This section of the Academic Calendar details all of the University’s academic regulations and processes.
Regulations
In order for Mount Saint Vincent University to evaluate possible transfer credits, students must:
- apply to the University and indicate in the application the intended program and/or major;
- provide official transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary institutions. Final transcripts must be provided for transfer credits to be finalized; and
- be prepared to provide official copies of course descriptions (syllabi preferred).
A completed transfer credit assessment will be sent to students and the results will be included on their University transcript. Transfer credit requests made before the admissions application deadline will be given priority. Students with questions or concerns about transfer credits should contact the Admissions Office at admissions@msvu.ca.
External credits can be applied towards a University certificate, diploma or degree up to a maximum of 50 percent of the total credits required through any combination of the following as listed in the Accepted External Credits table below. In addition to this requirement, students must complete a minimum of 50 percent of the specific credential requirements at Mount Saint Vincent University. This regulation applies to requirements for:
- majors
- specializations
- concentrations
- minors
- honours
- coursework at the 3000 level or above as required to complete a major or honours program
Accepted External Credits Table (PDF)
Mount Saint Vincent University may grant transfer credit equivalency for academic work previously completed at accredited universities and colleges.
- Credits must be acceptable to the program in which transfer is being sought at the University either as a required course or an elective.
- Credits that transfer as part of the requirements for a major must meet the University’s standards pertaining to program averages.
- Credits will be assessed in one of two ways:
– As part of an articulation agreement with another accredited institution.
– Individually by an Admissions Officer in consultation with the appropriate department.
Except for credits awarded in Mount Saint Vincent University degrees offered in association with Saint Mary’s University and Bermuda College, a grade of “P” (pass) will be assigned to all transfer credits. In the case of Bermuda College, credits will transfer in alpha form and will be considered in the University’s GPA calculation.
Note: Program prerequisites or the content of the program may change substantially. Credits taken many years previously may be considered non-transferable in such cases.
- To graduate from Mount Saint Vincent University, transfer students must complete a minimum of 50 percent of the coursework required in the major, minor, specialization and concentration requirements at the Mount and fulfill all specific credential requirements.
- Transfer students who begin study at the Mount, transfer elsewhere and then return, will be reviewed for credit on an individual basis, but must be within the 50 percent regulation for University coursework content. Please see section 2.2.8 Reactivation/Resumption of Study for more information.
- Upon admission to a credential program, an assessment will be completed and a Transfer Credit report will be issued.
- Approved transfer credits will appear on the academic transcript.
Articulated Degree Arrangements
View the listing of articulated agreements.
Students enrolled at Mount Saint Vincent University (the University) and wishing to take courses at other institutions (host institutions) for credit must obtain formal approval on a Letter of Permission (LOP) form prior to registering at the host institution.
A Letter of Permission (LOP) may be approved providing the following conditions are met:
- a student must be registered in courses at the University; exceptional cases will be considered on an individual basis;
- a student is in good academic standing and has successfully completed 3.0 units of coursework at the University;
- student has not reached the allowable number of transfer credits of 50 percent of any undergraduate/graduate credential;
- the course at the host institution is acceptable for transfer to the student’s academic program.
- the letter of permission form(s) is/are submitted on or before the last day to add/drop a course for each respective academic term or summer session.
The following are conditions under which LOP requests are not normally granted:
- a student is not registered in a degree, diploma, or certificate program at the University;
- the course being requested does not meet program and/or major requirements at the University;
- a student is not in good academic standing at the University;
- a student has been academically dismissed from the University;
- a course was completed at another institution without prior approval of the LOP;
- The course is offered at the University during the session being requested except in the following situations:
– a schedule conflict that cannot be resolved
– a course at the University is full
– a course at the University is not offered through Distance Learning
– taking the course at the University would cause undue hardship
A grade of “P” (pass) will be assigned to all LOP credits, except for credits taken while in an approved formal exchange program, which may transfer in an alpha format and will be considered in the University’s GPA based on program requirements. If the host institution’s grading scheme is in numeric format, marks will transfer in as “P”, which holds a neutral GPA value.
Note: Upon approval of the LOP by the Registrar’s Office, the course is added to the student’s academic transcript. If the student does not take the course she/he must submit, to the Registrar’s Office, written proof from the host institution that the course was not taken in order for the course to be removed from the transcript.
Students with questions or concerns about Letters of Permission may contact the Registrar’s Office at registration@msvu.ca.
Challenge for Credit provides students who have obtained knowledge and skills (through various institutes, corporate and/or on-the-job training programs that are not normally eligible for transfer credit or requirement waiver, and self-study) with an opportunity to obtain credit toward their Mount Saint Vincent University credential.
Exclusions
- Challenge for Credit is not applicable for work completed at the secondary level.
- Each department determines which, if any, of its course requirements can be fulfilled by Challenge for Credit, recognizing that such arrangements are not appropriate for all course offerings.
- Students may not Challenge for Credit any coursework prerequisite to coursework taken concurrently or in the past. Similarly, students may not Challenge for Credit coursework they have exceeded by means of a placement test, requirement waiver, or transfer credit granted.
- Students may not Challenge for Credit to raise the grade of a course taken previously at Mount Saint Vincent University or elsewhere.
Policy and Procedures
- Students may obtain up to 5.0 units through Challenge for Credit in an undergraduate degree; up to 4.0 units in a diploma or up to 3.0 units in a certificate.
- Students initiate the process directly with the Registrar’s Office if they believe they are eligible.
- Each student must meet departmental requirements for Challenge for Credit. Departments have the right to refuse a Challenge for Credit request. If approved at the department level, the student must then submit a formal Challenge for Credit application and the appropriate fee to the Registrar’s Office.
- In most cases, Challenge for Credit will involve taking a formal examination. In some cases, especially where a formal examination is not given, the Challenge for Credit will involve completing a major project or piece of work for evaluation.
- Students may Challenge for Credit only once for a course, and the results of the Challenge will be recorded on the transcript. Where the Challenge grade is C or higher, the actual grade is recorded. Where the grade is C- or lower, a notation of NC (no credit) is recorded.
- The cost is one half the cost of the course being challenged.
The Mount recognizes learning that applicants have acquired through institutes, corporate and/or on-the-job training programs and educational settings not normally eligible for transfer credit. Although policies exist currently in the areas of transfer and challenge for credit, no more than 50 percent of any credential can be accredited at the Mount through a compilation of the following:
- Transfer credit – up to 50 percent of any undergraduate credential
- Challenge credit – up to 5.0 units in an undergraduate degree, up to 4.0 units in a diploma or up to 3.0 units in a certificate
- Portfolio assessment – up to 50 percent of any undergraduate credential
Note: Credit earned through Prior Learning Assessment policies at other institutions will be assessed as transfer credit to Mount Saint Vincent University.
Portfolio Assessment
Students are requested to submit their portfolio to the Registrar’s Office with their requests for specific course assessments. Portfolios will be forwarded to the appropriate department(s) for review and assessment.
The cost of portfolio assessment is one half of the cost of the course being evaluated.
- In the first two semesters of university attendance, students will normally take up to a maximum 5.0 units. Please note: part-time students are enrolled in 2.5 or fewer units during the September to April academic year and full-time students are enrolled in 3.0 or more units during the September to April academic year.
