a.Required Withdrawal from the University
Students may be required to withdraw on two academic grounds: (1) academic standing or (2) two consecutive academic terms on probation.
1.Required Withdrawal - Academic Standing
Students should be aware that regulations pertaining to required withdrawal may vary depending on the degree program. See the relevant Academic Standards in the General Regulations section of each degree program for details on these regulations.
2.Required Withdrawal - Two Consecutive Terms
Academic probation starts at the beginning of an academic term and is assessed no earlier than four weeks prior to the end of that term. Students who remain on academic probation for two consecutive terms may be required to withdraw from the University.
At the University of Lethbridge, a graduate student may repeat a course once in an attempt to: improve the course grade, improve the GPA, and/or meet graduation requirements. Graduate students should consult the relevant graduate program advising office and the supervisory committee, where one exists, before repeating a course.
1.A grade may be improved by completing either the course or its equivalent.
•Students wanting to improve their grade in an Independent Study, Series or Topics course must repeat the section with the identical title.
•Courses that are equivalent are denoted with an ‘Equivalent’ course element in the course description and include courses that have been renamed or renumbered, and Topics or Series courses that have been regularized.
•Under certain circumstances, the degree-specific program committee may recommend another course to the School of Graduate Studies Dean for approval consideration
2.If a student repeats a course, the grade for each attempt is recorded on the academic transcript.
3.Students may not have grades and credit hours for more than one attempt calculated in the GPA. Students who have repeated a course must submit a Repeated Course form available online at www.ulethbridge.ca/ross/forms.
4.Then only the grade and credit hours for the most recent attempt are computed in the GPA.
5.A student may not use a Credit/Non-Credit designation to replace a previously earned grade.
In the case where a student exceeds any legislated course limit(s) and/or the credit hours required in the student’s program, those credits will be considered extra-to-program. The extra-to-program courses may be University of Lethbridge courses taken outside of a student’s program requirements or eligible electives, one of a substantially similar pair, or granted institutional transferable course credit that cannot be used to fulfill program requirements. These courses will be counted toward applicable GPAs and are maintained on the student record. Students should be aware of legislated course limits, including the maximum number of Independent Study or Introductory courses allowed in a program. Refer to Registration, Substitute a Course for information on course substitutions.
1.Substantially Similar Course Limits
Substantially similar courses contain a high percentage of similar course content and are denoted with a ‘Substantially Similar’ course element in the course description. Students who complete two substantially similar courses will receive credit for both courses. However, the number of credit hours of the substantially similar course will be considered extra-to-program. This substantially similar course will be counted toward applicable GPAs and will remain on the student’s record, but it will not be used to fulfill program requirements for graduation.
Some courses may be applicable to more than one limit in a program.
d.Residence Requirements and Time Limits
The University of Lethbridge’s residence requirements and time limits for completion of credentials are listed in the table below.
Please note the following for the last three columns of the table below.
Column A: Residence Requirement
A student who is a candidate for a graduate degree must satisfy the minimum residence requirement through successful completion of the degree requirements as specified by the University of Lethbridge and described in the Graduate Calendar.
Column B: Time Limit for Retention of Individual Course Credit
Many courses have a defined ‘shelf life.’ A course may be used to meet program requirements for a specific number of years. After that point, credit for that course is not retained.
Column C: Time Limit for Program Completion
A student who is a candidate for a graduate degree must satisfy all program requirements within the time limit established by the School of Graduate Studies.
|
Program(s) / Major(s) |
Number of Courses in Program |
A.Residence Requirement |
B.Time Limit for Retention of Individual Course Credit |
C.Time Limit for Program Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Graduate Certificate Program |
||||
|
Advanced Clinical Study of Addiction |
4 courses (12.0 cr. hrs.) |
Minimum 4 course equivalents (12.0 cr. hrs) |
No transfer credit |
Maximum 36 months part-time continuous registration at the University of Lethbridge |
|
Bioinformatics |
4 courses (12.0 cr. hrs.) |
Minimum 4 course equivalents (12.0 cr. hrs) |
No transfer credit |
Maximum 24 months continuous registration at the University of Lethbridge |
|
Couple and Family Counselling Studies |
4 courses (12.0 cr. hrs.) |
Minimum 4 course equivalents (12.0 cr. hrs) |
No transfer credit |
Maximum 36 months part-time continuous registration at the University of Lethbridge |
|
Epidemiology and Biostatistics |
4 courses (12.0 cr. hrs.) |
Minimum 4 course equivalents (12.0 cr. hrs) |
No transfer credit |
Maximum 36 months part-time continuous registration at the University of Lethbridge |
