Admission and Registration
Admissions
Application
Structure of Academic Programs
Registration
Enrolment
Admissions Standards and Procedures
The School of Graduate Studies' admission standards and procedures are designed so that students entering a graduate program may normally have the capacity and preparation necessary to meet the challenge of the program effectively. The regulations for admission specify minimal requirements only. Many graduate units have additional requirements. Meeting the minimal requirements of the graduate unit and the School does not guarantee admission.
The University reserves the right to determine whether or not credentials of other degree-granting institutions meet the standards for admission to University of Toronto programs. Admissions decisions are final and are not appealable.
The University may confer upon a person more than one graduate degree having the same title provided the degrees are completed in different fields of study.
Academic Requirements for Admission
Master’s Programs
1. An appropriate four-year University of Toronto bachelor’s degree, or its equivalent from a recognized university, is required. Under exceptional circumstances, for applicants with a three-year degree, equivalency may be demonstrated, for example, through relevant work experience or additional qualifications.
2. High academic standing equivalent to a University of Toronto mid-B or better, normally demonstrated by an average grade in the final year or over senior courses, is required.
3. At least two letters of reference are required.
4. Other qualifications as may be specified by a graduate unit.
Doctor of Philosophy Programs
1. An appropriate University of Toronto master’s degree, or its equivalent from a recognized university, is required. Direct entry from a four-year bachelor’s degree to a PhD program is also available when permitted by the graduate unit. See also Admission Requirements under Degree Regulations.
2. An average grade equivalent to a University of Toronto B+ or better in a previous master’s degree program. Where relevant, demonstrated research competence equivalent to at least a B+ grade will be considered. For direct entry applicants, an average grade equivalent to a University of Toronto A- or better in courses in the relevant discipline.
3. At least two letters of reference are required.
4. Other qualifications as may be specified by a graduate unit.
Other Doctoral Programs
1. Normally, an appropriate University of Toronto master’s degree, or its equivalent from a recognized university, is required. See appropriate graduate unit entry for specific details.
2. An average grade equivalent to a University of Toronto B+ or better in master’s courses. Where relevant, demonstrated research competence equivalent to at least a B+ grade will be considered.
3. At least two letters of reference are required.
4. Other qualifications as may be specified by a graduate unit.
Applicants who graduated five or more years ago but without achieving sufficiently high standing for admission to the School may be considered for admission if, since graduation, they have done significant, intellectual work and/or made a significant professional contribution which can be considered equivalent to a higher academic standing. This contribution and its impact on the profession must be detailed and documented (e.g., publications, research, professional advancement, development of new skills, responsibility, etc.) and presented as part of the application. Such applicants may be considered for admission if they have achieved qualifications at least equivalent to those stated in the preceding sections and if a graduate unit so recommends.
Special Student Programs
Special Students must submit an application for admission for each academic year of study.
Applicants accepted as Special Student–Full Time must have completed an appropriate University of Toronto four-year bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a recognized university. They must have attained an average grade in the final year (or over senior courses) equivalent to mid-B or better.
Applicants accepted as Special Student–Part Time must hold an appropriate University of Toronto four-year bachelor’s degree, or its equivalent, from a recognized university. Before applying, applicants should specify the courses they wish to take and obtain approval from the teaching graduate unit or graduate units.
Those accepted with less than mid-B standing may not apply for admission to a degree program at a later date.
Advanced Standing
Advanced standing refers to academic credit awarded upon admission to a program of study which enables direct entry to an identified higher academic achievement level of the program. Students are eligible for advanced standing if they meet a clearly articulated set of objectives and/or course requirements for an advanced standing option as defined in the graduate program calendar entry. Not every program will offer an advanced standing option. Consult the graduate unit regarding advanced standing options.
Eligibility of Senior Faculty Members
Members of the faculty of the University or its federated or affiliated colleges, senior in rank to Lecturer, are normally not eligible to be graduate students proceeding to a degree at the University of Toronto. Exceptions may be granted by the SGS Admissions and Programs Committee when it is confident that the graduate program is sufficiently remote from the faculty member that academic impartiality is not compromised.