- The maximum course load for the Fall semester, Winter semester or combined Summer sessions is 2.5 units, or 1.5 units per individual Summer session I or II.
- Practicum courses are not considered part of the course load.
- Students with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or greater may apply to exceed this maximum course limit. Normally, only an additional 0.5 unit will be permitted
Students enrolled at Mount Saint Vincent University who wish to take courses at other institutions for credit must obtain formal approval through a Letter of Permission prior to registering in an external course.
Students who have been away from studies for more than one year, are required to reactivate through one of the following three processes:
1. Students who:
- are reactivating into a non-degree program or a previous program of study (not a limited enrolment program); and
- have not attended another institution during the absence from the Mount
Must: complete the Reactivation form (found online at msvu.ca/regofficeforms) and submit it to the Registrar’s Office.
2. Students who:
- are reactivating into a non-degree program or a previous program of study (not a limited enrolment program); and
- have attended another institution(s) during the absence from the Mount
Must: complete and submit the Reactivation form (found online at msvu.ca/regofficeforms) to the Admissions Office, along with official transcripts from the institutions attended during the absence from the Mount.
3. Students who:
- are reactivating into a limited enrolment program (BA(CYS), BPR, or BEd)
Must: formally apply to the University through the Admissions Office and can do so online at msvu.ca/applyonline.
Because course and degree requirements change over time students are advised to review the full program and course descriptions. Students with questions should consult the appropriate department Chair, the Dean, or the Registrar for clarification of standing if program requirements have changed since previous registration.
Ordinarily, no student may register at Mount Saint Vincent University if concurrently registered at another educational institution without the explicit approval of the home university.
Students from other institutions who want to register in Mount Saint Vincent University courses for credit at home must obtain the appropriate approval form from their home institution and present the form when registering at the Mount. Students with an approval form from the home institution are not required to formally apply for admissions at Mount Saint Vincent University. Students must complete the Visiting Student Application/Registration form.
Students with questions or concerns about becoming a visiting student at Mount Saint Vincent University should review the Visiting Student Information.
See Academic Course Add/Drop Dates and Important Dates in the University Year for current registration dates.
Students formally admitted to the University must complete all registration procedures in order to be considered officially registered at the University. Information can be obtained from the Registrar’s Office by all students eligible to register.
To be officially registered, students must:
- Have been formally admitted to the University;
- Have met the necessary financial obligations: if newly admitted, paid the required confirmation deposit; or, if previously registered, have cleared all outstanding financial obligations;
- Have obtained the required approvals for proposed coursework and submitted a completed Course Change form to the Registrar or submitted their registrations through myMount, the University’s online registration system. Distance students must have formally completed Distance Learning registration procedures.
Note: Students obtaining course approvals do so on the understanding that prerequisites will be met prior to the beginning of the course. Prerequisites are listed in the Calendar description of each course offered. Failure to meet prerequisites may result in dismissal from the course.
- As a part of the registration process, students must also open a financial account with Financial Services for the proposed period of study.
Once formal registration has been completed, enrolment records are established for each student by the Registrar. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure the enrolment record is maintained accurately and updated to reflect any changes (including the decision to not begin courses or to stop attending courses) as outlined below.
Note: Changes in personal status, address, e-mail, telephone number and so forth must be reported directly to the Registrar’s Office either in person, in writing or online through myMount. Changes to a student’s record are made only upon the written request of the student. Appropriate forms are available from the Registrar’s Office. Alternatively, students may submit changes by letter or by FAX to 902-457-6498. All correspondence must include the student’s Mount Saint Vincent University identification number to ensure accurate recording.
Declaring a Concentration
Students in the Bachelor of Arts (General Studies) or Bachelor of Science (General Studies) degrees must complete their degrees with a “concentration ” which consists of 4.0 units of study as defined by the department offering the concentration.
The first step is deciding the discipline in which you wish to declare your concentration in. Those taking a Bachelor of Arts (General Studies) can choose from: Applied Statistics, Biology, Canadian Studies, Chemistry, Cultural Studies, Economics, English, Family Studies, French, Gerontology, History, Mathematics, Philosophy, Political Studies, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology/Anthropology, Spanish, and Women’s Studies. For those taking a Bachelor of Science (General Studies), the possibilities are: Applied Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Psychology. Your decision will be aided by first investigating the requirements for the specific concentration. The specific requirements for Concentrations and Minors are found under Section 4 Departments, Programs and Course Listings.
Secondly, you should seek advice from the Centre for Academic Advising and Student Success. You are encouraged to seek this advice early in your studies to ensure the proper course selection and sequence for your program.
Once you have decided to declare a concentration, you must:
- complete a Declaration/Change of Program form (available from the Registrar’s Office or online at msvu.ca/regofficeforms);
- submit the completed form to the Registrar’s Office to have your concentration officially declared.
Students must declare their concentration before registering for their sixth unit of coursework. Students who do not declare their concentration within this time frame will not be permitted to register for further coursework.
Changing a Major
Student who wish to change their major must proceed as follows:
- have the department Chair in which you intend to major, sign a Declaration/Change of Program form (available from the Registrar’s Office or online at msvu.ca/regofficeforms);
- submit the completed form to the Registrar’s Office to have your major officially declared.
Students may change their registration in courses only during the first week of each semester. An instructor is not obligated to accept a student into a class after the first full week of classes has passed.
In order to make such a change, students must complete a Course Change form and submit it to the Registrar’s Office. These changes can also be done online through myMount.
It is the students’ responsibility to keep their registration records accurate and up to date through the submission of Course Change forms.
Alternately, students may submit changes by letter, fax, or by sending an email from their Mount student email account to registration@msvu.ca. Only changes made in writing or on myMount will be recorded. Distance students must complete Distance Learning procedures or inform the Registrar’s Office in writing.
The effective change date is the date the form is received and date-stamped in the Registrar’s Office.
Once students are registered in courses, their names are part of the official enrolment record and grades will be assigned.
Students wishing to withdraw from courses must withdraw in writing. The responsibility for initiating withdrawal rests with the student.
Ceasing to attend classes or advising the course instructor of intended withdrawal is not sufficient to register a formal withdrawal.
Withdrawal from a course is done by submitting a Course Change form, or letter (containing all the relevant information from a Course Change form) to the Registrar’s Office. Distance students must complete Distance Learning procedures or inform the Registrar’s Office in writing. The official date of withdrawal is the date the form or letter is received and date-stamped in the Registrar’s Office. Students should take this into account when meeting withdrawal deadlines – see Academic Course Add/Drop Dates.
Students who withdraw from a course after these dates or who do not complete the course requirements will automatically receive failures. Consideration will be given by the appropriate Dean to students who are forced to withdraw past the deadlines due to unusual circumstances. See Regulations Governing “WP” Grades 2.2.20 Undergraduate Level Grading Scheme.
Regular attendance is expected of students at all classes. In general, the responsibility for meeting this obligation rests with students, even where it is not specifically stated in the course outline. Students may not register for courses where the scheduled times overlap in any way on any day.
It is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor of any justifiable reason that causes an absence from class.
Resumption Following a Labour Disruption
Should a strike or lockout occur during an academic session, classes and examinations may be rescheduled following the conclusion of the labour disruption.
