fb pixel

Section 6: Academic Regulations

Minimum Academic Standing and Performance Requirements

Students are expected to maintain a minimum degree grade point average (GPA) of 3.0, and to achieve 3.0 in all core courses in order to continue in, and graduate from, their program of graduate studies. Students who receive one course grade of C+ normally will be placed on probationary status. A second grade of C+ or lower will require withdrawal according to the regulations set out in “Involuntary Withdrawal for Academic Reasons.” Students who receive one course grade of C or lower normally are required to withdraw according to the regulations set out in “Involuntary Withdrawal for Academic Reasons.”

The performance of all graduate students will be reviewed at least once a year. The student’s Graduate Program Advisor will submit to the Graduate Program Committee a minimum of one annual, evidence-based progress report by August 30 for thesis-based students and by June 1 for course-based students to evaluate the student’s academic performance and progress. Copies of the progress reports for all students will be forwarded to the Dean of Graduate Studies by the Graduate Program Committee Chair.

Compensating for deficiencies in grades
The GPC, with notice to the Dean, may permit students to compensate for deficiencies in grades by repeating a course or taking an equivalent substitute course only once for each course to a maximum of 6 credit hours of course work. Students must first obtain approval from their Graduate Program Advisor and the GPC (see section on Grading). If a course is repeated or replaced, the highest grade obtained will be used in the determination of the grade point average. All course attempts will appear on the transcript. Core (i.e. required) courses must be retaken to achieve at least a B (3.0) standard.

Students who maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 may appeal to the GPC for permission not to retake an elective course in which they have achieved a C+ standing. If the GPC agrees, it must forward its recommendation not to apply probationary status, together with a rationale for its recommendation, to the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Students will be advised in writing of their probationary status by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Probationary status means that further substandard grades, failure to maintain a 3.0 average, or failure to repeat a course and obtain an acceptable grade will result in Involuntary Withdrawal. While on probation, students are expected to maintain a high level of scholarly performance and demonstrate sufficient progress during the course of research, thesis work, or an internship. Once a GPA of B or higher is achieved, probationary status will be lifted by the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

In exceptional circumstances, the GPC may appeal to the Dean of Graduate Studies for approval of remedial recommendation(s) falling outside those prescribed above.

Involuntary Withdrawal for Academic Reasons

Students who do not meet the “Minimum Academic Standing & Performance Requirements” will be required to withdraw from their graduate program and from The University of Winnipeg. If the student’s Graduate Program Advisor, in consultation with the Supervisory Committee, deems that the student is not maintaining the standards outlined in the “Minimum Academic Standing & Performance Requirements,” they must a) inform the student in writing of unsatisfactory academic progress; b) allow the student to have the opportunity to discuss the matter with the Graduate Program Advisor, the Supervisory Committee, and the Graduate Program Committee Chair, and c) make a recommendation for withdrawal to the Dean of Graduate Studies. Normally such a recommendation should be made within 10 business days of the final grade submission. Both the internal and external academic record of such a student will indicate "Required to Withdraw.” In extraordinary circumstances, students may appeal in writing for reinstatement to the Senate Student Appeals Committee. (See Appeals).

*For information in Involuntary Withdrawal due to Academic Misconduct, see Section 7

Involuntary Withdrawal for Non-Academic Reasons

Graduate Policies on Involuntary Withdrawal for Non-Academic Reasons follow the University policies.

In order to accomplish its stated mission, the University must be a community in which there is freedom to learn, to teach, to create and to engage in research without fear of retaliation or intimidation, and without threat to person or property. Students have a responsibility to act in a fair and reasonable manner in their interactions with their peers, faculty, staff, and administration and in their use of campus property. The intent of this policy is to encourage appropriate student conduct and to identify and regulate student non-academic misconduct which infringes on the above-mentioned freedoms and thereby jeopardizes the essential values of our academic community: mutual respect, dignity, and civility.

