Faculty of Communication and Culture
Faculty Regulations
Admission
Applicants should refer to "Admission Requirements" in the Academic Regulations section of this Calendar for regulations regarding University admission requirements. | ||||
Application and Documentation Deadlines for Admission | Major Programs Minor Program - Architectural Studies Refer to the Applications for Admission Schedule at the front of this Calendar for application and documentation deadlines. | |||
Graduation Guarantee | The Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà is committed to providing students with rich undergraduate educational experiences that can be completed in four years. Beginning in the Fall of 2008, for first year students studying in the Faculties of Communication and Culture, Humanities, Science or Social Sciences, the University is introducing a four year graduation guarantee. Participation in this program requires a shared commitment from the University and the Student ensuring timely progression towards degree completion. To find out more on this program visit . If you have additional questions on this please call the Undergraduate Programs Office, (403) 220-5881. | |||
BA, BSc, BCC, BFS and BCS Programs | Students wishing to enrol in one of the degree programs of the Faculty of Communication and Culture must meet the following admission requirements: 1. Students applying to the Major programs, the Bachelor of Communications Studies and Bachelor of Film Studies must present the following: (a) satisfactory matriculation or Adult Student standing as outlined in the Academic Regulations section of this Calendar (b) English Language Arts 30-1 (c) One of Pure Mathematics 30 or Mathematics 31 or Applied Mathematics 30. 2. For the multidisciplinary programs, English Language Arts 30-1 and at least one of the following are required: (a) Pure Mathematics 30 or Mathematics 31 or Applied Mathematics 30, or (b) A language other than English at the 30 or 31 level. 3. Transfer students seeking admission should refer to "Admission Requirements" in the Academic Regulations section of this Calendar. 4. Admission to the quota Programs - Communications Studies (Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies and Bachelor of Communications Studies) and Law and Society - will be granted in the Fall Session only, and in accordance with academic merit. Grade point average over the most recent course work to a maximum of five full-course equivalents (Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà courses and/or transferable courses taken at other institutions) will normally constitute the standard. All grades within a session will be included except where the number of courses taken within a session exceeds that required to fulfill (to a maximum of) five full-course equivalents, in which case the highest grades will be used. Spring and Summer Session courses taken after May 1 will not count towards determining admissibility. Applicants to the Bachelor of Communications Studies or Bachelor of Film Studies program who apply on the basis of a diploma from the SAIT Polytechnic will have their grade point average calculated on their overall diploma grades. | |||
Honours Programs in Communication and Culture | Students in BA and BSc Major programs are eligible to apply to the Honours program in the Spring preceding their final year of study. Admission to the Honours program requires a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.30 in the last 10 full-course equivalents (Áù¾ÅÉ«Ìà courses and/or transferable courses taken at other institutions). Students should note that if the tenth course is one of a number of courses within a session, the course with the highest grade in that session will be included in the calculation. It is recommended that students wishing to enrol in the Honours program obtain guidelines and an application form from the Administrative Assistant in the Communication and Culture Faculty office by March 1. Students are also advised to secure a thesis supervisor by May 15. The application form, bearing the signature of the thesis supervisor, and a preliminary thesis proposal must be submitted to the Honours Program Co-ordinator no later than June 1 preceding the final year of study. Entry to the Honours program and General Studies 590 require the approval of the Honours Program Co-ordinator. Students must change their program on-line to ensure that their student record reflects their intent to complete an Honours program. In addition to the other requirements of their degree program, students in the Honours program will take General Studies 590 under the supervision of a faculty member approved by the Honours Program Co-ordinator. This course will culminate in the preparation of an Honours thesis which will be examined by a Faculty committee. Co-operative Education students who are considering Honours should consult with the Career Services office as soon as they are accepted into the Co-operative Education program to ensure that they are placed in a course sequence that will accommodate the Honours thesis in their last year. | |||
