Faculty of Business Regulations

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Admission

Graduate Study

For information regarding Graduate Study, please consult Business  of the Graduate Program section of the Calendar.

Undergraduate Study

General university admission requirements are set out in Programs of Study  and General Undergraduate Admission Requirements . Detailed admission requirements for the Faculty of Business are set out in Faculty of Business Admission Requirements .

Continuing Students

Students in good standing who are continuing their program without interruption do not have to reapply for admission; they need only obtain their registration material and use the Bear Tracks web registration system.  See Office of the Registrar for more information.

Changes in Registration

The Faculty makes every effort to assure that program requirements are met by the courses in which a student is registered. However, the responsibility for the completeness and accuracy of registration rests with the student, and the student should be satisfied that the program is in accordance with degree specifications.

Adding or Dropping Courses
The deadlines for adding Fall Term, Fall/Winter, and Winter Term courses can be found in Academic Schedule . Courses dropped before the deadline will not be part of the student’s record.

Withdrawing from Courses
The deadlines for withdrawing from courses are as noted in Major Deadlines from the Academic Schedule . 

A grade of W (withdrawal) will be recorded on a student’s record if they withdraw from a course after the add/drop deadline but before the withdrawal deadline. No withdrawal after the deadline will be permitted except for major causes beyond a student’s control, such as extended illness.

Withdrawal from the University

Subject to the provisions specified in Changes in Registration, a student may withdraw from the University at any time but should seek advice from Faculty advisors or Student Counselling Services before taking such action. Further information regarding fee refunds or exemption from fees is found in Refunds and Withdrawals .

Discontinuance of Attendance

Students must apply for permission before discontinuing their registration if they wish to retain their place in the program and not be required to requalify. The consequence of unapproved discontinuances is the requirement to requalify in accordance with provisions in force at the time of reapplication.

1. Individuals registered as students in the Faculty of Business must have the permission of the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Program, if they wish to discontinue their attendance and retain their status in good standing in the Faculty.
2. Students given permission to discontinue their program may not take academic coursework elsewhere unless explicitly permitted to do so in writing.
3. Students mentioned in (1) above are still required to submit an application for readmission when they choose to return to the program.
4. Discontinuance is defined to be no course completions for a full Fall/Winter (September-April).
5. Normally, discontinuance will be allowed for many reasons related to an individual’s well-being. These may include health reasons, the necessity for personal reflection or other similar reasons, and they may or may not relate to employment. It is expected that a date of recommencement and expression of commitment to degree completion are established at the time discontinuance is allowed.
6. Discontinuance is not permitted to enable the student to pursue another academic degree or program at the University of Alberta or elsewhere.

Attendance at Another Institution

Students admitted to the Bachelor of Commerce program are expected to complete all remaining requirements at the University of Alberta. Students may not receive credit for coursework taken at another institution following admission unless permitted to do so by either Attendance at Another Institution as a Visiting Student or Attendance at Another Institution on a Recognized Exchange. There is no obligation to grant transfer credit unless prior permission has been obtained in writing.

Attendance at Another Institution as a Visiting Student

BCom students who present circumstances that justify taking coursework at another institution may apply to the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Program, for permission to take that coursework and receive transfer credit if

1. they have already completed a minimum of 24 units of course weight of their program at the University of Alberta;
2. they present “Satisfactory” academic standing (i.e., GPA of 2.0 or greater);
3. they have fewer than 60 units of course weight in transferable courses to the Bachelor of Commerce program; and
4. they have evidence of special personal or academic circumstances that make it appropriate for an exception to the normal rules to be granted.

Permission will not normally be granted if an equivalent course is given on campus in the same term. Approval will not be granted for requests where the student has already received the maximum allowable transfer credit (60 units of course weight). Qualified students should contact the Undergraduate Office, 2-20 Business Building, to request permission prior to enrolling in any course at another institution.

Attendance at Another Institution on a Recognized Exchange

For students already admitted to a degree program in the Faculty of Business who are participating in approved international exchange programs, credit will be considered on a credit-fail (CR-F) basis only. Approved international exchanges include exchanges through the University of Alberta or the Faculty of Business. Grades achieved in such courses will not normally be included in promotion or graduation average. Credit may be granted if a passing grade is achieved. Students must contact the Undergraduate Office to have transfer credit approved. There is no obligation to grant transfer credit unless prior permission has been obtained in writing.