A student’s transcript is the record of academic work undertaken and results obtained while at the Mount.
Transcript copies are prepared and released upon the written request of students in good financial standing with the University. Telephone requests cannot be accepted, but written and signed requests may be sent by fax to 902-457-6498 to expedite ordering. Complete and submit the Transcript Request form. Students may obtain an unofficial copy of their own transcript upon request.
The CCR provides students an opportunity to document their verified non-academic extra-curricular involvement in volunteer work, professional development activities, receipt of awards, leadership experiences, varsity athletics, global engagement, and student society participation on an official university document, the Co-Curricular Record. Students may submit their activities via careerconnets.msvu.ca. Once the activity has been validated by the activity supervisor, it will appear on the student’s Co-Curricular Record along with the competencies the student has identified learning from the activity. The CCR gives students the edge employers and graduate schools are looking for! Students may wish to share their CCR along with their applications and it may be accessed by the student anytime via careerconnects.msvu.ca. Full details about the program, including student guidelines and frequently asked questions are available at Student User Guide.
Students are encouraged to meet regularly with staff and faculty advisors about their academic plans and progress. Advisors help students: understand their degree requirements and academic policies and procedures, select and schedule courses and plan their programs, explore their academic interests, and access other on-campus student services.
Students should meet with an advisor before they begin their first year of study, annually to discuss course selection for the summer, fall and winter semesters, and anytime they have questions or require academic advice. It is the student’s responsibility to know their program requirements to ensure they meet graduation requirements.
The Centre for Academic Advising and Student Success is open to all Mount students and connects them with key academic support services across campus. Contact advising@msvu.ca or 902-457-6657 to connect with an advisor.
One sign of academic excellence is the attainment of Deans’ List Standing. To attain this honour, a student must achieve a GPA of 3.5 or higher in 5.0 consecutive units, with no grade below B-. Students may be enrolled on either a full-time or part-time basis.
The Deans’ List is prepared and posted annually during the fall semester. Mount Saint Vincent University and letter of permission courses included in the calculation of cumulative GPAs are considered in the preparation of the Deans’ List. Courses are considered only once for inclusion in the Deans’ List and the calculations are based on 5.0 unit increments. Coursework transferred from another institution is not eligible for consideration in the Deans’ List.
Within the academic standing of the Deans’ List, a student may achieve first-class honours by obtaining a GPA of 3.7 in 5.0 units, with no grade below a B-.
Student records are reviewed at the end of the fall, winter and summer terms for academic progress. Students’ academic standing is assessed once per year when winter term results become available.
Good Academic Standing
Good academic standing is a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 1.7 or higher.
Academic Alert
Students who achieve a Term Grade Point Average (TGPA) below 1.7 in their fall term grades will receive a letter from the Academic Advising Office, notifying them that they are on Academic Alert.
Academic Alert is not an academic standing and is not recorded on the student’s academic transcript. It is an early alert that a student may be in academic jeopardy if her/his academic progress does not improve and is an indication that academic advising should be sought.
Academic Probation
Students with a CGPA of less than 1.7 and greater than or equal to 1.0 who have attempted at least 3.0 units, will be placed on academic probation.
Students on academic probation:
- are required to meet with a Student Academic Advisor to have their course registration approved;
- may continue to take courses and will normally be restricted to registering in a maximum of 4.0 units per academic year; and
- are required to register in and successfully complete the Student Success Course, UNIV 0001.
Students who achieve a CGPA of 1.7 or higher by the end of the following winter term will be returned to “good academic standing.”
Students on academic probation who do not achieve a TGPA of 1.7 by the end of the following winter term will be academically suspended for a 12-month period.
Academic Suspension
- Students on academic probation whose TGPA is less than 1.7 will be academically suspended for a 12-month period.
- Students whose CGPA is less than 1.0 and who have attempted at least 3.0 units will be academically suspended for a 12-month period.
Students who have been academically suspended for a second time:
- will not be permitted to apply for reactivation for at least two academic years; and
- must meet with a Student Academic Advisor prior to any reactivation.
Reactivation
Students seeking reactivation following suspension are required to meet with the Student Academic Advisor prior to any reactivation. Students will be reactivated on academic probation and special conditions of reactivation may apply.
Graduation Requirements
- Students require a CGPA of 1.7 to graduate.
- No one will be allowed to graduate while on academic probation.
- Additionally, students must meet specific departmental GPA requirements for graduation.
Undergraduate Courses Guidelines for Marking
The undergraduate grading system is alphabetic. Following are the grades given in undergraduate courses, along with the GPA points for each grade and an explanation of what the grade means:
Undergraduate Level Grading Scheme table (PDF)
IP
When a final grade notation of IP is given in seminars, independent and directed studies at the senior undergraduate level, students must complete the required work within four months of the month the notation is given in lieu of a final grade. If the course is not completed within this time, the student must re-register for the course (and pay another course tuition) in order to receive credit for the course.
When a final grade notation of IP is given in the honours thesis seminar in April, the thesis must be completed by the following mid-September (in time for fall convocation), otherwise the student must re-register (and pay another course tuition) in order to receive credit for the course.
INC
The notation INC (Incomplete) is given according to the following regulations:
- When a student is unable to complete course requirements for other than medical reasons and the faculty member agrees to a schedule for the completion of the outstanding requirements.
- When a student is unable to complete course requirements, which may or may not include a final exam, due to illness, an appropriate medical certificate must be presented to the Registrar’s Office and accepted by faculty at the time that the final examination was to have been written or no later than the last day of classes for a course with no final examination.
Arrangements for course completion are made on an individual basis and in the case of illness, must be made as soon as the student is sufficiently recovered to complete the outstanding requirements. Normally, when sufficiently recovered, the student will be permitted to write the examination or complete the outstanding requirements on application to the Registrar’s Office.
Under no circumstances can work be accepted after the last day of the month following the end of the session in which the “Incomplete” (INC) is earned, but faculty can set an earlier deadline within that period. If these arrangements are not completed in the specified time, the INC notation shall be changed to Failure (F) unless the coursework completed to the time of receiving the INC warrants a passing grade. In such cases the faculty will assign the grade.
In exceptional cases, a grade of INC may be changed to a grade of Deferred (DEF). Please refer to the regulations governing the grade of DEF.
DEF
A notation of “DEF” (deferred) may be given through the Registrar’s Office in exceptional cases when a student is unable to complete course requirements due to medical or other reasons during the time frame provided for completing an INC grade.
Normally, in accordance with INC grade regulations, a grade of INC will be initially assigned by the course instructor. A student whose circumstances warrant a grade of DEF must submit a Petition to Request a Grade of Deferred (DEF) form and supporting documentation to the Registrar’s Office by the deadlines found here. The Registrar’s Office will obtain all required signatures in order to determine whether the petition will be granted or the grade of INC will remain.
If the petition for the DEF is granted and the student cannot or does not subsequently complete the examination or coursework, the notation of DEF remains on the transcript indefinitely. A notation of DEF that can be cleared must be cleared by the approved deadline (maximum of six months). If this is not done, the student must retake the course or a substitute to earn credit. This means another formal course registration and payment of tuition.
