Frequently Asked Questions

1. Arts Academic Handbook, 2011-12.
2. How do I register in courses?
3. What courses should I take?
4. If I can’t register myself in a class because it is full (or course places are reserved), who do I contact?
5. How do I know what my fees are and when they are due?
6. Can I get OSAP or other forms of financial support?
7. Your term "to do" list.
8. What is UW's policy on illness?
9. What is the difference between a full-time and a part-time student?
10. I will be taking an Extended Learning (Distance Education) course, what should I do?
11. My study skills may be a bit rusty, what can I do?
12. What are academic offences?
13. I’ve read the course description but have more questions about a course.
14. How do I withdraw from a course?
15. I asked for a major but see “Liberal Studies” on my admission letter.
16. I was admitted as a “non-degree” student in Arts, what does that mean?
17. I received transfer credit, how does it fit into my degree requirements?
18. Who is my academic advisor?
19. What can my academic advisor help me with?
20. How often should I contact my advisor?
21. 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 detailed course descriptions here, 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)

What courses should I take? Students admitted Fall 2008 or later should start with the Faculty of Arts Breadth requirements. These requirements apply to all BA majors and degree types in Arts, see the Arts degree requirements in the calendar for more details. (Note that the calendar lists all Arts programs available at UW, Extended Learning (formerly Distance Education) has only three majors and Liberal Studies.) If you started at UW prior to Fall 2008 you'll follow the Faculty of Arts Group A and B requirements.

If I can’t register myself in a class because it is full (or course places are reserved) 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 do I know what my fees are and when they are due? Students find their fees in their Quest account (an email reminder will be sent to you but no fee bill will be mailed). All other information, how to pay, deadlines, forms, etc., can be found on the Student Fees website (also available as a link within your Quest account).

Can I get OSAP or other forms of financial support? It may be possible. Review the Student Awards site and contact them with any further questions you may have.

Your term "to do" list. A handy list of things you'll need to do each term and some tips from people who've been there!

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 for majors. Courses taken on a part-time basis may be completed in either the day or evening, or in offerings by Extended Learning (Distance Education). No distinction is made between part-time and full-time student admission or degree requirements.

I will be taking an online course, what should I do? You will find all the info you need on course materials (includes links to order texts), assignments and exams under “How do I online?” Be sure to review this site carefully and bookmark it for future reference. You may also find the Centre for Extended Learning Student Support website, as it includes library and student card links.

My study skills may be a bit rusty, what can I do? A bit rusty perhaps, but this is actually the time to throw out all your former bad habits of “cramming” for exams and pulling “all-nighters” to get your essays finished.  These are never good options for anyone, at any age, and no option at all for those with family and work responsibilities.  As a mature student you are making big sacrifices to return to education—get the most out of it!

What can you do?  If you are taking courses on campus, take advantage of the Study-skills Workshops offered each term.  If you can’t fit the workshops into your schedule, or study via distance, visit Counselling Services Study Skills website for a quick review. Knowledge about what works and doesn’t work with regard to studying has grown exponentially over the past few years.  Many issues can affect our studies, take some time to review the excellent literature available online.  

Don’t stop there!  Another important aspect of study skills is to learn how to make best use of the library. Become familiar with the library website, take a library tour if you live locally. There is even a section of the library site devoted to online extended learning students. The Library has also created an online academic integrity tutorial as well as tutorials for using internet resources.

Time spent developing good study and time management techniques throughout your first term will pay huge dividends in the form of better grades and less stress throughout your academic life.

What are academic offences? Good question! Academics at university can be complex. Correctly citing the ideas and words of others, ensuring that group work is undertaken responsibly and that the division of labour and degree of collaboration is within the boundaries prescribed by the instructor, will certainly require more attention and care than what you are accustomed to in high school.

In courses requiring essay assignments or written reports, be sure that you understand what plagiarism is (see below) and how to avoid it (ask your instructor for guidance). In courses requiring statistical assignments or similar exercises, be sure that you fully understand the instructor’s expectations regarding appropriate assignment preparation; again, ask if you have any questions or if anything is unclear. Be aware that different courses and different instructors may have different expectations about the level of collaboration (teamwork) that may be acceptable. Unless you are told otherwise by the instructor, you should assume that you are supposed to produce your work independently.

There are many resources to help you. The first step is to learn what academic offenses are and how to avoid them. The Office of Academic Integrity also has many tips but begin with your course syllabus. Be sure to read that carefully and ask immediately if you have questions. As the term progresses, always ask your class TA or professor when something is not clear. The Library has also created an online academic integrity tutorial as well as tutorials for using internet resources.

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 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.

I asked for a major but see “Liberal Studies” on my admission letter. You cannot be considered for a major (plan) until you have completed 10 courses. Two of these must be in the subject area of your chosen major (plan). If you were granted transfer credits, include your transferred courses in this count.

On-campus students should review the “Prospective Major Chart".
Extended Learning (Distance Education) students should review the degrees available.

I was admitted as a “non-degree" student in Arts, what does that mean? Applicants who are admitted non-degree conditionally must demonstrate sustained academic success before admission to degree studies can be considered. Such students may enroll in no more than 2 courses per term until at least 4 courses have been completed, at which time, admission to degree studies can be considered. Upon admission, satisfactorily completed UW courses will count for credit towards the degree.

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 labelled in three different ways. If the course is a direct equivalent to a UW course, it will be labelled 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 labelled 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 (such as the Faculty of Arts Breadth 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.

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.
• 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 official transfer credit letter from the Registrar's Office.

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

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, (so take the time to read the undergraduate calendar) 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!

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
Extended Learning (Distance Education) Student Support
Counselling Services
Career Services
Office for Persons with Disabilities (Procedures for Extended Learning (Distance Education) students)