Directives

PURPOSE

To establish the correlation between course load, student status and tuition fees 

SCOPE

All students registered in an Ontario College Credential or bachelor’s degree program

DEFINITIONS

POLICY

1. Each program has an approved program of study, outlining the combination of courses which must be successfully completed to entitle a student to receive certification as a graduate of the program. 
2.  The program of study is divided into academic achievement levels, each one outlining the courses to be taken in a given term.
3. Students are able to maintain full-time status in one program and part-time status in another program in the same term. Only by exception would students be considered for full-time status in two programs in the same term. Such exceptions require the approval of the Dean or designate.
4.  Tuition fees apply only to the courses that form part of the student’s program of study. If a student is registered in less than a full course load, he/she may request approval from the Academic Administrator to register in a course offered in the same School, but not part of his/her program of study, at no additional cost.
5. At the discretion of the Academic Administrator, students carrying a full course load may take one additional course on their program of study, at no additional cost. Additional fees will be assessed, in accordance with provincial audit guidelines, for any further increase in course load.
6.  Students on academic probation may be required by their Academic Administrator to reduce the number of courses in the term, to change to part-time status in the program, or to withdraw completely from the program.
7.  An audited course cannot be used to establish a full course load.
8.  A non-funded course cannot be used to calculate the full-time or part-time status of a student.
9.  Permission to take additional course(s) will be based on a student’s successful academic standing and the availability of space in the chosen course(s).
10. Students whose academic performance falls within the category of “academic probation” are required to see their Program Coordinator upon receipt of a transcript indicating this status.  Continuation in the program is subject to conditions established by the Program Coordinator, such as reduction of number of course(s).
11. Audit status in a course is a privilege, not a right. Registration with audit status requires permission of the Academic Administrator because of the nature of the course, class size restrictions, space constraints, possible legal restrictions, and/or safety factors. Prerequisites and/or corequisites of the course, if any, apply. 
12. Audit and credit status must be declared in writing at the time of registration and approved by the appropriate Academic Administrator. Credit status cannot be changed to audit status after the second week of class of the full-time timetable, or after the second scheduled class in the continuing education timetable.
13. The same fees apply to credit and audit status.
14. Students who take less than a full course load may not be eligible for full Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) support. Students are advised to consult with the Registrar’s Office for details.
15. Students who meet the permanent disability criteria and require a reduced course load as a  learning accommodation are considered to be full-time as long as they are registered in 40% of a full course load.
16. Students who are attending the College on a student authorization (visa) are advised that their student authorization status depends on their maintaining a full course load. These students should stay in close contact with their Immigration Officer.



PROCEDURE

 SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

 None

RELATED POLICIES

AA 13    Evaluation of Student Learning
AA 11    Registration
AA 12    Changes to Original Registration – Course Drop/Add
AA 14    Grading System

RELATED MATERIALS

None