WF
A student who withdraws from a course after the ‘Last Day to drop without academic penalty’ deadline (see Academic Course Add/Drop Dates for details) will receive the notation ‘WF’ on their transcript. This notation will affect a student’s GPA.
WP
A student who withdraws from a course due to exceptional circumstances after the withdrawal date for academic penalty may petition to the Dean for a grade of WP. If the petition is granted and the student has earned a grade of C- or above in the coursework to the point of withdrawal, a grade of WP will be recorded. Students must complete the Petition to Request a Grade of Withdraw Pass (WP) available online and submit to the Registrar’s Office. The deadline to apply for a WP is the last day of classes for each term – see Important Dates in the University Year for the “Last day of Classes” notation.
Grades for Co-op Work Terms, Practica, and Work Experience Terms Table (PDF)
Passing Mark
A minimum grade of D is required to pass any undergraduate course. However, some courses may involve the completion of additional requirements, such as competence in particular skills, for a passing grade.
It is necessary that students achieve a grade of D in the work in the second semester and an average of D in both semesters in order to pass a 1.0 unit course.
The procedures relating to the administration of final examinations are detailed in Senate Policy – Final Examinations, Policy and Procedures (policy Number: CAPP 2022-01). The policy can be found on the University website under Senate Policies.
The Final Examinations, Policy and Procedures policy details the following:
- scheduling of final examinations;
- final examination scheduling conflicts;
- missed final examinations;
- rescheduled final examinations;
- accommodations for final examinations;
- preparation and distribution of final examinations;
- proctoring of final examinations;
- canceled final examinations.
Final Examinations (General Information)
- The Registrar’s Office is responsible for managing the administration of final examinations. Please email exams@msvu.ca if you have any questions regarding the administration of final examinations.
- In accordance with Senate Guidelines for Setting Academic Calendar Dates, a final examination period of between eight and ten days will be scheduled in both the Fall and Winter terms.
- No formal final examination period is scheduled for Summer Session courses.
- No tests or exams worth more than 20 percent of a course grade shall be held in the last two weeks of classes in the Fall and Winter terms prior to the scheduled final examination period.
- A final examination must never provide more than 50 percent of the total mark for a course.
1. An examination will normally be required for every course taught at the University.
2. There will be an examination period at the end of each term during which all examinations will be written as scheduled by the Registrar’s Office. Instructors may not schedule examinations outside of this examination period including the reading day. Please note: The Registrar’s Office administers examinations for the fall and winter terms. Examinations during the summer terms are managed by the individual faculty member.
3. The value of the examination must be at least 30 percent of the work of the term, the exact value of each examination to be determined by the instructor in consultation with the department.
4. An examination must never provide more than 50 percent of the total mark for a course.
5. With the exception of Practica, Co-op and Internships, all students, including those in labs and pass/fail courses, must receive written feedback from instructors before the deadline for withdrawing without academic penalty.
6. The form of the examination—oral, multiple choice, open book, essay, etc.—will be the prerogative of the instructor in consultation with the department.
7. Exemptions for giving an examination in a course are subject to departmental policy on examinations and reporting. If a course is exempt from examination, this must be stated in the course outline, and the Registrar’s Office must be informed of the exemption.
8. No tests will be held nor assignments made due during the final two weeks of any academic term unless these tests and formal assignments are included on the course outline distributed at the beginning of each academic term. Examination scheduling is covered in items 2 and 7 above.
9. Grades for all courses having examinations must be received in the Registrar’s Office five days after the scheduled examination day.
10. Students are cautioned to not make travel arrangements until exams are completed during the examination period as end of term travel plans are not a valid reason to miss an examination.
11. Students are not permitted to write examinations prior to the regularly scheduled examination for their class. In the case of online courses with proctored exams, students who live within 100 km of the Mount must write their examination(s) on campus during the scheduled time.
General Exam Rules for Students
- Nothing may be taken to the student’s seat except materials authorized for the examination.
- Anything which is not authorized by the instructor or chief proctor must be left at the front of the examination room. Such items include (but are not limited to) jackets, backpacks, textbooks, notes and purses.
- Unauthorized computing, data storage, and communication devices must be turned off and left at the front of the examination room.
- In the case of open-book exams, students will be permitted to have material at their seats that has been pre-authorized by their instructor.
- Calculators may be used only at the discretion of the instructor.
- With the exception of clear plastic water bottles with no writing on them, food and beverages are not permitted in the examination room.
- Students are not permitted to wear brimmed hats while writing exams.
- There will be no talking in the examination room.
- Students must display their valid Mount Saint Vincent University Student ID Card during each exam.
- Students may begin their exams as soon as they are seated; however, shortly after they begin their exams, a sheet will be circulated on which they must write their name beside the appropriate seat number.
- No student may leave the examination room during the first twenty minutes of the exam. Latecomers will be admitted to the examination room only during the first twenty minutes.
- Students requiring assistance should raise their hands and not leave their seats.
- When students have finished their exam, they should write their row and seat number on the cover of the examination booklets, hand their exams to one of the proctors and sign the attendance sheet for their course. Students may be required to show their valid Mount Saint Vincent University Student ID Card at this time.
- Students found communicating with one another in any way or under any pretext; having unauthorized books, papers, electronic computing devices, data storage, or communication devices in view, even if their use is not proved; or found cheating in any way will be reported by the Chief Proctor to the course instructor and the Registrar’s Office. Procedures for Academic Offences will be followed.
- If a student misses an examination due to illness, she/he must inform the Registrar’s Office within 48 hours of the missed examination and submit a medical certificate from a physician, directly to the Registrar’s Office.
There are two types of appeals. 1) Grade appeals concerned with the fair evaluation of student work and are conducted at departmental level. 2) Appeals concerned with the mistaken application of University regulations, including appeals against penalties imposed for academic offenses, are considered by the Appeals Committee. The Registrar’s role is to coordinate the appeals process. The Registrar’s Office will advise students on procedural matters upon request; it does not provide advocacy services.
These procedures are in place to ensure that student appeals are dealt with in an equitable and orderly fashion. All concerns about grading should be resolved at the level nearest the student whenever possible. Students should approach their professor as soon as a concern is identified and request an informal re-assessment of the grade under consideration. It is not necessary to wait until the course is over to request consideration of a grade. Mutually agreeable settlements may be made between the professor and the student informally at any time in the process.
If students have concerns about the way a course is being managed, rather than with their own grade, they should speak to their professor or to the department Chair as early in the term as possible. The Academic Appeals policy is not intended to apply to course management issues.
Stage One: Informal Grade Query and Grade Analysis
The student with a grade concern must approach the faculty member to discuss the grade. This step should be taken within two weeks of notification of the grade, if the grade is an interim mark. Final grade queries must be initiated by the deadlines shown at the end of this section. The faculty member will conduct a grade analysis if requested. A grade analysis involves confirming that all grades were recorded correctly.
If still dissatisfied, the student may move to Stage 2. Stage 2 is initiated by contacting the Registrar’s Office to complete the Academic Appeals form. The Academic Appeals form is copied to the department Chair, the Dean, and the faculty member concerned. If not carried out at Stage 1, a grade analysis is conducted before a re-read in order to ensure that any arithmetical errors are corrected.
