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Glendon – Regulations for the Bachelor of Arts Degree

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Note: in these regulations the term academic session refers to the period from the beginning of instruction in September until the end of the annual examinations in the spring; academic year refers to the period from September 1 to August 31; year of study refers to the division of degree studies according to the number of courses already satisfactorily completed.

All inquiries about regulations and requirements shall be addressed to the Office of Student Programs.

1. Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts

1.1 Bilingualism

1.1.1 Students admitted to an undergraduate degree program at Glendon must satisfy the bilingual requirement at Glendon.

1.1.2 Students must take a language placement assessment to determine their appropriate level of French and/or English.

1.1.3 In order to satisfy the bilingual requirement, students must successfully complete at least six credits in each official language (French and English) at Glendon from the following two categories:

1.1.3.1 Courses at the second-year level and above in French as a second language and/or in English as a second language;

1.1.3.2 Courses in any discipline which are designated as satisfying the bilingual requirement. A student who wants to satisfy the bilingual requirement with courses other than FRLS, FSL and ENSL must submit to the Office of Student Programs a Bilingual Requirement form signed by the course instructor stating that they completed all of the required course work, tests and exams in the language of instruction of the course.

1.1.4 The following courses are not eligible for the bilingual requirement:

1.2 General Education

1.2.1 Every student in the college shall complete the equivalent of at least six credits in each of three of the four general education divisions: humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science, social science. For detailed information about these divisions, see the description under multidisciplinary studies.

1.3 Major

1.3.1 In addition to taking courses which contribute to their broad knowledge, students are required to specialize in a specific subject or combination of subjects. The area of primary concentration is known as the major; an area of secondary concentration (if any) is known as the minor. In a double major program, a course may count for major credit towards only one major. In a major/minor program, a course may count only for major credit or for minor credit. Students may choose to major or minor in a specific subject when they enter the University or they may wait until they have completed up to 24 credits. At this point, students must choose a major and possibly a minor, but subsequent changes are possible. In selecting courses, students who are undecided should try to take introductory courses in a number of potential major subjects. This will allow them to proceed in their subject(s) of choice without the possibility of a delay.

1.3.2 Cross-listed courses may not be double counted in order to fulfill major requirements. For example, if GL/FRAN 3600 6.00 is cross-listed to GL/DRST 3600 6.00, it may be counted as a French studies course or a drama studies course, but not as both.

2. Requirements for an International Bachelor of Arts

2.1 There are two iBA program options at Glendon: Bilingual iBA or Trilingual iBA. Students may choose to switch to a BA program during the course of their studies or vice-versa depending on their academic standing.

2.2 Bilingualism or Trilingualism

2.2.1 Bilingualism

2.2.1.1 For the bilingual iBA, students must complete at least 18 credits in each official language (English and French) at Glendon (French as a second language and/or in English as a second language at the 2000 level or above or in discipline courses which are designated as satisfying the bilingual requirement).

2.2.1.2 The following courses are not eligible for the bilingual requirement:

2.2.2 Trilingualism

2.2.2.1 For the trilingual iBA, in addition to the above 18 credits in English and French, students must complete 18 credits in Hispanic studies including GL/SP 3000 6.00 or another advanced-level course (six credits) in Hispanic studies or in a modern language offered by York University, including an advanced-level course in the chosen language.

2.3 Internationally-oriented Courses

2.3.1 Every student registered in the international bachelor of arts must complete at least 12 credits of internationally-oriented courses.

2.4 Exchange Program

2.4.1 Every student registered in the international bachelor of arts must complete at least one full term abroad as a full-time student at an institution with which Glendon and/or York has a formal exchange agreement.

2.5 General Education

2.5.1 Every student in the college shall complete the equivalent of at least six credits in each of three of the four general education divisions: humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science, social science. For detailed information about these divisions, see the description under multidisciplinary studies.

2.6 Major

2.6.1 In addition to taking courses which contribute to their broad knowledge, students are required to specialize in a specific subject or combination of subjects. The area of primary concentration is known as the major; an area of secondary concentration (if any) is known as the minor. In a double major program, a course may count for major credit towards only one major. In a major/minor program, a course may count only for major credit or for minor credit. Students may choose to major or minor in a specific subject when they enter the University or they may wait until they have completed up to 24 credits. At this point, students must choose a major and possibly a minor, but subsequent changes are possible. In selecting courses, students who are undecided should try to take introductory courses in a number of potential major subjects. This will allow them to proceed in their subject(s) of choice without the possibility of a delay.

2.6.2 Cross-listed courses may not be double counted in order to fulfill major requirements. For example, if GL/FRAN 3600 6.00 is cross-listed to GL/DRST 3600 6.00, it may be counted as a French studies course or a drama studies course, but not as both.

