examinations by the Registrar. Instructors wishing to have examinations scheduled by the Registrar for their classes must so inform the Registrar at the beginning of the first week of classes in the fall and winter terms. Instructors may also arrange their own examinations at times and places of their choosing during the formal examination periods, with the understanding that in cases of conflict of examinations for an individual student, the Registrar’s examination schedule takes priority.
16.2.1 College of Arts and Sciences, Faculties of Architecture and Planning, Computer Science, Engineering, Health Professions and Management
No written tests or examinations, with the exception of project presentations and major papers, worth more than 25% of the final grade, may be held in the last two weeks of a term, without the explicit approval of the appropriate faculty, school or college. No tests may be held between the end of classes and the beginning of the official examination period with the exception of those activity modules and laboratory classes in the Faculty of Health Professions in which special facilities are required.
Students may contact the dean’s/director’s office of the appropriate faculty/school/college for assistance if they are scheduled for more than two examinations on the same day.
16.3 Submission of Grades
On completion of a class, the instructor is required to submit grades to the Registrar. Grades are due seven (7) calendar days after an exam scheduled by the Registrar or fourteen (14) days after the last class where there is no final exam scheduled by the Registrar. Such grades are to be based on the instructor’s evaluation of the academic performance of the students in the class in question.
16.4 Incomplete
Students are expected to complete class work by the prescribed deadlines. Only in special circumstances (e.g., the death of a close relative) may an instructor extend such deadlines. Incomplete work in a class must be completed by:
Fall term classes Feb 1
Winter and regular session (Sept. - Apr.) classes June 1
May-June classes Aug 1
May- August classes Oct 1
July-August classes Oct 1
Exceptions to this rule will normally be extended only to classes which require field work during the summer months. At present the list of these classes consists of:
Students taking any of these classes in their final year should note that they will not be able to graduate at the spring convocation.
The Registrar’s Office is not permitted to accept a late clearance of INC or late grade changes other than those due to errors. If there are exceptional circumstances, a recommendation should be forwarded to the undergraduate coordinator or the Committee on Studies of the appropriate faculty/school. Unless INC is changed it counts in the GPA and has a grade point value of 0.00 - it is a failing grade.
16.5 Supplementals
Faculties of Engineering and Health Professions
In classes where supplementals are available, a student must have achieved a grade of “FM” in the class in which the supplemental is to be written.
On re-examination the grade awarded for the class will be recorded on the student’s transcript along with a notation that the grade was earned by supplemental examination. In the Faculty of Health Professions, the highest grade that can be awarded is C for professional classes and D for other classes. Only the supplemental grade will be included in the grade point average. Supplemental exams will be administered by the participating faculty/school/ college. Students should check directly with their faculty/school/ college for detailed information on the awarding of FM grades and eligibility for supplemental examinations.
School of Business
All students who fail a core Bachelor of Commerce class will have an opportunity to write a supplemental exam. The following terms and conditions apply to the writing of supplemental exams.
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| a. | The class must offer a final examination as part of the normal evaluation process. |
| b. | The minimum final grade for the class must be FM to be eligible to write a supplementary exam. |
| c. | The supplemental exam is to be written within four calendar weeks following the original final exam at a time determined by the Commerce Program Manager |
| d. | The grade obtained on the supplemental exam replaces the final exam grade in the calculation of the overall mark. However, under no circumstances shall the final grade in the class be raised higher than a D. |
| e. | There is a $25.00 non-refundable fee per exam. |
| f. | Students may write only one supplementary exam at the 2000 level, one at the 3000 level and one at the 4000 level. |
If you have questions about supplementary exams, please contact the Undergraduate Academic Advising Office.
16.6 Correction of Errors in Recorded Grades
Students must request correction in the calculation or recording of final grades by:
Fall term classes Feb 1
Winter and regular session (Sept. - Apr.) classes June 1
May-June classes Aug 1
May- August classes Oct 1
July- August classes Oct 1
16.7 Reassessment of a Final Grade
Students who have questions about final grades that are assigned are encouraged to discuss them with the class instructor. In addition, students may consult the chair of the department, director of the school/college, dean of the faculty, the Student Advocate or the Ombud. If their concerns cannot be resolved, students may also use the formal process that follows for the re-assessment of final grades.
