Last updated: November 25, 2008 @ 09:35AM

Academic Regulations and University Policies

I.  Confidentiality and Release of Student Records

A.  Protection of Privacy
Brock University, collects and retains student and alumni personal information under the authority of The Brock University Act, 1964. This information is related directly to and needed by the University for the purposes of admission, registration, graduation and other activities related to its programs, being a member of the Brock University community and attending a public post secondary institution in the Province of Ontario.

The information will be used to admit, register and graduate students, record management achievement, issue student identification cards, and administer and operate academic, athletic, recreational, residences and other University programs.

Information on admission, registration and academic achievement may also be disclosed and used for statistical and research purposes by the University, other post-secondary educational institutions and the provincial government.

Personal information provided for admission and registration and any other information placed into the student record will be collected, protected, used, disclosed and retained in compliance with Ontario's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (R.S.O. 1990, c.F.31).

B.  Student Access
Students may inspect all documents contained in their own record, with the exception of evaluations and letters of reference supplied to the University with the understanding that they be kept confidential.

Students may request that erroneous information contained in their records be corrected and that recipients, of any information found to be in error, be advised of the correction.

Students wishing to inspect their record must make an appointment with an authorized official of the Office of the Registrar.

All official transcripts will be complete and unabridged. Partial transcripts cannot be issued. Transcripts issued directly to students bear the notation "Issued to Student".

Documents pertaining to a student's achievement at another institution, which may have been received by the University, will not normally be released or redirected to another institution.

C.  Employee and Student Organization Access
Employees of the University are permitted access to information contained in student records, if they need to know the information in order to perform their official duties. As a general rule, only employees involved in some aspect of academic administration or student affairs are given access to the contents of student records.

In addition to collecting personal information for its own purposes the University collects specific and limited personal information on behalf of the Brock University Students' Union (BUSU), as well as constituent organizations authorized by them. BUSU uses this information for the purposes of membership administration, elections, annual general meetings, transit passes and its heath plan. Information is provided by the Office of the Registrar upon written request signed by an authorized officer of BUSU with the understanding that the information will not be disclosed to third parties (and returned to the Office of the Registrar when requested).

D.  Third Party Access
It is University policy to make a minimum of information freely available to all inquirers. The University will disclose information about students who have graduated, which is considered to be public information, as follows:
a)  degree(s) obtained and the dates conferred by the University , and in most circumstances,
b)  scholarships and the dates awarded.
  Except as specified below other information contained in the record (including current registration status and program of study) will be disclosed only with the student's written consent. This restriction applies to requests from parents, spouses, credit bureaus, police, CSIS and immigration and other Government agencies. Specified records or portions thereof may be provided to persons or agencies pursuant to a court order, summons or subpoena directing the University to release information; to Statistics Canada and the Ministry of Education in connection with enrollment audits; or in accordance with the requirements of duly constituted professional licensing and certification bodies.
In emergency situations involving the health and safety of an individual, or in compassionate situations, the Registrar or designate may, if it is considered to be in the best interest of the student, authorize the release of information needed to contact the student.

E.  Notification of Disclosure of Personal Information to Statistics Canada
Statistics Canada is the national statistical agency. As such, Statistics Canada carries out hundreds of surveys each year on a wide range of matters, including education.

It is essential to be able to follow students across time and institutions to understand, for example, the factors affecting enrollment demand at post-secondary institutions. The increased emphasis on accountability for public investment means that it is also important to understand 'outcomes'. In order to carry out such studies, Statistics Canada asks all colleges and universities to provide data on students and graduates. Institutions collect and provide to Statistics Canada student identification information (student's name, student ID number, Social Insurance Number), student contact information (address and telephone number), student demographic characteristics, enrollment information, previous education, and labour force activity.

The Federal Statistics Act provides the legal authority for Statistics Canada to obtain access to personal information held by educational institutions. The information may be used only for statistical purposes and the confidentiality provisions of the Statistics Act prevent the information from being released in any way that would identify a student.

Students who do not wish to have their information used are able to ask Statistics Canada to remove their identification and contact information from the national database.

Further information on the use of this information can be obtained from Statistics' Canada's website: http://www.statcan.ca or by writing to the Postsecondary Section, Centre for Education Statistics, 17th Floor, R.H. Coats Building, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, K1A 0T6.

F.  Name Changes
As Brock is committed to the integrity of its student records, each student is required to provide, either on application for admission or in personal data required for registration, his/her legal name. Any requests to change a name, by means of alteration or deletion, substitution or addition, must be accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation. Upon making application for graduation a student may be asked to provide proof of his/her name.

G.  Transcripts
Copies of student transcripts will be issued at the student's request, subject to reasonable notice. Requests should be submitted in person or by writing to the Office of the Registrar. In accordance with the University's Policy on Access to Student Records, the student's signature is required for the release of records. Transcripts issued directly to the student are stamped "Issued to Student". Partial transcripts cannot be issued. The Office of the Registrar cannot be responsible for transcripts lost or delayed in the mail.

H.  Withholding of Degree or Grades
Only the Office of the Registrar may release final grades. No student owing the University fees or fines will receive a diploma, certificate, transcript or a statement of final grades or have any such statements communicated to parties outside the University, until such time as the debts have been cleared to the satisfaction of the University.

II.  Registration

A.  Applicable Calendar
A student who has maintained enrollment in at least one credit in each calendar year (May to April) may complete the degree program using the "Academic Regulations" section of the Calendar operative in the year in which that program was entered. Students who interrupt their studies for more than one calendar year (by not enrolling in at least one credit), however, become subject to the Calendar regulations in effect at the time of their re-registration.

Students in Bachelors' Degrees are normally expected to complete degree requirements within 10 years of first registration. Students who exceed 10 years may be required to re-take prerequisite courses where the knowledge base in specific disciplines has changed substantially in the intervening period.

B.  Registration: General Information
Students must register during the official registration period designated for each session or term. Late registration may be permitted, upon payment of a fee, during the course change period of each session. Registration will not be permitted after the last day to add a course for a term. It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that the courses selected meet the academic degree requirements and adhere to restrictions, course prerequisites, and published deadlines. Students may not enroll in courses which conflict in time without the written approval of each instructor. All courses and programs are subject to enrollment limitations.

To register in courses a student must meet the following conditions:
1.  Be admitted to Brock or be a continuing student academically eligible to enroll.
2.  Enroll in courses in accordance with the procedures outlined in the University's Registration guides produced by the Office of the Registrar.
3.  Pay or make arrangements to pay fees. Students whose cheques are returned with "Non-sufficient funds" will be deregistered and subject to late penalty charges.
C. Course Levels
Courses numbered 1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99, 2(alpha)00 to 2(alpha)99, 3(alpha)00 to 3(alpha)99 and 4(alpha)00 to 4(alpha)99 are normally year 1, 2, 3 and 4 courses respectively. Courses numbered 2(alpha)90 to 2(alpha)99 may be considered as year 2 or 3 courses and 3(alpha)90 to 3(alpha)99 as year 3 or 4 courses.

D.  Definition of Full- and Part-Time Studies

Full-Time
a)  A student enrolled in three or more credits over the Fall/Winter Session.
b)  A student enrolled in three credits over the Spring and Summer Sessions.
Part-Time
a)  A student enrolled in less than three credits over the Fall/Winter Session.
b)  A student enrolled in less than three credits over the Spring and Summer Sessions.
  Full-time students are expected to enroll in five credits (2.5 per term) during the Fall/Winter Session. Students normally enroll in one credit per session during the Spring and the Summer Session. A student wishing to exceed normal course loads must obtain the permission of the Dean of their chosen major. Permission will normally be granted only if a student has completed five credits with at least second-class (70 percent) standing.
Special students, including students on a Letter of Permission and post-degree students, not proceeding towards a Brock degree, are normally restricted to part-time studies.
In some cases it may be necessary for students registered in evening courses to write examinations during the day.

E.  Registration in Cross-Listed Courses
The designation for a cross-listed course will be established by the student's initial registration in that course. Students may elect to change the designation no later than the last day for withdrawal without the assignment of a grade.

F.  Attendance Requirements
Students are expected to attend all lectures, discussion groups, seminars and laboratory periods of the courses in which they are registered. Instructors must inform students about the relationship between attendance and course grades early in each session.

A student may not enroll in courses which conflict in time without written approval of the instructors involved.

G.  Academic Accommodation for Religious Obligations
Brock University acknowledges the pluralistic nature of the undergraduate community such that accommodations will be made for students who, by reason of religious obligation, must miss an examination, test, assignment deadline, laboratory or other compulsory academic event.

Students requesting academic accommodation on the basis of religious obligation should make a formal, written request to their instructor(s) for alternative dates and/or means of satisfying requirements. Such requests should be made during the first two weeks of any given academic term, or as soon as possible after a need for accommodation is known to exist (i.e., posting of the examination schedule), but in no case later than the second-last week of classes in that term.