Graduation Requirements | Degrees with Honours are awarded in two classes: Honours and First Class Honours. Degrees with Honours are awarded to students who have successfully completed an approved program equivalent to 20 full-course equivalents with a grade point average of at least 3.30 over the last 15 full-course equivalents and a satisfactory grade (i.e., "C" or higher) in General Studies 590 (Thesis: Directed Research). First Class Honours is awarded to students who have successfully completed an approved program equivalent to 20 full-course equivalents with a grade point average of at least 3.60 over the last 15 full-course equivalents and a grade of "A-" or higher in General Studies 590. Students should note that if the 15th course is one of a number of courses within a session, the highest grade in that session will be included in the calculation. The grade for General Studies 590 is included in the 15 full-course equivalents grade point average calculation. Students who do not meet the requirements for an Honours degree will normally be considered for a standard degree. | |||
Degrees "With Distinction" | The notation "With Distinction" will be inscribed on the permanent record and graduation parchment of any student achieving a grade point average of 3.60 over the final 15 full-course equivalents of a 20 full-course equivalent degree program, or the final 10 full-course equivalents of a 15 full-course equivalent degree program. A student who has taken part of his/her work at another university or who has transferred into the Faculty may be granted a degree "With Distinction" at the discretion of the Faculty. | |||
Second Baccalaureate Degrees | Students who have received one or more approved undergraduate degrees (BA, BSc, BEd, etc.) may apply for admission to a second baccalaureate degree program. The second degree may be a Major or Honours degree, and where available may include a Co-operative Education program. The requirements for a second degree are the same as those outlined in the Program Details section (see below) except for the following: 1. Up to 10 full-course equivalents counted towards any previous degrees may be used towards requirements in the second degree. These may not include more than half of the core requirements of the new program. 2. Courses not used toward previous degrees (as determined by the institution awarding that degree) may be used to reduce the number required in the second degree where applicable. 3. Of all courses used toward the second degree, at least 10 full-course equivalents must be taken at the Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃ. 4. Students will not normally be admitted to a second degree program in any field in which they already possess a degree. Formal application for admission to a second degree program must be made to the Admissions Office. Upon admission to the program, students are advised to contact the Undergraduate Programs Office (UPO) to discuss their academic plans and obtain general advice regarding the requirements of the second degree. The second degree may be awarded "With Distinction" at the discretion of the Faculty if a grade point average of at least 3.60 is achieved over the courses completed in the second degree. | |||
Double Major | Students desiring a degree with a double Major must complete all requirements of both Major Fields. Permission to undertake a double Major must be obtained from the Assistant Dean (Student Affairs). Students are advised that course work in addition to the normal 20 full-course equivalents will usually be required. | |||
Combined Degree Program | · For the prescribed Bachelor of Arts (Canadian Studies)/ Bachelor of Education (Master of Teaching) program, see the Canadian Studies section of this Calendar. · All Communication and Culture Major programs may be combined with degree programs from Humanities, Social Sciences or some other faculties. Students must complete a minimum of twenty-five full-course equivalents and meet the admission and graduation requirements of both programs. · The maximum number of transfer courses permitted in combined degrees is ten full-course equivalents. A maximum of four full-course equivalents of transfer credit may be used for each major's requirements. · The number of junior courses taken must not exceed 9 full-course equivalents in total. (Note: the maximum number of junior courses taken in a Combined Degree Program with the Faculty of Fine Arts must not exceed 10 full-course equivalents. · Students should consult with the Assistant/Associate Deans (Student Affairs) of the Faculties offering the programs they are considering. | |||
Undecided Students | Students may remain "undecided" only until they complete 10 full-course equivalents. After that time, students must be admitted to a degree program in order to continue in the Faculty of Communication and Culture. | |||
Effective Writing Requirement | All students must complete the Effective Writing Requirement by May 1 of their first year of registration at the Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃ. Those who do not do so will have their registration for the following fall term courses and all subsequent courses withheld until they meet the requirement. Students are encouraged to meet this requirement in their first term. Please see the Academic Regulations section of the Calendar under Competence Tests for details. | |||
Registration
First Year Program for all Communication and Culture Degrees | |