Once a final class grade has been submitted to the Registrar, a student who wishes to have a final grade re-assessed should make a written request to the Registrar and pay the requisite fee of $50.00 per class. The request must identify the specific component which the student wishes re-assessed and the grounds for the request. Such requests must be made by:
Fall term classes March 1
Winter and regular session (Sept. - Apr.) classes July 1
May-June classes Sept 1
May- August classes Nov 1
July- August classes Nov 1
When such a request is received, the Registrar will forward it to the dean of the faculty or director of the school/college offering the class. The re-assessment will be conducted according to procedures developed for the purpose by the faculty/school/college. These should reflect the nature of the academic disciplines and assessment involved, and should provide for a review of the assessment by a qualified person or persons not responsible for the original evaluation.
The student will be notified, by the Registrar’s Office, of the outcome of the re-assessment. If the re-assessment results in the assignment of a grade that is different (higher or lower) from the original one, the new grade will replace the original one and the $50.00 will be refunded.
Students who wish information about grade re-assessment procedures should contact their faculty/school/college office.
16.8 Special Arrangements for Examinations, Tests and Assignments
At the discretion of the instructor, alternate arrangements for examinations, tests or the completion of assignments may be made for students who are ill, or in other exceptional circumstances.
Where illness is involved, a certificate from the student’s physician will be required. This certificate should indicate the dates and duration of the illness, when possible should describe the impact it had on the student’s ability to fulfil academic requirements, and should include any other information the physician considers relevant and appropriate. To obtain a medical certificate, students who miss examinations, tests or the completion of other assignments should contact the University Health Services or their physician at the time they are ill and should submit a medical certificate to their instructor as soon thereafter as possible. Such certificates will not normally be accepted after a lapse of more than one week from the examination or assignment completion date.
For exceptional circumstances other than illness, appropriate documentation, depending on the situation, will be required.
Requests for alternate arrangements should be made to the instructor in all cases. The deadline for changing a grade of ILL is:
Fall term classes Feb 1
Winter and regular session (Sept. - Apr.) classes June 1
May-June classes Aug 1
May- August classes Oct 1
July- August classes Oct 1
Requests to change grades after these deadlines must be submitted in writing to the appeals committee of the appropriate school, college or faculty.
NOTE: Any student whose request for special arrangements has been denied and wishes to appeal, should refer to Appeals, page 43.
17. Academic Standing
Students’ academic standing is normally assessed at the end of each term.
17.1 Grade Scale and Definitions
|
Grade
|
Grade Point
Value
|
Definition
|
|
A+
A
A-
|
4.30
4.00
3.70
|
Excellent
|
Considerable evidence of original thinking; demonstrated outstanding capacity to analyze and synthesize; outstanding grasp of subject matter; evidence of extensive knowledge base.
|
B+
B
B-
|
3.30
3.00
2.70
|
Good
|
Evidence of grasp of subject matter, some evidence of critical capacity and analytical ability; reasonable understanding of relevant issues; evidence of familiarity with the literature.
|
C+
C
C-
|
2.30
2.00
1.70
|
Satisfactory
|
Evidence of some understanding of the subject matter; ability to develop solutions to simple problems; benefitting from his/her university experience.
|
|
D
|
1.00
|
Marginal Pass
|
Evidence of minimally acceptable familiarity with subject matter, critical and analytical skills (except in programs where a minimum grade of ‘C’ is required).
|
|
FM
|
0.00
|
Marginal Failure
|
Available only for Engineering, Health Professions and Commerce.
|
|
F
|
0.00
|
Inadequate
|
Insufficient evidence of understanding of the subject matter; weakness in critical and analytical skills; limited or irrelevant use of the literature.
|
|
INC
|
0.00
|
Incomplete
|
|
|
W
|
Neutral and no credit obtained
|
Withdrew after deadline
|
|
|
ILL
|
Neutral and no credit obtained
|
Compassionate reasons, illness
|
|
|
P
|
Neutral
|
Pass
|
|
|
TR
|
Neutral
|
Transfer credit on admission
|
|
|
Pending
|
Neutral
|
Grade not reported
|
|
17.1.1 Grade Point Average (GPA)
The Grade Point Average is calculated by summing the values obtained by multiplying the grade points obtained in each class in accordance with the scale in 17.1, by the number of credit hours of each class then dividing that sum by the total credit hours attempted. A Term GPA includes only those classes attempted in a single term and the Cumulative GPA includes all classes attempted while registered in a level of study (see definition, page 3). If a class has been repeated, only the highest grade awarded is included.
17.2 Grade Points on Admission
Transfer credits on admission count as credits without grade points, i.e., they are neutral in the calculation of the GPA.
