Frequently Asked Questions
Area of Application
What do I do if I am ill during Final Exams (or miss a Final Exam or Final Assignment)
Registering for CIS*4900/4910
Area of Application
The quick version: an Area of Application is usually 8 courses, with two at the 3000 level or higher, in a subject other than CIS. More formally, it is 4.0 credits, with 1.0 of those at the 3000 level or higher. The long version: the Area of Application is flexible, and you can combine related subjects into a custom one. For example, you could combine ECON and MATH, or take electives in Engineering. If you plan to do this, please email me for approval, and make sure you take enough courses in one of the subjects to have pre-requisites for 3000 level courses. You can also complete a Minor instead, which is usually 10 courses. Completing a Minor will automatically fulfill the Area of Application requirement. Minors are more formal than the Area of Application, and show on your transcript at graduation. The downsides are less flexibility in courses, and less space for CIS electives in your schedule. Minors are listed in the Academic Calendar
First year students are encouraged to try a variety of subjects they are interested in. Later you will need to narrow down to one subject or area, but this is a good time to explore. For ideas, take a look at First Year Seminar Courses and Subjects with Minors.
What do I do if I am ill during Final Exams (or miss a Final Exam or Final Assignment)
Do not write an exam unless you are confident that you are medically/psychologically fit to do so. Once an exam has been written, there are very limited options in terms of academic consideration (none of which are guaranteed). If you can't write an exam due to illness (or any reason), email your professor and Greg to let them know about the missed exam. If possible, please see a doctor at Student Health Services or your personal physician for documentation, and submit this form/letter with your email. You can also drop off your request in person to Greg, once you are better. All requests are reviewed after the exam period has ended, so if you missed an exam don't dwell on it. Move on and focus on the others. Requests for Deferred Final Exams/Conditions must be submitted no later than five business days after the missed exam/assignment.
Registering for CIS*4900/4910
Please complete the CIS4900/4910 Application Form. On a separate page, working with your advisor, write an explanation of what you plan to do for the project/thesis, and a marking scheme of how and when it will be evaluated. Attach the document to the application form, ask your advisor to sign the application, then submit the form to Debra Byart in Reynolds 112. She will request the Director's signature, and any others needed, and will let you know when it has been approved. At that time you may pick up your copy of the form, fill out a Course Waiver form, and submit it to Greg to add the course. The registration is not as challenging as it seems. It is also there to benefit students: you need to have a clear idea of the work you will do. The scope of the project is very flexible, and clarity early on prevents possible misunderstandings or confusion later.