When a student's presence is required prior to the date on which classes begin, any student who cannot meet this expectation of attendance for reasons of religious obligation should notify the Registrar, in advance.

Accommodation is to be worked out directly and on an individual basis between the student and the instructor(s) involved. Instructors will make accommodation in a way that avoids academic disadvantage to the student. The type of accommodation granted will vary depending on the nature, weight and timing of the work for which accommodation is sought.

In cases regarding academic accommodation of students on the basis of religious obligation, any dispute unresolved by discussion between the student and instructor may be appealed, first to the Department Chair or Director and thereafter to the Dean of the Faculty in which the student is registered. If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the Dean, the student may then appeal to the Student Appeals Board.

A current list of religious observance days is posted at http://www.brocku.ca/registrar/

H.  Dropping/Withdrawal from Courses
A student may voluntarily withdraw from the University and/or courses without academic penalty by informing the Office of the Registrar, in writing, by the following dates:

SPRING 2008

Duration 1 (begins May 5)
Last day to withdraw from a course without academic penalty is June 27

Duration 2 (begins May 5)
Last day to withdraw from a course without academic penalty is May 30

Duration 3 (begins June 9)
Last day to withdraw from a course without academic penalty is July 4

SUMMER 2008

Duration 1 (begins July 14)
Last day to withdraw from a course without academic penalty is August 8

FALL/WINTER 2008/2009

Duration 1 (begins September 4)
Last day to withdraw from a course without academic penalty is January 16, 2009

Duration 2
Last day to withdraw from a course without academic penalty is October 31, 2008

Duration 3
Last day to withdraw from a course without academic penalty is February 27, 2009

Unofficial withdrawal from a course after the above deadlines will result in the assignment of a failing grade in the course.

In the Fall/Winter session, whenever and wherever reasonably possible, instructors shall normally assess and communicate to students a minimum of 15 percent of their final grade by not later than the week prior to the last date for withdrawal without academic penalty. In cases where, due to the nature of the course, this requirement cannot be met, the instructor shall inform students in the course syllabus.

The week of withdrawal from a course, following the course change period, will be recorded on the student's official transcript.

Grades will be recorded on students' transcripts for all courses in which they have officially registered and from which they have not officially withdrawn.

A student who withdraws in good standing may be entitled to a partial refund of tuition fees in accordance with the refund schedule established by the Financial Services department.

Students holding any scholarship/bursary, within University control, will, on withdrawing, forfeit the total value of this award.

Students should also note that withdrawal may affect their OSAP assessment. Please ensure that you consult with the Student Awards and Financial Aid office before withdrawing from courses.

I.  Audit Status
Students admitted to the university may audit a course provided that space is available. Permission of the instructor is required and may not be granted until after the first day of lectures. No credit or assessment of performance will be given in the course.

A request to change from audit to degree credit status must be received by the Office of the Registrar no later than the last day to add a course (of that duration) in the term. Students must satisfy all academic and prerequisite requirements.

A request to change from degree credit to audit status must be received by the Office of the Registrar no later than the last day to withdraw from a course (of that duration) without penalty. Please consult the information on Withdrawal/Dropping of Courses.

J.  Letters of Permission
Brock students wishing to enroll at another university and transfer credits towards a Brock degree must apply for, and be granted, a Letter of Permission from the Office of the Registrar before registering at the other university. A university calendar description of the course(s) to be taken and the Letter of Permission fee of $35.00 must be submitted, with the application, to the Office of the Registrar. Approved Letters of Permission will be sent to the host university where required and a copy sent to the student.

To ensure sufficient time for the processing of Letters of Permission please submit applications according to the following dates:

Spring/Summer courses - March 15

Fall Courses - August 1

Winter Courses - December 1

Please note the following conditions:

A maximum of five credits may be completed by Letter of Permission.

Course(s) requested should be relevant to a student's degree program and must be approved by both the student's academic Department and Dean of the student's degree program. Approval is at the discretion of the Dean, based on the applicant's overall academic record, the appropriateness of the particular course to the applicant's program and on any other factors deemed relevant.

A Letter of Permission is normally restricted to students who have successfully completed five credits at Brock with a minimum 60 percent overall average. Brock credit will not be granted to students who Challenge for Credit, on Letter of Permission, at the host institution.

A Letter of Permission is not issued for a student to complete more than two of the last five credits of a degree. Note that this regulation does not apply to courses taken as part of an exchange program (Keele, Swansea) nor to students in either the Bachelor of Education in Aboriginal Adult Education or the Bachelor of Education in Adult Education.

Students who do not complete registration at the host university, or who withdraw from course(s) for which a Letter of Permission has been issued, must submit verification from the host university to the Office of the Registrar.

Courses taken on a Letter of Permission or on Exchange Programs will be marked as Pass or Fail and will not be used in determining any student average. The course taken and grade assigned by the host university will, however, appear as a notation on a student's transcript. Courses taken within a designated partnership program with Brock (Freiburg, Summer Studies in Italy) will be used in the determination of a student's average.

It is the student's responsibility to ensure that Brock University receives an official transcript from the host university within eight weeks of the course end date as specified on the application for the Letter of Permission submitted to Brock University or a failing grade will be assigned.

Students completing their last credit(s) towards their degree on a Letter of Permission must have their official transcript from the host university sent to the Registrar by the following dates:

Spring Convocation - May 15

Fall Convocation - September 15

Students not adhering to these deadlines may have their graduation deferred until the next Convocation.

K.  Repeating a Course for which a Passing Grade has been Awarded
Students may repeat a course in which they have received a passing grade. With the approval of the Office of the Registrar, under the following conditions and within the degree program for which the course is being taken, the grade awarded for a repeated course will supersede the grade from the first attempt at the course regardless of whether it is higher or lower. Both grades will remain on the student's transcript but the second grade, whether higher or lower, will be used in the computation of the student's average. A student will be permitted to repeat passed courses constituting no more than three credits, but no course may be repeated more than once.

First year courses (numbered 1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99) and courses listed as prerequisites may not be repeated if credit has been received for higher level courses in the same subject.

L.  Repeating a Failed Course
A student may repeat a failed course, but no course may be repeated more than once. Both grades will remain on the student's transcript but the second grade will be used in the computation of the student's average.

M.  Challenge for Credit
Challenge for credit is designed to provide credit at the undergraduate level for skills acquired through learning and experience outside the University. It is not designed to give credit for skills or knowledge gained through high school, college or previous university instruction, nor is it expected that time would be required to upgrade or review the material prior to the examining process. Credit can only be granted for those courses listed in the current Brock Calendar. Not all courses in all disciplines are available for challenge. It is the responsibility of the Department/Centre concerned to evaluate the student who challenges for credit and to determine the types of work to be submitted.

General regulations
Challenge for credit is available only to students formally admitted to and registered in, a program leading to a degree or certificate. Special admission students are not eligible to challenge for credit.

A maximum of five credits towards a Brock undergraduate degree may be acquired by challenge at Brock. A maximum of one credit may be obtained toward a certificate. Challenges may not be included in the minimum number of Brock credits required for a Brock degree.

A challenge credit may not be used as a substitute for grade raising or special examinations or to replace a failed course.

A student may not challenge a course in which s/he is or has been previously registered or which s/he has already challenged.

The passing grade for a challenge will appear on the transcript as CH. Challenge grades therefore are not computed in averages and are not used in evaluating honours or scholarship standing. Failures (F) will be noted on the transcript.

A student may not withdraw the challenge once registration for a challenge course is completed.

The grade for the challenge must be received in the Office of the Registrar within 60 days of acceptance of the challenge by the Department/Centre.

How to challenge for credit
A student must fill out a challenge application form available from the Office of the Registrar. (The student may wish to discuss the challenge informally with the Department/Centre prior to this step.) The Office of the Registrar forwards the application to the appropriate Department/Centre which must decide whether to accept the challenge. The Department/Centre may require documentary material from the student or an interview before making its decision. If the Department/Centre accepts the challenge, the student is eligible to register for it through the Office of the Registrar and is required to pay the applicable fee. A student may not withdraw the challenge after this step; failure to sit for a challenge subsequent to registration represents a failed course. It is the student's responsibility to be fully informed, prior to registration, of the time and nature of the evaluation. This may include one or more of the following: a written exam paper or papers, an essay or essays, the submission of a substantial body of work or a portfolio, an oral examination or a laboratory test.

III.  Degree/Program Policies

A.  Selection of Majors
Students should choose an area of major concentration after successful completion of five credits. Normally, a student may major in any subject in which a grade of 60 percent or better was obtained in the required introductory course(s), provided that departmental/centre prerequisites have been met. Department/centre approval is required for any deviation from this policy. Where programs have approved enrollment limits, admission is not guaranteed by attaining minimum requirements. In most departments/centres students must maintain a minimum 60 percent major average to continue in the discipline. Please ensure that you check with specific program requirements for entrance and progression standards.