3. Undergraduate Degrees

3.1 Honours Bachelor of Arts (Honours BA)

3.1.1 The Honours bachelor of arts (Specialised Honours BA, Honours BA, Honours Double Major BA, Honours Major/Minor BA) program requires at least four years of full-time study and at least 120 credits with a cumulative overall and major average of 5.00 (C+).

3.2 Honours International Bachelor of Arts (Honours iBA)

3.2.1 The Honours international bachelor of arts (Specialised Honours iBA, Honours iBA, Honours Double Major iBA, Honours Major/Minor iBA) program requires at least four years of full-time study and at least 120 credits with a cumulative overall and major average of 5.00 (C+).

3.2.2 It also requires at least one term at least one full term abroad as a full-time student at an institution with which Glendon and/or York has a formal exchange agreement.

3.3 Bachelor of Arts (BA)

3.3.1 Bachelor of arts (BA) programs, which are usually completed in three years of full-time study, require at least 90 credits with a cumulative overall and major average of 4.00 (C) and involve limited concentration in only one declared subject area.

4. Honours Degree (BA and iBA) – Standing and Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirements

4.1 For graduation with an Honours degree, students must have the equivalent of 120 credits and must have obtained the requisite cumulative average in the major and overall. The year level of study for Honours students is determined by the number of credits completed (see below):

Year Level Number of Credits
1 Fewer than 24
2 Fewer than 54
3 Fewer than 84
4 At least 84

4.2 Subject to the selection criteria of the major department(s), students will be registered in the Honours program who, upon completion of each academic session, have a cumulative average as follows:

Year Cumulative Major Average Cumulative Overall Average
1 - 4.00
2 - 4.25
3 4.50 4.80
4 5.00 5.00

4.3 Students who have taken 84 credits, and who wish to proceed in an Honours program must have a cumulative grade point average of 5.00 in their major and 5.00 overall.

4.4 Students whose averages do not meet these requirements at the end of an academic session may be given special permission by their Honours departments to continue as Honours students. Otherwise such students will be reclassified as bachelor of arts degree students. No student, however, may graduate with an Honours degree if the student’s cumulative overall and major averages do not meet the fourth-year requirements.

4.5 Authorization of advising documents: All second-, third- and fourth-year candidates shall arrange their study plan before the registration period with the department in which they intend to take their Honours subject.

4.6 Candidates who fail to meet the cumulative overall or major averages for an Honours program will be allowed to continue in bachelor of arts degree studies or to qualify for the bachelor of arts degree provided that their standing is sufficient to warrant this; or they may petition to have their session counted as a failure and excluded from their cumulative overall average. They will then be placed on academic probation (see Regulation 31).

4.7 Candidates who have successfully completed the third year of Honours degree studies and who have fulfilled the requirements for the bachelor of arts degree or who expect to have done so on completion of the current session, may be awarded the bachelor of arts degree by applying to the Office of Student Programs not later than January 31.

4.8 Candidates who have been permitted to take the bachelor of arts degree in accordance with Regulation 4.7 may apply for re-admission to fourth-year Honours studies in the Honours subject(s) previously carried in third year and, if re-admitted, will have their BA degree reclassified with Honours upon successful completion of their fourth-year program.

5. Bachelor of Arts Degree - Standing and Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirements

5.1 For graduation with a bachelor of arts degree students must have 90 credits and must have obtained the requisite cumulative average in the major and overall. The year level of study for bachelor of arts degree students is determined by the number of credits completed (see below):

Year Level Number of Credits
1 Fewer than 24
2 Fewer than 54
3 At least 54

5.2 Students enrolled in a bachelor of arts degree program must maintain a cumulative average as follows:

Year Cumulative Major Average Cumulative Overall Average
1 - 3.60
2 - 3.80
3 4.00 4.00

5.3 A major in the bachelor program shall consist of 30 or more credits in the discipline chosen. (For specific requirements in each discipline, candidates should consult the schedule of courses offered in that discipline.)

5.4 Authorization of advising documents: all second- and third-year candidates shall arrange their advising documents before the registration period with the department in which they intend to take their major subject.

5.5 Transfer from the bachelor to the Honours program: students in the third year of a bachelor of arts degree program who have achieved Honours standing will be permitted to transfer to the Honours program. Students who have graduated in the bachelor of arts degree program may apply for admission to fourth year of an Honours program and, if re-admitted, will be eligible to have their degree reclassified with Honours if their cumulative overall and major averages meet the fourth-year requirements.

5.6 Students who fail to meet graduation requirements for the bachelor of arts degree or Honours degree may take up to 12 additional credits above the 2000 level, selected with the approval of the major department, for the purpose of raising their cumulative grade point average to the level required for graduation.