Stage Two: Re-read
A re-read shall involve reconsideration of the student’s coursework, including the final examination, if any. It shall be the responsibility of the student to preserve all exercises, papers, reports and other graded material for the course except the final examination paper, and to submit the originals of these documents with the application for a re-read. Work not submitted, and courses, or aspects of courses in which it is not possible to review the student’s work cannot be taken into consideration.
Students must initiate a re-read within two weeks of the completion of Stage 1.
By initiating a re-read, the student forfeits the grade originally assigned and understands that a grade will be assigned as a result of the re-read process. Grades may go down as well as up, and the grade decision reached after a re-read is final.
A re-read will be conducted as follows:
- The Registrar will convey the re-read request with copies of all relevant materials to the department Chair (or to the appropriate Dean if the Chair is the instructor, or if there is no Chair).
- The re-read will be conducted by two professors designated by the department Chair or the appropriate Dean. Those conducting the re-read will be provided with copies of the course outline and marking criteria, as appropriate. Normally the professor who assigned the original grade will not re-read the work at this stage unless no other faculty with competence in the area are available. Regrading results are reported, giving the grade awarded and the basis for the decision, within three weeks of the date of the request for a re-read.
- The department Chair will determine the result of the re-read, after consultation with the Dean if necessary, and report the grade to be assigned in writing to the Registrar. If the department Chair and the Dean are the same person, an alternate Dean will be consulted, if necessary.
- The Registrar will convey the result to the student, the appropriate Dean, and the faculty member, and will amend the student’s transcript of grades accordingly.
- The results of a re-read are final and do not constitute grounds for further appeal.
Appeal of Misapplication of University Regulations by Petition to the Committee on Academic Appeals
Students who have reason to believe they have been subject to a misapplication of an academic regulation or that the imposition of academic regulations would create undue hardship have the right to submit their case to the Committee on Academic Appeals.
A petition to the Committee on Academic Appeals must be based on solid evidence. An appeal must be initiated within three weeks of the incidence of the alleged mistaken treatment under appeal. The Committee has the right to refuse to hear cases it judges to be without substance, or if the outcome of a grade appeal is the only point in dispute.
Procedures for this Type of Appeal
- Application for an appeal to the Committee must be made in the form of a signed and dated letter, accompanied by an Academic Appeal Petition form, available from the Registrar’s Office. The basis of the appeal should be clearly stated in the letter of appeal and decisions will be based on this information alone. Thus, applicants must ensure that all relevant information is stated in the letter of appeal. Applicants are advised to contact the Registrar’s Office for advice while collecting information for their appeal in order to ensure that all necessary information is included. Students will state in writing their specific complaint and the action already taken to seek a remedy. This written representation should be directed to the Registrar and all supporting documents must accompany it. At this point the faculty member involved will be informed by the Registrar that a petition to the Committee has been launched.
- The Registrar will forward any relevant material with the letter of appeal to the Chair of the Committee on Academic Appeals. The Committee has the right to dismiss a case as unfounded at this stage.
- If the Committee determines that a hearing will take place, applicants will be notified of the date and time their appeal will be heard and invited to attend and be heard at that time. Members of the Committee cannot participate in the hearing of any appeal arising from an action to which they have been a party. The conduct of the hearing is described below.
- The Chair of the Committee on Academic Appeals will report the results of the Committee’s consideration and the reasons for its decision to the student, professor and Registrar. The decision of the Committee is final and there is no avenue for further appeal.
- All proceedings of the Committee are confidential.
Appeals related to academic matters (misapplication of university regulations and academic offences) will be considered by the Academic Appeals Committee, a standing committee of the University Senate, with membership as follows:
- Six members of faculty, one of whom will be designated as the Chair of the Committee and three of whom will be alternates
- Four students, two of whom will be alternates
- The Registrar as a resource (non-voting)
Faculty and students who have a conflict of interest, such as having been involved previously with the case under consideration, will withdraw from the Committee. In the event that the Registrar and Associate Registrar have both been involved in the case, an alternate Dean will serve as the resource member on the Committee.
The Registrar will forward the written appeal and supporting material to the Academic Appeals Committee, the student, and the faculty member.
With reasonable notice, but normally within three weeks, the Academic Appeals Committee will invite both parties to a hearing to state their respective cases. The Committee will have the right to call on the Chair of the Department and/or the Dean as appropriate to the hearing.
The hearing will occur whether the parties involved choose to be present or not.
Written materials submitted from the faculty or student subsequent to the initial request for an appeal will be provided to both parties. Normally these materials will be received 48 hours in advance of the hearing. When this is not the case, the hearing may be delayed at the request of either party.
Hearing Procedures
- The purpose of the hearing is to ascertain the facts. Both the student and faculty will be invited into the hearing by the Chair of the Committee and asked to present their respective cases and will be permitted to cross examine the evidence.
- The Chair of the Committee has the authority to maintain order during the hearing. The faculty and student are permitted to have a supporter present at the hearing. Such supports will appear as advisors, not advocates, and may speak briefly on behalf of their advisees. Supporters are not permitted to cross examine other participants or members of the Committee at the hearing. The Chair of the Committee will ensure that both parties have sufficient opportunity to be heard.
- At the conclusion of the hearing, both parties and any supporters will leave and the Committee will begin deliberations in camera.
- The decision of the Committee is final. The decision and the reasons for it will be communicated to the student, the professor, and the Registrar in writing.
The University recognizes that while members of the community are committed to promoting academic integrity, offences will occur and procedures are needed to deal fairly with these offences. Academic offences are violations of academic integrity. These include but are not limited to plagiarism, cheating and misrepresentation related to academic work.
In addition to this section of the Calendar and statements in course outlines, students will consult with their instructors if in doubt about what constitutes academic offences in individual courses and situations.
See:
2.2.23.1 Plagiarism
2.2.23.2 Cheating
2.2.23.3 Other
2.2.23.4 Procedures for Dealing with Plagiarism, Cheating and Other Academic Offences
2.2.23.5 Misrepresentation
2.2.23.6 Procedures for Dealing with Misrepresentation
Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s words or ideas obtained from any source, including the Internet, as though they were one’s own.
Specific offences include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Using copied material without enclosing that material in quotation marks and/or without appropriately acknowledging its source;
- Paraphrasing or summarizing the original wording too closely;
- Omitting acknowledgement of the source of paraphrases and summaries;
- Submitting work that has been written in full or in part by someone else.
If students have questions about the correct citation format for any aspect of their academic assessments (written or oral), they should consult their faculty and the library’s resource collection on academic integrity.
There are many forms of cheating.
Cheating includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Receiving or giving academic information or assistance during a test or an examination;
- Using unauthorized material during a test or examination. This may include, but is not limited to, notes, books, calculators, and communication devices;
- Submitting for a take-home examination or test work that has been written in full or in part by someone else or has had the benefit of assistance from some other person;
- Submitting false information of any kind in written or oral format. This includes, but is not limited to, data and observational anecdotes;
- Obtaining examination questions, tests, or assignments by any unauthorized means;
- Impersonating another student or having someone impersonate oneself in class, at an examination or test, or in any other situation in which one is evaluated;
- Submitting work for which one has already received academic credit, unless authorized to do so by the instructor;
- Permitting an assignment of one’s own to be used by another for academic credit.