In the first five credits students must complete the following:
·   Courses from at least four departments/centres.
·   At least one of the three required context credits.
For students in Concurrent Education programs, Pre-Service Education courses are credited toward the BEd while the remaining courses are credited to the undergraduate (BA, BSc or BPhEd) degree. For this reason, a student who transfers out of a concurrent education program will not have credit in Pre-service Education courses applied to an undergraduate degree.

Transfer students admitted to a specific program, who subsequently elect to change their major, may have the applicability of the transfer credits re-evaluated.

B.  Context Courses

Humanities
CANA 1F91
CLAS 1P91, 1P92, 1P93, 1P95, 1P97
DART 1F93
ENGL 1F91, 1F95, 1F97
FILM 1F94
FREN 1F90
GBLS 1P90, 1P93, 1Q98, 1Q99
GERM 1F90, 1P93
*HIST 1F95, 1F96, HIST 1P98, 1P99**
IASC 1Q98, 1Q99
INTC 1F90
ITAL 1F90, 1P95
LING 1F25
MARS 1F90
MUSI 1F10, 1F50
PHIL 1F90, 1F91, 1F93, 1F94
PORT 1P95
SPAN 1F90, 1P95
VISA 1Q98, 1Q99

Social Sciences
CHSC 1F90
CHYS 1F90
ECON 1P91, 1P92
*GEOG 1F90
*HIST 1F95, HIST 1P98, 1P99**
LABR 1F90
LING 1P92, 1P93
POLI 1F90, 1P91, 1P92, 1P93, 1P94, 1P95, 1P98
PSYC 1F90
SOCI 1F90, 1P80
TREN 1F90
WISE 1F90

Sciences
ASTR 1P01, 1P02
BIOL 1F25, 1F90
CHEM 1F92
ERSC 1F01, 1F90, 1P92, 1P93
*GEOG 1F91
PHYS 1P21, 1P22, 1P23, 1P91, 1P92, 1P93
SCIE 1P50, 1P51

All students must include one credit (or two half-credits) from each of the list of Humanities, Social Sciences and Sciences courses to fulfill degree requirements. In some cases, a context credit may be part of the major program's requirements.

Students in four-year Honours professional programs must fulfill context requirements by the end of the third year of the program.

All other students must have completed all three of the required context courses within the first 10 credits.

*In cases where subjects are listed under two categories, only one of the requirements may be satisfied by that course (e.g., GEOG 1F90 is taken to fulfill the requirement for the Social Sciences option, GEOG 1F91 may not be taken to fulfill the sciences requirement).

**History majors may not use a history credit to satisfy the social science context requirement.

C.  Combined Major Programs
A combined major program is established in two individual Departments/Centres and normally consists of a course pattern that includes:
a)  A minimum of five credits in each of the two major disciplines for a pass (15 credit) degree and a minimum of seven credits in each of the two major disciplines for a 20 credit degree, where applicable.
b)  Requirements outside the two major Departments/Centres concerned.
c)  Core and context requirements.
d)  Elective credits to make up the requirements for the degree.
  If a simple majority of the credits taken during the program has been drawn from courses offered by the Departments/Centres comprising the Faculty of Mathematics and Sciences, the degree awarded upon satisfaction of all graduate requirements will be the Honours, With Major or Pass as appropriate; if drawn from those courses offered by the Departments/Centres comprising the Faculties of Humanities and/or Social Sciences, the degree awarded shall be the Honours, With Major or Pass as appropriate.

D.  Credit Limitations
A maximum of seven credits toward a 20 credit BA or BSc degree program, and five credits toward a 15 credit BA or BSc degree, may be taken from any combination of courses taught in the Faculties of Applied Health Sciences, Business and Education.

E.  Waiver of Requirements
Departments/Centres may waive prerequisite courses or required program courses for degree candidates who have considerable relevant work experience. Such candidates must, however, complete the required number of courses for a degree.

F.  Language Requirement for Students in the Humanities
Students enrolling in a Humanities single major, combined major with one or both majors in the Humanities or an Integrated Studies program with a major concentration in the Humanities, are required to complete one credit in one language other than English. Where half credit courses are used to satisfy the requirement, both half credits must be in the same language.

The choice of the language is left to the student unless specifically designated by the program. Note that LING 1P00 and LING 1P01 satisfy the language requirement. Languages currently offered by the University are: Anglo-Saxon, Cayuga, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Mandarin Chinese, Mohawk, Old Norse, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Swahili.

Admission to language courses beyond the 1(alpha)00 level is dependent upon completing the prerequisite(s) for the course. Students who have acquired high school credit in the chosen language will be excluded from certain lower level courses depending upon their level of proficiency in the language. Questions should be referred to the Department/Centre concerned.

Students whose secondary school program was taught either entirely or to a significant extent in a language other than English and who would, therefore, qualify to enroll in a course numbered 2(alpha)00 or above are exempt from the language requirement. For example, such an exemption may be granted to Grade 12U graduates of Français and French immersion programs. Other students seeking this exemption require the approval of the Dean of Humanities when the language of instruction is not one of the above group.

G.  Writing Courses
University research over the past decade has shown a very strong relationship between the ability to write well and to succeed in university. For this reason the University offers courses on writing which are available as electives to all Brock students. (See the Department of English Language and Literature for further details.)

A major goal of these courses is to improve the student's ability to express thoughts, to give thought an articulate form and to be able to organize language more efficiently. Success in these matters will give the student more confidence in the ability to control, analyse and present information, vital skills in every area of modern life. The courses aim to make the student a perceptive analyst of the writing of others and careful editors.

H.  Extra Courses
Students wishing to augment a regular degree program by taking extra courses because of personal interest may enroll in such courses and designate them as extra courses, not to be used for credit towards that degree.

Students must declare a course to be extra prior to the last day for official withdrawal.

Students changing degree programs may declare non-applicable passed courses as extra to their degree at the time of the program change.

Students may change the designation of passed major courses as extra to their program only with the permission of the Chair/Director.

IV.  Graduation Requirements

A.  Application for Graduation
Application for graduation at Fall Convocation must be received in the Office of the Registrar by July 1.

Application for graduation at Spring Convocation must be received in the Office of the Registrar by February 1.

These are fixed dates. If these dates fall on a Saturday or Sunday, the closing is 4:30 p.m. the next working day. (Consult the "Fees" section for the applicable Convocation fee.)

The convocation ceremony is physically accessible for both graduands and their guests.

B.  Graduation Standing
First-class Honours degrees are granted to students who have completed a 20 credit honours program with first-class honours standing, which requires a minimum 80 percent average in all major credits and 70 percent in the remaining credits. A transfer student must have completed a minimum of five credits at Brock, including all departmental honours requirements for year 4 and have maintained a minimum 75 percent overall average and a minimum 80 percent major average (based on Brock courses only).

Second-class Honours degrees are granted to students who have completed a 20 credit honours program with second-class honours standing, which requires a minimum 70 percent average in all major credits and 60 percent in the remaining credits. A transfer student must have completed a minimum of five credits at Brock, including all departmental honours requirements for year 4 and have maintained a minimum 65 percent overall average and a minimum 70 percent major average (based on Brock courses only).

A degree with Distinction is granted to students who have completed the approved 15 credit pass degree or 20 credit non-honours degree with a minimum 80 percent overall average. Transfer students require a minimum 80 percent cumulative average in all Brock courses and a minimum 80 percent overall average.

A Pass (15 credit), Non-Honours (20 credit) or With Major (20 credit) degree is granted to students who have completed an approved program with a minimum 60 per cent overall and 60 percent in the courses designated as major credits. Exception; the BA General Studies (15 credit) degree requires 60 percent overall average (no major average requirement).

C.  Undergraduate Degrees

Offered 2008 - 2009

Honours - 20 Credits

Non-Honours - 20 Credits

With Major - 20 Credits

Pass - 15 Credits

Bachelor of Accounting: Honours

Bachelor of Education in Aboriginal Adult Education: Pass

Bachelor of Education in Adult Education: Pass

Bachelor of Arts: Honours, With Major, Pass

Bachelor of Business Administration: Honours, Non-Honours

Bachelor of Business Economics: Honours

Bachelor of Computing and Business: Honours

Bachelor of Kinesiology: Honours, Non-Honours

Bachelor of Music: Honours

Bachelor of Physical Education: Honours, With Major

Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies: Honours, With Major, Pass

Bachelor of Science: Honours, With Major, Pass

Bachelor of Science in Nursing: Honours

Bachelor of Sport Management: Honours, Non Honours

Bachelor Honours Degrees (20 credit)

12 credits must be numbered 2(alpha)00 or above. No more than eight credits at the year 1 level may be taken. Six of the 12 credits must be numbered 2(alpha)90 or above and three of these must be credits numbered 3(alpha)90 or above.