6. Number of Courses Required for a Second or Subsequent BA Degree

6.1 Students who have completed an undergraduate degree or equivalent at an accredited postsecondary institution, and who wish to earn a BA through Glendon in a different subject may be admitted to the BA program on the following conditions:

6.1.1 they must have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 5.00 on all previous courses for admission to an Honours program or a cumulative grade point average of 4.00 on all previous courses for admission to a bachelor program;

6.1.2 they must satisfy the following in-Faculty requirements (courses taken in fulfillment of the first degree may not be used to meet this requirement): a minimum of 30 new credits at York, including at least 50 per cent of the credits required in their major and minor within the Faculty of Glendon;

6.1.3 they must also satisfy all the requirements in the major/minor subject(s);

6.1.4 the in-Faculty requirements must be regarded as the minimum number of additional courses; if the department does not award credit towards the major/minor for courses taken in fulfillment of the previous degree, the required number of courses may well exceed that number;

6.1.5 all other applicable requirements of the University must be fulfilled.

7. Changes in Program

7.1 Students may change their degree program or major or Honours subject, providing they have the required standing and approval of the department(s) concerned, by notifying the Office of Student Programs not later than October 30.

8. Residency Requirement

8.1 No student may receive a BA degree through Glendon unless the student has completed at least 30 credits of the program within York, including at least 50 per cent of the credits required in their major and minor within the Faculty of Glendon.

9. Transfer Credit

9.1 Students who, prior to entering Glendon, have attended an accredited postsecondary institution must arrange to have an official transcript of their records mailed directly to the Admissions Office at York University. Students who have successfully completed courses with a grade of C/60 per cent at another accredited postsecondary institution may be considered for transfer credits. (Applicants presenting credentials from a CAAT may be eligible for advanced standing if they complete two full years of study with an average of 3.00.)

9.2 Students transferring to Glendon with a bachelor of arts degree from another accredited postsecondary institution and wishing to obtain a York Honours degree through Glendon must complete a program which meets the following conditions: completion of a minimum of 30 new credits at York, including at least 50 per cent of the credits required in their major and minor within the Faculty of Glendon. In addition to the above, students must also satisfy any further requirements of the major/minor department(s).

9.3 Glendon students pursuing a York degree must seek a letter of permission (LOP) in advance from the Office of Student Programs for courses to be taken outside of York. Should a student leave York University to pursue studies at another postsecondary institution without a letter of permission, upon return to York, a new application to York is required and all previous transfer credit will be reassessed.

9.4 Courses taken at an accredited postsecondary institution other than York may be credited as courses taken and passed, provided that a grade of C/60 per cent or better is obtained. Actual grades will not be included in the cumulative averages. Transcripts should be submitted to the Office of Student Programs.

9.5 Credit for courses taken at other York Faculties is granted on the same basis as for courses taken at Glendon.

10. Language Credit

10.1 A language credit, equal to six credits, will be awarded on application to English-speaking students who obtain a minimum grade of C in 12 credits taken entirely in French.

10.2 Courses designated as language training courses will not count in satisfaction of the course requirements. Courses given partly in one language and partly in the other will not be counted. Where a course has the main lectures in French with the option of a seminar in English afforded, the course is excluded if students take the English seminar. All written work submitted in connection with the course must be done in the language of the course, with the exception of non-take-home examinations.

10.3 Courses taken in the Department of French by English-speaking students majoring in French will not be counted for purposes of the award of a language credit. In this context major means the 36 credits in the department required for a bachelor of arts degree, the 60 credits in the department prescribed for Specialized Honours, both the 42 credit and the 24 credit component in Honours Major/Minor, the 42 credit component in Honours and Honours Double Major.

10.4 If students complete, with the appropriate standing, only six of the 12 credits required, they will be eligible to receive one-half of a language credit.

10.5 Though a language credit will be equivalent to six credits and will enable students who obtain such a credit to graduate with 84 credits instead of 90 credits for a bachelor of arts degree and 114 credits instead of 120 credits for an Honours degree, it will allow students to be exempted only from a free elective. They will still have to complete the number of courses in their major prescribed for a bachelor of arts program or for any Honours program and they will also have to satisfy the general education requirements.

10.6 The language credit will not be shown on students’ cumulative records and it will not be counted in the academic average they are required to maintain. It will be shown only on the final transcript when students graduate. Until graduation, the official record of students who have earned a language credit will show an apparent deficiency of one course. Students who wish to earn a language credit should pay careful attention to this procedure because it means that the language credit will count towards degree requirements only if students graduate from Glendon. If students transfer to another Faculty of York University or to another university, their language credit will not be shown on their transcript and therefore will not count in any way towards the degree program to which they transfer.

10.7 English-speaking students who intend to earn a language credit should, in most cases, take a normal course load in their first two years, including the required French language training course in each of those years. If they are Honours students they should normally plan to take a course in French in third year and another in fourth year. This would give them the option of taking a 27 credit load in each of the two upper years, or a 24 credit load in one of the two years and a 30 credit load in the other, depending on their estimate of the point at which their course load needs to be lightened to enable them to devote the necessary extra time to the courses they are taking in French. Bachelor of arts degree students should aim at earning only one half of a language credit by taking a course in French in their third year, unless they are proficient enough in French to have been exempted from first year language training or to be able to carry 12 credits in French in their third year.