For more information, see Section 10 of the Regulations and Policies Section of the Faculty of Graduate Studies Calendar:

Policies and Guidelines | Graduate Studies | The University of Winnipeg (uwinnipeg.ca)

Voluntary Withdrawal From a Graduate Studies Program

Students wishing to withdraw voluntarily from their graduate program must submit a written request to the relevant Graduate Program Committee, copying their request to their Graduate Program Advisor, stating that they wish to withdraw from their graduate program. Once the request for voluntary withdrawal is approved, the GPC will forward a completed “Voluntary Withdrawal from Graduate Program” form to the Dean of Graduate Studies stating that the student is withdrawing from the program and the effective date of withdrawal.

When the withdrawal is approved, the internal academic record will show the date of withdrawal and a code of “D” beside all courses dropped. The student cannot attend any courses or use any university resources as of the requested effective date of withdrawal. If a student exits a program (e.g., stops attending classes, ceases work on their thesis) without submitting a written request as above, the withdrawal is not approved, the student will remain registered in all courses, and a final grade and/or standing will be assigned at the end of the term or session. A student who does not complete formal withdrawal procedures will be liable for all assessed fees until such procedures are completed. Withdrawal from the Faculty of Graduate Studies constitutes withdrawal from The University of Winnipeg.

Tuition Fee Refunds

The following scenarios outline the proposed fee consequences of the timing of a student withdrawing from a program (either voluntarily or involuntarily) in a program year.

  1. If a student voluntarily withdraws from a program or is involuntarily withdrawn from a program by the end of the course change period for the first term of attendance in that program year, 100% of fees will be reversed for that term and for the second and third terms for the program year.
  2. If a student voluntarily withdraws from a program or is involuntarily withdrawn from a program between the end of the course change period for the first term of attendance and the end of the course change period for the second term of attendance in that program year, no fees will be reversed for the first term, and 100% of the fees will be reversed for the second and third terms for the program year.
  3. If a student voluntarily withdraws from a program or is involuntarily withdrawn from a program between the end of the course change period for the second term of attendance and the end of the course change period for the third term of attendance in that program year, no fees will be reversed for the first term or second term, and 100% of the fees will be reversed for the third term for the program year.
  4. If a student voluntarily withdraws from a program or is involuntarily withdrawn from a program after the end of the course change period for the third term of attendance in that program year, no fees will be reversed for the program year.
Reapplying After Voluntary or Involuntary Withdrawal (Academic/Non-Academic) from a Graduate Program

Students who voluntarily withdraw, or are required to withdraw involuntarily, from a graduate program for academic or non-academic reasons will not be granted re-admission to Graduate Studies for a period of one year. After that period, the student may apply to the Faculty of Graduate Studies provided that he/she meets the entrance requirements and presents compelling evidence that a more successful outcome is likely. The Faculty of Graduate Studies and the appropriate Graduate Program Committee concerned will consider the student’s file and withdrawal records when evaluating an application for re-admission, regardless of whether the student is seeking re-admission into the same graduate program. A student will not be eligible for re-admission into the Faculty of Graduate Studies if he/she has been withdrawn more than once.

When a student is re-admitted to a graduate program, he/she must adhere to the current program requirements as existing in the term in which they are re-admitted. Re-admittance into the program must be for no less than one academic year. Any new financial offers will be decided upon readmission, and will be at the discretion of the Graduate Program Committee. Any previous courses taken in the graduate program will be re-assessed. Normally courses taken five or more years previously will not be considered for credit toward the requirements for graduation.

Change in Part-Time/Full-Time Student Status
When students desire to change their status from part-time to full-time (or vice versa), the maximum time remaining to complete degree requirements will be adjusted by the appropriate Graduate Program Committee concerned according to the number of terms already completed. If appropriate, remaining tuition fees will be calculated with consideration of the fees previously paid and number of terms already completed.

Inactive Student Status
As noted under “Graduate Degree Time Limits,” students are normally required to complete their program of study within a specific time period. During this period, students are expected to maintain continuous registration from admission through to graduation. Students who are unable to maintain continuous registration must request approval for a Leave of Absence.