A single major 20 credit degree program normally requires 10 credits in one Department/Centre. See Department/Centre Calendar entry for specific requirements.

A minimum of fourteen credits in the majors (seven from each) are required for a combined major Honours degree.

Bachelor Non-Honours or With Major Degrees (20 credit)

Completion of an approved program with a minimum 60 percent major average and a minimum 60 percent overall average.

12 credits must be numbered 2(alpha)00 or above. No more than eight credits at the year 1 level. Six of the 12 credits must be numbered 2(alpha)90 or above and at least one and one-half to three of these must be credits numbered 3(alpha)90 or above as specified by individual department/centre and program requirements.

A single major 20 credit degree program normally requires 10 credits in one Department/Centre. See Department/Centre information for specific requirements.

A minimum of fourteen credits in the majors (seven from each) are required for a combined major non-honours degree.

Bachelor Pass Degrees (15 credit)

Completion of an approved 15 credit program with a minimum 60 percent overall average and a minimum 60 percent average in courses designated as major credits.

Seven credits must be numbered 2(alpha)00 or higher and three of these must be numbered 2(alpha)90 or above. No more than eight credits are permitted at the year 1 level.

Seven credits are normally required for a single major. A minimum of ten credits (five from each discipline) is required for a combined major pass degree.

A Pass Degree will be rescinded on a student's academic record if a 20 credit Bachelor non-Honours Degree is conferred in the same discipline.

Bachelor of Science Honours or Pass General Studies Degrees (15 or 20 credit)

Available as an Honours (20 credit) and Pass (15 credit) degree.

A minimum 70 percent average in the two declared subject areas and a 60 percent average in the remaining credits for an honours degree.

Completion of an approved 15 credit program with a minimum 60 percent overall average and a 60 percent average in designated subject area courses for a pass degree.

Honours program must include a minimum of seven credits in one subject and five in another.

Pass degree (15 credit) must include five credits in one subject and three in another.

If a simple majority of the courses taken during a General Studies Program has been drawn from courses offered by the Departments/Centres comprising the Faculty of Mathematics and Sciences, then the degree awarded upon satisfaction of all graduation requirements will be the BSc or the BSc (Honours) as appropriate. A BSc General Studies will carry no major, minor or area of concentration.

A maximum of seven credits from any combination of courses from the Faculties of Applied Health Sciences, Business and Education can be included in an honours BSc.

A maximum of five credits from any combination of courses from the Faculties of Applied Health Sciences, Business and Education can be included in a pass BSc.

Education may only be used as the three credit component and only in a pass degree. An honours degree with Education as a component is not possible.

One credit in APCO, COSC or MATH is required.

BSc students (15 credit) must include three credits numbered 2(alpha)90 or above, with a minimum of two credits from the chosen subjects.

Honours students must include three credits numbered 3(alpha)90 or above, with a minimum of two credits from the chosen subjects.

All programs must be approved by the Dean or designate.

Bachelor of Arts Pass General Studies Degree (15 credit)

A minimum 60 percent overall average.

Students must take eight credits numbered 2(alpha)00 or above (a maximum of seven credits at the year 1 level are allowed), including a minimum of three credits numbered 2(alpha)90 level or above.

A BA General Studies carries no major, minor or areas of concentration.

A maximum of five credits from each of two disciplines (including courses cross-listed with that discipline) with the exception of courses from the Faculties of Applied Health Sciences, Business and Education.

A maximum of five credits may be taken from any combination of designated Applied Health Sciences, Business and Education courses (including courses cross-listed with that faculty).

Students must satisfy all general University requirements, including one context credit from the list of eligible courses in each of the faculties of Humanities, Social Sciences and Mathematics and Science.

Students must complete successfully, either one credit in APCO/COSC/MATH or one credit in a LANGUAGE other than English.

Students electing to pursue a General Studies program should develop a program plan in consultation with an Academic Adviser in the Office of the Registrar.

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Honours or Pass Degrees

Integrated Studies (15 or 20 credit):

Integrated Studies programs permit a student to pursue a unique, interdisciplinary program of studies which may span two or more departments/centres. Individual programs may be developed at either the honours or pass level.

Students who choose a concentration of courses in the Faculty of Mathematics and Sciences or Faculty of Social Sciences must complete a credit in APCO, COSC or MATH.

Students who choose a concentration of courses in Humanities must complete a credit in a language other than English.

A clear and predetermined plan of study must be approved by the appropriate Dean.

D.  Concentrations
A concentration in an honours degree normally requires a minimum of six credits from a list of courses approved by the relevant academic Department/Centre. A concentration enables students to pursue studies within their major or combined major program. Application and approval to carry a concentration is required.

Concentrations are offered in:
Applied and Computational Mathematics
Computer Game Development
Criminology
Critical Animal Studies
Curatorial Studies
Drama in Education and Society
Geomatics
Intelligent Systems
Labour Studies
Mathematics Education
Performance
Public Law
Pure Mathematics
Social Justice and Equity
Software Engineering
Stagecraft and Design
Statistics

E.  Minors
A minor is distinct from a student's major or combined major,and requires from four to six credits as designated by the relevant academic Department/Centre.

Students wishing to obtain a minor, within a degree program, may not use the same course(s) to satisfy both the major requirement and the minor requirement. Application and approval to carry a minor is required.

Minors are offered in:
Applied Computing
Art History
Biological Sciences
Business
Canadian Politics
Canadian Studies
Chemistry
Classics
Comparative Politics
Criminology
Critical Animal Studies
Dramatic Arts
Earth Sciences
Economics
Elementary Teaching Mathematics
English Language and Literature
Environmental Studies
French
Geography
German
Great Books/Liberal Studies
History
Interactive Arts and Science
Intercultural Studies
International Politics
Italian
Labour Studies
Linguistics
Mathematics
Music
Oenology and Viticulture
Philosophy
Physics
Political Philosophy
Political Science
Professional Ethics
Professional Writing
Psychology
Public Administration
Secondary Teaching Mathematics
Sociology
Spanish
Studies in Arts and Culture
Tourism Studies
Women's Studies

F.  Transfer Students
Students transferring from another university may earn a Brock 20 credit or 15 credit degree, as a first degree, with a minimum of five Brock credits.

Transfer students may complete a BEd Program II degree with a minimum of four Brock credits.

Students seeking a second or subsequent degree will be granted transfer credit to a maximum of 10 credits for a 20 credit degree and a maximum of seven credits for a 15 credit degree. See the following section for further information.

G.  Requirements for a Second or Subsequent Degree
With the exception of the BA/BEd, BSc/BEd and BPhEd/BEd degrees, students may not pursue two undergraduate degrees concurrently. An individual who wishes to pursue a second undergraduate degree must:
·   have successfully completed the first degree with a minimum 65 percent overall average;
·   make application for admission and be admitted to the second degree program (see Admissions for further information);
·   fulfill all the specific requirements of each degree program including prerequisites, co-requisites and honours standing requirements (where appropriate).
To obtain a second degree, students must have completed, with satisfactory standing, at least 50 percent more credits beyond the first degree. The minimum total of credits for both degrees are:
·   for a 20 credit degree and a second 15 credit degree: 28 credits.
·   for a 20 credit degree and a second 20 credit degree: 30 credits.
·   for a 15 credit degree and a second 15 credit degree: 23 credits.
·   for a 15 credit degree and a second 20 credit degree: 28 credits.
(an exception exists for the BAcc, BEd in Aboriginal Adult Education and BEd in Adult Education as subsequent degrees. Please see the appropriate Calendar entry).

An applicant who has a bachelor's degree from Brock or another institution may be allowed to pursue undergraduate studies leading to a second bachelor's degree of the same or another designation under the following conditions:
·   the principal area of study or academic emphasis must be distinct from that of the first degree. Prior approval from the principal area of study of the second degree must be obtained from the Dean of the appropriate faculty;
·   the student must complete, with satisfactory standing, at least 50 percent more credits beyond the first degree (see required number of credits above);
·   the student must meet all program requirements for the second degree.
For any second degree, an individual may take only those 1(alpha)00 level courses specifically required to fulfill the requirements for the second degree. Electives must be numbered 2(alpha)00 or above.

H.  Requirements for Holding

a. Degree and a Certificate
Students wishing to hold both a degree and a certificate must fulfill the course requirements for both the degree and the certificate. Students may not be concurrently registered in a certificate program and a degree program. (See "Certificate Requirements" section for more information.)

