Academic Regulations and University Policies

I. Confidentiality and Release of Student Records

A. Protection of Privacy

Brock University, collects and retains applicant, student and alumni personal information under the authority of The Brock University Act, 1964, section 3. This information is related directly to and used by the University for the purposes of recruitment, admission, registration, graduation and other activities related to its programs, being a member of the Brock University community and attending a public post secondary institution in the Province of Ontario.

The University collects information directly from students and indirectly through the Ontario University Application Centre (OUAC) as part of the student application process to the University.

The information will be used to admit, register and graduate students; manage academic records; issue student identification cards; and administer and operate academic, athletic, recreational, residences, alumni and other University programs.

Information on admission, registration and academic achievement may also be disclosed and used for statistical and research purposes by the University, other post-secondary educational institutions and the provincial government.

Personal information provided for admission and registration and any other information placed into the student record will be collected, protected, used, disclosed and retained in compliance with Ontario’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (R.S.O. 1990, c.F.31).

For further information, please review the University’s Access to Information and Protection of Privacy https://brocku.ca/legal/fippa/access-to-information/ or visit our privacy webpage https://brocku.ca/legal/fippa/

GDPR:
If you are a resident of the EU or UK, and receiving services from Brock University, please review the University’s privacy notice under the General Data Protection Regulation for more information about how Brock protects your personal information: https://brocku.ca/legal/fippa/gdpr/ Please note, these practices apply to personal information of individuals residing in the EU or UK.

B. Student Access

Students may inspect all documents contained in their own record, with the exception of evaluations and letters of reference supplied to the University with the understanding that they be kept confidential.

Students may request that erroneous information contained in their records be corrected and that recipients, of any information found to be in error, be advised of the correction.

Students wishing to inspect their record must make an appointment with an authorized official of the Office of the Registrar & Enrolment Services.

All official transcripts will be complete and unabridged. Partial transcripts cannot be issued. Transcripts issued directly to students bear the notation “Issued to Student”.

Documents pertaining to a student’s achievement at another institution, which may have been received by the University, will not normally be released or redirected to another institution.

C. Employee and Student Organization Access

Employees of the University are permitted access to information contained in student records, if they need to know the information in order to perform their official duties. As a general rule, only employees involved in some aspect of academic administration or student affairs are given access to the contents of student records.

In addition to collecting personal information for its own purposes the University collects specific and limited personal information on behalf of the Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU), as well as constituent organizations authorized by them. BUSU uses this information for the purposes of membership administration, elections, annual general meetings, transit passes and its heath plan. Information is provided by the Office of the Registrar & Enrolment Services upon written request signed by an authorized officer of BUSU with the understanding that the information will not be disclosed to third parties (and will be destroyed after its use and/or returned to the Office of the Registrar & Enrolment Services when requested).

D. Third Party Access

It is University policy to make a minimum of information freely available to all inquirers. The University will disclose information about students who have graduated, which is considered to be public information, as follows:

1. degree(s) obtained and the dates conferred by the University, and in most circumstances, scholarships and the dates awarded.
2. Except as specified below other information contained in the record (including current registration status and program of study) will be disclosed only with the student’s written consent. This restriction applies to requests from parents, spouses, credit bureaus, police, CSIS, and immigration and other Government agencies. Specified records or portions thereof may be provided to persons or agencies pursuant to a court order, summons or subpoena directing the University to release information; to Statistics Canada and the Ministry of Education in connection with enrolment audits; or in accordance with the requirements of duly constituted professional licensing and certification bodies.

In emergency situations involving the health and safety of an individual, or in compassionate situations, the Registrar or designate may, if it is considered to be in the best interest of the student, authorize the release of information needed to contact the student.

E. Notification of Disclosure of Personal Information

A. Statistics Canada

Statistics Canada is the national statistical agency. As such, Statistics Canada carries out hundreds of surveys each year on a wide range of matters, including education.

It is essential to be able to follow students across time and institutions to understand, for example, the factors affecting enrolment demand at post-secondary institutions. The increased emphasis on accountability for public investment means that it is also important to understand ‘outcomes’. In order to carry out such studies, Statistics Canada asks all colleges and universities to provide data on students and graduates. Institutions collect and provide to Statistics Canada student identification information (student’s name, student ID number, Social Insurance Number), student contact information (address and telephone number), student demographic characteristics, enrolment information, previous education, and labour force activity.

The Federal Statistics Act provides the legal authority for Statistics Canada to obtain access to personal information held by educational institutions. The information may be used only for statistical purposes and the confidentiality provisions of the Statistics Act prevent the information from being released in any way that would identify a student.

Students who do not wish to have their information used are able to ask Statistics Canada to remove their identification and contact information from the national database. On request by a student, Statistics Canada will delete an individual’s contact information (name, address, or other personal identifiers) from the PSIS database. To make such a request, please contact:

By telephone: Monday-Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm EST/EDST at 1-800-263-1136 or 1-514-283-8300

By email: [email protected]

By mail: Institutional Surveys Section, Centre for Education Statistics, Statistics Canada, Tunney’s Pasture Driveway, R.H. Coats Building, Flooror 13 G, Ottawa ON, K1A 0T6.

B. Ministry of Colleges and Universities

Brock University is required to disclose personal information such as Ontario Education Numbers, student characteristics and educational outcomes to the Minister of Colleges and Universities under s. 15 of the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities Act, R.S.O., 1990, Chapter M. 19, as amended.

The Ministry collects this data for purposes such as planning, allocating and administering public funding to colleges, universities and other post-secondary educational and training institutions and to conduct research and analysis, including longitudinal studies, and statistical activities conducted by or on behalf of the ministry for purposes that relate to post-secondary education and training. Further information on how the Minister of Colleges and Universities uses this personal information is available on the ministry’s website: https://www.ontario.ca/page/collection-and-use-postsecondary-education-enrolment-information or by writing to the Director, Postsecondary Finance Branch, Postsecondary Education Division, 7th Floor, Mowat Block, 900 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M7A 1L2.

F. Name Changes

As Brock is committed to the integrity of its student records, each student is required to provide, either on application for admission or in personal data required for registration, his/her legal name. Any requests to change a name, by means of alteration or deletion, substitution or addition, must be accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation. Upon making application for graduation a student may be asked to provide proof of his/her name.

Forms are available online at brocku.ca/registrar/toolkit/forms and can be submitted to [email protected].

G. Transcripts

Copies of student transcripts will be issued at the student’s request ONLY as they are confidential/legal documents. By ordering a document, you agree to allow Brock University to share your legal name, Student ID, email address, full academic record and official transcript with MyCreds. Downloaded transcripts are not official as they are subject to tampering and their authenticity cannot be verified by the receiver.

In accordance with the University’s Policy on Access to Student Records along with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the student’s consent is required for the release of academic records. Unofficial transcripts cannot be issued. All transcripts will be issued electronically via MyCreds.

To order a transcript, see: https://brocku.ca/registrar/toolkit/transcripts/

The University’s Policy on Access to Student Records can be found via the Secretariat website:

https://brocku.ca/legal/fippa/access-to-information/

H. Withholding of Degree or Grades

Only the Office of the Registrar & Enrolment Services may release final grades. No student owing the University fees or fines will receive a diploma, certificate, transcript or a statement of final grades or have any such statements officially communicated to parties outside the University, until such time as the debts have been cleared to the satisfaction of the University.

II. Registration

A. Applicable Calendar

A student who has maintained enrolment in at least one credit in each calendar year (May to April) may complete the degree program using the “Academic Regulations” section of the Calendar operative in the year in which that program was entered. Students who interrupt their studies for more than one calendar year (by not enrolling in at least one credit), however, become subject to the Calendar regulations in effect at the time of their re-registration.