17.3 Grade Points on Letter of Permission
Classes taken on a Letter of Permission at a Canadian university, where a letter grade system is used, the appropriate Dalhousie letter grade and corresponding grade points will be assigned. For institutions not using letter grades, the grade will be translated into a Dalhousie grade and corresponding grade points assigned. For institutions outside of Canada, a grade of P (pass) or F (fail), as appropriate, will be recorded.
17.4 Repeating Classes for which a Passing Grade has been Awarded
With the permission of the department/school/college concerned, a student may repeat any class for which a passing grade has previously been awarded. The original passing grade will nevertheless remain on the transcript and a second entry will be recorded with the new grade and the notation “repeated class.” No additional credit will be given for such a repeated class, and only the highest grade will be included in the calculation of the GPA.
18. Good Standing
Students who meet the required GPA are considered to be in good academic standing. In the Faculties of Architecture and Planning, Arts and Social Sciences, Computer Science, Health Professions, Management, and Science a cumulative GPA of 2.00 is required. In the Faculty of Engineering (Lower Division), which includes Bachelor of Engineering, years 1 and 2, Bachelor of Food Science special and visiting students, a cumulative GPA of 2.00 is required. In the Faculty of Engineering (Upper Division), which includes Bachelor of Engineering, years 3 and 4, a term GPA of 2.00 is required.
19. Probation
19.1 Faculties of Architecture and Planning, Arts and Social Sciences, Computer Science, Engineering (Lower Division, Years 1 and 2 and Bachelor of Applied Science), Health Professions, Management and Science
19.1.1
Students with a cumulative GPA of less than 2.00 and greater than or equal to 1.70 who have completed at least four full credits will be placed on academic probation.
19.1.2
Students on probation are allowed to continue to register on probation provided their term GPA is at least 2.00. Students will be returned to “good standing” when they achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.00. Students on probation who do not achieve a term GPA of 2.00 will be academically dismissed.
19.1.3
Students require a cumulative GPA of 2.00 to graduate. Therefore, no one will be allowed to graduate while on probation.
19.2 Faculty of Engineering (Upper Division, Years 3 and 4)
19.2.1
Students in the Bachelor of Engineering (Upper Division) with a cumulative GPA of less than 2.00 and greater than or equal to 1.70 who have completed at least two full credits will be placed on academic probation.
19.2.2
Students on probation may continue to register provided their term GPA is at least 2.00. Students will be returned to “good standing’ when they achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.00. Students on probation who do not achieve a term GPA of 2.00 will be academically dismissed.
19.2.3
Students require a cumulative GPA of 2.00 to graduate. Therefore, no one will be allowed to graduate while on probation.
20. Academic Dismissal
20.1 Academic Dismissal - Faculties of Architecture and Planning, Arts and Social Sciences, Computer Science, Engineering (Lower Division, Years 1 and 2 and Bachelor of Applied Science), Health Professions, Management and Science
20.1.1
20.1.1
Students with a cumulative GPA of less than 1.70 who have completed at least four full credits will be academically dismissed for a 12-month period.
NOTES:
Faculty of Architecture and Planning students who have been academically dismissed may apply for readmission. Bachelor of Environmental Design Studies students applying for readmission to the School of Architecture are required to submit a portfolio and further evidence of academic abilities that will be evaluated with the current BEDS admissions. Readmission is not guaranteed. In evaluating applications for readmission to the Bachelor of Community Design program, the School of Planning will consider evidence regarding the preparedness of the student to succeed academically after resuming studies. Students who have been dismissed twice from either program will not be readmitted.
BSW students who fail
SLWK 4033or who fail a repeated class, will be dismissed.
BHSC student who fail a required class for a second time will be dismissed.
DDM students who fail the same class twice will be dismissed.
BEng and DipEng students who fail the same class more than once will be dismissed.
20.1.2
Students on probation who do not achieve a term GPA of 2.00 or greater will be academically dismissed for a 12-month period.
20.1.3
Students who have been academically dismissed will not be allowed to apply for re-admission for at least twelve months.
20.1.4
Students who have been academically dismissed for the first time and have subsequently been re-admitted after an absence of a 12-month period may re-register on probation.
20.1.5
Faculty of Arts and Social Science students who have been academically dismissed for the second time will not normally be allowed to apply for re-admission for at least three calendar years. Students may, however, petition the Student Affairs Committee for re-admission after two years provided they have met with the Assistant Dean.
20.1.6
Faculty of Health Professions students who have been academically dismissed twice will not be allowed to apply for re-admission.
