The primary purpose of academic counselling is to assist students in the development of educational plans which are realistic and compatible with their life goals.

The ultimate responsibility for making decisions about life goals and educational plans rests with the student. This includes the responsibility for satisfying the undergraduate regulations. Students are advised to familiarize themselves with Section I--Statement of Students' Academic Responsibilities, Section VIII--Associate Diploma Regulations & Procedures and the appropriate program requirements in Section X as set out in this calendar. The academic advisor can assist by helping to identify and assess alternatives and the consequences of decisions, and to provide interpretations to regulations applying to the specific diploma program. Students are encouraged to seek academic advice throughout their diploma program.

Academic counselling is available to all students throughout their academic career at the University and Colleges.

Program Counsellors / Associate Directors are listed below in the chart entitled Program Counsellors / Associate Directors.

Students are encouraged to seek advice from their program counsellors on many occasions. Program counsellors or Associate Directors can assist in coordinating students' learning experiences through the planning of educational and career objectives which take into consideration the student's abilities and academic progress. Further advisement should assist in clarification of their life/career goals and their consequences by facilitating self assessment and helping students to develop an educational plan for the realization of these goals. Finally, program counsellors are able to act as a source of referral to other campus services.

Students who experience any difficulties which affect their academic progress should consult regularly with their program counsellor or the Associate Director.

Students wishing to have clarification of diploma requirements, including changes to the schedule of studies, should seek assistance from their program counsellor or Associate Director for information and program approval.

Students contemplating a transfer to another program within the University will find it useful to discuss their plans with the program counsellor or the Associate Director. To effect a transfer of program, it is necessary to submit an application through Admissions Services.

For each program there is a faculty member assigned to assist students in making academic decisions. This advisor is familiar with academic requirements of the program and is also knowledgeable about career opportunities which relate to this field of study. Students are strongly encouraged to attend all meetings called by their advisors, and to set up individual appointments with them when they have questions or concerns about their schedule of studies or their academic performance.

Students should present their academic progress report plus any updates when seeking academic advice.

A student who requires assistance in the interpretation of the academic regulations of the University or the method of their application in reference to the student's particular circumstances should consult one of the the Associate Registrars at Guelph, the Associate Director at their College or their program counsellor.

Students at Guelph are advised to consult Section XIII-General Information in this Calendar, for information on the types and locations of non-academic counselling offered by the University.

At the Colleges, students who require non-academic counselling should contact their Associate Director or Program Counsellor.

Students are advised that program approval is required under the following circumstances:

1. If your category is SPECIAL or PROBATIONARY -- see your program counsellor for approval during the course selection periods or when adding/dropping courses; or

2. If you wish to register for more than the normal number of credits -- see your program counsellor for approval; or

3. If you are adding or changing a program -- see your departmental advisor for that Associate Diploma program (usually a faculty member).

Note: It is the program counsellor's responsibility to change a student from "Special" or "Probationary" to "Regular" category (see Section VIII--Associate Diploma Regulations and Procedures for definitions of categories.)

Students may find that program approval will be withheld if they do not adhere to the schedule of studies outlined in the Associate Diploma Calendar; or, they are identified either by the Admissions Sub-Committee or the Academic Review Sub-Committee as being "Special" or requiring additional stipulations; or, they have not taken the appropriate prerequisites or corequisites.

Students are cautioned that if their selection of courses does not give evidence of progress toward the completion of the conditions for graduation in their program, they may be required by the Academic Review Sub-Committee of their program to fulfill specific conditions for continuation in the program.

If your category is SPECIAL or PROBATIONARY see your program counsellor for approval during the course selection process or when adding/dropping courses.

Admission inquiries: Admission Services ~ ~ ~ General calendar inquiries: U.P.S.
Last revised: 01 March 2002
© 2001 Office of Registrarial Services, University of Guelph