10.8 Some graduate schools do not recognize the language credit as equivalent to a course. Students contemplating enrolling at a graduate school who wish to take courses in French are therefore strongly advised not to seek a language credit.

Note: students in the Translation program are not eligible to receive the language credit. However, anglophone students who complete Year 2 Translation in a francophone university may receive a credit or a half-credit at the discretion of the director of the school depending on the number of courses completed and the grades obtained.

11. Study in a Francophone University

11.1 Students in the Honours degree program, with an adequate knowledge of French, may receive credit towards a Glendon degree for a year’s study in a francophone university in Canada or abroad. Enquiries should be addressed to the Subcommittee on Study in a Francophone University (SSFU), c/o the Office of Student Programs. Students re-entering Glendon after such a year of study, approved by the SSFU, need not make formal re-application, but should inform the Office of Student Programs of their intention to return and arrange to have transcripts forwarded to that office as early as possible.

12. English as a Second Language

12.1 All students admitted to the college whose mother tongue is a language other than English are required to take an English language placement test before registering. Continuing students who are non-native speakers of English should meet with the director of English as a second language or the academic adviser before choosing their courses.

13. Interfaculty Transfer

13.1 Students seeking information about inter-Faculty transfer should contact the Office of Student Programs.

14. Class Hours

14.1 Unless otherwise noted, all courses meet for three hours per week.

15. Course Numbering System

15.1 Glendon courses are denoted by the Faculty prefix GL. The year of study in which a course is normally offered is indicated by the first digit (1, 2,3,4). (0 is used as a first digit for language-training introductory courses only.)

15.2 Full courses are indicated by 6.00 following the course number. Half courses, offered in the fall or in the winter term, are distinguished by 3.00 following the course number.

16. Cross-Listed Courses

16.1 A course which is cross-listed in more than one department or division usually has the second digit 6 or 9 and is described only under the department or division by which the course is given.

16.2 A general education course cross-listed as a departmental course may be used to satisfy both the general education and the departmental requirements.

16.3 A course cross-listed in two or more departments may be used to satisfy the requirement of one department only.

17. Exemption from Curricular Requirements

17.1 Students may fulfill curriculum requirements with passed courses for which they did not receive credit and which were excluded from their cumulative total of courses. A grade of D in a second language or unilingual course taken at Glendon, or C in any other course or in any course taken elsewhere than at Glendon, will be acceptable.

18. Enrolment in Courses

18.1 Full-time students register in 18 to 36 credits each term and have grades recorded for a total of 18 to 36 credits during an academic session.

18.2 Students who are on probation may not take more than 30 credits during a session. Waiver of this regulation can only be granted under extenuating circumstances by petition.

18.3 Part-time students will take no more than 15 credits in one academic session.

18.4 Enrolment is permitted in full and half courses within the deadlines published in the enrolment guide. Enrolments at later dates will be made only with the written permission of all course directors and Chairs of the departments involved. Withdrawals are permitted as outlined in Regulation 19.

18.5 At the time of registration, all students, except those in first year, must register in a major discipline or disciplines.

18.6 Students wishing to take courses more than one year above or below their year must secure approval of the department or division offering the course.

18.7 First year students may be admitted to second-year courses where indicated in the Undergraduate Calendar. To be admitted to other second-year courses, first year students must secure approval of the department or division offering the course.

18.8 These regulations are subject to the provision that a course may be closed by departments and divisions when its enrolment ceiling is reached.

18.9 All students who are permitted to register in courses offered in a year below their own year should take note that the standards employed in assigning and assessing their work in these courses will be such as are generally appropriate for courses in their own year.

18.10 Repeating Courses

18.10.1 Students are allowed to repeat a passed or a failed course once for academic degree or certificate credit. Students should note that course availability and space considerations may preclude the possibility of repeating a course in the session they choose.

18.10.2 When a student is allowed to repeat a course for academic degree or certificate credit, the second grade will be the grade of record and the only grade calculated in the student’s grade point average (major, cumulative, sessional and overall). A course can be credited only once towards satisfaction of degree or certificate academic credit requirements.

18.10.3 The record of both the first and second time the course was taken will appear on the student’s transcript, with the first course designated as No Credit Retained.1

18.10.4 The restrictions regarding repeating a passed or failed course also apply to cross-listed courses and course credit exclusions.

18.10.5 The above items do not apply to graduate degree or diploma programs, the BEd degree programs of the Faculty of Education or the JD degree program of Osgoode Hall Law School.

18.10. 6 The above items do not apply to practicum courses offered in the bachelor of social work degree program or practicum courses offered in the bachelor of science in nursing (BScN) degree program.

18.11 Courses which are offered on an ungraded pass/fail basis only and where the fail grade is to count as zero in the grade point average, will be designated as credit/no credit courses.