If a student does not register for one term (or 2 terms in the case of Marriage and Family Therapy Program), they will be deemed inactive and ineligible to enroll in subsequent courses. Students will be notified of their change in status. Inactive students must contact their Graduate Program Committee Chair requesting to be re-activated and become eligible to enroll.

Failure to register does not mean that fees are not incurred. As students are expected to be continuously registered, tuition fees will be incurred unless a Leave of Absence is approved

Involuntary Withdrawal for Administrative Reasons
Students who do not register for more than three terms will be involuntarily withdrawn from their programs. Students who have been withdrawn must apply for re-admission through the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Re-admission is not guaranteed. An application fee will be charged.

Graduate Degree Time Limits

There is a normal time to completion for every degree. When students have passed the normal time to completion, they are assessed continuance fees for each term until they reach the maximum time for completion of their program.

Unless specifically allowed by a graduate program’s regulations, the maximum time to complete all requirements for a one-year graduate degree is 3 years or 9 terms; the maximum time to complete all requirements for a two-year graduate degree is 5 years or 15 terms; and the maximum time to complete a three-year graduate degree is 7 years or 21 terms (see detailed charts below). After this time has expired, students not yet fulfilling graduation requirements will be required to withdraw from their graduate program at The University of Winnipeg, unless they appeal for and are granted an extension of time.

For the Continuance Term Form, please visit the Faculty of Graduate Studies website:

Forms for Students | Graduate Studies | The University of Winnipeg (uwinnipeg.ca)

Table 1: Full-Time Students: Normal Pattern of Terms for Completion of a Graduate Program

grad-studies-alumni.jpg

In exceptional circumstances an extension beyond the degree time limits, as specified above, shall be granted. The appeal for an extension shall proceed as follows:

  • A student shall submit a request and relevant documentation to the appropriate Graduate Program Committee along with a copy to their Graduate Program Advisor, by the beginning of the term prior to the degree time limit being reached; the student’s Graduate Program Advisor shall review the request, make a recommendation, and forward to the departmental GPC. The recommendation shall provide an explanation of the reason for the extension, outline the student’s progress in the program, and the time anticipated for completion of all requirements, and;
  • After review, the departmental GPC shall provide a final recommendation and forward the extension request along with relevant documentation to the Graduate Studies Committee for The Graduate Studies Office then communicates the decision to the student via email/mail.
Table 2: Part-Time Students: Normal Pattern of Terms for Completion of a Graduate Program

table 2

*For definitions of full-time and part-time studies, see Section IV under “Admission Categories.”

In exceptional circumstances an extension beyond the degree time limits, as specified above, shall be granted. The appeal for an extension shall proceed as follows:

  • A student shall submit a request and relevant documentation to the appropriate Graduate Program Committee along with a copy to their Graduate Program Advisor, by the beginning of the term prior to the degree time limit being reached; the student’s Graduate Program Advisor shall review the request, make a recommendation, and forward to the departmental GPC. The recommendation shall provide an explanation of the reason for the extension, outline the student’s progress in the program, and the time anticipated for completion of all requirements, and;
  • After review, the departmental GPC shall provide a final recommendation and forward the extension request along with relevant documentation to the Graduate Studies Committee for The Graduate Studies Office then communicates the decision to the student via email/mail.
Leave of Absence

Students may be granted an approved Leave of Absence for personal, health, lack of course availability, or other reasons which temporarily prevent continuation in the graduate program as a full-time, part-time, or continuing student.

During a leave of absence approved by the Graduate Studies Committee, students will not be required to register or pay fees. The time away on an approved leave of absence is not counted toward the residency requirement nor is it counted towards the time required to complete the degree program. The Leave of Absence is normally granted up to a maximum of one year. A leave will not be granted to a student whose registration is not current. Students who apply for a leave of absence after the dates for course withdrawal has passed will have to appeal to the Senate Student Appeals Committee for retroactive withdrawal from courses.

