Academic Progress

Doctoral Students

The progress of all students working toward the Ph.D., D.M.A., and Ed.D. will be reviewed regularly and at least once each year in June by the home graduate program and the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. A student may be required to withdraw if progress has not been satisfactory as shown by coursework, the comprehensive examination, advancing to candidacy, progress on the thesis/doctoral dissertation, or other requirements of the graduate program or the Faculty.

Definition of Satisfactory Progress

A minimum of 68% (B-) must be achieved in all coursework taken for credit. Where a grade of less than 68% (B-) is obtained in a course, and on the recommendation of the graduate program and the approval of the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, the student may repeat the course for higher standing or take an alternate course. If the graduate program advisor does not make such a recommendation, or if the recommendation is not approved by the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, the student will be required to withdraw. A student who obtains a grade of less than 68% in more than one course will normally be required to withdraw. If progress in research is unsatisfactory, a student will be required to withdraw. The student will be informed of unsatisfactory academic progress in writing before any action regarding withdrawal is taken.

A minimum mark of 68% must be obtained in all courses taken by a student enrolled in a doctoral program. When repeating a failed required course, a minimum mark of 74% must be obtained. Higher minimum marks may be required by individual graduate programs.

If a course is repeated, both marks will appear on the transcript. The higher mark will be used to determine promotion in a program and in any decision to admit or withdraw a student from a program. For all other purposes, averages will be calculated using both marks.

It is required that all doctoral students be admitted to candidacy within 36 months from the date of initial registration. A student who is not admitted to candidacy within this time period will be required to withdraw from the program. Extensions may be granted under exceptional circumstances and with the permission of the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

Master's Students

The progress of all students working toward the master's degree will be reviewed regularly and at least once each year in June by the home graduate program and the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. A student may be required to withdraw if progress has not been satisfactory as shown by coursework, the comprehensive examination, progress on the thesis, or other requirements of the graduate program or the faculty.

Definition of Satisfactory Progress

The minimum passing grade in any course taken by a student enrolled in a master's program is 60%. However, only 6 credits of courses with grades in the C to C+ range (60-67%) may be counted towards a master's program. For all other courses, a minimum of 68% must be obtained. Some graduate programs may require a higher passing grade for specific courses.

Where a failing grade is obtained in a course, and on the recommendation of the graduate program and the approval of the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, the student may repeat a course for higher standing or take an alternate course. If the graduate program does not make such a recommendation, or if the recommendation is not approved by the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, the student will be required to withdraw. A student who obtains a grade of less than 68% in more than 6 credits will normally be required to withdraw for inadequate academic progress. The student will be informed of unsatisfactory academic progress in writing before any action regarding withdrawal is taken.

When repeating a failed course, a minimum mark of 74% must be obtained. Individual graduate programs may require higher minimum grades.

If a course is repeated, both marks will appear on the transcript. The higher mark will be used to determine promotion in a program and in any decision to admit or withdraw a student from a program. For all other purposes, averages will be calculated using both marks.


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