Courses Taken as a Special Student
On the recommendation of the graduate unit, and with the School’s approval, graduate courses taken as a Special Student may count for up to 1.0 full-course equivalent or 25% of the course requirements for the degree, whichever is greater, in a subsequent degree program at this University, provided that they have not already been credited towards another degree, diploma, certificate, or any other qualification. With the approval of the graduate unit, they may serve to satisfy prerequisite requirements. Special Students programs must include at least one graduate course. Any tuition fees paid as a Special Student cannot be transferred to a subsequent degree program.
English Language Facility
It is essential that all incoming graduate students have a good command of English. Facility in the English language must be demonstrated by all applicants educated outside Canada whose primary language is not English. This is a requirement of admission and should be met before application, but must be met before an offer of admission is made. This requirement may be satisfied using one of the following tests. Test results that are older than two years at the time of application cannot be accepted. The applicant must retake the English language facility test. Minimum scores are shown; however, many graduate units require a higher score, and applicants should consult the graduate unit to determine whether a higher minimum score applies.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Educational Testing Service
P. O. Box 6151
Princeton, New Jersey
U.S.A., 08541-6151
Web: www.toefl.org
The TOEFL examination is offered in three formats: the traditional paper-based format (only offered on specific dates in a limited number of countries), the computer-based format (offered year-round), and the internet-based format (offered year-round). Applicants registering for the paper-based TOEFL must include the Test of Written English (TWE) component. The internet and computer-based tests include a component similar to the TWE; the internet-based test also includes a speaking section. All applicants must satisfy the minimum TOEFL score requirements set by each of the four SGS academic divisions listed in the accompanying chart.
TOEFL Minimum Score RequirementsConsult the department to which you are applying to determine if a higher minimum score is required. | |||
|
Academic Division |
Paper-Based Test and TWE |
Computer-Based Test and Essay Rating |
Internet-Based Test and Writing and Speaking Sections |
|
Humanities |
Overall score 580 |
Overall score 237 |
Overall score 93 |
|
Social Sciences |
Overall score 580 |
Overall score 237 |
Overall score 93 |
|
Physical & Engineering Sciences |
Overall score 580 |
Overall score 237 |
Overall score 93 |
|
Life Sciences |
Overall score 580 |
Overall score 237 |
Overall score 93 |
Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB)
English Language Institute (ELI)
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
U.S.A., 48109-1057
Required score: 85
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate
1 Hills Road
Cambridge, U.K.
CB1 2EU
Applicants may also contact their nearest British Council Office. Please note that applicants must take the academic module of this test.
Required score: 7.0
The Certificate of Proficiency in English (COPE)
COPE Testing Limited
429 Danforth Avenue
P.O. Box 462
Toronto, Ontario
M4K 1P1
E-mail: info@copetest.com
Required score: 76 minimum total with at least 22 in each component and 32 in writing
International ESL-Academic Preparation Level 60 (Advanced)
School of Continuing Studies
University of Toronto
158 St. George Street
Toronto, Ontario
M5S 2V8
E-mail: scs.registrar@utoronto.ca
Required score: B
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Application for Admissions to a Degree Program
Procedures
1. Formal application for admission should be submitted using the Online Application accessible through the graduate units. Applicants must pay an application fee of $110; some graduate programs have set higher application fees. Payment options: (a) online using a credit card (MasterCard or Visa); (b) by mailing a certified cheque or money order in Canadian funds made payable to the University of Toronto. No decision on the application will be sent to the applicant until this fee has been paid.
2. Applicants must arrange to have one official copy of their complete academic records from all universities attended included with their application. Letters of reference are also required. Individual graduate units may require further documentation.
3. Certified English translations of all international documentation written in a language other than English or French must also be submitted.
Application Deadlines
The graduate unit determines the date by which applicants should submit their applications, supporting documentation, and at least two letters of reference to be assured that they will be considered for a place in the program of their choice and for financial support.
For specific information on application and financial support deadlines, contact the graduate unit offering the program to which you are applying.
Earlier submission is recommended for applications from outside Canada to ensure timely arrival, particularly where special documentation (and/or translation) and proof of English language facility are required.
Not all graduate units offer January admission. Consult the graduate unit concerned for more information.
Financial Assistance
For detailed information about fellowships, see calendar section titled Fees and Financial Support.