Leave of absence requests require the following steps:

  1. a student will submit a copy of the Request for a Leave of Absence Form along with any required supporting documentation to the departmental Graduate Program Committee along with a copy to their Graduate Program Advisor.
  2. the student’s Graduate Program Advisor shall review the request, make a recommendation, and forward it to the departmental GPC. The recommendation shall provide an explanation of the reason for the leave, outline the student’s progress in the program, and the time anticipated for completion of all requirements; and,
  3. after review, the departmental GPC shall provide a final recommendation and forward the leave request along with relevant documentation to the Graduate Studies Committee for decision.

In case of parental/adoption leave, should a student wish to apply for a Leave of Absence of one year or less, it will normally be granted. A leave must commence no later than the date of delivery or the date on which the child comes into the actual care and custody of the student. Parental/adoption leave must be taken in one consecutive period: the student should submit to the Graduate Program Committee an application in writing for parental/adoption leave at least four (4) weeks before the day specified in the application as the day on which the student intends to commence the leave.

During the approved leave period students may not undertake any research or academic work in fulfillment of degree requirements. A record of the decision will be given to the student, with a copy to the Graduate Program Advisor.

Residence Requirements

Students are required to complete a minimum of 60% of their course work at The University of Winnipeg. Individual program course requirements may exceed 60%. Both online and in-person courses satisfy The University of Winnipeg Graduate Studies Residence Requirement.

Letters of Permission

Letters of Permission are The University of Winnipeg’s mechanism for allowing students to take courses at other recognized colleges or universities for transfer of credit to their graduate degree program. Students must apply through the Graduate Studies Admission and Student Tracking Officer for a Letter of Permission.

To be eligible for a Letter of Permission a student must be currently registered in a graduate studies program at The University of Winnipeg as a full-time, part-time, or continuing student. All requests for a letter of permission require advance approval from the Graduate Program Committee Chair and must be accompanied by a letter of support from the student’s Advisor. Letters of Permission shall be obtained prior to a student’s registering for courses at another university. Applications should be submitted as early as possible. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that an official transcript is forwarded to the Coordinator, Student Records (Graduate Studies) indicating the final grades attained in all courses taken on a Letter of Permission.

Courses taken on a Letter of Permission cannot be used to fulfill The University of Winnipeg’s Faculty of Graduate Studies residence requirement. A maximum of 6 credit hours of transfer credit may be granted at the graduate level.

Transfer Agreements

Preamble: Each transfer agreement outlined below has its own individual application process and is separate and distinct from applying for a letter of permission. Application forms are included in the appendices.

Western Dean's Agreement (WDA)

This agreement was established in 1974 as an expression of cooperation and mutual support among universities offering graduate programs in western Canada. Its primary purpose is the reciprocal enrichment of graduate programs throughout western Canada. This agreement is not intended to preclude other agreements between participating institutions.

  • The Western Deans’ Agreement provides an automatic tuition fee waiver for visiting students. Graduate students paying normal required tuition fees to their home institution will not pay tuition fees to the host
  • Students may be required to pay student, activity, application, or other ancillary fees to the host institution, according to general policies in effect at the host institution.
  • Students will qualify for the fee waiver if they: a) present the ‘Authorization Form:
  • Western Deans’ Agreement signed by the dean or designate and Department Head or Graduate Advisor of a participating western institution specifying the courses to be taken for credit toward a graduate degree program at their home institution; b) are in good standing in a graduate program at the home institution; c) have paid all current and back fees at the home institution.
  • Students must meet all requirements as prescribed by the host university’s regulations, deadlines, class capacities, and course
  • Registration is possible in courses at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, and in credit courses offered through distance education or other To be eligible, courses must be an integral part of the applicant’s graduate degree program. Fee waiver is not permitted for Audit or non-credit courses.
  • Students must have the Authorization Form approved by the relevant Department Head and the Faculty of Graduate Studies at the host institution at least two weeks prior to the commencement of the course(s) The fee waiver is not available retroactively.
  • Students are subject to regulations of the home institution governing credit for the courses to be undertaken. As a condition of registration at the host institution, students will arrange for official transcripts from the host institution to be sent to the home institution confirming successful completion of courses
  • Students must send confirmation of registration and notice of any change to the Graduate Records Office of the home institution at the time registration or course change is completed.
  • Students may not claim fee waivers under the terms of this Agreement for a period of more than 12 months
  • Each institution has its own regulations regarding the maximum number of transfer credits permitted in a given degree program. Students should ensure that their requests are within these

