Faculty of Communication and Culture
Faculty Regulations
Admission
Applicants should refer to "Admission Requirements" in the Academic Regulations section of this Calendar for regulations regarding University admission requirements. | ||||
Application and Documentation Deadlines for Admission | Major Programs Minor Program - Architectural Studies Refer to the Applications for Admission Schedule at the front of this Calendar for application and documentation deadlines. | |||
BA, BSc, BGS and BCS Programs | Students wishing to enroll in one of the degree programs of the Faculty of Communication and Culture must meet the following admission requirements: 1. Students applying to the Major programs and the Bachelor of Communications Studies must present the following: (a) satisfactory matriculation or Adult Student standing as outlined in the Academic Regulations section of this Calendar (b) English Language Arts 30-1 (c) one of Pure Mathematics 30 or Mathematics 31 or Applied Mathematics 30. 2. For the general programs, English Language Arts 30-1 and at least one of the following are required: (a) Pure Mathematics 30 or Mathematics 31 or Applied Mathematics 30, or (b) a language other than English at the 30 or 31 level. 3. Transfer students seeking admission should refer to "Admission Requirements" in the Academic Regulations section of this Calendar. 4. Admission to the quota Majors - Communications Studies (Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies and Bachelor of Communications Studies) and Law and Society - will be granted in the Fall Session only, and in accordance with academic merit. A minimum grade point average of 2.50 is required for consideration for admission but does not guarantee admission. Grade point average over the most recent course work to a maximum of five full-course equivalents (University of Calgary courses and/or transferable courses taken at other institutions) will normally constitute the standard. All grades within a session will be included except where the number of courses taken within a session exceeds that required to fulfill (to a maximum of) five full-course equivalents, in which case the highest grades will be used. Spring and Summer Session courses taken after May 1 will not count towards determining admissibility. Applicants to the Bachelor of Communications Studies program who apply on the basis of a diploma from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology will have their grade point average calculated on their overall diploma grades. | |||
Honours Programs in Communication and Culture | Students in BA and BSc Major programs are eligible to apply to the Honours program in the Spring preceding their final year of study. Admission to the Honours program requires a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.30 in the last 10 full-course equivalents (University of Calgary courses and/or transferable courses taken at other institutions). Students should note that if the tenth course is one of a number of courses within a session, the course with the highest grade in that session will be included in the calculation. It is recommended that students wishing to enroll in the Honours program obtain guidelines and an application form from the Administrative Assistant in the Faculty of Communication and Culture Academic Programs office by March 1. Students are also advised to secure a thesis supervisor by May 15. The application form, bearing the signature of the thesis supervisor, and a preliminary thesis proposal must be submitted to the Honours Program Co-ordinator no later than June 1 preceding the final year of study. Entry to the Honours program and General Studies 590 require the approval of the Honours Program Co-ordinator. Students must change their program on-line to ensure that their student record reflects their intent to complete an Honours program. As part of their degree programs, students in the Honours program will take General Studies 590 under the supervision of a faculty member approved by the Honours Program Co-ordinator. This course will culminate in the preparation of an Honours thesis which will be examined by a Faculty committee. Co-operative Education students who are considering Honours should consult with the Career Services office as soon as they are accepted into the Co-operative Education program to ensure that they are placed in a course sequence that will accommodate the Honours thesis in their last year. | |||
Graduation Requirements | Degrees with Honours are awarded in two classes: Honours and First Class Honours. Degrees with Honours are awarded to students who have successfully completed an approved program equivalent to 20 full-course equivalents with a grade point average of at least 3.30 over the last 15 full-course equivalents and a satisfactory grade (i.e., "C" or higher) in General Studies 590 (Thesis: Directed Research). First Class Honours is awarded to students who have successfully completed an approved program equivalent to 20 full-course equivalents with a grade point average of at least 3.70 over the last 15 full-course equivalents and a grade of "A-" or higher in General Studies 590. Students should note that if the 15th course is one of a number of courses within a session, the highest grade in that session will be included in the calculation. The grade for General Studies 590 is included in the 15 full-course equivalents grade point average calculation. Students who do not meet the requirements for an Honours degree will normally be considered for a standard degree. | |||
Degrees "With Distinction" | The notation "With Distinction" will be inscribed on the permanent record and graduation parchment of any student achieving a grade point average of 3.60 over the final fifteen full-course equivalents of a twenty full-course equivalent degree program, or the final ten full-course equivalents of a fifteen full-course equivalent degree program. A student who has taken part of his/her work at another university or who has transferred into the Faculty may be granted a degree "With Distinction" at the discretion of the Faculty. | |||