Registration | Suggested First Year Courses for all Communication and Culture Students First year students in Communication and Culture programs, whether or not they have decided on a Major, are encouraged to explore courses in a variety of areas from within and outside the Faculty. It is recommended that a first year program include: · General Studies 201 (strongly recommended) · At least three of the following:
If desired courses in the above list are unavailable or present timetable conflicts, other 200-level courses from any Faculty may be substituted. · At least one full-course equivalent chosen from the Faculties of Fine Arts, Humanities, Science or Social Sciences. Communication and Culture degree programs may include senior-level courses offered by other Faculties either as core requirements or as options. It is therefore useful to take first year courses from a variety of other areas. For example, students pursuing a degree in Law and Society might include a first year course from Philosophy and History. Those interested in taking Development Studies might take a first year course in Geography and Economics. Students seeking advice on first year course selection may contact the Undergraduate Programs Office. |
Accuracy of Registration | Students are responsible for ensuring that they meet degree and program requirements. While the Undergraduate Programs Office (UPO) endeavours to assist all students as they proceed in the various programs, a final and thorough check is not done until the final year of the program, upon application for graduation. Students are cautioned, therefore, to check all regulations with respect to the degree requirements. Academic advice can be obtained from the UPO or directly from the Assistant/Associate Deans or Division Heads. Consultation with the Undergraduate Programs Office is recommended to ensure that all graduation requirements are met. Any departure from standard program requirements must receive prior written authorization by the Assistant Dean (Student Affairs) or designate. |
Minor Fields | Students may formally declare Minor Fields and have these officially recorded on their transcripts. This declaration may be made not later than the time of the last registration. Students should keep in mind that courses taken to fulfill Major Field requirements may not be used in fulfillment of Minor Field requirements. Students are advised that course work in addition to the normal 20 full-course equivalents may be required if a formal Minor program is declared. Minor Fields may be taken from Continuing Education and the Faculties of Communication and Culture, Education, Fine Arts, Haskayne School of Business, Humanities, Medicine, Science and Social Sciences. |
Course Load | The equivalent of five full courses in the Fall/Winter Sessions represents a normal full load. Students who have completed such a course load in the previous session with a grade point average of at least 3.20 will normally be permitted to register for one additional course. Students who do not meet this criterion may register for a six-course load only with the special permission of the Assistant Dean (Student Affairs). It should be pointed out that extra courses represent substantial burdens and may damage overall performance. Opportunities for accelerated progress also exist through credit courses in the Spring and Summer Sessions and credits obtained "by special assessment." |
Senior Courses | Unless their program requires it, students may not register for senior courses (300 and above) until they have successfully completed at least three full-course equivalents at the junior (200) level. |
Withdrawal from Courses | Students will not be permitted to withdraw more than once from a particular course. Students will be required to withdraw from the Faculty if they have accumulated a total of more than five full-course equivalent withdrawals while in attendance at the Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃ. Subject to the regulations specified above, students may withdraw from courses by using the online Student Centre. The withdrawal must be processed prior to the deadline specified in the Academic Schedule printed in this Calendar. Before deciding to withdraw from a course, students should seek advice on the implications of this action with their Division Head or from the Assistant Dean (Student Affairs) in the Undergraduate Programs Office. Students wishing to withdraw completely from the University should refer to the Academic Regulations section of this Calendar. |
Credit in Courses "By Special Assessment" | Students may obtain credit in certain courses without completing the requirements in the normal way through an academic session. Application should be made on the appropriate form headed "Permission to Take Courses by Special Assessment" and should be presented to the Assistant Dean (Student Affairs). Forms are available in the Undergraduate Programs Office and U of C Service Stop. Not more than five full-course equivalents completed "by special assessment" may be counted towards a degree. |
