8. Standing Required (Formerly Academic Regulation 7)

a.  There are multiple regulations governing a student’s program of study.  These include the overall regulations for the credential (degree, certificate or diploma) as well as those for the area(s) of specialization (concentration, major, honours, minor).  For each set of regulations, the ones that apply are those in effect at the time the student first registers in the credential or declares the specialization.  For example, a student admitted to a B.A. in 2004 who then declares an English major in 2006 is governed by the B.A. requirements in effect in 2004 and the English major requirements in effect in 2006.  If it is advantageous for a student to follow the new regulations in meeting the requirements for the credential or specialization, the new regulations will apply.

b.   In the case of students readmitted after an absence of five or more years, or after having been dismissed for academic reasons, or in the case of students transferring to a different academic program, the regulations in force at the time of readmission or transfer apply. In addition, the Dean or designate may attach specific and binding conditions to the students’ performance to ensure that the normal standards of the degree requirements are met.  Specific and binding conditions are not eligible for appeal.

c.  Good Standing

(i)  Students are deemed to be in “Good Standing” if they have achieved a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of at least 1.70;

(ii)  To qualify for a Bachelor’s degree in, Arts, Science, Environmental Studies, or Commerce, a student must achieve a minimum degree grade point average (DGPA) of 2.00. Note: A higher DGPA may be required for some programs (e.g., honours).

(iii)  To qualify for a Diploma in Engineering or a Certificate students are required to achieve a program grade point average (PGPA) of at least 2.00. Note: Individual programs may require a higher PGPA.

d.  Academic Probationary Status

Academic Probationary status is incurred:

(i)  once each academic year upon completion of the winter term, once official final grades are received, if a student has a CGPA of less than 1.70; 

(ii)  if on readmission after being suspended or dismissed because of academic reasons (see section 8i. below); 

(iii)  if students are required to confer with their Academic Advisor and fail to do so or fail to make appropriate efforts to resolve problems which are affecting their academic performance. 

e.  Eligibility to Continue

Students in Good Standing are eligible to continue.  Students on academic probation are eligible to continue if their AGPA is at least 1.70;

Notes:

(i)  Transfer to a different Faculty does not remove probationary status.

(ii)  Unless the permission of the Dean of the Faculty, or designate has been obtained in advance, courses taken at another educational institution cannot be used to remove probationary status.  

f.  Required Academic Advising

Students on academic probation are required to meet with an Academic Advisor within their Faculty at least once each term while on probation.  The advisor may stipulate additional meetings with the student. Failure to meet with an advisor when requested shall result in placing holds on any future course registration.

g.  Suspension

Upon completion of the Winter term, once official final grades are received, students on probation will be suspended until the end of the Fall term (September-December) with eligibility to return during the Winter term (January-April) if: 

(i)  they do not satisfy the requirements for continuance. 

(ii)  they fail to comply with any formal conditions governing their probation. 

While on suspension, students may not enroll in any credit courses at the University and will not receive credit for any courses taken at other universities or colleges.  After completing their suspension, students may resume their studies on probation (see 8d. above).

Students may appeal the suspension decision if their academic performance was affected by extenuating circumstances (see 8i. below). 

h.  Dismissal

Upon completion of the Winter term, once official final grades are received, students will be dismissed and will not be eligible to re-apply until the Spring term (May-June) of the following year, if they have previously been suspended and: 

(i)  they are on probation and do not satisfy the requirements for continuance;

(ii)  they are on probation and fail to comply with any formal conditions governing their probation.

Students who are dismissed from the University for academic or non-academic reasons may be denied the right to return to Saint Mary’s.  For readmission after dismissal, students should refer to Regulation 8. j.

While on dismissal, students may not enroll in any credit courses at the University and will not receive credit for any courses taken at other universities or colleges. After completing their dismissal, students may re-apply to Saint Mary's (see 8 j. below). Students may appeal a dismissal decision if their academic performance was affected by exceptional circumstance(s) (see 8 i. below).

i.  Appeal of Suspension or Dismissal

(i)  Appeals will be considered in the case of extenuating circumstances such as serious illness, personal/family emergency, or unforeseeable adverse situation. This is done by filling out the appropriate form as well as providing evidence of the extenuating circumstance(s). 

(ii)  Appeals must be received within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of notification by a suspension or dismissal letter issued by Enrolment Services. Appeals are submitted through the Academic Advising Office of the Faculty in which the student is registered. 

(iii)  Appeals are evaluated by the Suspension and Dismissal Appeal Committee within the appropriate Faculty.  

(iv)  Within thirty (30) working days of receiving any appeal, the Committee shall render and communicate its decision to the student through the student's Dean or designate. The decision of the Suspension and Dismissal Appeal Committee is final. 

j.  Admission after Dismissal

(i)  Students who are not eligible for readmission to their former institution are normally not admissible to Saint Mary’s University.

(ii)  Students who have been dismissed from Saint Mary’s, and who wish subsequently to be readmitted, must apply online via the standard application for admission. 

(iii)  If readmitted, students will be placed on academic probation and must fulfill those terms delineated by the Dean or designate in which the student is enrolled and outlined in their letter of readmission.  In agreeing to readmit a student, the Dean or designate has the discretionary authority to set specific terms of special probation unique to each student.  Students failing to satisfy all the terms of readmission may be denied the right to further registration.  [See also Regulation 8b.]