Academic Information

Decisions on academic standings are made at the end of each academic term.

Students must meet the minimum cumulative overall average and minimum cumulative major average as shown in the chart below in order to be eligible to continue in their plan. Cumulative overall average is based on all courses taken at the University of Waterloo, whether passed or failed. For all joint and double honours plans, the major average of both majors must be satisfied.    

A student’s academic standing is determined by the averages attained:

• Cumulative Overall Average: Average of the grades in all courses taken regardless of faculty.
• Cumulative Major Average: Average of the grades in all courses taken within the student’s plan (e.g., major, minor, option). Normally all courses taken under the rubric of the student’s plan, including cross-listed courses (HLTH for Health Studies courses and Public Health courses, KIN for Kinesiology courses, REC for Recreation and Leisure Studies courses) are included in the plan average regardless of whether any of these courses are in excess of the minimum required by the plan.

The following chart provides minimum grade requirements that will be used when reviewing and making decisions:

* Students must achieve a minimum cumulative overall average of 63%. Students must achieve a minimum cumulative major average of 67% calculated based on a minimum of 2.0 HLTH units attempted.
** Students must achieve a minimum cumulative overall average of 70%. Students must achieve a minimum cumulative major average of 75% calculated based on a minimum of 2.0 HLTH units attempted.

Students who meet the academic requirements for their plan will be in Excellent, Good, or Satisfactory standing, depending on the plan, term, and cumulative overall and major averages. Failure to meet minimum average requirements for the plan may result in a Conditional standing or a Failed decision. Students with a Conditional standing are strongly advised to meet with their academic advisor for plan-specific advice or a success coach for strategies to overcome barriers to academic success. Students with a Conditional standing are normally given only one additional term to attain a Satisfactory standing.

Students who receive a Conditional standing at the end of their first or second term of study may, in consultation with their academic advisor, choose to enroll voluntarily in the Foundation Term. This option may also be available to students whose academic advisors feel they would benefit from the Foundation Term.

Students may be Failed - Required to Withdraw from the faculty at any time under special circumstances, such as leaving their plan without notification or failing to write examinations.    

General students who raise their cumulative overall average and major average to honours levels may apply to be readmitted to honours plans.

Students who have been inactive for three or more terms must apply for readmission to their plan. Note that work terms are not considered inactive terms.