Includes, but is not limited to, selling, purchasing, borrowing or lending academic work for submission for academic credit.
When an academic offence is suspected, the faculty member will make every reasonable effort to meet as soon as possible with the student(s) and provide an opportunity for explanation or defence against the allegation. The faculty member may consider having another faculty member with her/him when meeting with the student, in which case, the faculty member will provide an opportunity for the student to bring another student to the meeting. Where students are unavailable for a face-to-face meeting (as may be the case for some distance education students), the discussion can take place by e-mail or telephone. If the student fails to respond to a request for a meeting or does not attend a pre-arranged meeting or does not provide a satisfactory explanation for the suspected academic offence, then the faculty member may decide to proceed with a formal charge. Before recommending a penalty and filing a report, the faculty member will consult with the department Chair. If the faculty member is the department Chair, another member of the department will be consulted.
- If a formal charge is to be made, the faculty member will send a written report of the offence (including relevant documentation and recommended penalty based on the University guidelines) to the Dean copied to the Registrar and department Chair within five working days following the meeting with the student(s). Penalties may range from a grade of zero in an assignment in a course to expulsion from the University.
- The Dean will review the recommended penalty to ensure that it is consistent with penalties for similar offences. The Registrar’s Office will review the file(s) of the student(s) charged to determine whether the student(s) has been guilty of previous offence(s) and provide relevant information to the Dean. Should questions of consistency arise or previous offences be on file, the Dean may revise the recommended penalty. The final decision as to the penalty to be assessed rests with the Dean. Within five working days of receiving a report from the faculty member, the Dean will confirm or revise the penalty and report to the Registrar with a copy to the faculty member and department Chair.
- The Registrar’s Office will send notification of the penalty assessed, by registered mail, together with a summary report of the charge presented, to the student(s) involved within ten working days of receiving the Dean’s report.
- If the recommended penalty is expulsion, the Dean will make a recommendation, in writing, to the President with a copy to the Registrar. The President will then confirm or revise the penalty. The University President will send the notification to the student(s) with copies to the Registrar, faculty member, department Chair and the Dean.
- Subject to any appeal decisions, all documents related to the charge will be a permanent record in the student’s file. This information will be available to the Dean and those involved in any appeal process regarding subsequent charges of academic offences.
- The student(s) will have the right to respond in writing to this notification within 15 working days of its having been sent to her/him (them). The response will be placed on file with copies to the faculty member, department Chair and the Dean (and President, in the case of expulsion). The student(s) will have the right to appeal the decision and/or the related penalty to the Academic Appeals Committee (see Appeals).
- Two years following an assessment of a penalty transcript notation, if there is only a single “F” with a notation on the student’s transcript, the student may appeal to have the notation removed from the transcript. This appeal must be made within ten years from the time the offence was noted on the transcript. The Appeals Committee will consider the student’s entire file in assessing the appeal to remove the notation.
Misrepresentation includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Misrepresenting or involving others in misrepresenting one’s personal circumstances in order to obtain special consideration in one’s academic work:
- Submitting fraudulent medical documents;
- Submitting fraudulent documents or materials (e.g., in support of an application for admission to the University);
- Failing to disclose and/or falsifying previous post-secondary study when applying to the University.
In specific cases involving misrepresentation, whoever becomes aware of an incident should report it, in writing, to the Registrar and/or Dean, depending on the situation. When the Registrar identifies a potential offence in this category, it will be dealt with as follows:
- When the Registrar and/or Dean has reason to suspect that an academic offence has occurred, the Registrar and/or Dean will provide an opportunity for the student to discuss the incident for clarification purposes.
- Following this discussion, the Registrar and/or Dean will determine whether or not an academic offence has occurred. If it is determined that an offence has occurred, a written report (including relevant documentation and recommended penalty based on the University guidelines) will be sent to an alternate Dean who will assess the penalty (which may range from zero in an assignment to expulsion from or denial of admission to the University).
- Within seven working days of determining the penalty, the Registrar will send notification to the student with copies to the department Chair, and where appropriate to the faculty member and/or Dean.
- If the recommended penalty is expulsion, the Dean will make a recommendation, in writing, to the President with a copy to the Registrar and where appropriate, to the faculty member. The President will then confirm or revise the penalty. The University President will send the notification to the student with copies to the Registrar, faculty member, department Chair and the Dean.
- Subject to any appeal decisions, all documents related to the charge will be a permanent record in the student’s file.
- The student has the right to respond in writing to this notification and the supporting documentation to the Registrar within 15 working days of receipt of the notification. The response will be placed on file with copies, where appropriate, to the faculty member, department Chair and the Dean (and President, in the case of expulsion). The student will have the right to appeal the decision and/or the related penalty to the Academic Appeals Committee.
- Two years following an assessment of a penalty transcript notation, if there is only a single “F” with a notation on the student’s transcript, the student may appeal to have the notation removed from the transcript. This appeal must be made within ten years from the time the offence was noted on the transcript. The Appeals Committee will consider the student’s entire file in assessing the appeal to remove the notation.
Appeals related to academic offences will be considered by the Academic Appeals Committee, a standing committee of the University Senate, with membership as follows:
- Six members of faculty, one of whom will be designated as the Chair of the Committee and three of whom will be alternates
- Four students, two of whom will be alternates
- The Registrar as resource (non voting)
Faculty and students who have a conflict of interest, such as having been involved previously with the case under consideration, will withdraw from the Committee. In the event that the Registrar is involved in the case, an alternate Dean will serve as the resource member on the Committee.
A student wishing to appeal the decision that an academic offence has occurred and/or the related penalty will do so within 15 working days of the issuance of the report from the Registrar (or in the case of expulsion, from the President), by sending a written appeal to the Chair of the Academic Appeals Committee, in care of the Registrar.
The Registrar will forward the written appeal and supporting material to the Academic Appeals Committee, the appellant and the faculty member. The supporting material shall include:
- the written report from the faculty member, the Dean and in the case of expulsion, the President
- accompanying materials received
- a summary of any notations of academic offences in the student’s file.
With reasonable notice, the Academic Appeals Committee will invite both parties to a hearing to state their respective cases. The Committee will have the right to call on the Chair of the Department and/or the Dean as appropriate to the hearing.
The hearing will occur whether the parties involved choose to be present or not.
Written materials submitted from the faculty or student subsequent to the initial request for an appeal will be provided to both parties. Normally these materials will be received 48 hours in advance of the hearing. When this is not the case, the hearing may be delayed at the request of either party.
Hearing Procedures
The purpose of the hearing is to ascertain the facts. Both the student and faculty will be invited into the hearing by the Chair of the Committee and asked to present their respective cases and will be permitted to cross examine the evidence.
The Chair of the Committee has the authority to maintain order during the hearing. The faculty and student are permitted to have a supporter present at the hearing. Such supporters will appear as advisors, not advocates, and may speak briefly on behalf of their advisees. Supporters are not permitted to cross examine other participants at the hearing or members of the Committee.
The Chair of the Committee will ensure that both parties have sufficient opportunity to be heard. At the conclusion of the hearing, both parties and any supporters will leave and the Committee will begin deliberations in camera.
After deliberations, the Academic Appeals Committee will determine by majority vote whether to:
- uphold or deny the charge, and
- confirm or alter the penalty imposed.