I.  Certificates
The University has established certificate programs for students wishing to acquire specialized knowledge without proceeding immediately to a degree. Certificates are offered in the following disciplines:

Aboriginal Adult Education (Tecumseh Centre for Aboriginal Research and Education)

Adult Education (Centre for Adult Education and Community Outreach)

Aboriginal Language (Tecumseh Centre for Aboriginal Research and Education)

Communications Disorders Assistants (Department of Applied Linguistics)

Criminology (Department of Sociology)

Drama in Education and Society (Department of Dramatic Arts)

Educational Studies (Department of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies)

Enterprise Education (Department of Pre-Service Education)

Environment (Department of Tourism and Environment)

Grape and Wine Technology (Oenology and Viticulture program)

Great Books/Liberal Studies (Centre for Great Books/Liberal Studies)

Hearing Sciences (Department of Applied Linguistics)

Labour Studies (Centre for Labour Studies)

Public Administration (Department of Political Science)

Public Law (Department of Political Science)

Rhetoric and Professional Writing (Department of English Language and Literature)

Speech and Language Sciences (Department of Applied Linguistics)

Statistics (Department of Mathematics)

Teaching English as a Subsequent/Foreign Language (Department of Applied Linguistics)

Women's Studies (Centre for Women's Studies)

Requirements for a Certificate
Admission requirements are the same as those for degree programs. (Please see the Admissions section of this calendar). Certificate programs are governed by the same academic regulations as those governing degree programs.

Students admitted to a certificate program will normally be limited to part-time studies.

Registration will normally be limited to a maximum of two credits in the Fall/Winter Session, a maximum of one credit in the Spring Session and a maximum of one credit in the Summer Session. Exceptions to this regulation may be granted by the Dean of the appropriate faculty.

Students seeking admission to the certificate program, following the completion of a degree or diploma program from a university or Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology, will be limited in the number of transferrable credits. No more than one credit from all the courses included in the university degree or college diploma program may be used in the certificate program. With special permission of the Dean of the appropriate faculty, one credit may be taken on a Letter of Permission.

A maximum of one credit may be obtained by Challenge for Credit.

Students wishing to hold both a degree and a certificate must fulfill the course requirements for both the degree and the certificate. Students may not be concurrently registered in a certificate program and a degree program. All credits earned in a certificate program are transferrable to a degree program.

A certificate is awarded upon the successful completion of the courses required for the certificate program with a minimum overall average as determined by the offering Department/Centre. Details appear in the relevant entries of the Calendar. Transfer credits from another institution will not be included in the calculation of the overall average. Any credits transferred from a Brock degree program to a certificate program will be included in the calculation of the overall average.

J.  Diplomas
Diplomas and certificates are prepared for students who have completed degree or certificate requirements as prescribed by Senate. Diplomas and certificates are presented at Convocation to students graduating from a degree or certificate program. Degree and certificate program graduates who are not able to attend Convocation may request that their diploma or certificate be sent to them by mail. Diplomas and certificates will be held in the Office of the Registrar for five years after the date of graduation.

The diplomas of students who attain first-class honours will record their First-Class Honours standing as "First Class Honours in". The diplomas of all other graduates will record "With honours in". The title of the "Major" will be indicated on all diplomas. Diplomas will be designed to indicate the degree name on the first line, the discipline of the major on the second line, the standing (i.e., first-class or distinction) on the third line (if appropriate), and concentration on the fourth line (if appropriate). The notation (3 Year) will appear on three-year pass degrees. The diplomas of students who obtain a Degree with Distinction will record "with distinction". Minors do not appear on diplomas.

K.  Replacement of Diploma
Graduates may request, with payment of the required fee, a duplicate or reprinted diploma or certificate. A "duplicate copy" of a student's diploma or certificate will be issued 1) when a student requires a second copy of their diploma or certificate; 2) when, on request for a new diploma, the first copy of the diploma is not returned; and 3) when a statutory declaration (stating that the diploma or certificate has been lost, destroyed) is not submitted. A diploma or certificate will be "reissued" (noting the date of reissue) when the first diploma or certificate is returned or a statutory declaration is submitted. The words "duplicate copy" or "reissued" will be affixed to all diplomas and certificates requested in this manner.

Questions regarding this policy should be addressed to the Associate Registrar, Academic Information and Protocol.

V.  Examinations

A.  General Information
Students are required to be present for formally scheduled examinations during the regular examination periods.

Written progress and final examinations shall normally be scheduled and administered by the Office of the Registrar and take place under formal conditions during a specially-scheduled examination period.

The style and duration of a University examination (closed or open book; essay or multiple-choice questions) shall normally be at the discretion of the individual instructor. The duration in hours and minutes of a University examination shall appear at the top of the examination paper.

All University examinations being written concurrently in a given room should begin simultaneously. In addition, it is desirable that students writing examinations of different lengths should be segregated in different rooms. A student shall not be permitted to enter a room in which University examinations are being written if the student arrives more than 30 minutes after the commencement of writing, nor shall a student be permitted to leave such a room within the first 30 minutes or within the last 10 minutes of the examination.

When a course is given in more than one section in any given term, it is the responsibility of the Chair/Director and the instructors involved to ensure that the sections are substantially the same in content. This means that the materials covered in the different sections, with some possible minor variations of emphasis, will be similar, and that all sections of the course will write comparable examinations. Tutorial courses, directed research courses and honours thesis courses shall be exempted from this regulation.

Although attempts will be made to minimize consecutive examinations or two examinations in one day, this possibility cannot be eliminated.

In some cases it may be necessary for students registered in evening courses to write examinations during the day or vice versa.

B.  Class Tests and Examinations
An instructor may require a student to take a class test or examination, as opposed to an individual test or examination, only during:
·   the regular class periods of his/her course;
·   the formally scheduled examination period;
·   a special examination period, scheduled in the academic timetable and not conflicting with regular class periods or other examinations.
No student may be required to write an examination or test in a time period which conflicts with any of his/her other classes.

Laboratory tests worth no more than 20 percent of a student's final grade may be scheduled, during a student's regularly timetabled laboratory period, in the last week of a term, but only under extreme, extenuating circumstances, with permission of the Dean, will class tests or examinations worth more than 5 percent of the course grade be permitted in the final two weeks of each term.

C.  Examination Rules
Students should arrive at the examination room at least 15 minutes before the official start of an examination.

Students should bring their own writing materials. None will be provided by the University.

Students must bring their student ID cards and identify themselves at the request of the invigilator.

Unless special permission has been given, no reference materials of any kind may be brought into an examination room.

Materials authorized for use in an examination must not contain additional notes, formulas or other extraneous material.

Translation dictionaries (e.g., English-French) or other dictionaries (thesaurus, definitions, technical) are not allowed unless otherwise specified by the instructor and indicated on the examination paper.

Students may not enter the examination room early.

Students are not admitted to an examination room later than 30 minutes after the start of an examination.

Students absent from an examination with just cause must first contact the instructor for permission to write a Deferred Examination. Any such application must be accompanied by required supporting documentation and must be submitted within seven days of the examination.

Students not supplying a valid reason for absence from an examination will receive an automatic grade of zero "F" (failed).

D.  Progress Examinations
Progress examinations are compulsory in all courses numbered 1F00 to 1F99. Final examinations are compulsory in all courses numbered 1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99. However, on the recommendation of the Department/Centre, the Dean may approve replacing the final examination with an alternate evaluation procedure. Final or progress examinations in courses numbered 2(alpha)00 or above may or may not be held, at the discretion of the instructor.

E.  Failure to Write an Examination
In courses requiring a final examination, failure to write the examination will normally result in a failing grade.

F.  Deferred Examinations
If a student is unable to write a formally scheduled examination, or having begun the exam, is unable to complete it, for reasons of ill-health, with supporting documentation, a deferred examination will be granted. Requests made on the basis of compassionate grounds or on the grounds of extenuating circumstances will be judged on a case by case basis.
Any medical request for a Deferred Examination must be supported by a completed Student Medical Certificate, Brock University or Brock University Student Health Services Medical Certificate (and include any relevant medical documentation) certifying that the student was not capable of attempting the examination at the scheduled date and time.
A student must first contact the instructor for permission to write a deferred examination. Any such application must be accompanied by required supporting documentation and must be submitted within seven days of the examination.

If the student is not able to contact the course instructor or if the course instructor is not willing to give the student permission to write a deferred examination, within ten days of the examination, application may be made to the Chair/Director of the Department/Centre for permission to write a deferred examination.

If not satisfied with the outcome of the request, the student may then refer the matter to the Dean of the Faculty offering the course.

If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the Dean, the student may then appeal to the Senate Student Appeals Board.

Deferred exams for Fall Term courses will be written no later than the subsequent July 31; for Fall/Winter Session courses, no later than the subsequent August 31; for Spring and Summer Session courses, no later than the subsequent December 31.