Students in Bachelors’ Degrees are normally expected to complete degree requirements within 10 years of first registration. Students who exceed 10 years may be required to re-take courses where the knowledge base in specific disciplines has changed substantially in the intervening period.

B. Registration: General Information

Students must register during the official registration period designated for each session or term. Late registration may be permitted, upon payment of a fee, during the same periods each session as course changes are permitted (See Section I. Course Changes below). Registration will not be permitted after those times without appropriate permissions and payment of any late fee. It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that the courses selected meet the academic degree requirements, and adhere to restrictions, course prerequisites and published deadlines.

Students may not enroll in courses which conflict in time without the permission of each course instructor. Instructors are not obligated to make accommodations for student scheduled conflicts, and may request the Office of the Registrar & Enrolment Services de-register a student where permission is denied. All courses and programs are subject to enrolment limitations.

To register in courses a student must meet the following conditions:

1. Be admitted to Brock or be a continuing student academically eligible to enroll;
2. Enroll in courses in accordance with the procedures outlined in the University’s registration guides produced by the Office of the Registrar & Enrolment Services;
3. Pay or make arrangements to pay fees in accordance with the procedures and deadlines outlined by the Student Accounts & Financial Aid office. Students are financially responsible for all tuition and related fees associated with registered courses.

C. Course Levels

Courses numbered 1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99, 2(alpha)00 to 2(alpha)99, 3(alpha)00 to 3(alpha)99 and 4(alpha)00 to 4(alpha)99 are normally year 1, 2, 3 and 4 courses respectively. Courses numbered 2(alpha)90 to 2(alpha)99 may be considered as year 2 or 3 courses and 3(alpha)90 to 3(alpha)99 as year 3 or 4 courses.

D. Normal Credit Loads (Definition of Full- and Part-Time Studies)

Full-Time

A full-time student is defined as one taking at least 60 percent of a normal credit load:

Normal Credit Loads for full-time students are as follows:

1. Fall/Winter Session: five credits;
2. Fall or winter Term (only): two and one-half credits;
3. Spring Session: two credits; and
4. Summer Session: one credit.

All undergraduate students are subject to the same academic regulations.

Students wishing to exceed the normal credit loads stipulated above must first obtain permission from the Dean of their Faculty. In the case of Departments/Centres that Senate has determined provide distinctively different kinds of study, this special permission will be required only of students intending to attempt five credits concurrently in one stream.

Permission will normally be granted only if a student has completed five credits with at least second-class (70 percent) standing. Special students, including students on a Letter of Permission and post-degree students, not proceeding towards a Brock degree, are normally restricted to part-time studies.

There may be circumstances under which a student is considered full-time beyond these parameters. These may include students on a co-op work term where 400+ hours/term being completed can be confirmed, students with a disability and designated as full-time by Student Accessibility Services, etc.  

E. Registration in Cross-Listed Courses

The designation for a cross-listed course will be established by the student’s initial registration in that course. Students may elect to change the designation no later than the last day for withdrawal without academic penalty.

F. Simultaneous Credits in One Department

A student who proposes to attempt, concurrently, five or more credits offered by any one Department/Centre must first obtain permission from the Dean of the Faculty in which the student is registered.

G. Course Changes

All course changes must be made through the Office of the Registrar & Enrolment Services.

DROPPING COURSES

Full and half-year Fall/Winter Session credit courses may be changed without penalty during the first two weeks of classes prior to the closure of online registration. Spring and Summer session courses may be changed without penalty during the first week of classes prior to the closure of on-line registration. Course changes will be permitted after this period of time with the permission of the instructor and payment of any late registration fee.

Teacher Education, EDBE and EDUC, credit courses may only be changed up to one day prior to the first day of classes in the Teacher Education program. Course changes after this period of time requires permission from the Chair of Teacher Education, or their designate, and payment of any late registration fee. 

WITHDRAWAL FROM COURSES

After the active registration period, a student may voluntarily withdraw from the University and/or courses without academic penalty. Instructions are available online at brocku.ca/registrar/toolkit/forms 

Unofficial withdrawal from a course after the last date to withdraw without academic penalty will result in the assignment of a failing grade in the course. Applicable dates may be found at: https://brocku.ca/important-dates/

In the Fall/Winter session, whenever and wherever reasonably possible, instructors shall normally assess and communicate to students a minimum of 15 percent of their final grade by no later than the week prior to the last date for withdrawal without academic penalty. In cases where, due to the nature of the course, this requirement cannot be met, the instructor shall inform students in the course syllabus.

The date of withdrawal without academic penalty from a course, following the course change period, will be recorded on the student’s official transcript.

Grades will be recorded on students’ transcripts for all courses in which they have officially registered and from which they have not officially withdrawn.

Applicable dates may be found at: https://brocku.ca/important-dates/ 

Academic deadlines and policies differ from financial deadlines and policies. A student who withdraws in good standing should consult the Student Accounts and Financial Aid Office (https://brocku.ca/safa/) for information regarding how a withdrawal impacts tuition fees.

Students who withdraw, reduce their course load or otherwise alter their program of study may be required to forfeit all or part of their Award as dictated by the terms of reference for the Award. The decision will be made by the Student Accounts and Financial Aid office and will be based on the terms of the Award, the circumstances leading to the student’s decision, and the educational costs already incurred. A cancelled Award will take the form of a charge against the student’s University fees account.

Students should also note that withdrawal may affect their OSAP assessment. Please ensure that you consult with the Student Accounts and Financial Aid office before withdrawing from courses.

For more information please visit https://brocku.ca/guides-and-timetables/withdrawals-and-deregistration/

H. Requests for Retroactive Registration/Backdated Withdrawals

Retroactive Registration:

Prior to the last day of examinations, a request for retroactive registration will be considered by the Registrar or their designate upon the receipt of supporting documentation which outline the reason(s) why formal registration did not occur. This documentation must be accompanied by a Course Late Add Request form signed and dated by the course instructor. If approved a late fee may apply. Forms are available online at brocku.ca/registrar/toolkit/forms and can be submitted to [email protected].

Backdated Withdrawal:

Within 90 calendar days of the last day of examinations, a petition for an academic backdated withdrawal will be considered by the Registrar or designate upon the receipt of a request that is supported by documentation verifying the health reasons or compassionate grounds that prevented the student from withdrawing from the course by the withdrawal deadline, as well as a written statement. Requests cannot be made for courses in which the final exam (or equivalent) has been completed. Requests submitted without supporting documentation, or incomplete requests, will not be considered. Requests submitted outside 90 calendar days will not be considered.

Nothing in this section prevents the University from accommodating students with disabilities who have been unable to comply with the deadline due to their disability. A student who wishes to seek an accommodation on this basis should work with Student Accessibility Services to determine what form of accommodation is appropriate.

Given the Office of the Registrar & Enrolment Services aims to make decisions on completed backdated withdrawal petitions within 30 days, any petitions that are incomplete for more than 30 days will automatically be denied.

Forms and additional details are available online at brocku.ca/registrar/backdated-withdrawals 

I. Auditing Courses

Students admitted to the university may audit a course provided that space is available. Permission of the instructor is required and may not be granted until after the first day of lectures. No credit or assessment of performance will be given in the course.

A request to change from degree credit to audit status must be received by the Office of the Registrar & Enrolment Services no later than the last day to withdraw from a course (of that duration) without academic penalty. 

A request to change from audit to degree status must be received by the Office of the Registrar & Enrolment Services no later than the last day to add a course before the close of registration.

Forms are available at: https://brocku.ca/registrar/toolkit/forms/#courses

J. Letters of Permission

Brock students wishing to enroll at another university and transfer credits towards a Brock degree must apply for, and be granted, a Letter of Permission from the Office of the Registrar & Enrolment Services before registering at the other university.