Opportunities to Take Course Work at Another Institution for Transfer of Credit | Students may be authorized to take some of their program course work at another post-secondary institution if their registration as a visiting student is acceptable to that institution. Students seeking authorization must apply for a Letter of Permission specifying full details of the proposed courses, the total hours of instruction and calendar descriptions. The fee is $25.00. The student will be advised officially by letter of the acceptability of the proposed courses for transfer credit in his/her program and an appropriate letter will be sent to the Registrar of the other institution. It will be the responsibility of the student to ensure that an official transcript of grades is forwarded directly to the Registrar of this University in order that appropriate credit may be officially recorded. |
Student Standing
Academic Standing | The academic standing of each student registered in the Faculty is normally reviewed at least once each year following the Winter Session. Reviews may also be conducted following the Spring, Summer, and Fall Sessions. At the time of any review, students who have not completed three full-course equivalents or more since their previous review will normally maintain their current standing unless they have failed to meet one or more specific conditions of probation. Note: All credit University courses completed are used for the purpose of academic review. |
Dean's List | The Dean's List recognizes outstanding academic achievement of students registered in the Faculty of Communication and Culture. It is compiled annually at the end of the Winter Session. To qualify for the Dean's List, a student must achieve a grade point average of 3.60 or higher over all courses taken in the preceding Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer Sessions. One of (a) a minimum of four and one-half full-course equivalents, or (b) a minimum of four full-course equivalents plus one Co-op work placement, or (c) a minimum of two full-course equivalents plus two Co-op work placements must be completed with a grade point average of 3.60 or higher. A statement of inclusion on the Dean's List will be recorded on the student's transcript. |
Satisfactory Standing | Satisfactory standing means having achieved a grade point average of at least 2.00 on all courses taken since the student's admission or previous review. |
Academic Probation | Students will be placed on academic probation if they have achieved a grade point average of 1.70 or greater but less than 2.00 on all courses taken since their previous review. Students will be permitted a maximum of one probationary period while registered as undergraduate students at the Áù¾ÅÉ«ÌÃ. Students will be required to withdraw rather than be placed on probation for a second time. Probationary periods that have occurred in excess of five years previous will not be counted. |
Requirement to Withdraw | Students will normally be required to withdraw from the Faculty of Communication and Culture if they: (a) Have achieved a grade point average of less than 1.70 on all courses taken since their previous review. (b) Have accumulated a total of five or more full-course equivalent "F" grades. (c) Have achieved a grade point average of 1.70 to 1.99 and have previously been placed on probation. (d) Have accumulated more than five full-course equivalent course withdrawals. Students placed on probation or required to withdraw will be so advised in writing. |
Clearing Probation | Students will be reinstated in satisfactory standing if they have achieved a grade point average of at least 2.00 on all courses taken since their previous review. Students will be advised of their status in writing. Notwithstanding the specific regulations above, students' academic standing may be reviewed at any time and those with generally poor academic records may be placed or continued on academic probation or required to withdraw at the discretion of the Dean. |
Readmission | · Students who have been required to withdraw for unsatisfactory academic performance may be considered for readmission after 12 or more months have elapsed since the date of dismissal. · Applicants who have completed 5 or more full-course equivalents must apply to a specific program within the Faculty. · Applicants must apply by the deadlines stated in the current Calendar and meet the current admission requirements of the program to which they are seeking admission. · Applicants must attach a letter to their application which (a) offers an explanation for their previously poor record; (b) outlines their academic plans; and (c) explains why they are now likely to be successful. · Readmission is not guaranteed. Students so readmitted must maintain a grade point average of at least 2.00 on all courses taken after readmission. Failure to do so will result in permanent dismissal from the Faculty of Communication and Culture. Students who have twice been required to withdraw from one or more Faculties at this or any other institution will not normally be considered for admission at any time. |
Appeals Process
See section on Reappraisal of Grades and Academic Appeals in the Academic Regulations section of this Calendar. Appeals at the Faculty level must be in writing, directed to the Dean and submitted within 15 days of the event or ruling giving rise to the appeal. Any such appeal must specify (a) exactly what is being appealed, (b) the grounds for appeal, and (c) the remedy sought. If sufficient grounds are not specified in the letter of appeal, the Chairperson of the Committee on Appeals may refuse to hear the appeal. For appeal of admission decisions see "Admission/Registration Refusal" in the Admissions section of this Calendar. |