A written report of the decision and any penalty will be sent to both parties with copies to the faculty member, Chair of the Department and the Dean (and the President, in the case of expulsion). The Registrar will follow through on the Committee’s decision.
Penalties for Academic Offences Table (PDF)
1 While not an offence, it is subject to a penalty at the discretion of the faculty member
2 Academic calendar year begins September 1 and ends on August 31
Note: Previous offences in all categories will be considered when assessing penalties.
2.2.26 Student Conduct
MSVU is committed to maintaining a safe environment that promotes learning and personal development. All students have rights and responsibilities, which are set forth in the Non-Academic Discipline Policy (http://www2.msvu.ca/DocumentCentral/Documents/Non-Academic%20Discipline%20Policy.pdf). That policy sets out what constitutes misconduct that would be subject to discipline and procedures for making and addressing complaints. The definitions of misconduct include, among others: conduct which threatens or endangers the health and safety of any member of the University community on- or off-campus; use of abusive or obscene language or gestures at any university sponsored functions or operations; obstruction or disruption of any university or Students’ Union sponsored function; failure to comply with the instructions of university or Students’ Union officials acting in the performance of their authorized duties; and violation of any law of Canada.
Procedures
Complaints may come from any member of the University community and should be directed to the Office of Student Experience (EV201 or by email to ose@msvu.ca). They must be in writing and in as much detail as possible regarding the misconduct being alleged. The AVP Student Experience then forwards a copy of the complaint to the respondent asking for a written response and may begin informal resolution processes or the formal process. If the complaint is addressed through the formal process, an investigation is completed and the report is provided to the Chair of the Student Judicial Committee. That committee has the power to impose sanctions. The decision can be appealed. Note that all disciplinary and appeal procedures are designed to follow principles of natural justice and are fully articulated in the Non-Academic Discipline Policy.
Students are also expected to abide by and are subject to the procedures in the MSVU Anti-Harassment and Discrimination Policy (http://www2.msvu.ca/DocumentCentral/Documents/Anti-Harassment%20and%20Discrimination%20Policy.pdf) and the Policy Against Sexual Violence (https://www2.msvu.ca/DocumentCentral/Documents/MSVU%20Policy%20Against%20Sexual%20Violence.pdf.
Mount email account
Every student at the Mount is assigned a Mount email account. The University requires all students and faculty to use their Mount email account when communicating course and University information. For quick access to Student Email log in to myMount.
To promote the responsible and ethical use of Mount Saint Vincent University computing resources, all Mount computer users will be expected to adhere to the computer use regulations described here.
In addition to these norms, users may also be subject to additional regulations set by those responsible for a particular computing facility. Such regulations must be publicized. With due regard for the right of privacy of users and the confidentiality of their data, authorized university staff will routinely monitor computing activity in order to safeguard the security and smooth operation of Mount computing resources.
Individuals must respect the rights of other authorized users. The following activities are prohibited:
- using the computer access privileges of others or sharing one’s username and password; interfering with the security or confidentiality of other users’ files or maliciously destroying any computer stored material including that in primary storage;
- impeding others or interfering with their legitimate use of computing facilities (this includes but is not limited to sending obscene, threatening, or repeated unnecessary messages or downloading pornographic material);
- illegally copying programs or data that are the property of the University or other users or putting unauthorized or forbidden software, data files, or other such computer-related material on university computers;
- interfering with the normal operation of computing systems or attempting to subvert the restrictions associated with such facilities;
- using computing resources for purposes not in accordance with educational and/or research activity;
- failing to follow specific rules set out by the faculty member or department in charge of the course for classes, tests, or exams held in a computer lab;
- using the Internet and other computing resources for purposes deemed to be “recreational” to the detriment of curriculum-related uses.
Violations of the rules or procedures as published may result in withdrawal of computer access for the individual concerned and in all Mount Saint Vincent University usernames/user-IDs owned by that individual being disabled.
Procedures for Dealing with Student Violations
The specific procedures to be followed when a student allegedly violates the Computer Use Regulations will depend upon the nature and severity of the violation. Infractions may also be dealt with under the provision of the Student Judicial Code, Harassment and Discrimination Policy, Sexual Harassment Policy, or departmental or other academic policies. Violations may also lead to referral to law enforcement authorities.
▸ Level One
The faculty or staff member and/or her/his chairperson or supervisor, will speak to the student who has been accused of violating the Computer Usage Agreement. A mutual resolution will be sought, followed by a short memo to the Director of Information Technology and Services (IT&S), and a copy to the student. The memo should simply outline the name of the student, indicating that she/he was spoken to about a computer usage issue and that a satisfactory resolution has been found. This will allow repeat offences of seemingly one time or innocent violations to be monitored, in case the same issue has come up with another faculty member.
▸ Level Two
Level two offences will be defined as repeat offences of level one. The Director of IT&S will forward the information to the Associate Vice President of Student Experience for appropriate action based on the nature of the offences. This could include the involvement of the Student Judicial Committee, the Registrar, or the Sexual Harassment Advisor. Procedures of the specific policy or code will be followed.
▸ Level Three
Level three offences are those offences that are more serious in nature and which pose an immediate threat to the campus network. In such cases, faculty should contact the Director of IT&S immediately to identify the issue. In these cases IT&S network staff may be the first party to identify the issue. The Director of IT&S, in consultation with the University President or her designate, will immediately terminate the student’s access to the Mount’s computing facilities. The process will then continue in accordance with the guidelines noted for level two offences.
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPOP)
In 1993, the province of Nova Scotia enacted the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Its purpose is to make public bodies more open and accountable to the public in the way they acquire, use and dispose of information.
This is achieved in a number of ways including:
- giving the public a right of access to records in the custody and control of the University, subject only to limited and specific exemptions;
- giving individuals a right of access to personal information held by the University about them and allowing them the opportunity to request a correction to said information;
- specifying limited exemptions to the right of access;
- ensuring appropriate collection, use and disclosure of personal information.
The Act also provides the opportunity for individuals to request information, making public bodies directly accountable to each citizen.
A complete copy of the Nova Scotia Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act is available on the government web site at https://oipc.novascotia.ca/legislation.
Personal Information and Protection of Electronic Documents (PIPEDA)
PIPEDA, which came into force January 1, 2001, establishes new rules for privacy. The rules recognize the rights of individuals to control the use of their personal information. The rules also impose obligations on organizations to protect personal information in a manner that a reasonable person would consider appropriate in the circumstances. This legislation protects the privacy rights of all Canadians as it applies to every organization that collects, uses or discloses personal information in the course of commercial activities.
A complete copy of Bill C-6, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act is available on the Privacy Commissioner’s web site at https://www.priv.gc.ca/en/privacy-topics/privacy-laws-in-canada/the-personal-information-protection-and-electronic-documents-act-pipeda/
Privacy Act
Under the federal Privacy Act, individuals can request access to their own individual information held in federal information banks, including those held by Statistics Canada.
NOTIFICATION OF DISCLOSURE OF PERSONAL INFORMATION TO STATISTICS CANADA AND THE MARITIME PROVINCES HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION STATISTICS CANADA
Statistics Canada is the national statistical agency. As such, Statistics Canada carries out hundreds of surveys each year on a wide range of matters, including education.