Students unable to write a formally scheduled examination because of religious obligations, may request an academic accommodation for religious obligations. Students must make written request to their instructors as early as possible once the examination schedule is posted but no later than the second-last week of classes in the term. Accommodation is to be worked out directly and on an individual basis between the student and the instructor(s) involved. Any dispute unresolved by discussion between the student and instructor may be appealed, first to the Department Chair or Director and thereafter to the Dean of the Faculty in which the student is registered. If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the Dean, the student may then appeal to the Student Appeals Board.

G.  Required Medical Documentation
The University endeavours to accommodate students whose studies become interrupted, or who may be unable to complete academic work, due to an incapacitating medical condition. In these situations, the student must complete the Student Medical Certificate, Brock University or Brock University Student Health Services Medical Certificate and include any relevant medical documentation to support his/her request for academic accommodation based on medical grounds. The University may, at its discretion, request more detailed documentation in certain cases.

H.  Part-time Students
In some cases it may be necessary for students registered in evening courses to write examinations during the day or vice versa.

I.  Retention of Papers
University final examination scripts shall be retained in the University for a certain period after the examinations have been written. At the time when an instructor transmits the year's grades for a course to the Office of the Registrar, the examination scripts shall be turned over by the instructor to the Administrative Assistant for safekeeping for a period of not less than six months. After that time, they must be shredded.

Students have a right to inspect their final examination papers under faculty supervision.

J.  Students with Special Needs
Special needs students requiring examination accommodations must consult the Services for Students with disABILITIES Office early in the academic term.

VI.  Evaluation of Student Performance

A.  General Information
Evaluation of a student's performance in a course will be determined by employing such indices as examinations, seminar and classroom participation, papers, lab and studio activities, peer evaluation and any other normal class assignments. For each course, the grading scheme will reflect a reasonable diversity of these methods as is appropriate to the subject matter. (Different methods of evaluation for students with special needs are available. Contact the Services for Students with disABILITIES Office.)

When peer evaluation is used, that component cannot count for more than 25 percent of the final grade. Students' grades are reviewed at the end of each session and they are informed of their academic standing.

A review of all undergraduate student performance will take place following the Fall/Winter Session, the Spring Session and the Summer Session prior to the release of grades.

B.  Course Outlines
At the beginning of each course, students will be advised in writing of the proposed manner in which evaluation will be carried out in each course. A student is expected to attend all lectures, discussion groups, seminars and laboratory periods of the courses in which they are registered. Instructors must inform their students about the relationship between attendance and their course grades early in each session. This should be indicated on the course outline and on the Composition of Grade Sheet, which shall be deposited with the appropriate Dean no later than the last date for course change. Instructors shall include in course outlines, the date for withdrawal without academic penalty and the date by which they may expect to receive notification of 15 percent of their final grade.

At the same time, students shall be advised in writing of the assignments required of them in each course and the due dates of such assignments.

Any penalties to be levied for late submission of an assignment must be transmitted to students in writing well before the due date of the assignment. To obtain standing in a course a student must complete the necessary term work, tests and final examination, where the latter is required, to the satisfaction of the Department/Centre. Details concerning how this will affect the final grade must be communicated to the student before the last date for deposition of grading schemes.

Students should be informed that the rounding of their roughly computed score to arrive at a final grade which complies with the 0, 2, 5, 8 marking scheme shall be at the instructor's discretion. Marks may be rounded either up or down between any pair, and need not necessarily be rounded to the closest number ending in 0, 2, 5 or 8.

C.  Computerized Plagiarism Detection (e.g., Turnitin.com)
Instructors are responsible for taking steps to detect plagiarism in all course work that is submitted by students.

Instructors may take advantage of a number of different computerized plagiarism detection systems (e.g., Turnitin.com) during the course of evaluating essays, assignments, and other work that is required for a given course. However, if an instructor has decided to employ such systems, students must be informed in writing at the beginning of the course.

It will be assumed that students who remain in the course, having been informed of the use of such systems, will have agreed to their use. However, circumstances may arise whereby a student must continue in a course despite their principled objection to participate in the use of such systems. In those cases, the instructor must provide such students with a reasonable offline alternative to using the system such as, but not limited to:
i)  Require a short reflection paper on research methodology;
ii)  Require a draft bibliography prior to submission of the final work;
iii)  Require the cover page and first cited page of each reference source to be photocopied and submitted with the final paper; and/or
  Require the submission of specified rough notes and drafts.

D.  Grades

The following grades are awarded for undergraduate courses:

A - 90, 92, 95, 98, 100

Reserved for students where work is of outstanding quality that provides clear evidence of a rare talent for the subject and of an original and/or incisive mind.

A - 80, 82, 85, 88

Awarded for excellent, accurate work in which evidence of a certain flair for and comprehension of the subject is clearly perceptible.

B - 70, 72, 75, 78

Indicates competent work that shows a sound grasp of the course goals without being distinguished.

C - 60, 62, 65, 68

Represents work of adequate quality which suffers from incompleteness or inaccuracy.

D - 50, 52, 55, 58

Given where the minimum requirements of a course are barely satisfied.

F - 45 or lower

Means that minimum requirements have not been met and no credit has been given for the course.

AG - Aegrotat standing

Aegrotat standing is the granting of credit for a course(s), based on the course work already completed, when no further assessment - for example, a deferred examination - is considered feasible because of illness or other extenuating circumstances beyond the student's control. Students may only be granted Aegrotat Standing with the approval of the Dean of the Faculty offering the course.

SP - Deferred examination

If a student is unable to write a formally scheduled examination, or having begun the exam, is unable to complete it, for reasons of ill-health, with supporting documentation, a Deferred Examination will be granted. Requests made on the basis of compassionate grounds or on the grounds of extenuating circumstances will be judged on a case by case basis. (See "Examinations" section for more information.)

Deferred exams for Fall Term courses will be written no later than the subsequent July 31; for Fall/Winter Session courses, no later than the subsequent August 31; for Spring and Summer Session courses, no later than the subsequent December 31.

SA - Satisfactory

Used for co-op work terms, internship options and non-credit courses.

UN - Unsatisfactory

Used for co-op work terms, internship options and non-credit courses.

W - Withdrawn (where xx is the week of withdrawal)

IN - Incomplete

A temporary grade granted only in exceptional circumstances to a student who has been unable to complete some part of the term work in a course. A final grade must be submitted within 56 days of the last day of the examination period.

IP - In Progress

Used only for fourth-year thesis and project courses or graduate courses (the list of acceptable courses is available in the Office of the Registrar). An IP for undergraduate courses must be cleared within 12 months of the initial registration, otherwise the student must reregister in that course and pay the appropriate course fee.

NR - Not reported

CH/F - Challenge grading

Grade awarded to indicate a successful/unsuccessful challenge for a credit course.

NW - Not withdrawn

Grades applicable to Continuing Teacher Education and Pre-service Faculty of Education courses only:

P1 - 80, 82, 85, 88, 90, 92, 95, 98, 100

P2 - 70, 72, 75, 78

P3 - 60, 62, 65, 68

P/F Pass/Fail

Wxx (as above)

IN (as above)

NR (as above)

NW (as above)

Final grades may be released only by the Office of the Registrar.

E.  Calculation of Averages

The average which is used to determine academic standing is computed by dividing the sum of the numeric grades assigned to credits by the total number of credits attempted.*

Average = The sum (credit weight x grades)
Total number of credits attempted*

*See regulations on repeated courses.

Only courses taken at Brock and courses taken elsewhere within a designated partnership program will be used in determining a student's average. At present, partnership programs include Freiburg and Summer Studies in Italy. Courses taken on a Letter of Permission from Brock will be marked as Pass/Fail and will not be used in determining any student average. The Registrar's Office should include, as a note on a student's transcript, the exact name and title of the course taken on Letter of Permission, including the grade received at the offering institution.

Note: for the purposes of calculating averages, a value of 45 percent is used for all "F" grades. Transcripts, however, bear the actual grade of the course.

F.  Dean's Honours List
Students are placed on The Deans' Honours List if they have completed 5 credits with an average of 80 percent on those credits. The student will be considered for the Dean's Honours List recognition when the 5, 10, 15 and 20 credit level is surpassed. All credits within the milestone must be completed at Brock to qualify for consideration

G.  Minimum Academic Requirements for Continued Registration
First-year students who have received grades in at least two credits must have attained a minimum 60 percent overall average. Continuing students must maintain a minimum 60 percent overall average. (Some programs may require a higher average in order to be eligible to continue studies in that program. See individual Department/Centre requirements.)

H.  Academic Probation, Suspension, Debarment

a. Academic Probation:
Students who do not meet minimum academic performance requirements (60 percent overall average) will be placed on Academic Probation. Notice of Academic Probation will be placed on a student's Statement of Standing but not on a student's transcript. Students will be notified, in writing to the mailing address on the student's record, that they have been placed on Academic Probation.

