Academic Standing
Academic standing reflects your academic performance and progress toward your program completion. It helps ensure students are meeting the institution’s standards and are on track to succeed in their educational goals.
Academic standing is evaluated at the end of each semester using your Grade Point Average (GPA). Both your Term GPA and Cumulative GPA are used to determine your standing.
Types of Academic Standing
| Honours with Excellence | Students earn honours with excellence when they achieve a GPA of 3.9 or higher while completing a full-time course load. All courses for that semester must be finished with no incomplete (IC) grades. |
| Honours | Students earn honours when they achieve a GPA of 3.5 or higher. All courses for that semester must be finished with no incomplete (IC) grades. |
| Good | Students earn good standing when they achieve a GPA of 1.7 - 3.49. |
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Academic Warning |
A student receives an academic warning when their GPA has fallen below the institutional minimum required threshold of 1.7. It’s a signal to seek support and improve your performance. |
| Academic Dismissal | A student is placed on academic dismissal when their GPA stays below 1.7 for two consecutive semesters while completing 6 or more credits each semester. |
What to do if you're not in good standing:
- Meet with an academic advisor or academic coach.
- Use campus resources like tutoring, counseling, and writing support.
- Stay informed—read emails and notifications about your status.
Remember, support is available. We're here to help!
Academic challenges are common, and help is always available. Whether you've received academic warning or just want to improve your GPA, we’re here to support your success. Check out Academic Support for more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Academic Standing helps the institution assess your progress and ensure you are meeting the minimum requirements to remain in good standing and continue in your program.
Some programs have their own academic standing standards that may be higher than the institutional minimum 1.7 GPA. Please refer to your program section in the Academic Calendar for details.
How is Academic Standing assessed?
- Academic Standing is reviewed at the end of each semester once final grades are posted. Your overall performance, including GPA and completed credits, is used to determine your standing.
Academic Standing is recorded on the official transcript.
Your Academic Standing can affect:
- Eligibility for financial aid
- Participation in athletics or student organizations
- Continuation in your program
- Graduation timeline
How does Academic Standing affect financial aid or awards?
- Financial aid programs often have their own academic requirements. Being on Warning or Dismissal may affect your eligibility. Contact Financial Aid for details based on your specific situation.
Academic Warning means your performance has fallen below the minimum required standards. You may be required to:
- Meet with an academic advisor
- Develop an academic success plan
- Limit your course load
- Use academic support services
You will still be allowed to continue your studies, but improvement is required.
Can I continue taking courses if I am on Academic Warning?
- Yes. However, you may be subject to restrictions, such as enrolling in a reduced course load or receiving mandatory advising. Requirements may vary by program.
Academic Dismissal means you have not met the conditions of your Academic Warning. You will be required to take a break from studies for one academic year.
Can I appeal an Academic Dismissal?
- Students can submit a request for reinstatement if they believe there were extenuating circumstances that affected their performance. More details can be found in the Academic Calendar.
To return to Good Academic Standing, you must meet or exceed the minimum academic standards in the following semester of six credits or more.
What supports are available to help me improve my academic performance?
Learning supports include:
A full-time course load equals a minimum of 9 credits per Fall or Winter semester or a minimum 3 credits per month for Spring and Summer semesters.