20.1.7
Faculty of Engineering students who have been academically dismissed for a second time will not be readmitted to any engineering program at Dalhousie.
20.1.8
Faculty of Computer Science students who have been dismissed and who have been required to withdraw from the university for one term or more may be readmitted to a program in the Faculty of Computer Science only once.
20.1.9
Faculty of Science students who have been required to withdraw for a second time must meet with the Assistant Dean (Student Affairs) who may recommend that they reapply for re-admission after two calendar years or who may refer the matter to the Faculty Committee on Studies and Appeals.
20.1.10
Faculty of Management Students who have been academically dismissed for the second time will not normally be allowed to apply for re-admission for at least thee calendar years. Students may, however, petition the Program Director for re-admission after two years.
20.2 Faculty of Engineering (Upper Division, Years 3 and 4)
20.2.1
Students with a cumulative GPA of less than 1.70 who have completed at least two full credits will be academically dismissed for an eight month period.
20.2.2
Students on probation who do not achieve a term GPA of 2.00 or greater will be academically dismissed for an eight month period.
20.2.3
Students who have been academically dismissed will not be allowed to apply for readmission for at least eight months.
20.2.4
Students who have been academically dismissed for the first time and have subsequently been re-admitted after an absence of an eight month period, may re-register on probation.
20.2.5
Students who fail the same course more than once will be dismissed.
20.2.6
Students who have been academically dismissed for a second time will not be readmitted to any engineering program at Dalhousie.
20.3 Faculty of Health Professions - Suspension or Dismissal from a Program on the Grounds of Professional Unsuitability
See University Regulations, page 25.
20.A Policy on Academic Forgiveness
20.A.1 Policy
The Academic Forgiveness policy allows a returning student to apply to the Registrar's Office for academic forgiveness of his/her prior cumulative grade point average. The policy is designed for undergraduate students who have had a period of absence from their academic program and have demonstrated acceptable academic performance following their return. The Academic Forgiveness policy is subject to the following regulations.
20.A.2 Regulations
20.A.2.1
Academic Forgiveness applies only to returning undergraduate students who have had an absence of at least three calendar years from their program or faculty at Dalhousie University.
20.A.2.2
A minimum of 4 full credits of coursework with a grade point average of at least 2.0 must be completed after returning before a written request for Academic Forgiveness may be submitted to the Registrar's Office.
20.A.2.3
Academic Forgiveness will affect the student's cumulative grade point average in all courses taken prior to the minimum three-year absence. Academic Forgiveness applies to all courses taken at all colleges/universities during the forgiveness period, not only selected courses or terms.
20.A.2.4
No punitive grades resulting from an Academic Discipline hearing will be forgiven.
20.A.2.5
A student can have the Academic Forgiveness policy applied to his or her academic record only one time.
With the approval of the Registrar or designate, in consultation with the Dean, the student will be granted Academic Forgiveness. The student's transcript will remain a record of all coursework completed and original grades obtained. Courses taken prior to the three or more year absence will not be used in computing cumulative grade point average, with the exception of punitive grades awarded as the result of an Academic Discipline hearing. Students will be eligible to retain credit for courses in which they received a passing grade, however they will be required to complete at least 60 credit hours (10 full credits) following Academic Forgiveness before they will be eligible to graduate.
The transcript will have “Academic Forgiveness” noted on it at the end of the last term for which the student receives forgiveness.
21. Graduation Standing
Note that students entering the College of Pharmacy in September 1997 or later should consult the College of Pharmacy for information on graduation and scholarship standing.
21.1 Minimum Cumulative GPA
21.1.1
A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 is required for the awarding of an undergraduate degree in the Faculties of Architecture and Planning, Arts and Social Sciences, Computer Science, Engineering, Health Professions, Management and Science.
For details on the required standing for graduation in honours programs, see the Degree Requirements section of this calendar for the Faculties of Arts and Social Sciences, Science and the appropriate faculty/school section for honours programs in other faculties.
21.2 Graduation with Distinction
Faculties of Architecture and Planning, Arts and Social Sciences, Computer Science, Engineering, Science and Management
A cumulative GPA of at least 3.70 is required to graduate with distinction. For the purpose of determining whether a student will graduate with distinction, all classes taken while registered in a level of study at Dalhousie, including classes taken on letter of permission, repeated classes, and classes for which non-passing grades were obtained, are included. At least half of the classes must be completed at Dalhousie. The notation “Distinction” will appear on the transcript.