The academic record of students placed on Academic Probation will be re-evaluated following the next session.

Evaluation of Students on Academic Probation:

Students who register in courses (in any session) while on Academic Probation must:
·   Pass all courses in which they were registered;
·   Achieve a minimum 60 percent overall average on these courses;
·   In order to be removed from Academic Probation, a student must raise their overall average to 60 percent.
b. Academic Suspension
Students who fail to meet the terms of Academic Probation will be placed on Academic Suspension for one full calendar year (see evaluation of Students on Academic Probation).

Students who register in courses (in any session) while on Academic Probation must:
·   Pass all courses;
·   Achieve a minimum 60 percent overall average on these courses otherwise, they will be placed on Academic Suspension for a minimum of one calendar year.
Students registered in current session courses prior to notification of Academic Suspension will be permitted to continue in currently registered courses. Successful completion of such courses will not alter the status of Academic Suspension.

Notice of Academic Suspension will be placed on a student's Statement of Standing and on a student's transcript. Students will be notified, in writing to the mailing address on the student's record, that they have been placed on Academic Suspension.

Re-admission:
Students on Academic Suspension who wish to be considered for re-admission to the University following the minimum one year period of suspension are required to appeal to the Senate Student Appeals Board

Students readmitted following Academic Suspension will be required to return to studies under the regulations and program of the calendar in effect at the time of their re-registration, and they will be considered to be on Academic Probation for a second time.

Courses taken at another post-secondary institution while on Academic Suspension will not be considered for transfer credit upon re-admission.

Students who can demonstrate that there were extenuating circumstances which affected their academic performance while on Academic Probation may appeal to the Senate Student Appeals Board to permit them to continue their studies without sitting out the required one-year Academic Suspension. Documentation with respect to the grounds for appeal, must be provided by the student in support of any appeal for re-admission. Students granted their request will be readmitted to the University as if they had served the one-year suspension, that is, they will be considered to be on a second Academic Probation.

Evaluation of Students on Academic Probation following Academic Suspension:

Students on a second Academic Probation following Academic Suspension must:
·   Pass all courses in which they were registered;
·   Achieve a minimum 60 percent overall average on these courses;
·   In order to be removed from Academic Probation, a student must raise their overall average to 60 percent.
Students who fail to meet the terms of a second Academic Probation will be placed on Academic Debarment for a minimum of two calendar years.

c. Academic Debarment:
Students who fail to meet the terms of Academic Probation following Academic Suspension will be placed on Academic Debarment (see Evaluation of Students on Academic Probation following Academic Suspension).

Students who register in courses (in any session) while on a second Academic Probation must:
·   Pass all courses;
·   Achieve a minimum 60 percent overall average on these courses otherwise, they will be placed on Academic Debarment for a minimum of two calendar years. Notice of Academic Debarment will be placed on a student's Statement of Standing and on a student's transcript. Students will be notified, in writing to the mailing address on the student's record, that they have been placed on Academic Debarment.
Students registered in current session courses prior to notification of Academic Debarment will be permitted to continue in currently registered courses. Successful completion of such courses does not alter the status of Academic Debarment.

Re-admission:
Students on Academic Debarment who wish to be considered for re-admission to the University following the minimum two-year period of Academic Debarment will be required to apply to the Senate Student Appeals Board. Documentation with respect to the grounds for appeal, must be provided by the student in support of any appeal for re-admission. Re-admission is not guaranteed.

Students readmitted following Academic Debarment will be required to return to studies under the regulations and program of the calendar in effect at the time of their re-registration, and they will be considered to be on a final Academic Probation.

Courses taken at another post-secondary institution while on Academic Debarment will not be considered for transfer credit upon re-admission.

Students on a final Academic Probation following Academic Debarment must:
·   Pass all courses in which they were registered;
·   Achieve a minimum 60 percent overall average on these courses;
·   In order to be removed from Academic Probation, a student must raise their overall average to 60 percent.
Students who fail to meet the terms of a final Academic Probation will be placed on permanent Debarment. There is no appeal against Permanent Debarment. Notice of Permanent Debarment will be placed on a student's Statement of Standing and on a student's transcript. Students will be notified, in writing to the mailing address on the student's record, that they have been placed on Permanent Debarment.

VII.  Academic Misconduct

A.  Definitions

Academic misconduct may take many forms: The following identifies academic behaviours the University considers inappropriate and which may lead to disciplinary procedures under the Academic Integrity Policy. This list is not comprehensive and should not be seen as complete.

Examinations and Tests
·   Impersonation of a candidate in an examination or test.
·   Copying information from another student.
·   Making information available to other students.
·   Use of unauthorized material.
·   Submission of a take-home examination written by someone else.
Laboratories
·   Copying a laboratory report or allowing someone else to copy one's report.
·   Using another student's data unless specifically allowed by the instructor.
·   Allowing someone else to do the laboratory work.
·   Using direct quotations or sections of paraphrased material in a lab report without acknowledgment.
·   Faking or falsifying laboratory data.
Essays, Assignments, Theses and Dissertations
·   Submission of an essay, thesis or dissertation written in whole or in part by someone else as one's own.
·   Preparing an essay, thesis, dissertation or assignment for submission by another Student.
·   Copying an essay, thesis, dissertation or assignment, or allowing one's essay, thesis or assignment to be copied by someone else.
·   Using direct quotations or large sections of paraphrased material without acknowledgment.
·   The buying or selling of, or contracting for, term papers, theses, computer programs or other assignments.
·   The submission of the same piece of work in more than one course without the permission of the Instructors.
·   Submitting whole or part of a computer program or code with or without modifications or obfuscation as one's own.

False or Misleading Representation
·   Failure to disclose prior academic records required for admission decisions or other academic purposes.
·   Obtaining medical or other certificates under false or misleading pretences.
·   Altering documents or certificates, including but not restricted to, health claims, tests, and examinations.
·   Submitting false credentials for any purpose.
·   Forging or falsifying Brock University documents, including but not restricted to hard copy or electronic.

Unprofessional or Inappropriate Behaviour
·   Exhibiting unprofessional or dishonest behaviour related to, or in a field placement, practicum or internship.
Individual instructors or Departments/Centres will point out areas of specific concern not covered above. Students should be encouraged to consult instructors in case of doubt.

Plagiarism means presenting work done (in whole or in part) by someone else as if it were one's own and applies to all forms of student work. The work of others can include, but is not limited to, written work, ideas, music, performance pieces, designs, artwork, computer codes and Internet resources. Associated dishonest practices include faking or falsification of data, cheating or the uttering of false statements by a Student in order to obtain unjustified concessions.

Plagiarism should be distinguished from co-operation and collaboration. Often, students may be permitted or expected to work on assignments collectively, and to present the results either collectively or separately. This is not a problem so long as it is clearly understood whose work is being presented, for example, by way of formal acknowledgment or by footnoting.

Instructors should inform students what constitutes acceptable workmanship, proper form of citation and use of sources. In addition, instructors shall clearly define their expectations regarding collaboration and group work.

B.  Procedures
Students shall not be penalized for suspected academic misconduct. It is the responsibility of the instructor to demonstrate the accuracy of the charge.

If the instructor can document a case of academic misconduct, the instructor shall inform, concurrently, the Chair/Director and the Office of the Registrar; the latter will not process any application for withdrawal from the course pending the outcome of the investigation of the case. If a charge of academic misconduct is subsequently brought by the instructor, no withdrawal from a course shall be considered valid.

The instructor and the Chair/Director together will interview the student; inform the student that he/she is being charged with academic misconduct and attempt to discover whether there are any extenuating circumstances. If upheld by the Chair/Director, the case will then be referred to the appropriate Dean along with any necessary observations and/or recommendations from the Department/Centre.

The student may, if wished, be accompanied to any interviews by one of the departmental/centre student representatives or faculty, staff or student member of Brock such as, but not limited to, a representative from the Student Development Centre or the Students' Ombuds Officer.

If the Dean is satisfied that a case of academic misconduct has been proven, he/she should inform the Office of the Registrar who, in the case of first offenders, will insert a note in the student's file. The Office of the Registrar will inform the student in writing of the action taken and outline the possible penalties for future infractions. The Office of the Registrar will note the transgression on the student's transcript in the case of second and subsequent offenses. The notation will be removed from the transcript when the student graduates or three years after the last registration.

C.  Penalties
A Dean who is satisfied that academic misconduct has occurred shall notify the Registrar, who shall insert a notation in the student's academic file. In addition, a Dean may impose, singularly or in combination, any of the following penalties:
a)  oral or written disciplinary warning or reprimand;
b)  requirement to complete an academic integrity assignment or program;
c)  lower grade or failure on the assignment or examination;
d)  a reduction in the course grade that exceeds the value of the assignment;
e)  failure in the course;
f)  removal from program of study;
g)  notation on Student's official transcript;
h)  suspension from the University, with a transcript notation, for a definite period;
i)  expulsion from the University, with a transcript notation;
j)  withholding or rescinding a Brock degree or certificate.

