The primary purpose of academic counselling is to assist students in the development of educational plans which are realistic and compatible with their life goals.

The ultimate responsibility for making decisions about life goals and educational plans rests with the student. This includes the responsibility for satisfying the undergraduate regulations. Students are advised to familiarize themselves with Section I--Statement of Students' Academic Responsibilities, Section VIII--Undergraduate Degree Regulations and Procedures and the appropriate program requirements in Section X--Degree Programs as set out in this calendar. The academic advisor can assist by helping to identify and assess alternatives and the consequences of decisions, and to provide interpretations to regulations applying to the specific degree program. Students are encouraged to seek academic advice throughout their degree program. Academic counselling is available to all students throughout their academic career at the University. Counselling is provided in the following areas:

Departmental Advising

Interpretation of University Academic Regulations

Non-Academic Counselling

Program Approval

Program Counselling

Program Counsellors

Program counsellors for individual Programs are listed in the chart below. Students are encouraged to seek advice from their program counsellors on many occasions. Program counsellors can assist in coordinating students' learning experiences through the planning of educational and career objectives which take into consideration the student's abilities and academic progress. Further advisement should assist in clarification of their life/career goals and their consequences by facilitating self assessment and helping students to develop an educational plan for the realization of these goals. Finally, program counsellors are able to act as a source of referral to other campus services.

Students who experience any difficulties which affect their academic progress should consult regularly with their program counsellor.

Students wishing to have clarification of degree requirements, including changes to the schedule of studies, should seek assistance from their program counsellor for information and program approval.

Students contemplating a transfer to another degree program within the University will find it useful to discuss their plans with the program counsellor. To effect a transfer of degree program, it is necessary to submit an application through Admissions Services, Office of Registrarial Services, Level 3, University Centre.

For each specialization, there is a faculty member assigned to assist students in making academic decisions. This advisor is familiar with academic requirements of the specialization and is also knowledgeable about career opportunities which relate to this field of study. Students are strongly encouraged to attend all meetings called by their departmental advisors, and to set up individual appointments with them when they have questions or concerns about their schedule of studies or their academic performance.

A student who requires assistance in the interpretation of the academic regulations of the University or the method of their application in reference to the student's particular circumstances should consult one of the the Associate Registrars, Office of Registrarial Services, Level 3, University Centre, or their program counsellor.

Students are advised to consult The Counselling and Student Resource Centre sub-section in Section XIV--General Information in this Calendar, for information on the types and locations of non-academic counselling offered by the University.

Students are advised that program approval is required under the following circumstances:

1. If your student type is SPECIAL or your term academic standing is PROBATIONARY--see your program counsellor for approval during the course selection periods or when adding/dropping courses; or

2. If you wish to register for more than the normal number of credits--see your program counsellor for approval; or

3. If you are adding or changing a specialization (i.e. major or minor)--see your departmental advisor for that undergraduate program (usually a faculty member). Students in the B.A.SC. and B.COMM. programs must see their program counsellor to make a change or addition to their specialization.

Note: It is the program counsellor's responsibility to change a student from "Probationary" to "Eligible to Continue" or "Special" to "Regular" student type. (See Section VIII--Undergraduate Degree Regulations and Procedures, for definitions of categories.)

Students may find that program approval will be withheld if they do not adhere to the schedule of studies outlined in the Undergraduate Calendar; or, they are identified either by the Admissions Sub-Committee or the Academic Review Sub-Committee as being "Special" or requiring additional stipulations; or, they have not taken the appropriate prerequisites or corequisites.

Students are cautioned that if their selection of courses does not give evidence of progress toward the completion of the conditions for graduation in their program, they may be required by the Academic Review Sub-Committee of their program to fulfill specific conditions for continuation in the program.

In all cases, if course changes are made, the "Course Request" form, with appropriate approvals, must be returned to Academic Records, Undergraduate Program Services, Office of Registrarial Services.

If your Student Type is SPECIAL or your Academic Standing is PROBATIONARY, see your program counsellor for approval during the course selection process or when adding/dropping courses.

Admission inquiries: Admission Services ~ ~ ~ General calendar inquiries: U.P.S.
Last revision: October 18, 2001 (Section IX December 01, 2001; format revision November 20, 2001).

© 2001 Office of Registrarial Services, University of Guelph