Academic Standing

1. Assessment of Academic Standing
   Academic standing is used to determine the eligibility of students to continue or graduate from their program. The academic standing of all students in the Faculty of Business is assessed on a Grade Point Average (GPA) calculated on courses normally taken in the Fall/Winter terms and/or Spring/Summer terms. However, academic standing will be assessed at the end of each academic term subject to the following:

   1. Initial assessment of academic standing is based on a student’s performance on a minimum of 15 units of course weight in the Fall/Winter terms from the point of admission. Subsequent assessments will be based on a minimum of 15 units of course weight in the Fall/Winter terms.

   2. If a student attempts fewer than 15 units of course weight from the point of admission or accumulates less than 15 units of course weight since the last assessment, the assessment is deferred and the coursework will be carried forward to the next assessment. The academic standing assigned at the last point of assessment remains in effect until the next assessment.

   3. Students who take courses in the Fall term, but do not take courses in the subsequent Winter term, will be assessed at the end of the Fall term if they have accumulated at least 15 units of course weight since the last assessment or point of admission.

   4. Coursework completed during the Spring/Summer terms will be assessed at the end of the Summer term if a student has accumulated at least 15 units of course weight since the last assessment or point of admission.

   5. Students who take courses in the Spring term, but do not take courses in the subsequent Summer term, will be assessed at the end of the Spring term if they have accumulated 15 units of course weight since the last assessment or point of admission.
      
      The assessment of students in the BCom Honors programs also takes into consideration the minimum course load requirements of the particular program, as well as any specific grade or GPA requirements.

2. Application of Academic Standing
   1. Satisfactory Standing is assigned to students in the BCom programs who achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 on their most recent academic assessment. Satisfactory Standing is assigned to students in the BCom Honors programs who meet the minimum continuation requirements for their program including Fall/Winter GPA, course load and any course specific grade or GPA requirement (Bachelor of Commerce Honors ). Students who maintain a satisfactory standing are permitted to continue their studies in the Faculty subject to meeting the specific requirements of their degree and the general requirements of the University of Alberta.
   2. Marginal Standing is assigned to students with a GPA between 1.7 and 1.9 on their most recent academic assessment. Students receiving the assessment of marginal standing for the first time are permitted to continue, under academic warning, until the next assessment of academic standing. At that time, students who obtain a minimum GPA of 2.0 on all courses attempted since the last assessment may continue in satisfactory standing. Students who fail to achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 on all courses attempted since the last assessment will be required to withdraw. Students receiving the assessment of marginal standing for a second or subsequent time will be required to withdraw.
   3. Unsatisfactory Standing is assigned to students with a GPA below 1.7 on their most recent academic assessment. In such cases, the student must withdraw from the Faculty. Students whose performance has once been classified as either marginal or unsatisfactory must in all subsequent years in the degree program demonstrate satisfactory performance.
3. Requirement to Withdraw and Readmission

   Students who are required to withdraw cannot continue or register in subsequent terms beyond the Spring term or as applicable based on when the student is required to withdraw and the Faculty appeal period. If students do not successfully appeal their standing and wish to continue studies in the Faculty of Business, they must choose one of the following mutually exclusive options as applicable.

   1. Fresh Start Program is available by recommendation of the Faculty to students whose GPA is between 1.3 and 1.6 who were admitted based on high school courses and have completed no more than 30 units of course weight in the Faculty, provided that they have not previously been required to withdraw from any postsecondary program. The Faculty of Business will set minimum course load and GPA requirement that must be successfully completed in the Fresh Start program and the Faculty may also specify course requirements to be fulfilled. Students who successfully complete the Fresh Start requirements may apply for readmission to Business or as transfer students to another Faculty subject to the admission requirements of that Faculty.

   2. Requalify as a Transfer Student: Students admitted based on high school coursework who are being required to withdraw for the first time from the Faculty may elect to requalify by taking further postsecondary coursework. Subsequent to having been required to withdraw from the Faculty, such applicants must present 24 units of course weight transferable to the University of Alberta with a competitive GPA to be considered for readmission. It is recommended that students do not take Business courses as program Residency Requirements exist that may affect eligibility.

