Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I register in courses?
2. I’ve read the course description but have more questions about a course.
3. How can I find open courses offered at a specific time or via DE?
4. If I can’t register myself in a class because (it is full / permission needed), who do I contact?
5. How can I avoid academic offences?
6. I am a non-degree student but think I am ready for degree program admission.
7. What is the difference between a full-time and a part-time student?
8. How do I withdraw from a course?
9. How do I declare my major (plan)?
10. Can I get more information on a major (plan)?
11. Must I have a major (plan)?
12. How do I know what is required for my major (plan)?
13. How do I know what is required for my Liberal Studies (formerly non-major)degree?
14. Is there a Liberal Studies degree checklist I can download?
15. What grades / averages do I need to continue my studies?
16. How many electives can I take?
17. I received transfer credit. How does it fit into my degree requirements?
18. Can I take courses at another university but apply them to my Arts degree?
19. Is ELPE really required?
20. I think I am ready to graduate. How can I find out for sure?
21. I am a UW student in another Faculty. How do I transfer into Arts?
22. How can I begin to figure out what major / career / job would be right for me?
23. I am thinking about becoming a teacher.
24. Who is my academic advisor?
25. What can my academic advisor help me with?
26. How often should I contact my advisor?
27. What student services are offered at UW?

How do I register in courses? You will register for courses yourself using the Quest system. You will find the instructions you need under the New Students link on the Quest website. A complete listing of all Course Descriptions is available in the Undergraduate Calendar, and all course times, method of study (on-campus or online), and availability are found on the Schedule of Classes (or within your Quest account). If you are only interested in online courses, you'll find them listed with course descriptions, but you'll still need the Schedule of Classes for all other information. A glossary is available to explain terms used in Quest and course descriptions.

Here are helpful tutorials from Fall 2010:
BA Course Selection tutorial (video) | Schedule of Classes tutorial (video)

I’ve read the course description but have more questions about a course.  For questions on course content, contact the instructor or the teaching department. You will find the contact info on the Quest page for “Error Messages”

How can I find open courses offered at a specific time or online via Extended Learning? Take advantage of the "Search" option in your Quest account. Once inside the class search box, you'll see a button for "Additional Search Criteria" where you can search by times or for courses offered online.

If I can’t register myself in a class because (it is full / permission needed) who do I contact? If the information is not on the Schedule of Classes, contact the instructor or the teaching department. You will find the contact info on the Quest page for “Error Messages” If the course is full, it is best to register in an alternate choice while your enrolment appointment is still active and pursue your first choice later on.

How can I avoid academic offences?

I am a non-degree student but think I am ready for degree program admission. Non-degree students who wish to be considered for degree studies should send Dana Sheldrake a Plan Modification / Application for Internal Transfer form to request a change of status. Include a statement regarding interests and academic goals.

What is the difference between a full-time and a part-time student? Students enrolled in one or two courses in a given term are considered to be part-time. Three courses or more makes a student full-time, five courses is what on-campus students traditionally take each term. Students may enroll part-time in most General and Honours academic plans in Arts. However, daytime classes will be needed occasionally for majors. Courses taken on a part-time basis may be completed in either the day or evening, or in offerings by Distance Education. No distinction is made between part-time and full-time student admission or degree requirements.

Back to top

How do I withdraw from a course? General Arts students can withdraw from all their courses using Quest. Before withdrawing, you will want to review the withdrawal deadline dates to ensure you understand what penalty (if any) will apply.

How do I declare my major (plan)? Once you have completed ten courses (including any transfer credit), you may apply for a major. (Majors are called "plans" in Quest.) Admission is based on overall academic performance and the level of achievement in at least two courses from that subject area. All you need to do is complete a Plan Modification / Application for Internal Transfer form and send it to the Registrar’s Office. They will forward it to the teaching department concerned for consideration.

Subjects available on-campus.  Subjects available via Extended Learning.

Can I get more information on a major (plan)? For more details, check out Areas of Study. Online only students should review which majors are available in the online format first and then find their major under "Areas of Study”.

Must I have a major (plan)? No. The Liberal Studies plan is intended for students whose future education goals do not require a major and/or would prefer to study a wide range of subject areas.

How do I know what is required for my major (plan)? You’ll find major (plan) requirements listed in the Arts section of the Undergrad Calendar.  Be sure to choose the calendar for the year that you were admitted.

Back to top

How do I know what is required for my Liberal Studies degree?