Participating Universities

  • Athabasca University
  • University of Northern British Columbia
  • University of Alberta
  • University of Saskatchewan
  • Brandon University
  • Simon Frasier University
  • University of British Columbia
  • University of Regina
  • British Columbia Institute of Technology
  • Royal Roads University
  • University of Calgary
  • Thompson Rivers University
  • Concordia University of Edmonton
  • Trinity Western University
  • University of Fraser Valley
  • University of Victoria
  • University of Lethbridge
  • University of Winnipeg
  • University of Manitoba
Canadian University Graduate Transfer Agreement (CUGTA)

The Canadian University Graduate Transfer Agreement (CUGTA) is designed to provide students in good standing enrolled in a graduate degree or diploma program at a CAGS (Canadian Association for Graduate Studies) member University the opportunity to take courses offered at another member institution (host) for transfer credit to the program at their institution (home). The definition of “home” is the institution in which the student applicant is enrolled and which is expected to provide the graduate degree or diploma. The “host” is defined as the institution at which course credits can be obtained that can be counted toward a degree or diploma at the home institution.

CUGTA Approval of Applicants: The intent of this agreement is that such an arrangement would prove to be to the mutual advantage of the host and home institutions. Whereas there may be imbalances apparent within specific programs in the short term, whether an institution serves as either home or host, at an institutional level a balanced reciprocity should, at least in principle, occur in the long run.

Students applying to take advantage of this Agreement would not be required to go through the normal application process associated with being accepted as a transfer student. The only documentation required to process such cases would be the single page request form. In other words, a student in good standing at any member institution would not require any additional documentation other than the completed application to access transfer credit courses at any member host institution.

CUGTA Eligibility

  • A student applying for consideration under this Agreement must be in good standing at the home institution
  • Both host and home institutions must hold membership in CUGTA
  • Courses applied for must be deemed integral to the student’s program by the home institution.
  • The Agreement applies only to graduate level
  • The number of courses taken under this Agreement can be limited by the number of courses allowed for transfer credit at the home institution or the number allowed at the host institution
  • Special topic or independent studies courses involving a single individual will normally not be available to applicants under this
  • Where course limits are in effect, a host can give priority to its own students with students applying under the Agreement being offered spaces in classes only where excess capacity allows.
  • Previous acceptance of an application under this Agreement does not imply subsequent approval of such a request by either the home or host
  • A proposed host may refuse to accept any application under this Agreement without providing
  • Incomplete applications will not be All of the identifying information about the applicant requested must be provided, the proposed course and timing for enrolling in it need to be defined, and the appropriate authorizing signatures must be included.
  • This Agreement does not have any bearing on procedures in place for transfer of a student from a program at one university to another, nor on application for admission at a host institution. In these cases, the usual application procedures in place would
  • Students taking advantage of this Agreement would not be eligible for any form of financial support from the host institution simply by virtue of being enrolled at a host via this Agreement.
  • Either a host or home institution reserves the right to specify additional conditions not otherwise outlined above, provided there is mutual agreement between the home and host concerning these conditions. Where such conditions are at issue they should be defined in an accompanying memo with agreement indicated by having the condition initialed by the respective Deans of Graduate Studies (or designate).
  • In the case of modification or deletion of any of the above conditions of eligibility, this would be indicated by the addition or crossing out of relevant text in the terms outlined. Any change (deletion or addition) indicated by the home institution must, if agreed to by the host, be initialed by the appropriate signing authority from the respective Offices of Graduate Studies beside those changes which would constitute agreement to them. Any change indicated by a host does not require the corresponding agreement of the home institution.