Acceptance
1. Admission decisions are made by the graduate unit. The official acceptance letter is issued by the School of Graduate Studies. Admissions decisions are final and are not appealable.
2. Applicants who are offered acceptance pending receipt of final transcripts must submit one official copy of their final transcripts to the graduate unit before final acceptance can be approved. If final transcripts do not indicate that the expected degree has been conferred, official documentation indicating the anticipated date of degree conferral must be submitted before registration.
3. Normally students accepted to the School of Graduate Studies must commence their program of study on the date specified in their letter of acceptance. If circumstances prevent a student from starting study on the specified date, the graduate unit may decide that the offer of admission be valid for a period not to exceed 12 months from the original commencement date. In such a case, an official transcript will be required to document any new study completed in the interim. If the period exceeds 12 months from the original date of expected commencement, a new application must be submitted.
4. If the graduate unit approves, students accepted to begin their programs in September will be permitted to start the preceding summer. Students taking courses during the summer will pay the Summer Session fee (academic and incidental), which is additional to the Fall and Winter Session fee. Students engaged only in research do not pay Summer Session fees.
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Structure of Academic Programs
Academic Year
In the School of Graduate Studies, the academic year begins in September and ends in August. The academic year is divided into three sessions: the Fall Session from September to December, the Winter Session from January to April, and the Summer Session from May to August.
Academic Programs
Academic programs leading to graduate degrees are defined by the units which offer them and by the degree regulations found in the Degree Regulations section for the EdD, PhD, MA, MSc, MASc., MEd, MEng, and MHSc For other degrees, consult the relevant graduate unit listing in the Degree Programs by Graduate Unit section of this Calendar or on the Web at
www.sgs.utoronto.ca/programs.htm.Minimum Period of Registration (formerly Program Length)
All academic programs specify a minimum period of registration defined as the shortest length of time a student must be registered in that program on a full-time basis in order to qualify for the degree. This period also establishes the minimum degree fee students must pay.
Residence
Many programs specify a period of residence during which the student is required to be on campus and consequently in such geographical proximity as to be able to participate fully in the University activities associated with the program. Residence provides the student with an opportunity to become immersed in the intellectual environment of the university.
Full-time Studies
Full-time graduate students are defined according to government regulations as follows:
1. They must be pursuing their studies as a full-time occupation and identify themselves as full-time graduate students.
2. They must be designated by the University as full-time students.
3. They must be geographically available and visit the campus regularly.
4. They must be considered to be full-time students by their supervisors.
5. If an academic program requires an absence from the University, students must apply through their graduate unit for permission to be off campus.
Part-time Studies
From first registration, part-time studies are permitted in those master’s degree programs offering a part-time program.
Students wishing to take 0.5 or 1.0 full-course equivalents (FCE) not for degree credit are admitted as part-time Special Students, in any session.
Time Limits
All degree requirements must be completed within a specific period of time. See Degree Regulations and Lapsed Status section below.
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Registration Policies and Procedures
Registration Procedures
Graduate students are required to register at the beginning of each session they wish to attend. New graduate students will receive registration instructions prior to the registration dates listed in the Sessional Dates. Students may access Registration Instructions on the Web at
www.sgs.utoronto.ca/informationfor/students/newcurrent/reg.htm.Students registering in programs offered by the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto (OISE/UT) should consult OISE/UT for information.
For the Fall and Winter Sessions, registration material is sent to the student’s mailing address. Students are asked to check their ROSI account to view their invoice online. Every effort is made to ensure that only students who are eligible to register receive registration material. However, receiving it does not override any other notification students receive about academic status and eligibility. New students who have received a conditional offer of admission should make arrangements with their graduate unit to clear conditions as soon as possible. The first step to registration is the payment of fees or arrangements to pay such fees. The second step is the presentation of the fees receipt to the graduate unit and collection of a School of Graduate Studies Calendar.
A student is considered to be registered as soon as academic and incidental fees are paid or arrangements for deferral of fees payment have been made.
Summer Session Courses
All students, whether attending formal courses or engaging in research or project work, must register for the Summer Session. Summer Session registration instructions are usually sent to the student’s current address or to the graduate unit in April. Doctoral, MSc, and MASc students register for the September-August or January-August period when they first register in September or January, and therefore are already registered for the Summer Session.