1. A student may request a Letter of Permission from the Office of the Registrar & Enrolment Services in order to take a course or courses at another university as a visiting student for transfer credit to Brock. The student must be in good standing, that is, having successfully completed a minimum of five credits with a minimum overall average of 60 percent. Brock credit will not be granted to students who Challenge for Credit, on Letter of Permission, at the host institution.
2. The student must indicate the specific course(s) they wish to take and provide the Office of the Registrar & Enrolment Services with the course description(s) from the calendar of the host university. Course(s) requested should be relevant to a student’s degree program and must be approved by the student’s academic Department. Approval shall be at the discretion of the Department/Centre, who shall base the decision on the applicant’s overall academic record, the appropriateness of the particular course to the applicant’s program and on any other factors deemed relevant.
3. If a letter of permission is granted to a currently registered student, it must be provisional pending successful completion of the progression requirements for that session.
4. On return to the Office of the Registrar & Enrolment Services of the approved application, the Registrar or designate will forward a Letter of Permission to the host university. Students should contact the host university to determine any course access limitations imposed on visiting students.
5. Students must formally request that an official transcript be forwarded by the host university to Brock. The transcript must be received within eight weeks of the course end date as specified on the application for the Letter of Permission. Failure to provide an official transcript will result in the automatic assignment of a failing (F) grade in each course attempted on the Letter of Permission.
6. Not more than five credits may be taken at other universities on a Letter of Permission to fulfill graduation requirements for any baccalaureate program at Brock. Courses taken as part of the BEd in Indigenous Adult Education or BA in Adult Education programs, are exempt from this regulation.
7. A student may not, without the permission of their Dean, enroll in more than two of their last five credits at another university. Courses taken as part of an Exchange Program, i.e., a program established by a signed agreement between Brock and another institution and those in the BEd in Indigenous Adult Education or BA in Adult Education are exempt from this regulation.
8. Courses taken on a Letter of Permission or on an Exchange program will not be included in the calculation of any student average, e.g., graduation, progression.
9. Credit will be granted only when the course is completed successfully at the host institution. Course credit will be granted equal in value to the course weight assigned by the host institution. Any course attempted under a letter of permission or Exchange program shall be recorded as a Pass/Fail grade. The exact name and title of the course(s) taken, the name of the host institution, and the grade assigned by the institution, will appear on the transcript.
10. For the purpose of future registration, course content covered on a transfer of credit basis may serve as either a prerequisite or equivalent, as determined by the Department/Centre in which the student is registered.
11. Students granted permission to take the final course(s) of their program during a Fall/Winter Session may not graduate until the next Fall Convocation, unless marks, in the form of an official transcript, are received by the Office of the Registrar & Enrolment Services by May 15. Students who receive permission to take the final course(s) of their program during a Spring/Summer Session, must submit an official transcript to the Office of the Registrar & Enrolment Services by October 1; otherwise, their graduation may be postponed until the next Spring Convocation.

Application forms are available at: https://brocku.ca/registrar/toolkit/forms/#permission

K. Repeating a Course for which a Passing Grade has been Awarded

Students may repeat a course in which they have received a passing grade. With the approval of the Office of the Registrar & Enrolment Services, under the following conditions and within the degree program for which the course is being taken, the grade awarded for a repeated course will supersede the grade from the first attempt at the course regardless of whether it is higher or lower. Both grades will remain on the student’s transcript but the second grade, whether higher or lower, will be used in the computation of the student’s average. A student will be permitted to repeat passed courses constituting no more than three credits, but no course may be repeated more than once.

However, without prior permission of the Dean, 1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99) courses, or other courses listed as prerequisites, may not be repeated if credit has been received for higher level courses in the same subject.

L. Repeating a Failed Course

A student may repeat a failed course, but no course may be repeated more than once. Both grades will remain on the student’s transcript but the second grade will be used in the computation of the student’s average. The first course taken will be marked as “DUPL” on the student record to indicate it has since been re-taken. 

In order for a student to graduate, the 15 or 20 credits which are used in the computation of the cumulative grade average must satisfy University and program course requirements. 

M. Challenge for Credit

Challenge for credit is designed to provide credit at the undergraduate level for skills acquired through learning and experience outside the University. It is not designed to give credit for skills or knowledge gained through high school, college or previous university instruction, nor is it expected that time would be required to upgrade or review the material prior to the examining process. Credit can only be granted for those courses listed in the current Brock Calendar. Not all courses in all disciplines are available for challenge. It is the responsibility of the Department/Centre concerned to evaluate the student who challenges for credit and should normally consist of a variety of types of types of work, exam, essays, etc. Departments have a right, if they desire, to require that their normal prerequisites for a course be met, either by challenge or by taking that course.

General regulations

1. Challenge for credit is available only to students formally admitted to and registered in, a program leading to a degree, diploma or certificate. Special admission students are not eligible to challenge for credit.
2. A maximum of five credits towards a Brock undergraduate degree may be acquired by challenge at Brock. A maximum of one credit may be obtained toward a certificate. Challenges may not be included in the minimum number of Brock credits required for a Brock degree.
3. A challenge credit may not be used as a substitute for grade raising or special examinations or to replace a failed course.
4. A student may not challenge a course in which they are or have been previously registered or which they have already challenged.
5. The passing grade for a Challenge for Credit is a “C” but no numerical grade will appear on the transcript. Instead, the symbol  CH will be used to represent a successful challenge. Challenge grades therefore are not computed in averages and are not used in evaluating honours or scholarship standing. Failures (F) will be noted on the transcript.
6. All work and shall be completed within 60 days of the acceptance of the challenge. If possible, a written final exam should be taken in the 
   normal exam period. 
7. A student may not withdraw the challenge once registration for a challenge course is completed.
8. The grade for the challenge must be received in the Office of the Registrar & Enrolment Services within 60 days of acceptance of the challenge by the Department/Centre.

How to challenge for credit

A student must fill out a challenge application form available from the Office of the Registrar & Enrolment Services. (The student may wish to discuss the challenge informally with the Department/Centre prior to this step.) The Office of the Registrar & Enrolment Services forwards the application to the appropriate Department/Centre which must decide whether to accept the challenge. The Department/Centre may require documentary material from the student or an interview before making its decision. If the Department/Centre accepts the challenge, the student is eligible to register for it through the Office of the Registrar & Enrolment Services and is required to pay the applicable fee. A student may not withdraw the challenge after this step; failure to sit for a challenge subsequent to registration represents a failed course. It is the student’s responsibility to be fully informed, prior to registration, of the time and nature of the evaluation. This may include one or more of the following: a written exam paper or papers, an essay or essays, the submission of a substantial body of work or a portfolio, an oral examination or a laboratory test.

Forms are available at: https://brocku.ca/registrar/toolkit/forms/#courses

Students should access the form and secure all approvals for the Challenge for Credit. The Department may require documentary material from the student, or an interview, before making its decision. 

If the Department/Centre accepts the challenge, the student should submit the form through the Office of the Registrar & Enrolment Services, is eligible to register for it, and is required to pay the applicable fee.  

A student may not withdraw the challenge after this step; failure to sit for a challenge subsequent to registration represents a failed course. It is the student’s responsibility to be fully informed, prior to registration, of the time and nature of the evaluation. This may include one or more of the following: a written exam paper or papers, an essay or essays, the submission of a substantial body of work or a portfolio, an oral examination or a laboratory test. 

