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Thanks for learning more about Academic Standards

Visiting this site shows that you are motivated to learn more and succeed. Congratulations on your hard work to date!

You might be wondering, what do we mean by “Academic Standards”? Essentially, to proceed in any program here at the University, students must meet certain academic goals. Primarily, these goals are related to your grade point average (GPA).

Continue reading to learn more about the GPA you need to move forward in your program.

Our goal is to give you the information you need to make informed decisions as you move forward towards reaching, not just your academic goals, but your personal goals as well. A lot of what we’re sharing here is a reflection of the information in the official Academic Calendar. To learn more, we encourage you to take the time to explore the Academic Calendar in full as it relates to your program.

We understand this can be a little confusing. We’re here to help explain. Start by picking your program and we’ll clarify your GPA requirements.

My Program is…

To continue in good standing and graduate from an Ordinary program, a 4.00 (C) GPA is required.

To continue in good standing and graduate from an Honours program, a 5.00 (C+) GPA is required.

If you are in an Honours program and your GPA is below 5.00, you may still be able to continue as long as your GPA is meeting the Honours Progression Rules:

0 to 23 credits passed* – 4.00
24 to 53 credits passed* – 4.25
54 to 83 credits passed* – 4.80
84 or higher credits passed* – 5.00

*Includes transfer credits.

Meeting Honours Progression Rules means that you can continue in your Honours program, even though your GPA is below 5.00. By the 84th passed credit, a 5.00 is required.

What happens if I do not meet the minimum requirements for my Honours program? 

You will be exited from your Honours program. If an Ordinary 90 credit version of your program exists, you are usually automatically moved to the Ordinary version. For example:

– BA or BSc Honours Computer Science to BA or BSc Computer Science
– BA or BSc Specialized Honours Computer Security to BA or BSc Computer Science
– BA Specialized Honours Digital Media to BA Digital Media
– BSc Specialized Honours Earth and Atmospheric Science to BSc Earth and Atmospheric Science

If you are unsure whether your program is Honours or Ordinary, log into the Registration and Enrolment Module (REM). Your current program will be reflected in REM. If you do not see the word “Honours”, this means you are in an Ordinary bachelor program.
To continue in good standing and graduate from an Honours program, a 5.00 (C+) GPA is required.

If you are in an Honours program and your GPA is below 5.00, you may still be able to continue as long as your GPA is meeting the Honours Progression Rules:

0 to 35 credits taken** – 4.00
36 to 71 credits taken** – 4.25
72 to 107 credits taken** – 4.80
108 or higher credits taken** – 5.00

**Excludes transfer credits.

Meeting Honours Progression Rules means that you can continue in your Honours program, even though your GPA is below 5.00. By the 108th credit taken, a 5.00 is required.

What happens if I do not meet the minimum requirements for my Honours program? 

You will be exited from your Honours program. In the case of Engineering students, the following program changes will occur:

– Exited from first year Engineering: Moved to BSc Science
– Exited from Civil or Mechanical Engineering: Moved to BSc Science
– Exited from Electrical, Computer, or Software Engineering: Moved to BSc Science
– Exited from Space or Geomatics Engineering: Moved to BSc Earth and Atmospheric Science

My GPA is…

Review your most recent grade report for your overall GPA. You can also refer to the Degree Progress Report (DPR) and the online GPA calculator as well.

Your GPA is updated at the end of the Fall/Winter session and at the end of the Summer session if you enrol into Summer courses. Your GPA is not calculated at the end of the Fall term unless you have applied for a February graduation.

If your GPA is below 2.50 with more than 24.0 credits taken, you will be required to withdraw from York University courses for a period of 1 year. This means you will not be able to enrol in York University courses for 1 year. This decision is explained further in the Understanding Academic Warnings and Required Withdrawals webinar.

We understand that this may be difficult news to receive but we are here to support you through the process and help you plan your academics moving forward. This is an opportunity to reflect on your academics and determine the best path forward.
 
Steps you need to take:
 
– Review your academic decision via your grade report.