|
Foundations in Data Science |
6 courses (12.0 cr. hrs.) |
Minimum 4 course equivalents (12.0 cr. hrs) |
No transfer credit |
Maximum 24 months continuous registration at the University of Lethbridge |
|
Health Services Management |
6 courses (15.0 cr. hrs.) |
Minimum 5 course equivalents (15.0 cr. hrs) |
No transfer credit |
Maximum 36 months |
|
Public Health Program and Policy Planning and Evaluation |
4 courses (12.0 cr. hrs.) |
Minimum 4 course equivalents (12.0 cr. hrs) |
No transfer credit |
Maximum 36 months part-time continuous registration at the University of Lethbridge |
|
Graduate Diploma Program |
||||
|
Addiction and Mental Health Psychotherapy |
8 courses (24.0 cr. hrs.) |
Minimum 8 course equivalents (24.0 cr. hrs) |
No transfer credit |
Maximum 72 months part-time continuous registration at the University of Lethbridge |
|
Master’s Programs |
||||
|
Master of Arts (all majors) |
3-6 courses (9.0-18.0 cr. hrs.) or equivalent |
Full-time students - Minimum 12 months registration in the program (3 continuous terms). Residence requirements for part-time students may be adjusted |
Transfer credit must be completed within 7 years prior to admission |
Full-time students - Maximum 24 months. Part-time students - Maximum 48 months. |
|
Master of Counselling |
12 courses (36.0 cr. hrs.) or equivalent |
Minimum 10 courses (30.0 cr. hrs.) |
Transfer credit must be completed within 5 years prior to admission |
Maximum 5 years |
|
Master of Education (all majors) |
Minimum of 36.0 credit hours of study |
Minimum 9 courses (27.0 cr. hrs.) |
Transfer credit must be completed within 5 years prior to admission |
Maximum 5 years |
|
Master of Fine Arts (all majors) |
42.0 cr. hrs. |
Minimum 24 months full-time continuous registration (6 continuous terms) |
Transfer credit must be completed within 7 years prior to admission |
Maximum 3 academic years |
|
Master of Health Services Management |
12 courses (36.0 cr. hrs.) |
Minimum 8 courses (27.0 cr. hrs.) |
Transfer credit must be completed within 4 years prior to admission |
Maximum 36 months |
|
Master of Music |
54.0 cr. hrs. |
Minimum 24 months full-time continuous registration (6 continuous terms) |
Transfer credit must be completed within 7 years prior to admission |
Maximum 3 academic years |
|
Master of Nursing (Nursing) |
11 courses (33.0 cr. hrs.) |
Minimum 9 courses (27.0 cr. hrs.) |
Transfer credit must be completed within 7 years prior to admission |
Maximum 3 academic years for full-time study or 6 academic years for part-time study |
|
Master of Science (all majors) |
2-6 courses (6.0-18.0 cr. hrs.) or equivalent |
Full-time students - Minimum 12 months registration in the program (3 continuous terms). Residence requirements for part-time students may be adjusted |
Transfer credit must be completed within 7 years prior to admission |
Full-time students - Maximum 24 months. Part-time students - Maximum 48 months. |
|
Master of Science in Management |
36.0 cr. hrs. |
Full-time students - Minimum 12 months registration in the program (3 continuous terms). Residence requirements for part-time students may be adjusted |
Transfer credit must be completed within 3 years prior to admission |
Full-time students - Maximum 20 months. Part-time students - Maximum 40 months. |
|
Doctor of Philosophy Programs |
||||
|
Doctor of Philosophy |
Up to 6 courses (18.0 cr. hrs.) or equivalent |
Minimum 24 months full-time continuous registration (6 continuous terms) at the University of Lethbridge |
No limit |
Maximum 48 months full-time continuous registration at the University of Lethbridge. |
|
Doctor of Philosophy |
Minimum of 6 courses (18.0 cr. hrs.) |
Minimum 24 months full-time continuous registration (6 continuous terms) at the University of Lethbridge |
No limit |
Maximum 84 months full-time continuous registration at the University of Lethbridge |
|
Doctor of Philosophy |
Minimum of 10 courses (30.0 cr. hrs.) |
Minimum 24 months full-time continuous registration (6 continuous terms) at the University of Lethbridge |
No limit |
Maximum 84 months full-time continuous registration at the University of Lethbridge |
Students studying at the graduate level occasionally have extenuating circumstances (e.g., illness, family emergency) that may interrupt their studies and necessitate submitting a request for a Leave of Absence for consideration. Graduate students must formally apply to their program-specific administrator within the relevant Faculty or School (see Leave of Absence Requirements and Program-Specific Policies) for permission to take a Leave of Absence prior to the leave according to the specific policies of their program. Students may be asked to provide a medical note to support their request for a Leave of Absence. International students considering applying for a Leave of Absence should contact the International Centre for Students about potential visa implications.
An approved Leave of Absence starts at the beginning of a term only. During an approved Leave of Absence, the following conditions apply:
1.Graduate students are not required to register in their program;
2.No fees are assessed;
3.Graduate students must submit a deferral request for their awards, scholarships, and bursaries to the Graduate Funding Facilitator (see Awards and Scholarships, Interruption of Program with Approved Leave of Absence):
•Deferral requests for Internal awards must be submitted by the dates outlined in Interruption of Program and Deferrals;
•Deferral requests for admissions awards may be held in abeyance, if approved; and
•Deferral requests for external awards are considered in accordance with the funding agency’s award holder agreement.