   3. Discontinue Studies and Reapply: Transfer students to the Faculty who are being required to withdraw for the first time from the Faculty will be required to discontinue studies for a minimum period of one year and then apply for Fall readmission in a subsequent year. Should any coursework be attempted at any institution during this period, the grades may be taken into consideration for readmission purposes and transfer credit will not be granted unless the Faculty of Business has directed a student to complete specific coursework that cannot be taken at the University of Alberta due to reregistration course  restrictions.
      
      Admission to the Faculty of Business is competitive. The number of readmissions to the Faculty is limited and presentation of the minimum admission requirements does not assure re-admission. Students who are required to withdraw from the Faculty a second time for unsatisfactory academic standing are ineligible for re-admission.

4. Academic Probation:
   Students who are required to withdraw from the Faculty of Business for unsatisfactory academic standing who successfully appeal the standing will be placed on Academic Probation and must meet the conditions specified by the Associate Dean or Appeals Committee. Students who fail to meet the conditions will be required to withdraw from the Faculty without appeal.

5. First-Class Standing and Dean’s List All interpretations of the following sections made ensuring that the principles of the Duty to Accommodate under the Alberta Human Rights Act are applied. This may include considering a reduced course load as a full course load. In those cases, students are entitled to be considered for First Class Standing and/or Dean’s List when they have accumulated the credits required by each category, regardless of the number of terms.
   1. First-Class Standing is awarded to each student who achieves a GPA of at least 3.5 on 27 units of course weight or more of academic study during a Fall/Winter.
   2. The Dean’s List commends the superior academic performance of each student who has completed 30 units of course weight during the Fall/Winter with a GPA of 3.7 or more.

Graduation

Students are required to apply for graduation on Bear Tracks in their graduating year in accordance with the deadlines specified in the Academic Schedule .

To qualify for graduation:

1. Students must satisfy all degree requirements as specified and demonstrate satisfactory academic performance during the last academic year of the program.
2. If such final year involved less than 30 units of course weight, a sufficient number of immediately preceding full terms of study shall be added to the basis of evaluation to provide a minimum of 30 units of course weight.
3. Students who have successfully completed all program requirements but are not in satisfactory academic standing, may appeal to be permitted one further Fall/Winter of study to bring their GPA up to the required satisfactory standing. See Appeals and Grievances.

Degrees with Distinction

The notation “With Distinction” is inscribed on the permanent record and graduate parchment if the candidate has obtained a GPA of 3.5 or higher, over the last 60 units of course weight of the program, subject to the following:

1. Students must have completed at least four academic terms in the Faculty with a minimum of 12 units of course weight completed in each term.

2. For the purposes of this section “term” means Fall Term, Winter Term or Spring/Summer Terms combined.

All interpretations are made ensuring that the principles of the Duty to Accommodate under the Alberta Human Rights Act are applied. This may include considering a reduced course load as a full course load. In those cases, students are entitled to be considered for “With Distinction” when they have accumulated the credits required regardless of the number of terms.

Reexaminations

Reexaminations are not normally permitted in the Faculty of Business except in circumstances that would justify the granting of a deferred examination. Students wishing to be considered for a reexamination in a course in the Faculty of Business must, in addition to meeting the requirements set out in Reexaminations , also meet the following conditions:

1. Students must provide evidence of a medical condition or similarly compelling circumstance existing at the time of the writing of the examination; and
2. provide evidence that the student’s performance in the final examination was so affected by circumstances as shown in a. that there was a substantial difference between the final examination results and the term work.

Students requesting a reexamination in the final term of their graduating year may be granted such reexamination notwithstanding their inability to provide evidence of a. and/or b. above. A maximum of one such reexamination will be granted where the student would otherwise fail to graduate.

Transfer of Credit and Residency Requirements

1. Students may be granted a maximum of 60 units of course weight in transfer credit for coursework completed prior to admission to the Faculty of Business.
2. Once admitted to the BCom program, a student may not receive transfer credit for any coursework taken at any other institution without the prior written permission of the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Program.
3. Students without a previous university degree must normally:
   1. successfully complete at least 60 units of course weight in University of Alberta courses, and
   2. be registered as a student in the Faculty of Business while taking these courses.
4. Of the 60 units of course weight referred to in (3) above, 45 units must be required primary or secondary core courses in Business or senior Business electives in the Faculty of Business. Of this 45 units of course weight, 15 units must be 300- and 400-level courses in the student’s major area of concentration.
5. Students in the BCom After-Degree program who hold a prior university degree may fulfill their program requirements by taking a minimum of 45 units of course weight and a maximum of 60 units of course weight. All coursework must be in the Faculty of Business at the University of Alberta with the exception of out of faculty courses required by the student’s major area of concentration. (See Program Information )

Course Load Requirements

Each BCom student normally must, at some time during the program, be registered as a full-time student during at least two terms (not necessarily consecutive) of the regular academic year.