– If you believe you have faced exceptional circumstances resulting in your academic difficulties, please read the Lassonde petitions website.

– To learn more about policies and resources designed to support students, complete the latest iteration of Lassonde Required Advising.

– To return to York after your 1-year withdrawal, you must reactivate your student record via the Registrar’s Office. During this time, you are encouraged to reflect on your reasons for pursuing a university education and identify and remedy any problems which may be acting as a barrier to you reaching your academic goals.

In addition, here are some resources that you can access should you need them:
 
Student Counselling, Health, and Well-being
Good2Talk
211 Ontario
Well-being Resources in the Community
Central HealthLine
International Students / Study Permit Questions
 
Please take some time to process this information. After you have reviewed the above helpful resources, if you have additional questions or need assistance, please connect with an Academic Advisor.
If your GPA is below 4.00, you will be eligible to continue on something called “Academic Warning”. This is normal for any student with a GPA below 4.00 (C). The conditions of academic warning are as follows: 
 
Students on academic warning must achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 4.00 within the next 24 credits taken, or earn a sessional grade point average of at least 5.00 in the session in which that 24th credit is taken and in each subsequent session until the cumulative grade point average reaches 4.00, or be required to withdraw. Students whose cumulative grade point average is below 2.50 after at least 24 York credits have been taken will be required to withdraw for 12 months. 
 
The central goal is to increase your GPA to 4.00 or higher and maintain that minimum GPA. These conditions are explained in the Faculty Rules section of your Academic Calendar, in Lassonde Required Advising, and in our Advising Webinar series.

Tips for your success: 
 
As you continue to work hard to increase your GPA, we invite you to review the “GPA Requirements and Additional Support” section of our Enrolment and Advising Question and Answers website where we have outlined some helpful academic and social support resources for you. Typically, the best academic strategy is to repeat the courses that you have previously struggled in and obtain the necessary knowledge to improve your grades. We also encourage all students to connect with well-being resources on and off campus so that you have the support you need to move forward in all areas of your life. 
 
If you have any questions on the material you have covered, please feel free to connect with our Academic Advising team.  
As you continue to work hard to increase your GPA, we invite you to review the “GPA Requirements and Additional Support” section of our Enrolment and Advising Question and Answers website where we have outlined some helpful academic and social support resources for you. Typically, the best academic strategy is to repeat the courses that you have previously struggled in and obtain the necessary knowledge to improve your grades. We also encourage all students to connect with well-being resources on and off campus so that you have the support you need to move forward in all areas of your life. 
 
If you have any questions on the material you have covered, please feel free to connect with our Academic Advising team
Keep up the great work! As you continue to work hard to increase your GPA, we invite you to review the “GPA Requirements and Additional Support” section of our Enrolment and Advising Question and Answers website where we have outlined some helpful academic and social support resources for you.

You might even consider applying for a formal student leadership role (e.g., Lassonde Peer Helper or Mentor, Academic Peer Support Assistant, Admissions Ambassador). To learn more about these opportunities, contact the Lassonde Student Welcome and Support Centre.
Extraordinary! Check your grade report for any recognition of excellence:

Dean’s Honour Roll

The annual Dean’s Honour Roll recognizes academic excellence by assigning the notation “Member of Dean’s Honour Roll” to the grade report and transcript of a student who achieves a sessional credit-weighted grade point average of 7.50 or higher on a minimum of 24 credits, or, in the final year of study, a minimum of 18 credits.

Students co-registered in the Faculty of Education, who are registered in a minimum of 24 credits overall (of which at least 18 credits are for the bachelor or Honours degree in the Lassonde School of Engineering) and who achieve a sessional credit-weighted grade point average of 7.50 or higher on their credits for the bachelor or Honours in the Lassonde School of Engineering, are also eligible to be on the Lassonde School of Engineering Dean’s Honour Roll.

First-Class Degrees

The Lassonde School of Engineering rewards exceptional students by designating their degrees “first class” or “first class with distinction”.
First-class standing is normally awarded to students whose cumulative overall credit-weighted grade point average is 7.50 or higher.
With distinction is normally added to the first-class degree of students whose cumulative overall credit-weighted grade point average is 8.00 (A) or higher.