In addition to a large program of research supervision and independent study, the School of Graduate Studies offers a limited number of graduate courses for credit towards higher degrees during the summer. Many undergraduate courses will also be available for persons requiring prerequisite work in order to enter graduate programs. Students should consult the undergraduate calendars of the faculties of interest.
Summer courses are equivalent to those offered during the Fall and Winter Sessions but vary in duration and thus in frequency of meeting. Some courses will last 12 to 14 weeks while others will meet for only 7 weeks. In some cases, prerequisite courses will be six weeks long.
For persons attending the May-August session, the maximum possible load is 2.0 full-course equivalents. The maximum load in the May-June or July-August period is 1.0 full-course equivalent.
First Registration
Students beginning their degree programs normally register for the first time in September. In some cases graduate units may give permission for new students to start their programs either in January, May, or July.
Continuity of Registration
Failure to register as required will cause a student’s registration to lapse. See Lapsed Status below.
Doctoral Students
Doctoral students must register annually until all degree requirements have been fulfilled.
Full-Time Master’s Students
Once they have first registered, full-time master’s students, in other than course-work only programs, must register annually in September until all degree requirements have been completed.
Full-time master’s students in course-work only programs must register initially for the minimum registration period and thereafter for each session in which they are completing requirements for the degree. All full-time master’s students who have completed the minimum period of registration may not register as part-time students.
Prior to completing all courses in a course-work only program, and with the permission of their graduate unit, master’s students admitted to a full-time program may ‘stop out’ between sessions. However, no change is made to the time limit for completing the degree.
Part-Time Master’s Students
Master’s students proceeding to their degree on a part-time basis register in those sessions in which they are completing course requirements for the degree. When all course requirements have been completed, they must register annually until all other requirements have been completed.
Master’s students are advised to consult their graduate units for further information on continuity of registration requirements, particularly with regard to the Summer Session; many graduate units expect their students to be registered for all three sessions.
Students are reminded that there are time limits for all degree programs.
Late Registration Fee
Since it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that proper registration is completed on time, late registration will be subject to an additional fee as specified in the Fees and Financial Support section of this Calendar.
Failure to Register
Students will not receive credit for work completed during a session in which they have not registered.
Extension of Time for Completion of Degree Requirements
In exceptional circumstances, a degree student who has failed to complete all the requirements for the degree within the period specified in the degree regulations may be considered for a maximum of two one-year extensions provided that the graduate unit concerned so approves. To apply for an extension, the student must present to the graduate unit concerned the causes for the delay and evidence that the remaining degree requirements may be completed within the period of the extension request. See also section under Degree Regulations, Doctor of Philosophy, Program Requirements, titled Time for Completion of Program Requirements.
Lapsed Status
If a student or candidate fails to register, or is not permitted to register because the time limit for the degree sought has elapsed, registration in the School of Graduate Studies lapses. Normally, students or candidates whose registration has lapsed may not make demands upon the resources of the University, attend courses, or expect advice from their supervisor. There are two states of lapsed status, as noted below.
Before the Time Limit for the Degree has Expired
Failure to register as required within the time limit specified for the degree sought will result in lapsed status. An application for reinstatement is required and must be approved both by the graduate unit and the School of Graduate Studies, and payment is made of the prescribed fees for the year(s) in which the student or candidate failed to register.
After the Time Limit for the Degree has Expired
After the time limit for the degree has elapsed and further extensions cannot be recommended, a candidate may not register further. Registration in the program is considered to have lapsed. In special circumstances, a candidate may be reinstated once only, for a maximum of 12 months. See Time for Completion of Program Requirements section in the PhD regulations. These regulations apply by analogy to master’s students including those who have outstanding requirements other than a thesis.
Concurrent Registration Option (available at the master’s degree level only)
The Concurrent Registration Option is available only in degree programs with approved partner degree programs at the University of Toronto. Students who are accepted into each partner degree program separately may enrol in the Concurrent Program Option in each degree program, subject to the approval of both programs. Graduate master’s programs may partner with other graduate programs or with undergraduate degree programs (e.g. JD).