30 units of course weight is the normal course load for undergraduate students during the Fall/Winter. Students considering a heavier load should first consult the Undergraduate Office.

Students who plan to do a significant portion of the degree on a part-time basis should consult the Undergraduate Office concerning difficulties they may encounter. The University and the Faculty are unable to assure that courses will be available during terms and at times convenient for students with full-time employment. In particular, resource constraints prevent the University from offering large numbers of evening classes.

Time Limit to Complete Program

Each BCom student normally must complete all degree requirements within eight years, beginning with the year original admission to the program was granted.

Appeals and Grievances

There are four major areas in which appeals may be made in the Faculty of Business. Policies and procedure may vary according to the reasons for appeal. Detailed formal policies of the Faculty in these areas are available from the Undergraduate Office, 2-20 Business Building. Students are advised to consult the Undergraduate Office early with respect to deadlines for appeals. A student may submit an informal appeal/petition to the Associate Dean, Undergraduate. Regardless of whether or not a student initiates an appeal, however, the Associate Dean, Undergraduate, may issue any remedy that waives the Faculty’s academic standing regulations as approved by GFC and published in the University Calendar. This informal process is meant to precede and to avoid formal appeal, but does not preclude formal appeal to the Faculty Academic Appeals Committee. The following are general rules to be followed for various classes of appeals.

1. Academic standing appeals: These include appeals from decision involving promotion, graduation and the requirement to withdraw. Such appeals are heard in the first instance by the Faculty of Business Academic Appeals Committee. A student may have a further right of appeal to the GFC Academic Appeals Committee. The GFC Academic Appeals Committee may only entertain and uphold an appeal if a miscarriage of justice has occurred. See Appeals and Grievances .
2. Grades: Appeals concerning marks or grades must be first referred to the relevant instructor for resolution. Where the dispute cannot be resolved with the instructor, the student must discuss the matter with the relevant Department Chairman and then with the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Program. Where no resolution occurs, the student may have a right to appeal to the Faculty Appeals Committee. The Faculty decision is final and may not be appealed.
3. Residency: Appeals relating to residency requirements may be permitted where these requirements differ from general University policy. The student may appeal to the Faculty Appeals Committee. The Faculty decision is final and may not be appealed.
4. Cooperative Education program: Failure in a work term or removal from the Cooperative Education program may be appealed to the Faculty Appeals Committee. Appeals concerning such decisions must first be discussed with the Director of Business Career Services, and then with the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Program.
   1. If the dispute cannot be resolved, and the dispute concerns the student’s failure to fulfill the academic requirements of the Cooperative Education program or any part of them, an appeal may be made to the Faculty of Business Appeals Committee. The Faculty decision in this case is final and may not be appealed.
   2. Where withdrawal or denial of a cooperative work placement by the Faculty has occurred because of concerns relating to safe, ethical and competent professional practice, an appeal may be made to the Faculty of Business Appeals Committee. A student may have a further right of appeal to the GFC Practice Review Board in some cases. Students should contact University Governance (www.governance.ualberta.ca) for information concerning such an appeal. See the University of Alberta Practicum Intervention Policy.

Student Advising

The administrative details associated with students’ programs are handled by (a) the Undergraduate Office for undergraduates; (b) the MBA Office for masters students; and (c) the PhD Office for doctoral students. These offices maintain records of their students’ course registrations, course marks, and status within the program. Students should consult the appropriate office about program regulations and administration, e.g., admissions, course enrolment, and degree requirements.

All academic members of the Faculty are available to students in all programs for consultation relating to areas of study and career planning.

Credit by Special Assessment

The Credit by Special Assessment procedure is normally not available for courses taught by the Faculty. In any case where the Credit by Special Assessment is granted, the assessment will be by written examination. Further details may be obtained from the Undergraduate Office. See also Credit by Special Assessment .