4.The time granted for the Leave of Absence is not counted toward the residence requirement;
5.Residence requirements must still be met;
6.Graduate students do not have access to University of Lethbridge resources and services (e.g., Library privileges) as a student;
7.Graduate students are not actively engaged in coursework or the research requirements of their degree program; and
8.Graduate students who return after an approved Leave of Absence shall be considered for University of Lethbridge awards, subject to the rules guiding graduate awards (see Awards and Scholarships, Returning After an Approved Leave of Absence).
Students returning from an approved Leave of Absence at the beginning of a term must inform the relevant program-specific administrator and complete the registration processes on or before the Add/Drop deadline as outlined in the University’s Academic Schedule (see Academic Schedule).
|
Program |
Program-Specific Policy |
Program-Specific Graduate Office |
Program-Specific Administrator |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Graduate Certificate |
A Leave of Absence may be granted to a maximum of one year during the tenure of study in a specific major in the graduate certificate’s program. |
Relevant Graduate Program Office |
Director or Associate Dean |
|
Graduate Diploma |
A Leave of Absence may be granted to a maximum of one year during the tenure of study in a specific major in the graduate diplomas’ program. |
Relevant Graduate Program Office |
Director or Associate Dean |
|
Master of Arts |
A Leave of Absence may be granted up to a maximum of one year during the tenure of study in the master’s program. |
School of Graduate Studies |
Dean |
|
Master of Counselling |
A Leave of Absence may be granted up to a maximum of one year during the tenure of study in the master’s program. If required, the program will be extended by the amount of Leave of Absence time granted. The Faculty of Education cannot guarantee the availability of required courses upon the student’s return from a Leave of Absence. Students are advised to consult with the Associate Dean, Graduate Studies and Research in Education, as early as possible. |
Graduate Studies and Research (Faculty of Education) |
Associate Dean |
|
Master of Education |
A Leave of Absence may be granted up to a maximum of one year during the tenure of study in the master’s program. If required, the program will be extended by the amount of Leave of Absence time granted. The Faculty of Education cannot guarantee the availability of required courses upon the student’s return from a Leave of Absence. Students are advised to consult with the Associate Dean, Graduate Studies and Research in Education, as early as possible. |
Graduate Studies and Research (Faculty of Education) |
Associate Dean |
|
Master of Fine Arts |
A Leave of Absence may be granted up to a maximum of one year during the tenure of study in the master’s program. |
Graduate Programs Office (Faculty of Fine Arts) |
Associate Dean |
|
Master of Health Services Management |
A Leave of Absence may be granted up to a maximum of one year during the tenure of study in the master’s program |
Graduate Programs Office (Dhillon School of Business) |
Director |
|
Master of Music |
A Leave of Absence may be granted up to a maximum of one year during the tenure of study in the master’s program. |
Graduate Program Office (Faculty of Fine Arts) |
Associate Dean |
|
Master of Nursing |
A Leave of Absence may be granted up to a maximum of one year during the tenure of study in the master’s program. A student will not be permitted to receive extensions to lengthen his/her program beyond six years. Under extenuating circumstances, the Program Committee may allow a longer extension. |
Graduate Program Office (Faculty of Health Sciences) |
Associate Dean |
|
Master of Science |
A Leave of Absence may be granted up to a maximum of one year during the tenure of study in the master’s program. |
School of Graduate Studies |
Dean |
|
Master of Science in Management |
A Leave of Absence may be granted up to a maximum of one year during the tenure of study in the master’s program. |
Graduate Programs Office (Dhillon School of Business) |
Director |
|
Doctor of Philosophy |
A Leave of Absence may be granted up to a maximum of one year during the tenure of study in the Ph.D. program. Residence requirements must still be met. |
School of Graduate Studies |
Dean |
|
Doctor of Philosophy in Education |
A Leave of Absence may be granted up to a maximum of one year during the tenure of study in the Ph.D. program. If required, the program will be extended by the amount of Leave of Absence time granted. The Faculty of Education cannot guarantee the availability of required courses upon the student’s return from a Leave of Absence. Students are advised to consult with the Associate Dean, Graduate Studies and Research in Education as early as possible. |
Graduate Studies and Research (Faculty of Education) |
Associate Dean |
f.Academic Respite Leave for Student Leadership Positions
Students studying at the graduate level occasionally elect to participate in formalized leadership roles for the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) that interrupt or significantly reduce progress in their studies. The President of the GSA may apply for a 12-month Academic Respite Leave from their graduate program.
An approved Academic Respite Leave starts on May 1st and ends on April 30th only. During an approved Academic Respite Leave, the following conditions apply:
•The President of the GSA must maintain continuous registration in their degree program;
•The President of the GSA will receive the Service Leadership Award;
•Term tuition and other fees are levied each term;
•Assistantships, grants, awards, scholarships, and other financial aid provided by the University are put into abeyance, where applicable;
•The time granted for the Academic Respite Leave is not counted toward the residence requirement and time limits of the student’s graduate degree;
•Residence requirements must still be met;
•The President of the GSA is entitled to all the rights and privileges as a full-time registered graduate student; and
•The President of the GSA may be actively engaged in coursework or the research requirements of their degree program at a level commensurate with the workload required for the leadership position.