FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take a minor?
This depends on your BASc program.  The structure of the AHN and CYF programs does not allow you to declare a minor. However, you may take a number of electives in a particular area of interest to strengthen your knowledge and skills, such as English, French, History, Psychology, etc. This focus can be included in your resume and may be useful when applying for graduate studies or employment.

 Where can I find information about important academic dates?
Each year, important dates for the academic year are listed in the undergraduate calendar. It is available online. You can also find information on the website for the Office of Registrarial Services.
 

Can I take part in an international exchange or study in another country?
The University has programs for studying abroad and information about them is available from the Centre for International Programs, Level 3, University Centre. Depending on the courses offered in other countries, International study may add one or two semesters to your program in order for you to schedule all of the courses required in your program. Planning for international study requires consultation with your Faculty Advisor, your Program Counsellor, and the Centre for International Programs.
 

Can I take a course at another university and get credit towards my program?
If you want to take a course at another university and get credit towards your degree, you must complete a Request for Letter of Permission form.
 

Should I keep my course outlines?
YES! We receive frequent requests from students following graduation for copies of their course outlines for various reasons, such as applying for membership in a professional college. Current course outlines for Family Relations and Applied Nutrition courses are posted on our website.
 

Can I do a thesis?
YES! You can do an undergraduate thesis in fourth year. You'll need a faculty member to supervise your research work while you take FRHD*4810, Thesis I, and FRHD*4910, Thesis II. FRHD*4810 involves planning and writing the proposal, including critical analysis of the literature. FRHD*4910 involves conducting the research and analysis, writing the results in thesis format, and presenting the work in a suitable venue. Availability of the course depends on the student's research interests and the supervisor's research program. If you are interested in doing an undergraduate thesis, check out this FAQ and arrange to meet with faculty members in your third year, to discuss research possibilities.
 

What scholarships and awards are available?
Information about scholarships and awards is available in the undergraduate calendar. There are three types of awards available: scholarships, bursaries, and access awards. Scholarship applications are due sometime near the end of the winter semester each year, and are based on academic achievement and extracurricular involvement. Bursaries and Access Awards are distributed on the basis of financial need, as well as academic achievement and extracurricular involvement. These applications are due within the first month of the fall semester.

What marks do I need to stay in the program?
Generally you are required to maintain a minimum average of 60% to stay in the program. There is some leniency for the first 5.00 credit attempts (Please read “Continuation of Study” within the section “Undergraduate Degree Regulations and Procedures” of the Undergraduate Calendar). Consult your Program Counsellor if you have questions or concerns.
 

What if I have health or other problems that are affecting my academic work?
Student Health Services is located in the J.T. Powell Building for treatment of your health concerns. To discuss academic concerns as a result of health conditions, make an appointment to talk with the Program Counsellor. You may also visit Counselling Services, Level 3 at the University Centre to help manage your difficulties. Read carefully the “Academic Consideration and Appeals” section under “Undergraduate Degree Regulations and Procedures” of the Undergraduate Calendar, especially “Grounds for Academic Consideration” and “Student‟s Responsibilities”, to be sure that you follow the necessary procedures. If you miss an assignment deadline or a mid-term exam, contact the course instructor as soon as possible. Check the Course Outline for the course to see if there is a standard process for handling missed assignments and/or mid-terms.
 

Can I drop a course?
If you feel that you absolutely must drop a course, the procedure is actually quite easy. Before making the decision, see how dropping the course will affect your Program Plan. If the course is a pre-requisite for other courses, contact the Faculty Advisor to ensure you have a feasible plan for completing your degree. If you drop a required course, you must take it again in another semester. You need 20 credits to graduate; therefore, you may have to take an extra course either in the summer or during another semester. Check when the course is offered again.

You must drop courses that are one semester long by the end of the 40th class day. Check the Undergraduate Calendar for that date. You may drop the course on Web Advisor or you may pick up an Undergraduate Course Request form from the Registrar's Office and indicate the course that you wish to drop. If you are a “special” student, you will need a signature from your BASc Program Counsellor to drop a course. There might also be some instances in which you must receive a signature from the instructor of the course you want to drop. You must get any necessary signatures before taking your completed form to Student Client Services, Office of Registrarial Services to drop the course. Refer to the Schedule of Fees in the Undergraduate Calendar to see if you are eligible for a fee refund.
 

May I defer a final exam?
You can apply to have a final exam or final assignment deferred if you have a medical, psychological or compassionate reason. A deferred exam is usually written during a specified time early in the following term. If you are unable to write a final exam, contact your BASc. Program Counsellor to ensure that you follow all appropriate procedures. See also, “Deferred Privileges” in the “Undergraduate Degree Regulations and Procedures” section of the Undergraduate Calendar.
 

What if I need an extension on an assignment?
Each course and professor should have specific procedures outlined in the course syllabus which you are given in the first week of classes. Check this syllabus and speak to your professor about any problems with completing an assignment. Be sure to do this early!
 

How will I find out my final grades?
Grade reports are released shortly after conclusion of the final examinations, on the date specified by the University. You may access an unofficial copy of your grades using Web Advisor from the University of Guelph web site on the same release day.

What if I fail a course?
If you fail a course, you have a chance to take a course again or an alternative course. The summer semester provides opportunity to catch up with failed courses or take electives to lighten course loads in later semesters. For more details, see “Failed Courses” in the “Undergraduate Degree Regulations and Procedures” section of the Undergraduate Calendar. If you believe that there are extenuating circumstances related to failing the course, see the Program Counsellor for assistance. The Program Counsellor will also be willing to meet with you to create a plan to maximize your success when you re-take the course.
 

What if I think there was a mistake on the final grade for one of my courses?
You may request a grade reassessment. To do this you must submit a request in writing to the chair of the department offering the course, no later than the 10th day of class of the succeeding semester. For details on this process, see “Grade Reassessment” in the “Undergraduate Degree Regulations and Procedures” section of the Undergraduate Calendar.
 

What if I’m not sure that I’m in the right program?
Make an appointment to talk with the BASc. Program Counsellor. You can discuss your interests, academic progress, and goals, and consider options and alternatives. You can clarify the degree requirements and find out about other services.
 

Why can’t I register for a course I need for my program?
There are a number of reasons why you may not be able to get into a course at a certain time:

  • It may not be your course selection window Some courses are restricted to certain groups of students. This is called “Priority Access”
  • Some courses require instructor consent (i.e., BASc practicum and thesis courses)
  • You may not have the required prerequisites or co-requisites or required credits
  • The course/section is full

If you are a BASc major or FCS minor (including transfer students), we will make every effort to accommodate your required courses in your unique schedule. You may need a course waiver request form. This is a paper process.
 

What do I do if a course I need for my program is full when it is my turn to register?
Sometimes a course may look full on WebAdvisor, but there may be still room for students who require it for their program of study. Keep your eye on WebAdvisor, as spaces may open up throughout the course selection period. If you are a BASc major or FCS minor (including transfer students), we will make every effort to accommodate your required courses in your unique schedule. You may need a course waiver.
 

How do I get a course waiver for a BASc course?
Each department may have a different process for allowing students into their courses.  To get into a course from another department, we suggest you contact the course instructor or department directly. In some departments, the instructor of the course signs the course waivers. In the Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition for BASc and other students, most course waivers are signed by the Academic Administrative Assistant. See our process.