III. Degree/Program Policies

A. Selection of Majors

If they have not already done so, students are expected to choose an area of major concentration after successful completion of five credits. Normally, a student may major in any subject in which a grade of 60 percent or better was obtained in the required introductory course(s), provided that Department/Centre prerequisites have been met. Department/Centre approval is required for any deviation from this policy. Where programs have approved enrolment limits, admission is not guaranteed by attaining minimum requirements. In most Departments/Centres students must maintain a minimum 60 percent major average to continue in the discipline. Students should refer to specific program requirements for entrance and progression standards.

In the first five credits students must complete the following:

►Courses from at least four departments/centres.

►At least one of the three required context credits.

For students in Concurrent Education programs, Teacher Education courses are credited toward the BEd while the remaining courses are credited to the undergraduate (BA, BSc or BPhEd) degree. For this reason, a student who transfers out of a concurrent education program will not have credit in Teacher Education courses applied to an undergraduate degree.

Transfer students admitted to a specific program, who subsequently elect to change their major, may have the applicability of the transfer credits re-evaluated.

B. Context Courses

All students must include one credit (or two half-credits) from each of the list of Humanities, Social Sciences and Sciences courses to fulfill degree requirements. In some cases, a context credit may be part of the major program’s requirements.

Students in four-year Honours professional programs must fulfill context requirements by the end of the third year of the program.

All other students must have completed all three of the required context courses within the first 10 credits.

In cases where disciplines are listed under two categories or where courses in different categories are homed in the same Department/Centre, only one of the context requirements may be fulfilled by courses in that discipline or Department/Centre^. However, if courses are cross-listed in one unit but offered by two different Faculties, then they may be used to fulfill context requirements in the two different categories.

Humanities - Context Credit Courses

Social Sciences - Context Credit Courses

Sciences - Context Credit Courses

C. (Pattern of) Combined Major Programs

Combined Major Programs enable students to pursue studies in depth in two disciplines. A combined major program is established in two individual Departments/Centres and normally consists of a course pattern that includes:

1. A minimum of five credits in each of the two major disciplines for a pass (15 credit) degree and a minimum of seven credits in each of the two major disciplines for a 20 credit degree, where applicable.
2. Requirements outside the two major Departments/Centres concerned.
3. Core and context requirements.
4. Elective credits to make up the requirements for the degree.
5. If a simple majority of the credits taken during the program has been drawn from courses offered by the Departments/Centres comprising the Faculty of Mathematics and Science, the degree awarded upon satisfaction of all graduate requirements will be the BSc Honours, With Major or Pass as appropriate; if drawn from those courses offered by the Departments/Centres comprising the Faculties of Humanities and/or Social Sciences, the degree awarded shall be the BA Honours, With Major or Pass as appropriate.

D. Credit Limitations

A maximum of seven credits toward a 20 credit BA or BSc degree program, and five credits toward a 15 credit BA or BSc degree, may be taken from any combination of courses taught in the Faculties of Applied Health Sciences, Education and the Goodman School of Business.

E. Waiver of Requirements

Departments/Centres may waive prerequisite courses or required program courses for degree candidates who have considerable relevant work experience. Such candidates must, however, complete the required number of credits for a degree.

F. Extra Courses

1. Students wishing to augment a regular degree program by taking extra courses because of personal interest may enroll in such courses and designate them as extra courses, not to be used for credit towards that degree.
2. Students must declare a course to be extra prior to the last day for withdrawal without academic penalty.
3. Students changing degree programs may declare non-applicable passed courses as extra to their degree at the time of the program change.
4. Students may change the designation of passed major courses as extra to their program only with the permission of the Department/Centre.
5. Failed courses may only be marked as extra with the permission of the Dean of the student’s Faculty.

IV. Graduation Requirements

A. Intent to Graduate Application

An Intent to Graduate form for Fall Convocation must be received in the Office of the Registrar & Enrolment Services by July 1 with the required ceremonial fee.

An Intent to Graduate form for Spring Convocation must be received in the Office of the Registrar & Enrolment Services by February 1 with the required ceremonial fee.

Forms are available at brocku.ca/registrar/toolkit/forms/#graduation.

B. Graduation Standing

1. First-class Honours degrees are granted to students who have completed a 20-credit honours program with first-class honours standing, which requires a minimum 80 percent average in all major credits and 70 percent in the remaining credits. A transfer student must also have completed a minimum of five credits at Brock, including all departmental honours requirements for year 4 and have maintained a minimum 75 percent overall average and a minimum 80 percent major average (based on Brock courses only).
2. Second-class Honours degrees are granted to students who have completed a 20-credit honours program with second-class honours standing, which requires a minimum 70 percent average in all major credits and 60 percent in the remaining credits. A transfer student must also have completed a minimum of five credits at Brock, including all departmental honours requirements for year 4 and have maintained a minimum 65 percent overall average and a minimum 70 percent major average (based on Brock courses only).
3. A degree with Distinction is granted to students who have completed the approved 15-credit pass degree or 20-credit non-honours degree with a minimum 80 percent overall average. Transfer students require a minimum 80 percent cumulative average in all Brock courses and a minimum 80 percent overall average.
4. A Pass (15 credit), Non-Honours (20 credit) or With Major (20 credit) degree is granted to students who have completed an approved program with a minimum 60 per cent overall and 60 percent in the courses designated as major credits. Exception; the BA Humanities and BA Social Sciences (15 credit) degrees require 60 percent overall average (no major average requirement).
5. The use of disruption credits is limited to 5.0 credits for Honours, BA with Major, and Pass degrees. For more information about grade options during disruption please visit https://brocku.ca/registrar/grade-options-during-disruptions/.
6. Students may not modify a degree standing after it has been awarded by taking additional courses to upgrade their standing, nor, once a degree is conferred, may the final record of courses comprising that degree be changed in any manner.

C. Undergraduate Degrees

Honours - 20 Credits

Non-Honours - 20 Credits

With Major - 20 Credits

Pass - 15 Credits

Bachelor of Accounting: Honours

Bachelor of Applied Health: Pass

Bachelor of Arts and Sciences: Honours

Bachelor of Education Adult Education: Pass

Bachelor of Education Indigenous Adult Education: Pass

Bachelor of Arts: Honours, With Major, Pass

Bachelor of Business Administration: Honours, Non-Honours

Bachelor of Business Economics: Honours

Bachelor of Child Health: Honours

Bachelor of Computing and Business: Honours

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education: Honours

Bachelor of Engineering: Honours

Bachelor of Kinesiology: Honours, Non-Honours

Bachelor of Music: Honours

Bachelor of Physical Education: Honours, With Major

Bachelor of Public Health: Honours

Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies: Honours, With Major, Pass

Bachelor of Science: Honours, With Major, Pass

Bachelor of Science in Nursing: Honours

Bachelor of Sport Management: Honours, Non Honours

Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation: Honours, With Major

Bachelor Honours Degrees (20 credit)

A maximum of eight credits may be numbered 1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99; at least three credits must be numbered 2(alpha)90 or above; at least three credits must be numbered 3(alpha)90 or above; and the remaining credits must be numbered 2(alpha)00 or above.

A single major 20 credit degree program normally requires 10 credits in one Department/Centre. See Department/Centre Calendar entry for specific requirements.

A minimum of fourteen credits in the majors (seven from each) are required for a combined major Honours degree.

In some circumstances, in order to meet the university degree and program requirements, more than 20 credits may be taken.

Bachelor Non-Honours or With Major Degrees (20 credit)

Completion of an approved program with a minimum 60 percent major average and a minimum 60 percent overall average.

A maximum of eight credits may be numbered 1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99 and at least 12 credits must be numbered 2(alpha)00 or above. Six of the 12 must be numbered 2(alpha)90 or above and at least one and one-half to three of these must be credits numbered 3(alpha)90 or above as specified by individual Department/Centre and program requirements.

