Academic Regulations

I. Responsibilities of Students

Students are responsible for making themselves familiar with the information in the Calendar. Remember: a minimum first installment or deferral of fees must be paid before a student is considered registered. Please refer to the Fees & Expenses section of this Calendar.

  • Students are responsible for ensuring that their course enrolment is accurate and complete and that the courses in which they enrol meet the requirements for graduation. Course prerequisites and any restrictions on enrolment should be noted carefully prior to registration. Whenever the requirements are not understood, a student should consult their department's undergraduate advisor or the Associate Chair of Undergraduate Studies.
  • Students are required to attend the courses of instruction and the examinations in all subjects prescribed. A timetable conflict between two courses is not a valid reason to not attend a course or examination: students are expected to resolve any timetable conflicts prior to the start of courses. 
  • Students must conform to all lecture, tutorial and laboratory regulations.
  • Students shall comply with all due dates and manner of submission for all work submitted for credit in a course. Consequences for failure to comply shall be specified and announced by the instructor. All session work must be submitted no later than the last day of lectures in the session as published in this Calendar.
  • If a student is unable to complete any portion of their course work due to medical, psychological or compassionate circumstances, they should inform the instructor by submitting a "Petition for Consideration in Course Work", with supporting documents (e.g., Verification of Illness Form). Please refer to Regulation XII - Petitions & Appeals in this chapter.
  • A student has the right to withdraw from a course or program without academic penalty before the published deadline (see "Sessional Dates" listing at the beginning of the Calendar) with approval from their department's undergraduate advisor. A student who does not complete the course or write the final examination will receive final marks in the course consisting of the sum of their earned session marks with zero for the uncompleted work and examination. These marks will be included in the calculation of session averages. A student who in any session withdraws from the Faculty after the deadline to withdraw without academic penalty (as specified in the calendar) is deemed to have failed the session.
  • It is generally desirable for students to engage in extracurricular activities to a reasonable extent so that they do not become too narrowly academic in interest and outlook but no academic credit can be given for such activities. Extracurricular activities require considerable time for the proper performance of the duties connected with them. A student on probation, or with marginal academic records, should not undertake such activities. Students will not be given any special consideration for conflicts resulting from such activities and are responsible for meeting the requirements of all aspects of their academic work.
     

Responsibilities of Students with Regard to the Use of Computer Facilities

  • All computer equipment in the Faculty is to be used for academic purposes only.
  • The use of any computer equipment to display or distribute material that could reasonably be expected to degrade, offend or promote hatred or violence against any person or group is inconsistent with the purpose of the equipment, and is not permitted. Examples of unacceptable material include pornography, racial slurs and pictures of people who are not fully dressed.

These regulations are designed to promote an atmosphere in which all students can pursue their academic programs, as well as discourage waste of computer resources. Violators are subject to having all their U of T computer accounts closed down, and/or other disciplinary action under the provisions of the University of Toronto Code of Student Conduct. Maintaining the integrity of the Faculty's computer facilities is everyone's responsibility. If you see an individual using computer equipment anywhere in this Faculty in a manner that you believe to be inconsistent with the regulations, please record the time, date, room number, workstation number (if in a facility with more than one terminal or computer) and the exact nature of the offence (description of what is being displayed). Send the information to the Director, Engineering Computing Facility, Engineering Annex Room 212 or send an email to ecfhelp@ecf.utoronto.ca. The Director will then determine the identity of the user and the type of activity in which the user was engaged at the time it was recorded.

 

II. Definitions of Terms

1. Sessions

The academic program consists of a consecutive sequence of sessions. There are three sessions per academic year:

  • Fall Session (September  December) 
  • Winter Session (January  April) 
  • Summer Session (May  August)

Courses may be taken in summer sessions, provided that students are eligible to continue. The evaluation period for the purpose of promotion is the Fall Session or the Winter Session.

The notations 1F, 1W, 2F, 2W, etc., are used to represent the Fall Session and the Winter Session for the respective year of study.