Fees and Related Study Costs
Students covered by the Agreement will pay tuition for the course concerned and applicable incidental fees at the host institution. If the host declines to accept tuition fees, this section should be crossed out and initialed by the signing authority from Graduate Studies, in which case the home will charge these fees. Following completion of the course (whether successful, withdrawal, or unsuccessful), it is the student’s responsibility to arrange for the provision of a transcript to the home university, paying fees currently in effect for that service at the host institution. Any costs associated with this Agreement are the responsibility of the student (tuition and related fees, living expenses, travel, etc.)

Non-Interference with Related Agreements
The approval or non-approval of the Agreement will not interfere with the prerogative of member institutions to develop or continue agreements of similar scope with other institutions in Canada or elsewhere.

Relevant Precedents
The precedent for the development of the Agreement derives from a similar one in effect among members of the Western Canadian Deans of Graduate Studies referred to as the Western Deans’ Agreement (WDA). Related agreements exist in other parts of the country.

Change in Program of Study Between University of Winnipeg Graduate Programs

Academic credit earned in a graduate program at The University of Winnipeg, for which a degree was not granted, may be accepted towards another University of Winnipeg graduate or undergraduate degree. Students shall submit written requests to the receiving Graduate Program Committee. The transfer of such credits to another University of Winnipeg program is subject to the approval of the receiving Graduate Program Committee, the Graduate Studies Committee, and the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is a method by which students may, with appropriate evidence and documentation, at the time of application for admission, be exempted from completing specific course requirements in their graduate degree program based on their having acquired the relevant knowledge through previous experience and academic qualifications. Normally, such exemptions do not reduce the total credits required for the graduate degree. In such cases, the Graduate Program Committee will substitute more appropriate courses equivalent in weight to the courses exempted from the student’s program. With appropriate documentation, students may be considered for direct admission into a graduate program via the PLAR mechanism.

Course Challenge

Students are eligible to apply for course challenge to receive either credit or exemption from a program requirement. A course challenge is generally based on having taken a similar graduate level course elsewhere. Normally course challenges do not reduce the total credits required for the graduate degree.

The maximum credit that can be claimed through course challenge or prior learning assessment is 12 credit hours towards the graduate degree. Notwithstanding this provision, students must meet the residency requirement as outlined in this section.

Audit Policy

University of Winnipeg graduate students may, with the permission of their Graduate Program Advisor, audit a course or courses in a graduate program at The University of Winnipeg other than the one in which they are registered as part of their program of study. No fees apply. Written permission from the course instructor must be submitted at the time of registration. Except for current University of Winnipeg graduate students and those covered by existing agreements such as WDA, students given permission by instructors to audit a course will be assessed audit fees.

Occasional and Qualifying Year students must pay fees to audit a course. Individual course fees may be found on the University of Winnipeg website here:

Fee Overview | Graduate Studies | The University of Winnipeg (uwinnipeg.ca)

Course Regulations

The following section describes the rights and responsibilities of students with regard to attending lectures and completing course work. For information about grading and minimum performance levels, see Minimum Performance Requirements.

Attendance

Students are responsible for their attendance at lectures and seminars and the completion of work required in each course. Students should notify the instructor of any absences. They may require a medical certificate or other evidence of their inability to attend a required lecture or seminar. Poor attendance may result in loss of term marks.