A single major 20 credit degree program normally requires 10 credits in one Department/Centre. See Department/Centre information for specific requirements.

A minimum of fourteen credits in the majors (seven from each) are required for a combined major non-honours degree.

In some circumstances, in order to meet the university degree and program requirements, more than 20 credits may be taken.

Bachelor Pass Degrees (15 credit)

Completion of an approved 15 credit program with a minimum 60 percent overall average and a minimum 60 percent average in courses designated as major credits.

A maximum of eight credits may be numbered 1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99; at least three credits must be numbered 2(alpha)90 or above; and the remaining credits must be numbered 2(alpha)00 or above.

Seven credits are normally required for a single major. A minimum of ten credits (five from each discipline) is required for a combined major pass degree.

In some circumstances, in order to meet the university degree and program requirements, more than 15 credits may be taken.

A Pass Degree will be rescinded on a student’s academic record if a 20 credit Bachelor non-Honours Degree is conferred in the same discipline.

Bachelor of Science (Sciences) Honours or Pass Degree (20 or 15 credit)

A Bachelor of Science is available for students who wish a lesser degree of concentration than is offered by other programs. This Bachelor of Science is offered at the Pass and Honours degree level. A BSc degree will carry no major or area of concentration.

A maximum of seven credits from any combination of courses from the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, the Faculty of Education or the Goodman School of Business may be included in the Bachelor of Science Honours degree (including courses cross listed with that Faculty); a maximum of five credits may be taken within this Bachelor of Science Pass degree (including courses cross listed with that Faculty).

If a simple majority of the courses taken during this Bachelor of Science Program has been drawn from courses offered by the departments comprising the Faculty of Mathematics and Sciences, then the degree awarded upon satisfaction of all graduate requirements will be the BSc (Honours) or BSc (3 Year) as appropriate.

Students pursuing a BSc Sciences Degree must satisfy all general University requirements, including one context credit from the list of eligible courses in the Faculties of Humanities, Social Sciences and Mathematics and Science.

In the Pass degree, a maximum of eight credits may be numbered1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99; at least three credits must be numbered 2(alpha)90 or above; and the remaining credits must be numbered 2(alpha)00 or above. In the Honours degree, a maximum of eight credits may be numbered 1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99; at least three credits must be numbered 2(alpha)90 or above; at least three credits must be numbered 3(alpha)90 or above and the remaining credits must be numbered 2(alpha)00 or above.

For the Pass degree a minimum overall average of 60 percent is required for graduation. For the Honours degree, a minimum overall average of 60% and a minimum average of 70% in all credits from the Faculty of Math and Science is required for graduation.

A BSc Sciences Degree will carry no major or area of concentration. The pass degree may carry up to two minors if the majority of credits are within the Faculty of Mathematics and Science. The Honours degree may carry up to three minors if the majority of credits are within the Faculty of Mathematics and Science. (FHB Section 3: 7.11.2)

Bachelor of Arts Pass Humanities or Bachelor of Arts Pass Social Sciences Degree (15 credit)

A minimum 60 percent overall average.

A maximum of eight credits may be numbered 1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99; at least three credits must be numbered 2(alpha)90 or above and the remaining credits must be numbered 2(alpha)00 or above.

A BA Humanities or BA Social Sciences carries no major or areas of concentration but may carry up to two minors.

A maximum of five credits from each of two disciplines (including courses cross-listed with that discipline) with the exception of courses from the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Education and the Goodman School of Business.

A maximum of five credits may be taken from any combination of designated Applied Health Sciences, Education and Goodman School of Business courses (including courses cross-listed with that Faculty).

For a BA Humanities the majority of credits earned must be offered by the Faculty of Humanities. For a BA Social Sciences the majority of credits earned must be offered by the Faculty of Social Sciences. Where Humanities courses are used to satisfy the Social Sciences or Science context credit requirement, these courses will not count toward the majority required for the degree.

Students must satisfy all general University requirements, including one context credit from the list of eligible courses in each of the Faculties of Humanities, Social Sciences and Mathematics and Science.

Students electing to pursue a BA Humanities or BA Social Sciences program should develop a program plan in consultation with an Academic Adviser in the Office of the Registrar & Enrolment Services.

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Honours or Pass Degrees

Integrated Studies (15 or 20 credit):

Integrated Studies programs permit a student to pursue a unique, interdisciplinary program of studies which may span two or more Departments/Centres. Individual programs may be developed at either the honours or pass level.

Students who choose a pattern of studies with an emphasis in the Faculty of Mathematics and Science must complete one credit in APCO, COSC or MATH.

A clear and predetermined plan of study must be approved by the appropriate Dean.

D. Concentrations

A concentration in an honours degree normally requires a minimum of six credits from a list of courses approved by the relevant academic Department/Centre. A concentration enables students to pursue studies within their major or combined major program. Application and approval to carry a concentration is required.

Concentrations are offered in:
Accounting
Applied Mathematics
Applied Social Research and Data Analysis
Choral Music
Community Music
Computational Data Sciences
Criminology
Critical Animal Studies
Cultural Management
Cultural Transmission and Heritage Studies
Digital Culture
Digital Expression
Digital Prototyping
Digital Scholarship
Drama in Education and Applied Theatre
Entrepreneurship
Finance
Financial Analytics
General Management
Hearing Sciences
Human Resource Management
Information Systems
Instructional Design
Intelligent Systems
International Business
International Development
Italian Language and Romance Linguistics
Labour Studies
Languages, Arts and Culture
Marketing
Mathematics Education
Mathematics Integrated With Computers and Applications (MICA)
Music Education
Music Performance
Music Therapy Foundations
Operations Management
Performance
Production and Design
Public Administration
Public Law
Pure Mathematics
Software Engineering
Spanish Language and Romance Linguistics
Spanish and Comparative Studies in Romance Literatures and Cultures
Speech Language Sciences
Statistics
Urban and Planning Studies

E. Minors

A minor is distinct from a student’s major or combined major and requires from four to six credits as designated by the relevant academic unit or units.

For a list of minors offered see Degrees, Certificates, Micro-certificates and Minors.

F. Transfer Students

Students transferring from another university may earn a Brock 20 credit or 15 credit degree, as a first degree, with a minimum of five Brock credits.

Transfer students may complete a BEd Program II degree with a minimum of four Brock credits.

Only coures taken at Brock will be used in determining a student’s average.

Students seeking a second or subsequent degree will be granted transfer credit to a maximum of 10 credits for a 20 credit degree and a maximum of seven credits for a 15 credit degree. See the following section for further information.

G. Requirements for a Second or Subsequent Degree

With the exception of the Concurrent Teacher Education programs, students may not pursue two undergraduate degrees concurrently. An individual who wishes to pursue a second undergraduate degree must:

1. Have successfully completed the first degree;
2. Make application for admission and be admitted to the second degree program (see Admissions for further information);
3. Fulfill all the specific requirements of each degree program including prerequisites, co-requisites and honours standing requirements (where appropriate).
4. To obtain a second degree, students must have completed, with satisfactory standing, at least 50 percent more credits beyond the first degree. The minimum total of credits for both degrees are:

►for a 20 credit degree and a second 15 credit degree: 28 credits.
►for a 20 credit degree and a second 20 credit degree: 30 credits.
►for a 15 credit degree and a second 15 credit degree: 23 credits.
►for a 15 credit degree and a second 20 credit degree: 28 credits.

(an exception exists for the BAcc, BA in Adult Education and BEd in Indigneous Adult Education as subsequent degrees. Please see the appropriate Calendar entry).