You might even consider applying for a formal student leadership role (e.g., Lassonde Peer Helper or Mentor, Academic Peer Support Assistant, Admissions Ambassador). To learn more about these opportunities, contact the Lassonde Student Welcome and Support Centre.

What to do if…

Your program will be updated to reflect a Lassonde School of Engineering BSc program.

In the case of Engineering students, the following program changes will occur:

– Exited from first year Engineering: Moved to BSc Science
– Exited from Civil or Mechanical Engineering: Moved to BSc Science
– Exited from Electrical, Computer, or Software Engineering: Moved to BSc Science
– Exited from Space or Geomatics Engineering: Moved to BSc Earth and Atmospheric Science

If your GPA is below 4.00, this will include an academic warning. This decision is explained in Lassonde Required Advising. Academic warning conditions are also explained in the Academic Calendar and in our Advising Webinar series.
 
We understand you may be disappointed, and we want to help. This is an opportunity for you to reflect on your academics and potentially explore your interests and alternative academic paths moving forward.
 
Your pathways to re-enter Engineering:
 
If you are currently enrolled in Summer courses:
 
Students who are ineligible to proceed in their academic program at the end of a Fall/Winter session may continue in courses in the subsequent Summer session if they have satisfied the pre-requisites for the courses taken during the summer. Students who, at the end of the Summer session, achieve the required GPA for their current program may continue in the subsequent Fall/Winter session. Learn more about the Summer Continuance Policy.
 
If you are currently enrolled but wish to drop a course and are unable to do so via the Registration and Enrolment Module (REM), you may submit your request to drop a course via e-mail to yorknow@yorku.ca. Drop, withdrawal, and refund deadlines apply.
 
At the end of the Summer, if your GPA increases to meet the honours progression rules for Engineering, you will be eligible to return to engineering effective the upcoming Fall/Winter session.
 
If you are not currently enrolled in Summer courses:
 
You can continue taking courses in your new program for the Fall/Winter academic year. In the spring, if your GPA is 5.00 or higher, you will be eligible to apply to return to engineering. Please continue to review the website as we make updates and changes to the process throughout the year. Typically, the best academic strategy is to repeat the courses that you have previously struggled in and obtain the necessary knowledge to improve your grades. 
 
Regardless of Summer enrolment status:
 
Have you faced exceptional circumstances such as a serious medical incident or serious family concern? Please review our Petitions and Honours Waivers websites. Please review the information carefully and in full. If a petition is granted and your GPA increases to meet the GPA requirements for Engineering and/or if an Honours Waiver is granted, your program can be changed back to Engineering.
 
We also encourage all students to connect with well-being resources on and off campus so that you have the support you need to move forward in all areas of your life.
 
If you no longer wish to pursue Engineering:
 
Should you be interested in an alternate program at York, feel free to review the Program Change website, consider Course Relief as an option, and connect with Academic Advising units from across the University.
 
After you have had an opportunity to review all of the helpful web links and resources contained here, including completion of your Lassonde Required Advising, if you have any questions on the material you have covered, please feel free to connect with our Academic Advising team.
This means you will not be able to enrol in York University courses for 1 year. This decision is explained further in the Academic Calendar and in our Understanding Academic Warnings and Required Withdrawals webinar.
 
If you are currently enrolled in Summer courses:
 
Students who are ineligible to proceed in their academic program at the end of a Fall/Winter session may continue in courses in the subsequent Summer session if they have satisfied the pre-requisites for the courses taken during the summer. Students who, at the end of the Summer session, achieve the required GPA for their current program may continue in the subsequent Fall/Winter session. Learn more about the Summer Continuance Policy.
 
If you are currently enrolled but wish to drop a course and are unable to do so via the Registration and Enrolment Module (REM), you may submit your request to drop a course via e-mail to yorknow@yorku.ca. Drop, withdrawal, and refund deadlines apply.
 
At the end of the Summer, if your GPA increases to meet the minimum GPA requirements, you will be eligible to resume your studies in the upcoming Fall/Winter session.
 