Three-Year General Liberal Studies students must successfully complete a minimum of 15 academic course units (30 single term courses) including:

1. a minimum of 8.0 academic course units (16 courses) beyond the 100-level,
2. a minimum of 1.0 academic course unit (2 courses) at the 300-level or above,
3. a minimum of 7.5 academic course units (15 courses) in the Faculty of Arts,
4. the Faculty of Arts Group A and B requirements, for students admitted prior to Fall 2008; the Faculty of Arts Breadth Requirements, for students beginning Fall 2008
5. the Faculty of Arts Residency Requirement, for students with transfer credit. (See Admission - Transfer Credit),
6. satisfaction of the English Language Proficiency Requirement.

The Three-Year Liberal Studies plan requires a cumulative overall average of 60% for graduation with an average of 65% in all Arts Faculty courses. Note: Returning students who have completed Year One prior to the Spring 1985 term may elect to meet the Three-Year General Non-major degree requirements in force prior to this date.

Four-Year General Liberal Studies students must successfully complete a minimum of 20 academic course units (40 single term courses) including:

1. a minimum of 12.5 academic course units (25 courses)beyond the 100-level,
2. a minimum of 2.0 academic course units (4 courses) at the 300-level or above,
3. a minimum of 12.5 academic course units (25 courses) in the Faculty of Arts,
4. the Faculty of Arts Group A and B requirements, for students admitted prior to Fall 2008; the Faculty of Arts Breadth Requirements, for students admitted Fall 2008 or later
5. the Faculty of Arts Residency Requirement, for students with transfer credit. (See Admission - Transfer Credit),
6. satisfaction of the English Language Proficiency Requirement.

The Four-Year Liberal Studies plan requires a cumulative overall average of 60% for graduation with an average of 65% in all Arts Faculty courses.

Is there a Liberal Studies degree checklist I can download? Yes! You'll find below checklists for the three and four year Liberal Studies degree. Please choose according to your year of admission as requirements differ.

For students admitted prior to Fall 2008:

Download a three year general Liberal Studies checklist to track your degree progress.

Download a four year general Liberal Studies checklist to track your degree progress.

When completing the checklist, remember to add the course to all the places it is applicable.

For students beginning Fall 2008 or later:

Download a three year general Liberal Studies checklist starting Fall 2008) to track your progress.

Download a four year general Liberal Studies checklist (starting Fall 2008) to track your progress.

View the BA Breadth checklist.

When completing the checklists, remember to add the course to all the places it is applicable.

Back to top

What grades/averages do I need to continue my studies? The average needed will vary depending on your plan (major) and program. Your average is the primary factor in determining your Academic Standing. You can find your standing on your unofficial transcript in Quest.

Students in Honours programs, non-degree or post-degree studies should review the Arts section of the Undergraduate Calendar for the year that they were admitted. Honours students should meet with their major advisor to confirm.

To be in satisfactory standing in the Liberal Studies General plan, a student must maintain:

• a minimum cumulative average of 65% in all Arts courses.
• a minimum cumulative overall average of 60%
  • Conditional standing may be granted for one academic term if the cumulative overall average falls below 60% or the cumulative Arts average falls below 65%. During the term in which conditional standing is in effect, the student must make reasonable progress toward obtaining satisfactory standing or the student will be required to withdraw.
  • Even while otherwise in satisfactory standing, a student who fails two or more academic course units within the first five academic course units or fewer may be required to withdraw if the Examinations and Standings Committee considers that the student will not profit by further study.

Note: Satisfactory or conditional standing is automatically cancelled and a decision of "Failed, Required to Withdraw" may be rendered under any one of the following circumstances:

• for a first-year student – two unit failures;
• for all BA students – failure to meet the minimum standing for an Arts major or Liberal Studies plan

How many electives can I take? All Arts students must meet the BA Breadth Requirements (or the   Group A and B requirements if they were admitted prior to Fall 2008). Three year general Liberal Studies students must have a minimum of 15 courses in Arts subjects.  Four year general Liberal Studies students must have a minimum of  25 courses in Arts subjects.  Those who choose a major, rather than a Liberal Studies Degree, must also complete the departmental major requirements. The remainder of the courses, known as “electives”, may be chosen freely from within the Faculty of Arts or from subjects offered by other faculties such as Mathematics, Science, Applied Health Sciences, and Environmental Studies where the pre-requisites have been met.

Back to top

I received transfer credit. How does it fit into my degree requirements? Students who are awarded transfer credit can use these course equivalents to fulfill degree requirements. Transferred courses will be labeled in three different ways. If the course is a direct equivalent to a UW course, it will be labeled with a specific number, eg. PSYCH 101. If the course was equivalent in general subject area and rigor to a UW course but not in exact content, it will be labeled by subject and level: PSYCH 2XX which would equate to a 200-level PSYCH course with no specific equivalent. Occasionally, miscellaneous credit is granted: MISC 1XX. Such courses are usually equated to electives with no specific subject area.