An applicant who has a bachelor’s degree from Brock or another institution may be allowed to pursue undergraduate studies leading to a second bachelor’s degree of the same or another designation under the following conditions:

1. the principal area of study or academic emphasis must be distinct from that of the first degree;
2. the student must complete, with satisfactory standing, at least 50 percent more credits beyond the first degree (see required number of credits above);
3. the student must meet all program requirements for the second degree;
4. any departure from the above must be approved by the Dean of the appropriate Faculty.

For any second degree, an individual may take only those 1(alpha)00 level courses specifically required to fulfill the requirements for the second degree. Electives must be numbered 2(alpha)00 or above.

A student holding a BA (Humanities) degree is not permitted to pursue a second undergraduate degree in a BA (Social Sciences) or vice versa without approval of the Dean of the Faculty where the second degree is sought.

H. Certificates

The University has established certificate programs for students wishing to acquire specialized knowledge without proceeding immediately to a degree.

For a list of Certificates offered see Degrees, Certificates, Micro-certificates and Minors.

Requirements for a Certificate

Admission requirements are the same as those for degree programs (Please see the Admissions website for more details). Certificate programs are governed by the same academic regulations as those governing degree programs.

Students seeking admission to the certificate program, following the completion of a degree or diploma program from a university or college, will be limited in the number of transferable credits. No more than one credit from all the courses included in the university degree or college diploma program may be used in the certificate program. With special permission of the Dean of the appropriate faculty, one credit may be taken on a Letter of Permission.

A maximum of one credit may be obtained by Challenge for Credit.

Students wishing to hold both a degree and a certificate must fulfill the course requirements for both the degree and the certificate. Students may not pursue two certificates concurrently. All credits earned in a certificate program are transferable to a degree program.

A certificate is awarded upon the successful completion of the courses required for the certificate program with a cumulative overall average as determined by the offering department/program. Certificates require a minimum of 4.0 credits. Details appear in the relevant entries of the Calendar. Transfer averages calculated for the purposes of admissions and any transfer credit awarded will not be used in the calculation of the Brock average. Any credits transferred from a Brock degree program to a certificate program will be included in the calculation of the overall average.

The use of disruption credits is limited to 1.0 credit for certificate programs. For more information about grade options during disruption please visit https://brocku.ca/registrar/grade-options-during-disruptions/.

Micro-certificates

Micro-certificates are achievement of specific learning outcomes and skills may be recognized through a micro certificate, characterized as being shorter (minimum 2 courses, 1.0 credit in length) than a certificate and providing distinctive relevance in a specific area of study/focus. Credits earned toward a micro-certificate may be counted toward the requirements of a certificate or degree program if applicable to that program. In recognition of specialized focus, admission requirements for micro-certificates may differ from certificate programs. (FHB Section 3: 7.6)

The use of disruption credits (CD) is prohibited for micro-certificate programs (FHB Section 3: 7.6). For more information about grade options during disruption please visit https://brocku.ca/registrar/grade-options-during-disruptions/.

For a list of Micro-certificates offered see Degrees, Certificates, Micro-certificates and Minors.

I. Diplomas

Diplomas are prepared for students who have completed degree or certificate requirements as prescribed by Senate. 

More information is available at brocku.ca/registrar/toolkit/forms/#graduation

Diplomas are presented at Convocation to students graduating from a degree program. Graduates who are not able to attend Convocation may graduate in absentia and have the ability to receive their diploma. Diplomas will be held in the Office of the Registrar & Enrolment Services for three years after the date of graduation. Any not received by such time will be destroyed.

J. Replacement of Diploma

Graduates may request, with payment of the required fee, a duplicate or reprinted diploma or certificate. A “duplicate copy” of a student’s diploma or certificate will be issued 1) when a student requires a second copy of their diploma or certificate; 2) when, on request for a new diploma, the first copy of the diploma is not returned; and 3) when a statutory declaration (stating that the diploma or certificate has been lost, destroyed) is not submitted. A diploma or certificate will be “reissued” (noting the date of reissue) when the first diploma or certificate is returned or a statutory declaration is submitted. The word “duplicate” will be affixed to all diplomas and certificates requested in this manner.

V. Examinations

A. General Information

Students are required to be present for formally scheduled examinations during the regular examination periods.

Written progress and final examinations shall normally be scheduled and administered by the Office of the Registrar & Enrolment Services and take place under formal conditions during a specially-scheduled examination period.

The style and duration of a University examination (closed or open book; essay or multiple-choice questions) shall normally be at the discretion of the individual instructor. 

All University examinations being written concurrently in a given room should begin simultaneously. In addition, it is desirable that students writing examinations of different lengths should be segregated in different rooms. A student shall not be permitted to enter a room in which University examinations are being written if the student arrives more than 30 minutes after the commencement of writing, nor shall a student be permitted to leave such a room within the first 30 minutes or within the last 10 minutes of the examination.

When a course is given in more than one section in any given term, it is the responsibility of the Chair/Director and the instructors involved to ensure that the sections are substantially the same in content. This means that the materials covered in the different sections, with some possible minor variations of emphasis, will be similar, and that all sections of the course will write comparable examinations. Tutorial courses, directed research courses and honours thesis courses shall be exempted from this regulation.

Although attempts will be made to minimize consecutive examinations or two examinations in one day, this possibility cannot be eliminated. Three exams on two calendar days is not considered a conflict.

In some cases it may be necessary for students registered in evening courses to write examinations during the day or vice versa.

For more information on examination rules, please visit: Exams - Registration Guides and Timetables

B. Class Tests and Examinations

For examinations policy information, please see the Faculty Handbook A, Section 9. See 9.1.8-9.1.9 for specific information related to class tests and examinations: 

Faculty Handbook Section 3: Academic Regulations - University Secretariat

C. Progress Examinations

Progress examinations may be required in all full credit courses. Final examinations may be considered as an integral part of courses, much as seminars or lectures, particularly in courses numbered 1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99. It is the responsibility of the Department/Centre to determine whether or not a final examination is required.

D. Deferred Examinations

For examinations policy information, please see the Faculty Handbook A, Section 9. See 9.5 for specific information related to deferred examinations: 

Faculty Handbook Section 3: Academic Regulations - University Secretariat

E. Retention of Papers

University final examination scripts shall be retained in the University for a certain period after the examinations have been written. At the time when an instructor transmits the year’s grades for a course to the Office of the Registrar & Enrolment Services, the examination scripts shall be turned over by the instructor to the Administrative Assistant for safekeeping for a period of not less than twelve months. After that time, they must be shredded.

Students have a right to inspect their final examination papers under faculty supervision. It is the responsibility of each Department/Program to ensure that a breakdown of each student’s grade used in the determination of the final grade is available, upon request, for twelve months after the completion of the course.

VI. Evaluation of Student Performance

Please see Faculty Handbook A, Section 10 for current information related to Evaluation:

Faculty Handbook Section 3: Academic Regulations - University Secretariat

A. Grades

The following grades are awarded for undergraduate courses:

A - 90 to 100

Reserved for students where work is of outstanding quality that provides clear evidence of superior work that exceeds expectations.

A - 80 to 89

Awarded for excellent, comprehensive and accurate work.

B - 70 to 79

Awarded to students who have a sound grasp of the most important goals of the course and whose work meets expectations.

C - 60 to 69

Awarded to students who show average competence which falls short of the standard of a B grade through incompleteness or inaccuracy; their work may be described as adequate.

D - 50 to 59

Awarded to students who barely satisfy the minimum requirements for the course.

F - 49 or lower

Means that the student, having failed to satisfy the minimum requirements, does not receive formal credit.

AG - Aegrotat standing

Aegrotat standing is the granting of credit for a course(s), based on the course work already completed, when no further assessment - for example, a deferred examination - is considered feasible because of illness or other extenuating circumstances beyond the student’s control. Students may only be granted Aegrotat Standing with the approval of the Dean of the Faculty offering the course.