19. Withdrawal from Courses

19.1 Students may withdraw from a course before the deadline to receive a grade. The dates are published in the enrolment guide.

20. Withdrawal from Glendon

20.1 Students may withdraw from the college before the deadlines outlined in Regulation 19 without incurring any academic penalty.

20.2 If a student withdraws after the deadlines without approval of the petitions committee, grades will be entered on the student’s official record. The student will be placed on academic probation and will be required to apply for re-admission if the student wishes to resume studies at Glendon in some subsequent session.

20.3 First-year students or students on probation who obtain an average of less than 3.00 in two or more courses at the end of the first term will be required to discuss their situation with a Faculty adviser and may be advised to withdraw from the college.

20.4 Under some circumstances the college may require students to withdraw involuntarily.

21. Auditing Students

21.1 Students may audit a course on the understanding that they attend classes and participate in a course in the same way as other students, but do not submit assignments or write tests or examinations.

21.2 No academic credit will be granted to students who audit a course. Before attending classes, auditors must obtain permission of the instructor and notify the Office of Student Programs.

22. Standing

22.1 Students shall obtain a standard of work in their courses of instruction satisfactory to the departments or divisions concerned, and they shall attend examinations, unless prevented by illness or by some other special circumstance.

23. Grading System

23.1 All courses at Glendon are graded on the following system:

Letter Point Value Percentage Grade Definition
A+ 9 90-100 Exceptional
A 8 80-89 Excellent
B+ 7 75-79 Very Good
B 6 70-74 Good
C+ 5 65-69 Competent
C 4 60-64 Fairly Competent
D+ 3 55-59 Passing
D 2 50-54 Barely Passing
E 1 40-49 Marginally Failing
F 0 0-39 Failing

P Ungraded Pass
F Ungraded Fail

24. Pass/Fail Alternative Grading Option

24.1 Students may take a limited number of courses for full degree credit on an ungraded (pass/fail alternative grading option) basis. Courses taken on this basis are listed on the transcript as P for pass or as F for fail. Neither of these two grades is calculated into the student’s grade point averages.

24.2 The following regulations apply to courses to be taken on an ungraded (pass/fail alternative grading option) basis:

24.2.1 Academic standing: only students who are in good standing, (i.e. not on temporary probation, academic warning or debarment warning) are allowed to take such courses.

24.2.2 Prerequisite: students may apply to take such courses only after they have successfully completed 24 credits.

24.2.3 Elective courses only: courses taken on an ungraded (pass/fail alternative grading option) basis cannot be used to satisfy major, minor, general education, certificate requirements or required 1000-level science courses for students in the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Faculty of Health.

24.2.4 Maximum number of ungraded courses:

24.2.4.1 Honours program: students registered in an Honours program are allowed to take up to 12 credits on an ungraded (pass/fail alternative grading option) basis.

24.2.4.2 Bachelor program: students registered in a bachelor program are allowed to take up to six credits on an ungraded (pass/fail alternative grading option) basis.

24.3 Deadline: students who wish to designate a course as ungraded must do so within the first two weeks of the term in which the course begins; they must first obtain the signature of the course director on the form available for this purpose from the Office of Student Programs. The completed form should then be returned to the Office of Student Programs by the deadline date.

24.4 Changing from ungraded to graded: with the permission of the course director, students may change the designation of a course from ungraded to graded until the last day to withdraw from that course without academic penalty. Formal notification of such a change must be received by the Office of Student Programs by the deadline date.

25. Definitions of Standing

25.1 Exceptional: thorough knowledge of concepts and/or techniques and exceptional skill or great originality in the use of those concepts, techniques in satisfying the requirements of an assignment or course.

25.2 Excellent: thorough knowledge of concepts and/or techniques together with a high degree of skill and/or some elements of originality in satisfying the requirements of an assignment or course.

25.3 Very Good: thorough knowledge of concepts and/or techniques together with a fairly high degree of skill in the use of those concepts, techniques in satisfying the requirements of an assignment or course.

25.4 Good: good level of knowledge of concepts and/or techniques together with considerable skill in using them to satisfy the requirements of an assignment or course.

25.5 Competent: acceptable level of knowledge of concepts and/or techniques together with considerable skill in using them to satisfy requirements of an assignment or course.

25.6 Fairly Competent: acceptable level of knowledge of concepts and/or techniques together with some skill in using them to satisfy the requirements of an assignment or course.

25.7 Passing: slightly better than minimal knowledge of required concepts and/or techniques together with some ability to use them in satisfying the requirements of an assignment or course.

25.8 Barely Passing: minimum knowledge of concepts and/or techniques needed to satisfy the requirements of an assignment or course.

25.9 Cumulative overall average: the sum of the point value of all courses taken (including those failed) divided by the number of courses. For purposes of computing averages, half courses receive half the weight of a full course.