Second Baccalaureate Degrees | Students who have qualified for an approved degree (BA, BSc, BEd, etc.) may proceed to a second baccalaureate degree by completing the previously stated requirements for that degree under the following conditions: 1. Up to 12 full-course equivalents completed in the first degree program may be counted towards the second degree. The applicability of such courses will be determined at the discretion of the Associate Dean (Student Affairs). 2. At least half of the additional courses required must be at the senior level and a minimum of five full-course equivalents must be taken at the University of Calgary. Formal application for admission to a second degree program must be made to the Admissions Office. Upon admission to the program, students are advised to contact the Undergraduate Programs Office (UPO) to discuss their academic plans and obtain general advice regarding the requirements of the second degree. The UPO will then prepare a detailed formal assessment outlining the remaining requirements in each individual case. The second degree may be awarded "With Distinction" at the discretion of the Faculty if a grade point average of at least 3.60 on all additional courses required together with the applicable courses from the first degree is achieved. | |||
Double Major | Students desiring a degree with a double Major must complete all requirements of both Major Fields. Permission to undertake a double Major must be obtained from the Associate Dean (Student Affairs). Students are advised that course work in addition to the normal 20 full-course equivalents will usually be required. | |||
Combined Degree Program | · For the prescribed Bachelor of Arts (Canadian Studies)/ Bachelor of Education (Master of Teaching) program, see the Canadian Studies section of this Calendar. · All Communication and Culture Major programs may be combined with degree programs from Humanities, Social Sciences or some other faculties. (See combined degree chart.) Students must complete a minimum of twenty-five full-course equivalents and meet the admission and graduation requirements of both programs. · Students should consult with the Associate Deans (Student Affairs) of the Faculties offering the programs they are considering. | |||
Effective Writing Requirement | All students must satisfy the Effective Writing Requirement as outlined in the Academic Regulations section of this Calendar. | |||
Registration
First Year Program for all Communication and Culture Degrees | |
Registration | Suggested First Year Courses for all Communication and Culture Students First year students in Communication and Culture programs, whether or not they have decided on a Major, are encouraged to explore courses in a variety of areas from within and outside the Faculty. It is recommended that a first year program include: · General Studies 201 (strongly recommended) · At least three of the following:
If desired courses in the above list are unavailable or present timetable conflicts, other 200-level courses from any Faculty may be substituted. · At least one full-course equivalent from outside of the Faculty of Communication and Culture Communication and Culture degree programs may include senior-level courses offered by other Faculties either as core requirements or as options. It is therefore useful to take first year courses from a variety of other areas. For example, students pursuing a degree in Law and Society might include a first year course from Philosophy and History. Those interested in taking Development Studies might take a first year course in Geography and Economics. Students seeking advice on first year course selection may contact the Undergraduate Programs Office. |
Accuracy of Registration | Students are responsible for ensuring that they meet degree and program requirements. While the Undergraduate Programs Office (UPO) endeavours to assist all students as they proceed in the various programs, a final and thorough check is not done until the final year of the program, upon application for graduation. Students are cautioned, therefore, to check all regulations with respect to the degree requirements. Academic advice can be obtained from the UPO or directly from the Assistant/Associate Deans or Division Heads. Consultation with the Undergraduate Programs Office is recommended to ensure that all graduation requirements are met. Any departure from standard program requirements must receive prior written authorization by the Associate Dean (Student Affairs) or designate. |
Minor Fields | Students may formally declare Minor Fields and have these officially recorded on their transcripts. This declaration may be made not later than the time of the last registration. Students should keep in mind that courses taken to fulfill Major Field requirements may not be used in fulfillment of Minor Field requirements. Students are advised that course work in addition to the normal 20 full-course equivalents may be required if a formal Minor program is declared. Minor Fields may be taken from Continuing Education and the Faculties of Communication and Culture, Education, Fine Arts, Haskayne School of Business, Humanities, Medicine, Science and Social Sciences. |
Course Load | The equivalent of five full courses in the Fall/Winter Sessions represents a normal full load. Students who have completed such a course load in the previous session with a grade point average of at least 3.20 will normally be permitted to register for one additional course. Students who do not meet this criterion may register for a six-course load only with the special permission of the Associate Dean (Student Affairs). It should be pointed out that extra courses represent substantial burdens and may damage overall performance. Opportunities for accelerated progress also exist through credit courses in the Spring and Summer Sessions and credits obtained "by special assessment." |
Withdrawal from Courses | Students will not be permitted to withdraw more than once from a particular course. Students will be required to withdraw from the Faculty if they have accumulated a total of more than five full-course equivalent withdrawals while in attendance at the University of Calgary. Subject to the regulations specified above, students may withdraw from courses by using the Web or Touch-Tone Telephone Registration Systems. The withdrawal must be processed prior to the deadline specified in the Academic Schedule printed in this Calendar. Before deciding to withdraw from a course, students should seek advice on the implications of this action with their Division Head or from the Associate Dean (Student Affairs) in the Undergraduate Programs Office. Students wishing to withdraw completely from the University should refer to the Academic Regulations section of this Calendar. |
Repetition of Courses | Taking or repeating a course that is a prerequisite for a higher level course after having completed the higher level course with a grade of "C-" or better will only be allowed with the permission of both the faculty in which the student is registered and the department offering the course. |