Dual Registration
A student in a master’s program at this University who has been offered admission to a PhD program conditional on completion of the master’s program, may be a dual registrant for only one session in both programs under the following conditions.
1. A minimal amount of work remains to complete the requirements for the master’s degree. A student may enrol in a maximum of 0.5 full-course equivalent (one half-couse) for the master’s program in the one session of dual registration with the approval of the graduate unit.
2. Permission has been granted by the graduate unit.
3. The student will be engaged in full-time PhD studies and will be registered full-time in the PhD and part-time in the master’s program. Only the appropriate PhD fees will be charged.
4. The period of dual registration will be either September 1 to January 31 or January 1 to April 30.
In order to receive credit for the PhD for the period as a dual registrant, the student must be recommended for the award of the master’s degree by January 31 for September dual registrants, or by April 25 for January dual registrants. Otherwise, the PhD registration will be cancelled, no credit for the PhD will be allowed, and the student will continue to be registered as a master’s student only. An appropriate fees adjustment will be made so that the student will be charged fees only as a master’s student. PhD course credit will be retained for courses completed in the period of dual registration provided the graduate unit has informed the School.
Students who are not recommended for the master’s degree by the deadline and whose enrolment in the PhD is thereby cancelled may not apply for dual registration a second time. They must successfully complete the requirements for the master’s degree before registering in the PhD program.
Simultaneous Registration
Simultaneous registration in two full-time programs is not permitted. With the consent of both graduate units concerned, or of the graduate unit and another faculty or school, and written notification to the School of Graduate Studies, simultaneous registration in a full-time program and a part-time program may be permitted. Two part-time registrations in different programs may also be permitted. Students are responsible for the fees charged for both programs.
Leave Policy
Graduate students whose programs require continuous registration may apply to their Graduate Coordinator for a one-session to three-session leave during their program of study for
1. serious health or personal problems which temporarily make it impossible to continue in the program, or
2. parental leave by either parent at the time of pregnancy, birth or adoption, and/or to provide full-time care during the child’s first year. Parental leave must be completed within 12 months of the date of birth or custody. Where both parents are graduate students taking leave, the combined total number of sessions may not exceed four.
Once on leave, students will neither be registered nor will they be required to pay fees for this period. In general, students on leave may not make demands upon the resources of the University, attend courses, or expect advice from their supervisor. As an exception, students on leave for parental or serious health reasons who wish to consult with their supervisor or other faculty are advised to make special arrangements through their department. Students on leave will not be eligible to receive University of Toronto fellowships support. In the case of other graduate student awards, the regulations of the particular granting agency apply.
Students may make application for a leave by completing the Leave Request Form and submitting it to their Graduate Coordinator for approval. The form is then sent to the School of Graduate Studies for processing. The termination date of the degree program will be extended by the duration of the leave taken, i.e., one, two, or three sessions as appropriate. Except for parental leave or in exceptional circumstances, it is not expected that a student will be granted more than one leave under the terms of this policy. Normally the start and finish of the leave would coincide with the start and end of a session. When students require a leave to begin in mid-session, they are advised to contact the Director of Student Services at the School of Graduate Studies to make special arrangements.
Leave requests that do not fall under the terms of this policy will require final approval from the School of Graduate Studies.
Withdrawal from a Graduate Program
In order to withdraw from a program, students must submit a Program Change Form to the School of Graduate Studies and return student cards to the School. Withdrawal from a graduate program should be reported immediately to the School. A rebate of fees, if any, will be determined by the date on which written notification of withdrawal is received by the School. Any application for re-admission by a student who has withdrawn must be made in competition with all other applicants.
Students enrolled in course-work only degree programs who withdraw from all courses in which they are currently enrolled must withdraw from their programs. The School will approve recommendations from the graduate units that such students be eligible to re-register at any time within 12 months following withdrawal.
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Enrolment Policies and Procedures
Graduate Courses
A graduate course is understood to require at least two hours per week of lectures or seminars plus such laboratory hours as may be required.
Enrolment
After registration, students enrol with their graduate units and arrange programs of study (courses, research topics, supervisors, and so on). Students should contact the graduate unit for enrolment procedures. Enrolment should be completed by the deadline noted in the Academic Calendar.