25.10 Cumulative major average: the sum of the point value of all courses taken in the major (including those failed) divided by the number of courses. Major indicates the area of concentration which students must select in one of four programs: a) Specialized Honours, b) Honours Major/Minor, c) Honours, d) bachelor.

25.11 Credit: is given for all York University courses in which a D or better is achieved.

25.12 First Class Standing: awarded on graduation to students with a cumulative overall average of at least 7.50. All students with a cumulative overall average of 7.50 are eligible for inclusion in the Dean’s Honour Roll.

26. First Term Progress Reports

26.1 Course directors are required to report to the Office of Student Programs the names of any students who are obtaining less than 3.00 (D+) in the following categories:

26.1.1 Students on probation (Regulation 31.)

26.1.2 First year students (See also Regulation 20.3)

27. Submission of Term Work

27.1 Term work in half courses given in the first term shall be submitted by the end of the December examination period. Term work in all other courses shall be submitted by the Friday of the first week of the annual examination period unless an earlier date has been set by the instructor in consultation with the students. Where there is no final examination in a course, no students may be required to submit their last piece of term work before the first day of the examination period.

28. Examinations

28.1 Final examinations are held during December for half courses offered in the first term and in April or May for half courses offered in the second term and for full courses. Examinations for students who have successfully petitioned for deferment on the grounds of illness or misfortune will be scheduled by instructors and will take place before the middle of March (in fall term courses) and before the middle of July (in winter term and full courses). Deferred assignments must be handed in no later than the middle of March (for fall term courses) and the middle of July (for winter term and full courses). Petitions for deferred standing must be initiated by the student not later than five working days after the end of examination period for the appropriate term. Faculty legislation specifies that no test or examination worth more than 20 per cent of the final grade will be given in the final two weeks of classes in a term with the exception of classes which regularly meet Friday evenings or the weekend (Saturday and Sunday at any time). Tests or examinations scheduled during the term must be held within the hours regularly scheduled for that course; such tests or examinations may be held in other hours only if no students’ obligations are infringed upon. Students have the right to refuse, without penalty, an exam held in contravention of this regulation.

28.2 Departments and divisions may waive final examinations by substituting a variety of written and oral tests in courses that do not require the evaluation of a final examination.

28.3 All written work, including examinations, may be done in English or French at the candidate’s option, except in cases where the use of the language constitutes an integral and essential part of the course concerned. Students will be duly notified of any restrictions concerning the use of either language.

28.4 Students should report any conflicts, i.e. two or more examinations scheduled for the same time, without delay to the Office of Student Programs.

29. Final Grades

29.1 All final grades are calculated on the basis of a specific weighting scale set by the department or division concerned and may or may not include a final examination (written or oral). Students will be notified by their instructors shortly after the commencement of classes of the weighting scale and grading system assigned to each course.

30. Reappraisal of Final Grades

30.1 Examination scripts and class records of students are carefully assessed, especially in marginal cases, and there is little likelihood of the original standing being changed on appeal. However, a written request for reappraisal may be made to the Chair of the department or division in which the course is offered within three weeks of the release of the final grades in any term. Applicants must state clearly in the petition the reasons why they believe that their work in the course deserves a higher rating.

30.2 Reappraisals are dealt with by the Chair of the department, or course director, in consultation with members of the staff. The student and the Office of Student Programs will be notified in writing of the results within three weeks of the appeal.

31. Academic Probation

31.1 The academic records of all students are reviewed at the end of each year of study.

31.2 Students are placed on probation when they: a) are admitted with a marginal academic record; b) fail to obtain the required cumulative overall average for their year level.

31.3 They are removed from probation when they obtain the required cumulative overall average for their year level.

31.4 They may proceed on probation in the bachelor program if they maintain a 4.40 average on the courses taken while on probation, even if their cumulative average is below the minimum to be removed from probation.

31.5 Similarly, they may proceed on probation in the Honours program if they maintain a 6.00 average on the courses taken while on probation.

31.6 They are debarred from further registration if they do not satisfy Regulation 31.3 or 31.4 above.

31.7 Students who fail to obtain the cumulative average for their year and whose average for the current year is below 3.00, will have failed the year, and will receive no credit for courses taken in that year. The grades will appear on their record but will not enter into the calculation of their cumulative averages. If they wish to continue their studies at Glendon, they must apply for re-admission, and, if accepted, will be placed on academic probation.

31.8 Students who are not debarred may petition by the closing date for registration of the next academic session in which they register to have their last year (or equivalent) counted as a failed year. The students would be placed on probation.

31.9 Students on probation may not take more than 30 credits in an academic session.

31.10 Students on probation who do not attain at the end of the first term a cumulative average of more than 3.00 (D+) are required to discuss the situation with their adviser.

32. Debarment

32.1 Students on probation will be debarred from the University if they fail to satisfy Regulation 31.3 or 31.4.

32.2 Students who have been debarred, whether at York or another university, may be re-admitted in some subsequent session only if they give convincing evidence that they can profit from university work. Application for re-admission will not be entertained in less than two years from date of debarment.