D.  Appeals
Following a Dean's decision on the charge of academic misconduct, all appeals relating to the charge, penalties assigned, suspensions, notations on transcripts or withholding or rescinding of a degree or certificate will be heard by the Senate Student Appeals Board.

Students must ensure that they follow the prescribed process and meet with required individuals prior to submitting an appeal to the Senate Student Appeals Board. Students who submit an appeal to the Senate Student Appeals Board without following the prescribed procedure will have the appeal returned without a decision. There is a fee charged for an appeal to the Senate Student Appeals Board. The fee will be refunded only if the appeal is successful.

VIII.  Appeals

A.  Appeal of Academic Suspension
Appeals must be directed to the Senate Student Appeals Board.

A typed letter of appeal and all supporting documentation with respect to the grounds for appeal, must be submitted to the Administrative Co-ordinator, Senate Student Appeals Board at the Office of the Registrar by the student in support of any appeal for re-admission.

The Senate Student Appeals Board considers only written submissions and documentation.

Students who can demonstrate that there were extenuating circumstances which affected their academic performance while on Academic Probation may request that the Senate Student Appeals Board permit them to continue their studies without sitting out the required one-year Academic Suspension. A $25 fee is charged for an appeal for early re-admission. Students granted their request will be readmitted to the University as if they had served the one-year suspension; that is, they will be placed on a second Academic Probation.

Students readmitted to the University after Academic Suspension will be considered to be on a second Academic Probation. Students who pass all courses following re-admission and attain a minimum 60 percent overall average on these courses will be allowed to continue. In order to be removed from Academic Probation, a student must raise their overall average to 60 percent.

B.  Appeal of Academic Debarment
Appeals must be directed to the Senate Student Appeals Board.

Appeals for re-admission are considered only after the minimum two year period of debarment. Re-admission is not guaranteed.

Students who can demonstrate that there were extenuating circumstances which affected their academic performance while on Academic Probation may request that the Senate Student Appeals Board permit them to continue their studies without sitting out the required two-year Academic Debarment. A $25 fee is charged for an appeal for early re-admission. Students granted their request will be readmitted to the University as if they had served the two-year suspension; that is, they will be placed on a final Academic Probation.

Students readmitted following Academic Debarment will be required to return to studies under the regulations and program of the calendar in effect at the time of their re-registration. Students readmitted to the University after Academic Debarment will be considered to be on a final Academic Probation.

Subsequent failure to satisfy Academic Probation requirements will result in Permanent Debarment. There is no appeal against Permanent Debarment.

C.  Appeal of Course Grades
Students who have a question regarding the final grade in a course must first discuss the matter with the course instructor. (Failure in itself is not a valid reason for an appeal.)

In the event of an unresolved disagreement, the student must refer the matter to the Chair/Director of the Department/Centre.

If not satisfied, the student must then refer the matter to the Dean of the Faculty.

If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the Dean, the student may then appeal to the Senate Student Appeals Board (see Appeals Procedures).

Appeals of final grades, including the assignment of a failing grade for non-attendance in a course, must be made within 180 days of the official release of grades by the Office of the Registrar. If the absence of the instructor, or other factors make an appeal within 180 days impossible, the intention to appeal should be indicated to the Chair/Director of the Department/Centre within 180 days of the official release of grades by the Office of the Registrar.

In circumstances which prevent the student from presenting information in a timely fashion, a student must present documentation of mitigating evidence, to the Registrar. Upon validation of the documentation, the appeal will be processed.

D.  Appeals Related to Academic Requirements/Decisions
A request for an exemption to a departmental/centre degree requirement must be directed to the Chair/Director of the student's Department/Centre major. (Combined majors shall appeal to the Department/Centre directly affected by the request for an exemption.) If not satisfied with the outcome of the request, the student will then refer the matter to the Dean of the Faculty. If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the Dean, the student may then appeal to the Senate Committee on Appeals (See Appeals Procedures).

A request for an exemption to a University or Faculty degree requirement must be directed to the Dean of the student's faculty. If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the Dean, the student may then appeal to the Senate Student Appeals Board (See Appeals Procedures).

E.  Appeals of Charges of Academic Misconduct
All appeals relating to the charge of academic misconduct, penalties assigned or notations on transcripts will be heard by the Senate Student Appeals Board (See Appeals Procedures).

F.  Requests for Retroactive Registration/Backdated Withdrawals
A request for retroactive registration must be submitted as early as possible in the academic term. Requests will be considered upon the receipt of supporting documentation which outline the reason(s) why formal registration did not occur. A Request for a Retroactive Registration, as well as a Course Change Form signed and dated by the course instructor verifying that the student has been in continuous attendance, must accompany this documentation. If approved a late fee may apply. Forms are available in the Office of the Registrar.

A backdated withdrawal will be considered within 12 weeks of the last day of class upon the receipt of a request which is supported by documentation verifying medical reasons or compassionate grounds. Documentation must indicate the reason(s) the student was not able to withdraw on the last day for withdrawal or must note the medical reason(s) or compassionate grounds which will make it impossible for the course to now be completed. Requests submitted without supporting documentation will not be considered. Forms are available in the Office of the Registrar.

Requests for retroactive registration or backdated withdrawal are considered and a decision rendered by the Registrar.

Students wishing to appeal the decision of the Registrar must refer the matter to the appropriate academic Dean. If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the Dean, the student may then appeal to the Senate Student Appeals Board. Appeals to the Senate Student Appeals Board must be typed, must provide any additional documentation not submitted to the Dean and must be accompanied by the appeal fee. The fee will be refunded only if the appeal is successful. When appropriate, the grade NW (Not Withdrawn) may be assigned by the Senate Student Appeals Board within the specified appeal period and when supporting documentation is supplied by the student.

IX.  Appeals Procedures

A.  Method of Appeal to the Senate Student Appeals Board
All appeals directed to the Senate Student Appeals Board must be received in type-written form. Submissions not received in this form will be returned to the student without decision. Appeals should be submitted to the Administrative Co-ordinator, Senate Students Appeals Board, in care of the Office of the Registrar, must provide any additional documentation not submitted to the Dean and must be accompanied by the appeal fee.

Appeals must clearly state the arguments and expectations of the student. The responsibility is on the student to demonstrate the validity of the appeal and to provide full and appropriate supporting documentation. Dissatisfaction with University policy and ignorance or neglect of published deadlines will not constitute sufficient grounds for appeal.

Appeals of academic decisions must be made within 30 days of the date of the letter informing the student of the academic decision or within 30 days of the official release date of the Statement of Standing which informs the student of the academic decision and/or final grade.

Appeals based on emotional or medical problems must be supported by a Student Medical Certificate, Brock University or Brock University Student Health Services Medical Certificate indicating specifically the student's inability to fulfil the requirements being appealed (See Item B, below).

A student may abandon an appeal at any time during the particular process.

B.  Required Medical Documentation
The University endeavours to accommodate students whose studies become interrupted, or who may be unable to complete academic work, due to an incapacitating medical condition. In these situations, the student must complete the Student Medical Certificate, Brock University or Brock University Student Health Services Medical Certificate and include any relevant medical documentation to support his/her request for academic accommodation based on medical grounds. The University may, at its discretion, request more detailed documentation in certain cases.

C.  Hearings at the Senate Student Appeals Board
Meetings of the Senate Student Appeals Board are held in camera (not open to the public).

Students appealing to the Senate Students Appeals Board will be notified of the date on which the student's appeal will be considered. Appellants may attend hearings, present verbal arguments and question the Dean (or the person designated by the Dean) or the Registrar.

Students must inform the Administrative Co-ordinator, Senate Students Appeals Board of their intention to attend the meeting.

Students are entitled to bring one faculty, staff or currently registered student member of Brock University (who shall act as an advisor) to the meeting of the Senate Student Appeals Board.

If a student has asked to attend the meeting of the Senate Student Appeals Board, the Dean (or the person designated by the Dean) whose decision is being appealed will be invited to attend that meeting of the Senate Student Appeals Board.

The Senate Student Appeals Board may request the attendance of appropriate individuals to appear before the Committee to provide information pertinent to the appeal.

Where the appeal is against an assigned final grade, the faculty member named in the appeal will be invited to attend the meeting of the Senate Student Appeals Board.

In instances where a faculty member, Chair/Director is named in an appeal, the student's submission will be available to the individual named.

At the request of the student, the written response of the faculty member, Chair/Director or Dean to an appeal will be made available to the student.

The student and the Dean, and where applicable the Chair/Director and faculty member, will be informed in writing, of the decision of the Senate Student Appeals Board.

The decision of the Board is final.