Most of the formal classes and seminars in the Fall Session begin in the week of September following Labour Day. However, starting dates are determined by the graduate units, and students are urged to contact the relevant graduate units for information.
Not every course will be given in any one year. Consult the graduate unit concerning course availability.
Deadlines for Enrolment Changes
Graduate units may establish earlier deadlines for course changes. Courses must be dropped by completing a Program Change Form or by using the Web service (if the department permits access). In order to avoid academic penalties, courses must be dropped by the following deadlines.
|
Oct. 7, 2009 |
Deadline to add full courses (Y) and half-courses (H). |
|
Nov. 3, 2009 |
Deadline to drop a Fall Session full course or half-course without academic penalty. |
|
Jan. 15, 2010 |
Deadline to add Winter Session full courses (Y) and half-courses (H). |
|
Feb. 26, 2010 |
Deadline to drop a full course (Y) or Winter Session half-course (H), or withdraw from a program without academic penalty. |
Students enrolled in course-work only programs who drop all courses by the deadlines, must withdraw from the program. See Withdrawal from a Graduate Program, above.
Completion of Course Work and Grade Submission
Course work must be completed and grades submitted by the following dates:
|
Jan. 15, 2010 |
Fall Session (Y, H) courses |
|
May 14, 2010* |
Fall/Winter Session (Y) and Winter Session (Y, H) courses |
|
Sep. 17, 2010 |
Summer Session courses and extended courses |
Graduate units may establish earlier deadlines for completion of course work and may prescribe penalties for late completion of work and for failure to complete work, provided that these penalties are announced at the time the instructor makes available to the class the methods by which student performance shall be evaluated.
Course Work Extensions
Students are expected to meet the course deadlines both of the School of Graduate Studies and of the graduate units in which they are registered and are advised to plan their research projects accordingly. Students who find themselves unable to meet SGS deadlines for completing course work can, under certain conditions, receive extensions for completing the work after the date set by SGS.
Petitions for course work extensions
The authority to grant an extension for the completion of work in a course beyond the original SGS deadline for that course rests with the graduate unit in which the course was offered, not the instructor of the course. Students will petition the graduate unit for extensions, using a standard form provided by SGS.
The deadline for requesting an initial extension is the deadline for completion of course work and grade submission for courses offered in the relevant session, as specified in this Calendar.
A student on extension who is unable to complete the required course work in the extension period specified by the graduate unit may apply to the graduate unit for a continuation of the extension (subject to the time-limits and deadlines for extensions, set out below); however, the student must make such a request before the expiry date of the extension period in place.
Grounds for course work extensions
Legitimate reasons for an extension can be academic in nature - e.g., unexpected problems of research in a course - or non-academic - e.g., illness. In order to ensure as much uniformity and fairness as possible in the granting of extensions (or continuations of extensions), the relevant graduate unit must be reasonably certain that:
the reasons for the delay are both serious and substantiated: the student is to provide a statement detailing the reasons, together with a physician’s letter in the case of illness;
the student would not be granted an unfair academic advantage over fellow students in the course;
the student would not be placing in jeopardy the normal and satisfactory completion of new course work; and
the student does have a reasonable chance of completing outstanding requirements within the time to be allotted.
Time-limits for course work extensions
If a graduate unit grants a petition for an extension, it must specify an extension period, which is not to run beyond the SGS deadline for completion of course work and grade submission following the original SGS deadline for the course. Thus, the deadlines for course extensions are as follows:
|
May 14, 2010 |
Fall Session (Y, H) courses |
|
Sep. 17, 2010 |
Fall/Winter Session (Y) and Winter Session (Y, H) courses |
|
Jan. 14, 2011 |
Summer Session courses and extended courses |
A graduate unit may grant a continuation of an extension that is already in place provided that it does not extend the total period of the extension beyond the foregoing deadlines.
Extensions beyond these deadlines will require the approval of both the graduate unit and the SGS Admissions and Programs Committee.