P - Pass

The Pass/Fail grading scheme is applicable to courses that are clinical or practicum based.

SP - Deferred examination

If a student is unable to write a formally scheduled examination, or having begun the exam, is unable to complete it, for reasons of ill-health, with supporting documentation, a Deferred Examination will be granted. Requests made on the basis of compassionate grounds or on the grounds of extenuating circumstances will be judged on a case by case basis. (See “Examinations” section for more information.)

Deferred exams for Fall Term courses will be written no later than the subsequent July 31; for Fall/Winter Session courses, no later than the subsequent August 31; for Spring and Summer Session courses, no later than the subsequent December 31.

SA - Satisfactory

Used for co-op work terms and co-requisite academic courses, internship options and non-credit courses.

UN - Unsatisfactory

Used for co-op work terms and co-requisite academic courses, internship options and non-credit courses.

W - Withdrawn (where xx is the week of withdrawal)

IN - Incomplete

A temporary grade granted only in exceptional circumstances to a student who has been unable to complete some part of the term work in a course. A final grade must be submitted within 56 days of the last day of the examination period.

IP - In Progress

Used only for fourth-year thesis and project courses or graduate courses (the list of acceptable courses is available in the Office of the Registrar & Enrolment Services). An IP for undergraduate courses must be cleared within 12 months of the initial registration, otherwise the student must reregister in that course and pay the appropriate course fee.

NR - Not reported

CH/F - Challenge grading

Grade awarded to indicate a successful/unsuccessful challenge for a credit course.

NW - Not withdrawn

Grades applicable to Teacher Education and Continuing Teacher Education courses only:

P1 - 80 to 100

P2 - 70 to 79

P3 - 60 to 69

F - Any grade below 60

P/F Pass/Fail

Wxx (as above)

IN (as above)

NR (as above)

NW (as above)

Final grades may be released only by the Office of the Registrar & Enrolment Services.

B. Calculation of Averages

The average which is used to determine academic standing is computed by dividing the sum of the numeric grades assigned to credits by the total number of credits attempted.*

*See regulations on repeated courses.

Only courses taken at Brock will be used in determining a student’s average. Courses taken on a Letter of Permission from Brock will be marked as Pass/Fail and will not be used in determining any student average. The Office of the Registrar & Enrolment Services should include, as a note on a student’s transcript, the exact name and title of the course taken on Letter of Permission, including the grade received at the offering institution.

Note: for the purposes of calculating averages, a value of 45 percent is used for all “F” grades of 45 or lower, and of their numerical value for “F” grades of 46 to 49. Transcripts, however, bear the actual grade of the course.

C. Dean’s Honours List

Students are placed on The Deans’ Honours List if they have completed 5 undergraduate credits with an average of 80 percent on those credits. The student will be considered for the Dean’s Honours List recognition when the 5, 10, 15 and 20 credit level is surpassed. All credits within the milestone must be completed at Brock to qualify for consideration.

D. Minimum Academic Requirements for Continued Registration

First-year students who have received grades in at least two credits must have attained a minimum 60 percent overall average. Continuing students must maintain a minimum 60 percent overall average. (Some programs may require a higher average in order to be eligible to continue studies in that program. See individual Department/Centre requirements.)

E. Academic Probation, Suspension, Debarment

a. Academic Probation:

Students who do not meet minimum academic performance requirements (60 percent overall average) will be placed on Academic Probation. Notice of Academic Probation will be placed on a student’s Statement of Standing but not on a student’s transcript. Students will be notified that they have been placed on Academic Probation (i) on their academic record accessed on the student portal, and (ii) a Statement of Standing that they have been placed on academic probation.

The academic record of students placed on Academic Probation will be re-evaluated at the end of the session where a cumulative total of three or more credits have been attempted since being placed on academic probation.

Students must attain a minimum 60 percent overall average on total courses attempted while on academic probation to be allowed to continue. In the calculation of this average a value of 45 will be used for “F” grades of 45 or lower, and the actual numeric value will be used for “F” grades 46-49 percent.

b. Academic Suspension

Students who have attempted a minimum of three credits since being placed on Academic Probation and who do not attain the minimum academic performance requirements on all courses taken while on Academic Probation will be placed on Academic Suspension for one full calendar year (see evaluation of Students on Academic Probation).

Notice of Academic Suspension will be placed on a student’s Statement of Standing and on a student’s transcript. Students will be notified that they have been placed on Academic Suspension (i) on their academic record accessed on the student portal, and (ii) by an official Statement of Standing sent to the mailing address on the student’s record.

Students registered in current session courses prior to notification of Academic Suspension will be permitted to continue in currently registered courses. Successful completion of such courses will not alter the status of Academic Suspension.

Re-admission:

Students readmitted following Academic Suspension will be required to return to studies under the regulations and program of the calendar in effect at the time of their re-registration, and they will be considered to be on Academic Probation for a second time.

Courses taken at another post-secondary institution while on Academic Suspension will not be considered for transfer credit upon re-admission.

Students who can demonstrate that there were extenuating circumstances which affected their academic performance while on Academic Probation may appeal to the Senate Student Appeals Board to permit them to continue their studies without sitting out the required one-year Academic Suspension. Documentation with respect to the grounds for appeal, must be provided by the student in support of any appeal for re-admission. Students granted their request will be readmitted to the University as if they had served the one-year suspension, that is, they will be considered to be on a second Academic Probation.

The academic record of students placed on academic probation following suspension will be re-evaluated at the end of the session where a cumulative total of three or more credits have been attempted since being placed on Academic Probation following readmission. Students must attain a minimum 60 percent overall average on total courses attempted while on Academic Probation to be allowed to continue. In the calculation of this average a value of 45 percent will be used for “F” grades of 45 or lower, and the actual numerical value will be used for “F” grades of 46-49 percent.

Students who fail to meet the terms of a second Academic Probation will be placed on Academic Debarment for a minimum of two calendar years.

Alternative to Academic Suspension:

Students placed on academic suspension may be offered an alternative to academic suspension. Participating students will continue on academic probation, be required to take a mandatory non-credit support course and be restricted to a maximum of three credits. Students must successfully complete the non-credit support course, as well as attain a minimum 60 percent overall average once three credits have been attempted. Students who do not meet these requirements will be placed on academic suspension for a minimum of one year. This alternative to academic suspension may be repeated one time.

c. Academic Debarment

Students who fail to meet the terms of Academic Probation following Academic Suspension will be placed on Academic Debarment (see Evaluation of Students on Academic Probation following Academic Suspension).

Notice of Academic Debarment will be placed on a student’s Statement of Standing and on a student’s transcript. Students will be notified that they have been placed on Academic Debarment (i) on their academic record accessed on the student portal, and (ii) by an official Statement of Standing sent to the mailing address on the student’s record.

Students registered in current session courses prior to notification of Academic Debarment will be permitted to continue in currently registered courses. Successful completion of such courses does not alter the status of Academic Debarment.

Re-admission:

Students on Academic Debarment who wish to be considered for re-admission to the University following the minimum two-year period of Academic Debarment will be required to meet with an Academic Adviser.

Students placed on Academic Debarment who can demonstrate extenuating circumstances which affected their academic performance may submit an appeal for special consideration to the Senate Student Appeals Board. Documentation with respect to the grounds for appeal, must be provided by the student in support of any appeal for re-admission. Re-admission is not guaranteed.

Students readmitted following Academic Debarment will be required to return to studies under the regulations and program of the calendar in effect at the time of their re-registration, and they will be considered to be on a final Academic Probation.

Courses taken at another post-secondary institution while on Academic Debarment will not be considered for transfer credit upon re-admission.