We understand that this may be difficult news to receive but we are here to support you through the process and help you plan your academics moving forward. This is an opportunity to reflect on your academics and determine the best path forward.
 
Steps you need to take:

– Review your academic decision via your grade report.

– If you believe you have faced exceptional circumstances resulting in your academic difficulties, please read the Lassonde petitions website.

– To learn more about policies and resources designed to support students, complete the latest iteration of Lassonde Required Advising.

– To return to York after your 1-year withdrawal, you must reactivate your student record via the Registrar’s Office. During this time, you are encouraged to reflect on your reasons for pursuing a university education and identify and remedy any problems which may be acting as a barrier to you reaching your academic goals.

In addition, here are some resources that you can access should you need them:
 
Student Counselling, Health, and Well-being
Good2Talk
211 Ontario
Well-being Resources in the Community
Central HealthLine
International Students / Study Permit Questions
 
Please take some time to process this information. After you have reviewed the above helpful resources, if you have additional questions or need assistance, please connect with an Academic Advisor.
This means you will not be able to enrol in York University courses for 2 years. This decision is explained further in the Academic Calendar and in our Understanding Academic Warnings and Required Withdrawals webinar. 
 
If you are currently enrolled in Summer courses:
 
Students who are ineligible to proceed in their academic program at the end of a Fall/Winter session may continue in courses in the subsequent Summer session if they have satisfied the pre-requisites for the courses taken during the summer. Students who, at the end of the Summer session, achieve the required GPA for their current program may continue in the subsequent Fall/Winter session. Learn more about the Summer Continuance Policy.
 
If you are currently enrolled but wish to drop a course and are unable to do so via the Registration and Enrolment Module (REM), you may submit your request to drop a course via e-mail to yorknow@yorku.ca. Drop, withdrawal, and refund deadlines apply.
 
At the end of the Summer, if your GPA increases to meet the minimum GPA requirements, you will be eligible to resume your studies in the upcoming Fall/Winter session.
 
We understand that this may be difficult news to receive but we are here to support you through the process and help you plan your academics moving forward. This is an opportunity to reflect on your academics and determine the best path forward.
 
Steps you need to take:
 
– Review your academic decision via your grade report.

– If you believe you have faced exceptional circumstances resulting in your academic difficulties, please read the Lassonde petitions website.

– If you wish to return to York after your 2-year debarment, you are required to re-apply through the Office of Admissions. You will need to upgrade your studies elsewhere before reapplying to York. For example, some students upgrade via Athabasca University or the Chang School of Continuing Studies. Should you be re-admitted to York, this will be an opportunity for you to consider an alternate program as well that may better suit your skills.
 
In addition, here are some resources that you can access should you need them:
 
Good2Talk
211 Ontario
Well-being Resources in the Community
Central HealthLine
International Students / Study Permit Questions
 
Please take some time to process this information. After you have reviewed the above helpful resources, if you have additional questions or need assistance, please connect with an Academic Advisor.
If you are resuming your studies, this means you have taken a 1-year break and reactivated or you have been granted a waiver of the 1-year withdrawal period by the Lassonde Academic Petitions Committee. We wish to welcome you back!

You will be continuing on something called “Debarment Warning”. This is normal for any student returning from a required withdrawal. The conditions of debarment warning are as follows: 

Students on debarment warning must achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 4.00 within the next 24 credits taken or earn a sessional grade point average of at least 5.00 in the session in which the 24th credit is completed and in each subsequent session until the cumulative average reaches 4.00, and must then maintain this average in order to continue.  

The central goal is to increase your GPA to 4.00 or higher and maintain that minimum GPA. These conditions are explained in the Faculty Rules section of your Academic Calendar, in Lassonde Required Advising, and in our Advising Webinar series.  

Tips for your success: 
 
In preparation for your return, complete Lassonde Required Advising.