Courses with a subject and an XX designation can be used for subject area requirements, but cannot replace a numbered required course. For example, if PSYCH 101 is required for your program or as a pre-requisite course and you have been granted PSYCH 1XX, you still must take PSYCH 101. However, you can count your PSYCH 1XX towards your Group B requirement (if you were admitted prior to Fall 2008) or Social Science Breadth Requirement (if you were admitted Fall 2008 or later).

It is important to note that:

• It is advised that students take no more than 14 courses (7.0 units) at the 100-level, including transfer credit. (For full details on requirements for your program review the Arts section of the Undergrad Calendar for the year that you were admitted.)
• Transfer credit is treated differently with regard to meeting major requirements. Consult the academic advisor for that major.
• Some students must complete additional courses above and beyond the total number required in order to satisfy degree requirements. The choice of UW program and the number and nature of transfer credits granted for previous studies are deciding factors in such cases.
• You should read the detailed information provided on your transfer credit letter from the Registrar's Office.

Can I take courses at another university but apply them to my Arts degree?  Yes, it may be possible, if you have not already received the maximum amount of transfer credit and you have completed at least four courses at UW and are in Satisfactory Standing. To take courses at another university you'll need to request a “Letter of Permission” and use it to apply to the other school.

Contact your academic advisor to see if it is a possibility for you, and to review your course selections to ensure they will be applicable to your degree. Once you have your advisor's approval, submit your Letter of Permission form to the Registrar's Office.  

Is ELPE really required? Yes. Find out more about this important degree requirement! The ELPP program page has tips, sample essays, on-campus essay dates and information on how the Writing Centre can assist you. There is a specific process for writing ELPE if you study solely via distance education.The Writing Centre help is also available for DE students.

Back to top

I think I am ready to graduate. How can I find out for sure? Contact your academic advisor and ask for a degree progress assessment. Next, visit the convocation information web page and remember to submit your Intent to Graduate form early in your last term.

I am a UW student in another Faculty. How do I transfer into Arts? Complete a Plan Modification / Application for Internal Transfer form. Send it to the Registrar’s Office in Needles Hall. Prior to applying for transfer, students must have completed at least four Arts courses and have a minimum average of 65% on all their Arts courses. Students who do not have at least four Arts courses should discuss their options, such as taking a non-degree term, with their current faculty advisor. Students taking a non-degree term should contact an Arts advisor prior to making their Arts course selections.

How can I begin to figure out what major/career/job would be right for me? Are you among the mature students who return to study because of a strong desire to change careers or your direction in life? One of the joys of being a university student is having time for reflection, thinking about the larger issues in the world and within your own life. Spending some time thinking about what your values are, and how you could express them within a particular profession, is one of the most valuable things you can do for yourself while a university student. UW's Career Services will help guide you through this process. The best place to start is the Career Development eManual. The manual is an online course that you can complete at your own pace.  Once completed, you’ll want to visit the Career Services library and make an appointment with a career advisor.  If you are unable to come to campus, Career Services has many resources available online and a useful collection of websites.

I am thinking about becoming a teacher. Review the information provided by Career Services about a teaching career. Detailed admission requirements are posted on the Teacher Education Application Service website.

Who is my academic advisor? Arts academic advisors are divided by first year students and students with plans (majors).

Back to top

What can my academic advisor help me with? Their purpose is primarily academic—to help you with course selection, degree requirements and explain any university or faculty regulations you don’t understand. Ultimately it is your responsibility to ensure you are meeting degree requirements,* but your advisor can help you along the way!

You can also talk to your advisor about any other issues that affect your academics, personal issues, study skills, combining work and study etc. and, if it is not something they can help you with, they will find the appropriate campus resource for you and direct you to it. The key is to ask for help before you need it!

*Be aware that degree requirements change from time to time, but you follow the rules for the year in which you were admitted. Avoid confusion by going to the undergraduate calendar for the year you were admitted and print the Arts section for your records. Once admitted to a major, meet with that advisor to confirm the year of major (plan) requirements to follow.

How often should I contact my advisor? Any time you have questions! But, with regard to course selection about once every five courses. Five courses is what on-campus students traditionally take each term, so that is a good point to contact your advisor and make sure you’re headed in the right direction.

What student services are offered at UW?
All UW Services
Distance Education Student Support
Counselling Services
Career Services
Office for Persons with Disabilities