Faculty of Health Professions
A cumulative GPA of at least 3.70 is required to graduate with Distinction from the Faculty of Health Professions programs. For the purpose of determining whether a student will graduate with distinction: credits that are transferred into a degree program from other Dalhousie programs are included in final GPA calculations, credits from programs outside Dalhousie taken prior to program entry are not used in final GPA calculations. Credits taken on Letters of Permission while in the program are used towards Distinction calculations. At least half of the classes must be completed at Dalhousie. Students who have been on the Dean’s List for three of the four years of the BSc Pharmacy program and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.70 or higher will graduate with Distinction
Sexton Distinction List
Students in the Faculties of Architecture and Planning, Computer Science, and Engineering who have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.85 upon graduation will be placed on the “Sexton Distinction List”. The notation “Sexton Distinction” will appear on the transcript.
21.3 Scholarship Standing
Please see Awards Section, Scholarship GPA, page 550, for information on the GPA required for scholarship purposes.
22. Graduation
In order to graduate students must submit an Intention to Graduate Form to the Registrar’s Office by the deadlines indicated:
| Graduation Month |
Deadline |
| May |
December 1 |
| October |
July 1 |
In cases where requests can be accommodated after the deadline, a $50 fee will be charged.
23. Dean’s List
23.1 Eligibility
Full-time students will be assessed for eligibility for the Dean’s list at the end of each academic term. Students who take a minimum of 9 credit hours in a term and achieve a term GPA of 3.70 will be placed on the Dean’s list.
Part-time students will be considered once at the end of each academic year. For this purpose, a part-time student is one who takes at least 9 credit hours during the academic year but less than 9 credit hours in any one term in the academic year. The student must achieve a GPA of 3.70 in every term in the academic year.
NOTES:
| | | |
| 1. | The number of students placed on the Dean’s list will normally not exceed 15% of the class. |
| 2. | Students registered for full year classes, i.e., classes that run from September through April will be considered for the Dean’s list when full year class results are available. |
| 3. | The notation “Dean’s List” will appear on the transcript. |
23.2 Sexton Scholar List
Students in the Faculties of Architecture and Planning, Computer Science, and Engineering who have taken a full class load, as determined by the faculty and achieved a term GPA of 3.85 will be placed on the Sexton Scholar List.
24. Appeals
24.1 Appeals for Students with Learning Disabilities
Appeals by students with learning disabilities will follow the usual procedures of the relevant faculty at Dalhousie University. See Accommodation Policy, page 21.
24.2 College of Arts and Science/Faculty of Management
Any students who believe they will suffer undue hardship from the application of any of the academic regulations may appeal for relief to the academic appeals committee of the faculty or school in which they are registered. Students wishing to appeal a decision based on faculty/school regulations must complete an “Application for a Waiver of an Academic Regulation” form, available online at www.registrar.dal.ca/forms/ or in the Registrar’s Office. The arguments and expectations of the petitioner must be clearly stated.
An appeal from a student, arising from an academic dismissal from the faculty should be addressed to the Assistant Dean in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the Committee on Studies and Appeals in the Faculty of Science, Director, Bachelor of Commerce, or to the Director, Bachelor of Management, as appropriate.
24.3 Faculty of Architecture and Planning
Appeals should be directed to the School of Architecture office or the School of Planning office.
24.4 Faculty of Computer Science
Appeals should be directed to the Administrator, Dean’s Office.
24.5 Faculty of Engineering
Appeals should be directed to the Academic Appeals Committee.
24.6 Faculty of Health Professions
School/College Committee on Undergraduate Studies
Contact the School/College or Faculty of Health Professions office for the complete terms of reference for the Committee on Undergraduate Studies and the application regarding academic appeals.
Faculty Committee on Undergraduate Studies
The Faculty Committee on Undergraduate Studies is concerned with the interpretation and application of the academic regulations of the Faculty of Health Professions. The jurisdiction of the Faculty Committee on Undergraduate Studies is to hear academic appeals beyond the school/college level when the approved appeal regulations and procedures of the respective school/college have been fully exhausted by the student. Decisions of the Faculty Committee may be appealed to the Senate Academic Appeals Committee.
The Committee has no jurisdiction to hear student appeals on a matter involving a requested exemption from the application of faculty or university regulations or procedures except when irregularities or unfairness in the application thereof is alleged.This means that only procedural issues and not the merits of the case, are subject to appeal.
25. Changes in Regulations
In general, any change to academic regulations which affects a currently registered student adversely will not apply to that student. Any student suffering undue hardship from application of any of the academic regulations may appeal for relief to the appropriate academic appeals committee as in Section 24.