Course Outlines
During the first week of classes, undergraduate and graduate students must be provided with a course outline. The outline should include, but not be limited to:
  1. An indication of the topics to be covered.
  2. An indication that all topics listed on the outline may not be covered.
  3. A reading list or other indication of the amount of reading expected in the course.
  4. A statement indicating whether or not it is a requirement that work submitted for evaluation be typed.
  5. A list of all items of work on which the final grade is based and an indication of the weight of each individual item of work.
  6. Final grades in pass/fail courses include S (Standing) or F (Failure). Senate approved grades for all other courses include A+, A, A-, B+, B, C+, C, D and F. While the University does not have a standardized numerical grade conversion scale for letter grades, all course outlines must include written guidelines specifying a numerical (percentage) range for letter grades assigned to individual items of work and the course final grade.
  7. If students are to be given marks for participation and/or attendance, students must be provided with clear assessment criteria.
  8. Instructors must clearly indicate penalties for late assignments, if any.
  9. An indication of when the items of work will be administered/ submitted, and penalties, if any, for late submission of work. A minimum of 20% of the work on which the final grade is based must be evaluated and available to the student before the voluntary withdrawal date.
  10. A statement indicating whether or not students will be asked for identification when writing a test or examination.
  11. An indication of equipment authorized for use in tests/exams (e.g. calculators, dictionaries, handheld devices).
  12. Regarding the date of the last test/exam or the due date for the last item of work, such as an essay or project.
  13. The voluntary withdrawal date, without academic penalty.
  14. The dates of Fall mid-term Reading Week, and Winter mid-term Reading Week.
  15. Students with documented disabilities, temporary or chronic medical conditions, requiring academic accommodations for tests/exams (e.g., private space) or during lectures/laboratories (e.g., note-takers) are encouraged to contact Accessibility Services (AS) at 786-9771 or accessibilityservices@uwinnipeg.ca to discuss appropriate options. All information about a student’s disability or medical condition remains confidential. Reference to the appropriate items in the Regulations & Policies section of the Course Calendar, including Senate appeals and academic misconduct (e.g. plagiarism, cheating). – Home | Accessibility Services | The University of Winnipeg (uwinnipeg.ca)
  16. All students, faculty and staff have the right to participate, learn, and work in an environment that is free of harassment and discrimination. The UW Respectful Working and Learning Environment Policy may be found online at Human Rights & Diversity Office | Respect | The University of Winnipeg (uwinnipeg.ca)
  17. Students may choose not to attend classes or write examinations on holy days of their religion, but they must notify their instructors at least two weeks in advance. Instructors will then provide opportunity for students to make up work examinations without penalty. A list of religious holidays can be found at Graduate Studies Academic Calendar | Graduate Academic Calendar | The University of Winnipeg (uwinnipeg.ca)

Completing Course Work
Students are expected to complete work required in each course. Such work may include term papers, project reports, mid-term and other tests, and final examinations. In some situations, students who have not completed the required work by the end of the term may appeal for an extension. See Section 7 – Student Appeals.

Course Withdrawal/Drop
A student may choose to drop, or withdraw voluntarily from any course, up to and including the designated voluntary withdrawal deadline for that course. (See “Course Drop Information” and “Course Withdrawal Schedule” on the Faculty of Graduate Studies website here: Registration Overview | Graduate Studies | The University of Winnipeg (uwinnipeg.ca)

The University may withdraw a student involuntarily from a course due to unacceptable classroom behaviour or other issues. No credit is awarded for the course, and the student is not entitled to any evaluation of coursework that was not yet evaluated prior to the date of withdrawal.

Format of Submitted Work
Instructors may require that work submitted for evaluation be either typed or word-processed. This requirement must be stated in the course outline.

Identification at Tests and Examinations
Students must have ID available upon request when writing tests and examinations. Students who are unable to present identification may complete the test or examination but must produce identification within one working day. The test or examination is not graded until identification is assured.

Posting of Grades
Instructors may choose to post grades for individual items of work outside their offices. When final grades are posted after the end of the course, students should be aware that such grades have not yet been approved by the department, and may be subject to change.

Grades

This section describes the grading system and the calculation of grade point averages (GPA). Grades obtained by students in their program of studies are governed by the following Senate regulations.