It is essential to be able to follow students across time and institutions to understand, for example, the factors affecting enrolment demand at postsecondary institutions. The increased emphasis on accountability for public investment means that it is also important to understand ‘outcomes’. In order to conduct such studies, Statistics Canada asks all colleges and universities to provide data on students and graduates. Institutions collect and provide to Statistics Canada, student identification information (student’s name et student ID number), student contact information (address and telephone number), student demographic characteristics, and enrolment information.
The federal Statistics Act provides the legal authority for Statistics Canada to obtain access to personal information held by educational institutions. The information may be used for statistical purposes only, and the confidentiality provisions of the Statistics Act prevent the information from being released in any way that would identify a student.
Students may contact Statistics Canada via e-mail if they have any questions: statcan.PSIS-SIEP.statcan@canada.ca.
MARITIME PROVINCES HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION
The MPHEC collects the data described above on behalf of Statistics Canada. In addition, it archives these data and uses them to generate basic statistics, research products, as well as the sampling frame for its university graduate survey. These activities support its mandate, which is to assist institutions and governments in enhancing the post-secondary learning environment. The legal authority for these activities is provided by the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission Act. The MPHEC publishes information in aggregate form so that personal information concerning any person is never revealed. The MPHEC may disclose personal information for the purpose of research, in alignment with its mandate, and as authorized the MPHEC Act.
For more information, consult the MPHEC’s Privacy Statement at: www.mphec.ca
In addition, students availing themselves of university services and facilities are expected to abide by the procedures and regulations accompanying the same.
Although advice is readily available on request, the responsibility of selecting the appropriate courses for graduation rests ultimately with the student.
Senate confers certificates, diplomas, and degrees twice each year in the spring and in the fall. Normally, a Convocation is held in May and in November.
Students must submit an Application to Graduate form to the Registrar’s Office by the specified deadlines – see Important Dates in the University Year. A graduation fee is also required. Conferred credentials will not be made available to students until all accounts have been paid in full.
2.2.31.1 Graduation Requirements
In order to graduate, a minimum of 50 percent of total coursework must be completed at Mount Saint Vincent University. Students require a CGPA of 1.7 to graduate. Therefore, no one will be allowed to graduate while on academic probation. In addition, students must meet specific departmental GPA requirements for graduation.
2.2.31.2 Recognizing Academic Excellence at Graduation
Guidelines for recognizing academic excellence at graduation, known as graduating “with distinction” or “with first-class honours”, are as follows. These guidelines will be interpreted by the Committee on Academic Policy and Planning, in consultation with the Registrar.
Graduating with a degree and “With Distinction”
A student receiving an undergraduate degree may graduate “with distinction” under the following conditions:
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher is obtained.
• For students in the BA and BSc General Studies, “with distinction” will be assessed in the last 7.5 units of study taken at the Mount or on a letter of permission. Of these 7.5 units of study, no more than 2.0 units may be at the 1000 level.
• For students in degrees with 20.0 or more required units, “with distinction” will be assessed in the last ten (10.0) units of study taken at the Mount or on a letter of permission. Of these 10.0 units of study, no more than 2.5 units may be at the 1000 level.
• In calculating a student’s GPA for “with distinction” the last courses considered will also include:
- Courses taken at other institutions on a letter of permission
- The highest grade for a course that has been repeated
- Courses where a failing grade has been recorded unless the course is repeated and a higher grade is achieved, in which case, the highest grade will be counted
• For students in a Bermuda College “in association with” degree, the calculation will be based on all courses taken at the Mount, including approved “cross-listed” Bermuda College courses.
• Transfer credits awarded for work completed elsewhere prior to being admitted to Mount Saint Vincent University will not be counted towards recognizing academic excellence at graduation, nor will courses taken while participating in exchange programs.
Graduating with a Diploma and “With Distinction”
A student receiving a diploma may be awarded “with distinction” under the following conditions:
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher is obtained in the last 6.0 units of study taken at the Mount. Of these 6.0 units of study, no more than 1.5 units can be at the 1000 level.
• In calculating a student’s GPA for “with distinction” the last courses considered will also include:
- Courses taken at other institutions on a letter of permission
- The highest grade for a course that has been repeated
- Courses where a failing grade has been recorded unless the course is repeated and a
higher grade is achieved, in which case, the highest grade will be counted
• Transfer credits awarded for work completed elsewhere prior to being admitted to Mount Saint Vincent University will not be counted towards recognizing academic excellence at graduation, nor will courses taken while participating in exchange programs.
The notation “With Distinction” will appear on the transcript after convocation has occurred.
Graduating with an honours degree and “With First-Class Honours”
A student receiving an honours degree may graduate with “first-class honours” under the following conditions:
• A minimum GPA of 3.50 or better in the last 10.0 units in the honours subject and no grade below B- in all courses beyond the first 5.0 units taken at the Mount. Of the 10.0 units of study taken at the Mount, no more than 2.5 units can be at the 1000 level.
• In calculating a student’s GPA for “with first-class honours” the last courses considered will also include:
- Courses taken at other institutions on a letter of permission
- The highest grade for a course that has been repeated
- Courses where a failing grade has been recorded unless the course is repeated and a higher grade is achieved, in which case, the highest grade will be counted
• Transfer credits awarded for work completed elsewhere prior to being admitted to Mount Saint Vincent University will not be counted towards recognizing academic excellence at graduation, nor will courses taken while participating in exchange programs.
The notation “With First-Class Honours” will appear on the transcript after convocation has occurred.
2.2.31.3 Participation in Convocation Ceremonies
Students who wish to participate in the formal ceremonies of convocation do so at the ceremony immediately following completion of the academic requirements for their credential. Students who do not wish to participate in convocation ceremonies may receive their credential in absentia by so informing the Registrar’s Office. Information on the ceremonies and the in absentia alternative are automatically sent to students who file an Application to Graduate form with the Registrar’s Office.
When financial arrears prevent students from graduating, they become eligible to participate fully in the next scheduled convocation ceremony following their full payment of fees owed. Students wishing to do this should contact the Registrar’s Office as soon as their debt is cleared.
Senate Awards of Distinction
Pewter awards are presented by the Senate to recognize students who graduate “with distinction and with highest aggregate” in their diploma or bachelor program. These awards are presented at both the spring and fall ceremonies.
President’s Prizes
Special awards donated by the University President are given to members of the spring and fall graduating classes whose energy, generosity and commitment have enriched the University during their time as students, and who show promise that their commitment will continue as alumnae.
Kappa Gamma Pi
Kappa Gamma Pi is the National Catholic College Graduate Honor Society. Membership, is based on scholarship, leadership and service. Members are selected not only for recognition of past accomplishments, but also in anticipation of future service.
Governor General’s Medal
Donated by the Governor General of Canada this medal is given once per year at the undergraduate level for the highest aggregate in the final three years (15.0 units) of a degree program.
Note: Annual prizes are presented at the spring convocation. Students graduating the previous fall are equally eligible with spring graduands for the annual prizes.
Academic Note: This web-based calendar information is applicable for the 2024-2025 academic year which runs from September 01, 2024 to August 31, 2025.
For information on previous years, please consult the University Academic Calendars web page.
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