Credit in Courses "By Special Assessment" | Students may obtain credit in certain courses without completing the requirements in the normal way through an academic session. Application should be made on the appropriate form headed "Permission to Take Courses by Special Assessment" and should be presented to the Associate Dean (Student Affairs). Forms are available in the Undergraduate Programs Office and the Office of the Registrar. Not more than five full-course equivalents completed "by Special Assessment" may be counted towards a degree. |
Opportunities to Take Course Work at Another Institution for Transfer of Credit | Students may be authorized to take some of their program course work at another post-secondary institution if their registration as a visiting student is acceptable to that institution. Students seeking authorization must apply for a Letter of Permission specifying full details of the proposed courses, the total hours of instruction and calendar descriptions. The fee is $25.00. The student will be advised officially by letter of the acceptability of the proposed courses for transfer credit in his/her program and an appropriate letter will be sent to the Registrar of the other institution. It will be the responsibility of the student to ensure that an official transcript of grades is forwarded directly to the Registrar of this University in order that appropriate credit may be officially recorded. |
Student Standing
Academic Standing | The academic standing of each student registered in the Faculty is normally reviewed at least once each year following the Winter Session. Reviews may also be conducted following the Spring, Summer, and Fall Sessions. At the time of any review, students who have not completed three full-course equivalents or more since their previous review will normally maintain their current standing unless they have failed to meet one or more specific conditions of probation. Note: All University courses completed (credit and non-credit) are used for the purpose of academic review. |
Dean's List | The Dean's List recognizes outstanding academic achievement of students registered in the Faculty of Communication and Culture. It is compiled annually at the end of the Winter Session. To be eligible for inclusion on the Dean's List, students must have completed a minimum of four and one-half full-course equivalents in the previous Fall and Winter Sessions and have achieved a combined Fall/Winter grade point average of 3.60 or higher. Students completing a Co-operative Education Work Term in either a Fall or Winter Session will be eligible for inclusion on the Dean's List, provided they have completed four or more University of Calgary half courses or the equivalent with a grade point average of at least 3.60 over all courses taken in the complementary Fall or Winter Session, and have passed the Work Term. |
Satisfactory Standing | Satisfactory standing means having achieved a grade point average of at least 2.00 on all courses taken since the student's admission or previous review. |
Academic Probation | Students will be placed on academic probation if they have achieved a grade point average of 1.70 or greater but less than 2.00 on all courses taken since their previous review. Students will be permitted a maximum of one probationary period while registered as undergraduate students at the University of Calgary. Students will be required to withdraw rather than be placed on probation for a second time. Probationary periods that have occurred in excess of five years previous will not be counted. |
Requirement to Withdraw | Students will normally be required to withdraw from the Faculty of Communication and Culture if they: (a) have achieved a grade point average of less than 1.70 on all courses taken since their previous review. (b) have accumulated a total of five or more full-course equivalent "F" grades. (c) have achieved a grade point average of 1.70 to 1.99 and have previously been placed on probation. (d) have accumulated more than five full-course equivalent course withdrawals. Students placed on probation or required to withdraw will be so advised in writing. |
Clearing Probation | Students will be reinstated in satisfactory standing if they have achieved a grade point average of at least 2.00 on all courses taken since their previous review. Students will be advised of their status in writing. Notwithstanding the specific regulations above, students' academic standing may be reviewed at any time and those with generally poor academic records may be placed or continued on academic probation or required to withdraw at the discretion of the Dean. |
Readmission | · Students who have been required to withdraw for unsatisfactory academic performance may be considered for readmission after 12 or more months have elapsed since the date of dismissal. · Applicants who have completed 5 or more full-course equivalents must apply to a specific program within the Faculty. · Applicants must apply by the deadlines stated in the current Calendar and meet the current admission requirements of the program to which they are seeking admission. · Applicants must attach a letter to their application which (a) offers an explanation for their previously poor record, (b) outlines their academic plans and (c) explains why they are now likely to be successful. · Readmission is not guaranteed. Students so readmitted must maintain a grade point average of at least 2.00 on all courses taken after readmission. Failure to do so will result in permanent dismissal from the Faculty of Communication and Culture. Students who have twice been required to withdraw from one or more Faculties at this or any other institution will not normally be considered for admission at any time. |
Appeals Process
See section on Reappraisal of Grades and Academic Appeals in the Academic Regulations section of this Calendar. Appeals at the Faculty level must be in writing, directed to the Dean and submitted within 15 days of the event or ruling giving rise to the appeal. Any such appeal must specify (a) exactly what is being appealed, (b) the grounds for appeal, and (c) the remedy sought. If sufficient grounds are not specified in the letter of appeal, the Chairperson of the Committee on Appeals may refuse to hear the appeal. For appeal of admission decisions see "Admission/Registration Refusal" in the Admissions section of this Calendar. |