Final Grades
Final grades are determined by a combination of:

  • The weight or value of grades on work completed during the course, as prescribed in the course outline, including the final examination grade;
  • Evaluation of class participation, seminar presentation, and discussion

To receive credit for course work, students must obtain a grade of A+, A, A-, B+, B, C+ or a Pass in a pass/fail course. The thesis will not receive a letter grade but will be designated on the transcript as Pass with Distinction, Pass, or Fail.

Students are expected to maintain a minimum degree grade point average (GPA) of 3.0, and achievement of 3.0 in all core courses in order to continue in, and graduate from, their program of graduate studies. Students who receive one course grade of C+ or lower normally will be placed on probationary status. A second grade of C+ or lower will require withdrawal according to the regulations set out in “Involuntary Withdrawal for Academic Reasons.” Students who receive one course grade of C or lower normally are required to withdraw according to the regulations set out in “Involuntary Withdrawal for Academic Reasons” (see Section 6: Minimum Academic Standing and Performance Requirements). All final grades are issued by the Senate Academic Standards and Misconduct Committee on behalf of The University of Winnipeg Senate.

Notification of Grades
During the term, instructors must return or show evaluated term work for courses to students with any comments and the assigned grade within a reasonable time period following the completion of an assignment.

Final grades must be approved by the Graduate Program Committee (GPC) before they are posted by the instructors. After the term is completed, grades assigned to all term course work shall be made available to students no later than 10 working days following the date designated for a final examination in a course. Students are responsible for requesting the grades for individual assignments from the instructor or the Department when course work, including the final examination, is graded after the close of classes. Instructors may return exams to students or keep final examinations for a period of one year. Students who have filed an appeal against the final grade have the right to see the final examination. Official final grades are made available to students through the Registrar. Students should be aware that grades provided by instructors have not yet been approved by Senate, and may be subject to change.

Repeating Courses
Students may not repeat courses in the graduate program unless expressly approved by their Advisor and the Graduate Program Committee. If a course is repeated or replaced, the highest grade obtained will be used in the determination of the degree grade point average. All course attempts will appear on the transcript.

Calculating the Grade Point Average (GPA)
Final grades in each course are reported in letter grades to produce the grade point average, or GPA.

Letter Grade Grade Points Earned Weighted Grade Points
6 Credit Hours 3 Credit Hours 6 Credit Hours 3 Credit Hours
A+ 4.5 2.25 27 13.5
A 4.25 2.125 25.5 12.75
A- 4 2 24 12
B+ 3.5 1.75 21 10.5
B 3 1.5 18 9
C+ 2.5 1.25 15 7.5
C 2 1 12 6
D 1 0.5 6 3
F 0 0 0 0

Note: The University of Winnipeg does not have a standardized numerical grade conversion scale for each letter grade it awards. Many programs or departments define such standard scales.

Degree GPA (Graduation GPA)
The degree GPA is calculated on credit hours used for a degree. It is calculated by dividing the weighted grade points by the number of credit hours passed. If courses have been repeated, the higher of the two grades is used. Pass/fail courses are not included in the calculation of the GPA. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required to graduate.

Transcript of Academic Record

On written request of the student, an official transcript of the student’s academic record can be sent by the Assistant Registrar of Graduate Studies directly to another institution or agency indicated in the request. Each transcript will include the student’s complete record at the University to date. A student’s record is confidential. Transcripts may be issued only at the request of the student. All transcript requests must be accompanied by payment. Transcripts will be issued within five (5) working days after the written request has been received by the Coordinator, Student Records (Graduate Studies). Transcripts will not be issued until all financial obligations to the University and any “Holds” which have been placed on the student’s record, including Library, Admissions, and Awards and Financial Aid, have been cleared. Students who require proof of completion of all graduate degree requirements prior to Convocation will request a letter from Student Central, forms may be found here:

Forms for Students | Graduate Studies | The University of Winnipeg (uwinnipeg.ca)

Graduate Student of Highest Distinction
There will be a notation on student transcripts of “Student of Highest Distinction” if students receive a GPA higher than 4.25.

Back to Policies and Guidelines index