As you continue to work hard to increase your GPA, we invite you to review the “GPA Requirements and Additional Support” section of our Enrolment and Advising Question and Answers website where we have outlined some helpful academic and social support resources for you. Typically, the best academic strategy is to repeat the courses that you have previously struggled in and obtain the necessary knowledge to improve your grades. We also encourage all students to connect with well-being resources on and off campus so that you have the support you need to move forward in all areas of your life. 
 
If you have any questions on the material you have covered, please feel free to connect with our Academic Advising team.
If you are resuming your studies, this means you have taken a 2-year break and been re-admitted or you have been granted a waiver of the 2-year debarment period by the Lassonde Academic Petitions Committee. We wish to welcome you back!

You will be continuing on something called “First Probation”. This is normal for any student returning from debarment. The conditions of first probation are as follows: 

Students on first probation must achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 4.00 within the next 24 credits taken or earn a sessional grade point average of at least 5.00 in the session in which the 24th credit is completed and in each subsequent session until the cumulative average reaches 4.00, and must then maintain this average in order to continue.  

The central goal is to increase your GPA to 4.00 or higher and maintain that minimum GPA. These conditions are explained in the Faculty Rules section of your Academic Calendar, in Lassonde Required Advising, and in our Advising Webinar series.  

Tips for your success: 

If returning, complete Lassonde Required Advising

As you continue to work hard to increase your GPA, we invite you to review the “GPA Requirements and Additional Support” section of our Enrolment and Advising Question and Answers website where we have outlined some helpful academic and social support resources for you. Typically, the best academic strategy is to repeat the courses that you have previously struggled in and obtain the necessary knowledge to improve your grades. We also encourage all students to connect with well-being resources on and off campus so that you have the support you need to move forward in all areas of your life. 
 
If you have any questions on the material you have covered, please feel free to connect with our Academic Advising team.
Students in a bachelor program who have passed 90.00 credits, but whose GPA is below 4.00 (C), may attempt to raise their GPA by taking up to 12.00 additional credits, to a maximum of 102.00 credits.

Essentially, if you have passed 90.00 credits and your GPA is below 4.00, the University will limit the number of credits you can take moving forward to 12.00 credits. These 12.00 credits are your opportunity to reach the 4.00 GPA goal.

Reaching the 4.00 goal will enable you to continue.

Tips for your success: 

As you continue to work hard to increase your GPA, we invite you to review the “GPA Requirements and Additional Support” section of our Enrolment and Advising Question and Answers website where we have outlined some helpful academic and social support resources for you. Typically, the best academic strategy is to repeat the courses that you have previously struggled in and obtain the necessary knowledge to improve your grades. We also encourage all students to connect with well-being resources on and off campus so that you have the support you need to move forward in all areas of your life. 
 
If you have any questions on the material you have covered, please feel free to connect with our Academic Advising team.

Self-reflection

Everyone’s journey through university is different. Each student has their individual experiences, good and bad. Take some time to consider the below questions. These are the kinds of questions an Academic Advisor might pose to you. Reflect on how you might respond:

How are you doing today?

Think about a time when you experienced academic success. Why do you consider that a success? What did you do to make it successful? Who helped you?

When was the last time you handled a difficult situation well? What strategies did you utilize in handling it?

Think about a time that you worked with another person to complete a special project. How did you build your relationship with that person?

What is the best part about being a University student?

What is one of your current goals? What is your plan to reach that goal? If that plan doesn’t work, what’s another way that you could work toward that goal?

If you were going to seek advice or guidance from 3 different people in your life, who would they be?


Adapted from The Appreciative Advising Revolution (C) 2008 by Bloom, J.L., Hutson, B.L., & He, Y. (https://www.appreciativeadvising.net/appreciative-advising-inventory.html)

Get support early and often

You are not alone. We are here to help you move from good to great!

Refer to “I am looking for additional support. Where can I get extra help?” in our Enrolment and Advising Questions and Answers website for quick links to a variety of helpful resources dedicated to students.

Questions or concerns about this information?

We understand these rules may be confusing. If you have received or are worried that you may receive a negative academic decision, connect with an Academic Advisor from the Lassonde Student Welcome and Support Centre. We can help guide you through your options.