33. Special Provisions for Illness and Misfortune

33.1 Students who suffer unforeseeable hardship during an academic session, which makes it impossible to complete assigned work in the allotted time, may receive special consideration. The recognized categories of hardship are:

  • illness
  • personal misfortune
  • unforeseeable economic hardship
  • academic misfortune (unforeseeable inability to obtain necessary research materials or a confirmed error on the part of the institution).

33.2 Students may petition through the Office of Student Programs, if they have appropriate evidence, for:

33.2.1 Withdrawal from any number of courses without penalty. Normally petitions for late withdrawal from a course will only be considered if they are submitted within three weeks of the release of final grades in any term. Such petitions may be considered for a period of up to one year if they are based on special circumstances.

33.2.2 Deferred standing in one or more courses, for work expected to be in progress during the period of hardship.

33.2.3 Aegrotat standing in one or more courses. Aegrotat standing shall not be granted in more than one year of study and will seldom be granted in any but the final year.

Note: there are deadlines for all petitions. Check with the Office of Student Programs.

34. Certificate of Bilingualism - French and English

34.1 To receive the Certificate of Bilingualism, students must successfully complete at least 18 credits in their second language with a minimum grade of C in each course. These courses must be at the second-year level and above in French as a second language or any courses at any level in another discipline of the college which are designated as satisfying the bilingual requirements.

35. Certificate of Bilingual Excellence - English and French

35.1 Students who successfully pass the Glendon examination of bilingual excellence will receive the Certificate of Bilingual Excellence. Information about registering for the exam is available from the Office of Student Programs.

35.2 Eligibility:

35.2.1 To sit for this exam, students must fulfill the following requirements:

35.2.2 Students whose declared language is English must:

  • be registered and enrolled in a York degree program.
  • be in their final year of studies and submit an application by the annually announced deadline.
  • have obtained or be reasonably certain of obtaining a minimum grade of B in 18 credits taken in French.

35.2.3 Courses which are acceptable are: FRLS and FSL courses at the 2000 level or above, FRAN courses and courses designated as satisfying the bilingual requirement from any discipline of the college.

35.2.4 Students whose declared language is French must:

  • be registered and enrolled in a York degree program;
  • be in their final year of studies and submit an application by the annually announced deadline;
  • have obtained or be reasonably certain of obtaining a minimum grade of B in 18 credits taken in English.

35.2.5 Courses which are acceptable are: ENSL courses at the 2000 level or above, EN courses and courses designated as satisfying the bilingual requirement from any discipline of the college.

Note: courses taken outside of York University, which meet the above criteria, are acceptable for the purposes of sitting for the Glendon examination of bilingual excellence.

36. Certificate of Trilingual Excellence - English, French and Spanish

36.1 Students who successfully pass the Glendon examination of trilingual excellence will receive the Certificate of Trilingual Excellence. Information about registering for the exam is available from the Office of Student Programs.

36.2 Eligibility:

36.2.1 To sit for this exam, students must fulfill the following requirements:

36.2.1.1 Non-hispanophone students must:

  • be registered in a York degree program;
  • fulfill the relevant second-language requirement as set out in the regulations for the Certificate of Bilingual Excellence (see section 35.2);
  • have obtained or be reasonably certain of obtaining a minimum grade of B in 18 credits taken in Spanish.
  • Courses which are acceptable are: SP courses at the 2000 level or above.

36.2.1.2 Hispanophone students must:

  • be registered in a York degree program;
  • fulfill the relevant second-language requirement as set out in the regulations for the Certificate of Bilingual Excellence (see section 35.2);
  • obtain the approval of the coordinator for the Bilingual/Trilingual Excellence Exam.

Note: courses taken outside of York University, which meet the above criteria, are acceptable for the purposes of sitting for the Glendon examination of bilingual excellence.

37. Breach of Academic Honesty

37.1 Definitions

Consult the definitions contained in the Senate Policy on Academic Honesty, in the University Policy and Regulations section of this publication. For further clarification, contact the Office of Student Programs, C102 York Hall.

37.2 Procedures

See also detailed description of Senate procedures.

Note: once the process outlined in Sections B and D has begun, a student accused of academic dishonesty may not drop or be deregistered from the course in question until a final decision is reached. Requests for transcripts made during the process will be treated in accordance with the Senate Policy on Academic Honesty. A student who is suspended and is otherwise eligible to graduate may not apply to graduate until a suspension expires or is lifted.

  1. If, in the instructor’s informed view, the case may be dealt with informally by the instructor and the student involved, the two parties agree on the adopted measure. In any event, a document is signed by the instructor and the student, stating the measure adopted to remedy the situation and the reasons that motivated the measure. The document is then sent to the Office of Student Programs. This record is strictly confidential and can be cited only in the case of determining penalty in the event of a subsequent offence(s) of a breach of academic honesty.

or

  1. Cases in which the course director/instructor decides to proceed with an allegation of plagiarism, cheating or other form of academic dishonesty,

Step 1

The student shall provide the Chair with a written summary of the circumstances and all evidence i.e.:

  • in cases involving cheating in an exam, the confiscated material;
  • in cases involving plagiarism, the work in question, all sources/books from which student has allegedly copied.