Grade-reporting procedures
The graduate unit will assign the temporary course report of ‘SDF’ (‘Standing Deferred’) to a student on extension, pending receipt from the instructor of a final course report. The final course report will take the form either of a regular grade or of the non-grade report ‘INC’ (‘Incomplete’), as appropriate. It is due no later than the SGS deadline for completion of course work and grade submission following the original one for the course. If, by that date, a final grade is not available and the student has not submitted the outstanding course work, then the report of ‘SDF’ will be replaced by one of ‘INC’. This will be a permanent transcript entry. Amendments will require the approval of the SGS Admissions and Programs Committee.
SGS and home graduate unit notification
Graduate units are to notify SGS of extensions no later than the original deadlines for submitting grades for the relevant courses or, in case of continuations, no later than the expiry dates of the original periods of extension, providing in each case the new deadline for completion of course work.
A graduate unit should, in addition, notify the graduate unit in which the student is registered when it is not the same as the one granting the extension.
Extra Courses Not Required for the Degree
Graduate units may permit students to enrol in additional courses not required for the degree. Such courses must be so designated on the student’s enrolment form. These courses are subject to the same regulations regarding withdrawal, failure, and failure to complete work as are courses required for the degree, except that repetition or replacement of failed or incomplete courses may be waived by the graduate unit.
Prerequisite Courses
At least B- is required in all prerequisite courses but some graduate units may require a higher average; students should consult the graduate unit in advance.
Reading and/or Research Courses
Reading and/or research courses should involve as much reading and work as a normal seminar or other type of graduate course; written work should be a requirement of the course. Reading and/or research courses are subject to the grading practices policy in the same way as any other course.
Only faculty holding a graduate appointment may direct a reading and/or research course, and they must hold a faculty appointment in the graduate unit where the course is being offered, normally in the student’s home graduate unit. In general, both the student and instructor should be on campus and the frequency of their meeting should be consistent with other courses.
Approval to take a reading and/or research course is given by the graduate unit.
Seminar/Workshop Courses
Some graduate units offer seminar/workshop courses. These courses vary in format and delivery from unit to unit, and they may or may not count towards the number of courses required for the completion of a degree program. Consult the home graduate unit for details and program requirements.
Auditing of Graduate Courses
Graduate units determine if they wish to allow auditing of their courses and which groups of students and non-students specified in the University’s Policy on Auditing of Courses they wish to allow. When auditing is allowed, the final decision to permit an individual to audit rests with the instructor of the course. In all cases, students registered in the University who wish to audit courses have priority over others. An auditor may attend lectures and other class meetings, take part in class discussions, and, when the appropriate fee is paid, receive written confirmation of attendance. An auditor will not receive evaluations of participation and will not be allowed to submit assignments or write examinations and tests except by special and express permission. Audited courses are not recorded on the student’s official transcript. The University’s Code of Student Conduct applies to auditors. Further information about access, Certificates of Attendance, and fees for auditing may be obtained from the Office of the Director of Student Services at the School of Graduate Studies.
Transfer Credit and Exemptions
Transfer credit for graduate work completed in another program is limited to 1.0 full-course equivalent, or 25 percent of the course requirements for any degree, whichever is greater, provided that the courses have not been credited towards another degree, diploma, certificate, or any other qualifications. Such credit may be given on the recommendation of the student’s graduate unit and with the School’s approval, normally upon admission. Exceptions to the limit are allowed when approved for specific degrees.
Students participating in an approved exchange program on the recommendation of their graduate unit may receive transfer credit for up to 50 percent of the course requirements for their degree. They may also complete language requirements while on the exchange. When recommended by the unit and approved by the SGS Dean, that percentage may be exceeded by doctoral students. In all cases, transfer credit arrangements for exchange program participants must be approved in advance by the SGS Dean or designate.
Transfer of credit and course exemptions include the following categories:
1. Transfer Credit - Course Equivalent
Credit received for course completed in a prior program is considered to be equivalent to course offered by the graduate unit thus reducing the overall course credit requirements for degree.
2. Transfer Credit - General Equivalent
Unassigned credit for course not identifiable with course offerings but which is evaluated as being appropriate for academic credit on transfer thus reducing overall course credit requirements for degree.
3. Course Exemption
The graduate unit may exempt a student from a specific course requirement permitting the substitution of another course to meet degree requirements. Overall course credit requirements for degree are not reduced.
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