The academic record of students placed on a final Academic Probation following Debarment will be re-evaluated at the end of the session where a cumulative total of three or more credits have been attempted since being placed on Academic Probation following readmission. Students must attain a minimum 60 percent overall average on total courses attempted while on Academic Probation to be allowed to continue. In the calculation of this average a value of 45 percent will be used for “F” grades of 45 or lower, and the actual numeric value will be used for “F” grades 46-49 percent.

Students who fail to meet the terms of a final Academic Probation will be placed on permanent Debarment. Notice of Permanent Debarment will be placed on a student’s Statement of Standing and on a student’s transcript. Students will be notified that they have been placed on Permanent Debarment (i) on their academic record accessed on the student portal and (ii) by an official Statement of Standing sent to the mailing address on the student’s record.

E. Accommodation of Students on Human Rights Grounds

For policy information, please see the Faculty Handbook C, Section 13: 

Faculty Handbook Section 3: Academic Regulations - University Secretariat

F. Academic Integrity

Brock University fosters the pursuit of knowledge and scholarship through the provision of academic programs and a learning environment of the highest quality. Academic Integrity is a core value that supports the University’s mission. Acts of academic misconduct will not be tolerated and shall be subject to disciplinary procedures under the University’s Academic Integrity Policy.

VII. Appeals

An appeal to the Student Appeals Board is a final recourse in dealing with an academic appeal.

Students considering submission of an appeal must ensure they have followed the appropriate pre-appeal procedure prior to submitting an appeal for consideration of the Senate Student Appeals Board. Pre-appeal procedures and timelines can be found in Appendix 1 of Faculty Handbook Section 3.C.17.
 

For information on how to submit an appeal and to access the required Notice of Appeal form, please visit the Office of the Registrar & Enrolment Services Student Senate Appeals page.

Students must ensure that they follow the prescribed process. Students who submit an appeal without following the prescribed procedure will have the appeal returned without decision and will remain pending submission of further required documentation.

A. Appeals Related to Academic Requirements/Policy Decisions

A request for an exemption to a departmental/centre degree requirement must be directed to the Chair/Director of the student’s home Department/Centre (combined majors shall appeal to the Department/Centre directly affected by the request for an exemption). If the student has followed the pre-appeal procudures and is not satisfied with the decision of the Dean, the student may then appeal to the Senate Student Appeals Board.

B. Appeal of Final Course Grades

If the student has followed the pre-appeal procedures, and is not satisfied with the decision of the Dean, the student may then appeal to the Senate Student Appeals Board. 

Appeals of final grades, including the assignment of a failing grade for non-attendance in a course, must be made within 90 days of the official release of grades by the Office of the Registrar. Failure in itself is not a valid reason for an appeal.

C. Backdated Withdrawals and Retroactive Registrations

If the student has followed the pre-appeal procedures, and is not satisfied with the decision of the Dean, the student may then appeal to the Senate Student Appeals Board. 

D. Appeals of Charges of Academic Misconduct

All appeals relating to the charge of academic misconduct, penalties assigned or notations on transcripts will be heard by the Senate Student Appeals Board. Refer to the Academic Integrity website for additional information, and to access the Academic Integrity Policy for reference to policy and procedure specifics. 

E. Appeal of Academic Suspension

Appeals must be directed to the Senate Student Appeals Board.

The Senate Appeal Form and all supporting documentation with respect to the grounds for appeal, must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar by the student in support of any appeal for re-admission.

Students who can demonstrate that there were extenuating circumstances which affected their academic performance while on Academic Probation may submit an appeal application for special consideration. Students granted their request will be readmitted to the University as if they had served the one-year suspension; that is, they will be placed on a second Academic Probation and permitted to resume their studies.

The academic record of students placed on academic probation following suspension will be re-evaluated at the end of the session where a cumulative total of three or more credits have been attempted since being placed on Academic Probation following readmission. Students must attain a minimum 60 percent overall average on total courses attempted while on Academic Probation to be allowed to continue. In the calculation of this average a value of 45 percent will be used for “F” grades of 45 or lower, and the actual numerical value will be used for “F” grades of 46-49 percent.

Students who fail to meet the terms of a second Academic Probation will be placed on Academic Debarment for a minimum of two calendar years.

F. Appeal of Academic Debarment

Students who can demonstrate that there were extenuating circumstances, affecting their academic performance while on Academic Probation may request that the Senate Student Appeals Board permit them to continue their studies without sitting out the required two-year Academic Debarment.

Students granted their request for early return from Academic Debarment will be readmitted to the University as if they had served the two-year term; that is, they will be placed on a Academic Probation. Subsequent failure to satisfy Academic Probation requirement will result in Permanent Debarment. 

Students readmitted will be required to return to studies under the regulations and program of the calendar in effect at the time of their re-registration. 

Students will be required to apply tfor re-admission to the University following the minimum two year period of academic debarment. Application is required and re-admission is not guaranteed.

Appeals Procedures

A. Method of Appeal to the Senate Student Appeals Board

All appeals directed to the Senate Student Appeals Board must be submitted electronicly.  For more information, visit: Student Senate Appeals - Office of the Registrar.

Appeals must clearly state the arguments and expectations of the student. It is the responsibility of the student to demonstrate the validity of the appeal and to provide full and appropriate supporting documentation. 

The Appeals section of the Faculty Handbook: C, Section 17, outlines valid and invalid grounds, as well as additional important information related to submissions, documentation, outcomes and more: Faculty Handbook Section 3: Academic Regulations - University Secretariat

Appeals must follow the relevant pre-appeals procedures and must be submitted by the deadlines set out within the Pre-Appeal Procedures. These may only be waived by the Board Chair and Vice-Chair where a student has been unable to comply with a deadline due to human rights grounds and it has been determined that the University’s duty to accommodate warrants that the deadline be waived.

Appeals based on health grounds must be supported by a Brock University Student Health Services ‘Medical Self-Declaration Form Short Term’ and/or ‘Medical Verification Form’ indicating specifically the student’s inability to fulfil the requirements being appealed (See Item B, below).

Students who wish to appeal a decision on the basis that new information has emerged that was not available at the date of the original decision should first seek a reconsideration of the decision by the original decision maker.

A student may withdraw an appeal at any time during the process. Appeals that are not completed or responded to within 30 calendar days are considered automatically withdrawn. Should a student want their appeal heard, they must re-submit a complete appeal within the timelines outlined in the Pre-Appeals Procedures. 

B. Hearings at the Senate Student Appeals Board

Meetings of the Senate Student Appeals Board are closed to the public and all hearing deliberations will be held in camera, meaning matters discussed are condifential.

All appeals will be considered based on the written submission, unless a request for a hearing has been made. Please see Faculty Handbook C.17 for more information on the determination of the form of the hearing.

If a student is granted a hearing, the faculty representative will also be required to attend the hearing and provide subsequent oral testimony. 

Students are entitled to bring one support individual to a hearing of the Senate Student Appeals Board, should a hearing be scheduled.

Students appealing to the Senate Students Appeals Board will be notified of the date in which the appeal will be considered. 

The Senate Student Appeals Board may request the attendance of appropriate individuals to appear before the Committee to provide information pertinent to the appeal.

All materials submitted to the Board by the decision maker will be provided to the student and all materials submitted by the student will be provided to the decision maker. All parties will be advised of the necessity of keeping all appeal materials confidential and secure and only using the information disclosed as part of an appeal for the purposes of the appeal.

Notice of decision will be provided to the student and decision maker (and in the case of graduate students, the Graduate Program Director) within 5 business days of the hearing and a brief written statement of reasons will be provided to the student and decision maker (and in the case of graduate students, the Graduate Program Director) within 15 business days of the hearing.

The decision of the Student Appeals Board is final.