Step 2

Once Step B.1. has begun, the student involved may not drop or be deregistered from the course in question until a final decision is reached.

Step 3

The Chair of the department will arrange to meet with the student and the course director/instructor in the presence of the associate principal, student services (or delegate) - as a neutral third party, and will for this purpose notify the student programs director who will inform the student, by registered letter, with at least seven calendar days notice, with a copy to the student’s file:

a) of the date, time and place of the meeting;

b) of the reason for such a meeting;

c) that the student may be accompanied by a representative at the meeting.

Step 4

At the meeting with the student, the course director/instructor shall:

a) outline the alleged offence to the student;

b) ask student to respond to the allegation.

Step 5

a. No Breach

If following the above meeting, the Chair and course director/instructor are satisfied that there has been no breach of academic honesty, the Chair notifies the student of the decision in writing. All evidence submitted will then be destroyed and no record will be kept in the student’s academic file.

or

b. Breach

If following the above meeting, the Chair and course director/instructor are of the belief that there has been a breach of academic honesty, the Chair asks the student if she/he will plead guilty or not guilty to the offence.

Step 6

Plea

a. Guilty Plea

If student pleads guilty to a breach of academic honesty:

  • the Chair prepares a document to be signed by the student and the course director/instructor, in the presence of the associate principal, enrolment and student affairs (or delegate), outlining the nature of the offence, the penalty agreed upon by the student and the instructor (not to exceed failure on the assignment or in the test or exam) and the student’s admission to the charge. (If the instructor seeks a more severe penalty, then a hearing before the Committee on Academic Standards, Teaching and Learning (CASTL) must be held, as indicated in 7 below.)

Note:

The following penalties may be imposed singularly or in combination (but only a, b and c may be the subject of a joint recommendation):

a) oral or written disciplinary warning or reprimand;
b) a make-up assignment or examination;
c) lower grade or failure on the assignments or examination;
d) failure in the course;
e) suspension from the University for a definite period;
f) notation on transcript;
g) withholding or rescinding a York degree, diploma or certificate.

A permanent record of the offence will be placed in the student’s academic file, but this record is strictly confidential and can be cited only in the case of determining penalty in the event of a subsequent offence(s) of a breach of academic honesty.

  • the Chair sends a copy of the signed document and the documents indicated in B.1. above to:

    i) CASTL for review, and;

    ii) the Office of Student Programs (OSP) for student’s academic file. (Note: this record is for internal academic purposes only.)

In the absence of endorsement of the signed document, CASTL will call a hearing.

b. Not Guilty Plea - preparation for hearing

If student pleads not guilty to the alleged offence, or if the course director/instructor seeks a penalty which exceeds failure in assignment/test/exam, or if CASTL does not approve the joint recommendation as to penalty, then a hearing will be scheduled. The course director/instructor submits to the secretary of CASTL, a report outlining:

  • the alleged offence and relevant circumstances
  • the meeting with the student and its outcome
  • all documents relating to the case.

The secretary of CASTL will then arrange a hearing that will take place before CASTL. The student will be notified of the hearing by registered letter and will be given at least 21 calendar days’ notice of the hearing with copies to the Chair of the department, the course director/instructor, the principal and all members of CASTL. The student will also be sent a written copy of the charge, a copy of the procedures to be followed and copies of all materials submitted by the faculty member and be informed that he/she may be accompanied by a representative and may call witnesses. The student may submit a written response.

Step 7

Hearing

A hearing shall take place before CASTL to consider the charges. At that hearing the principal (or designate) shall act as presenter. The hearing shall be conducted according to the procedures mandated by the Senate Policy on Academic Honesty.

Step 8

If the student is found guilty, CASTL shall proceed to consider submissions as to the appropriate penalty.

Step 9

The secretary of CASTL shall inform the student by registered mail of the committee’s decision, and, in the case of a guilty verdict, of appeal procedures; a copy will also be sent to the department concerned and to the Office of Student Programs.

A permanent record of the offence will be placed in the student’s academic file. This record is for internal academic purposes only.

Step 10

Appeal Procedures

The decision of the committee may be appealed to the Senate Appeals Committee on grounds of either new evidence (i.e. evidence which could not be presented at the Faculty level) or on procedural irregularity in the Faculty’s consideration of the case.

1. It should be noted that when a course is repeated, the first instance of the course being taken and the grade that was awarded will continue to appear on the transcript with the designation NCR (No Credit Retained) - added as a qualification beside the grade. The transcript legend will explain that the NCR designation means that neither the course credit nor grade have been included in the calculation of the student’s grade point average.