Academic standing is based on a student's cumulative major and overall averages and, where applicable, co-op requirements (see the Faculty of Environment Academic Regulations section in this Calendar).
- All courses taken are included in the cumulative overall average.
- Cumulative major averages are calculated using grades of select courses in accordance with the individual plans. See the notes for academic plans in the Environment Academic plans section of this Calendar for details.
- Cumulative major and overall averages are calculated using grades from both passed and failed courses.
Repeated Courses
When a course is repeated, both grades will appear on the student's record and will be included in the calculation of the cumulative overall average. If the course is part of the major requirement, both grades will also be included in the cumulative major average.
Conditional Standing
A student who does not maintain the prescribed minimum cumulative major or the minimum cumulative overall averages will be given a conditional standing. Students with a conditional standing are required to speak with their academic advisor, associate chair/director undergraduate studies, or the faculty undergraduate coordinator for advice to increase the likelihood of success in the conditional term.
Normally, a student receiving a conditional standing will be given the option to continue to the next term with the intent to raise their cumulative major and/or overall averages to meet minimum plan requirements.
Failed Standing
Should the student fail to meet the minimum academic requirements for their plan at the end of the conditional term, they will receive a failed standing. Normally, an upper-year student (2A and above) who receives a failed standing is eligible to apply for readmission after an absence of two consecutive academic terms. A co-op work term immediately following a failed standing is not counted towards the two-term absence.
In rare cases, a student may experience challenges that create conditions that limit the likelihood of academic success or, more generally, the benefit of continued studies. In these exceptional cases, the school or departmental Promotions Committee in consultation with the student and other appropriate resources may give this student a failed standing regardless of their cumulative major and overall averages.
Foundation Term
A student who is given a failed standing at the end of their second term (1B) of study normally will be given the option of applying to complete the Foundation Term or withdraw for two academic terms.
A student who continues in their studies after either a successful Foundation Term or an absence of two consecutive academic terms after a failed standing will have their record cleared; that is, grades achieved in all previous terms will not be included in the calculation of minimum cumulative major and minimum cumulative overall plan averages. Calculation of minimum cumulative major and minimum cumulative overall averages will begin with the Foundation Term or upon readmission after their two consecutive term absence.
Courses taken prior to the Foundation Term or readmission will remain on the student’s official academic record. Cleared courses with grades 50% and above will contribute to the total credits required up to the maximum allowance as stated in the University Policies, Guidelines, and Academic Regulations section of this Calendar.
Students are allowed to have only one Foundation Term or Failed standing on their record while in their Faculty of Environment academic plan. Students not achieving their minimum cumulative major and/or minimum cumulative overall plan averages for a second time will be unable to continue in their Environment academic plan.