2. Sessional Averages

  1. Fall Session Average:
    The Fall Session Average is calculated on the basis of all Fall Session courses in which the student is enrolled. The weighting factor for each course is the number of weight units assigned to it. Full-year courses are not included in the calculation of the Fall Session Average. These courses are identified as “IPR” on the student’s record in the Fall Session.
  2. Winter Session Average:
    The Winter Session Average is calculated on the basis of all Winter and full-year courses in which the student is enrolled. The weighting factor for each course is the number of weight units assigned to it. The results of full-year courses are included in the Winter Session Average with a weight equal to the sum of the Fall and Winter Session weights.

3. Course Marks & Grades

The following course marks and grades relate to the performance of a student in the work of a particular course. A course grade or mark should not be interpreted as an assessment of status within a program of study since this is determined by the Promotional Regulations set out in Regulations III, IV and V. In particular, please refer to Regulation III, Section 8 regarding credit for courses.

The equivalents of the Numerical Scale of Marks in the refined Letter Grade Scale and the Grade Point Value are as follows:  

 * The grade point values below apply to marks earned in individual courses; grade point averages are weighted sums of the grade points earned (see below), and thus do not necessarily correspond exactly to the scale below. For example, a B+ average would include grade point averages from 3.20 to 3.40, while the lowest B- average would be 2.50.

Numerical Scale of MarkLetter GradeRefined Grade Point Value
90-100A+4.0
85-89A4.0
80-84A-3.7
77-79B+3.3
73-76B3.0
70-72B-2.7
67-69C+2.3
63-66C2.0
60-62C-1.7
57-59D+1.3
53-56D1.0
50-52D-0.7
0-49F0.0

4. Grade Point Average

Note: the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering does not promote students on the basis of the GPA but on the basis of the weighted sessional average.

The Grade Point Average is the weighted sum of the grade points earned, divided by the number of courses in which grade points were earned.

Courses noted “AEG” are not included in the average, nor are transfer credits, courses taken elsewhere on a Letter of Permission, nor courses designated as “extra.”

Three types of grade point averages are shown on the Official Student transcript:

  • The Sessional GPA (SGPA) is based on courses taken in a single session (Fall, Winter or Summer).
  • The Annual GPA (AGPA) is based on courses taken in the Fall-Winter Sessions.
  • The Cumulative GPA (CGPA) takes into account all courses taken for degree credit in the Faculty.

5. Non-grade Symbols

The following non-grade symbols may appear on grade reports and transcripts instead of course marks and /or equivalent letter grades. They have no grade point or term sessional average values:

  • AEG: Aegrotat standing granted on the basis of session work and medical or similar evidence where the student was not able to write the final examination in the course. AEG is assigned by a division upon approval of a student's petition. It carries credit for the course but is not considered for averaging purposes.
  • CR/NCR: Credit/No Credit. Used to report results for academic requirements such as practical experience, English proficiency, field camps, etc. The grades CR and NCR have no numerical equivalence and are not included in the calculation of Sessional Averages.
  • DNW: Did not write/did not attend/did little work (when used as final course result, DNW is assigned by the instructor and must be changed to another grade/symbol during the divisional grade review).
  • GWR: Grade withheld pending review under the Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters.
  • IPR: (Course) in progress.
  • LWD: Permitted to withdraw from a course without academic penalty without supporting documentation. Applies only to elective courses such as technical electives, humanities and social science electives, complementary studies, and free electives. More information about late withdrawal without supporting documentation can be found in the Promotion Regulations section.
  • NGA: No grade available.
  • SDF: Standing deferred on the basis of incomplete course work because of medical or similar reasons (to be replaced by a regular mark before the expiry of a specified extension period).
  • WDR: Granted privilege of late withdrawal without academic penalty from a course caused by circumstances beyond the student’s control.

The following non-grade statements may appear on grade reports and transcripts in conjunction with the course mark and letter grade:

  • Assessed: Indicates that an assessed mark has been granted through petition to the Undergraduate Assessment Committee on the basis of session work and medical or similar evidence.
  • EXT: Extra course. Not for degree credit; course has no effect on status or grade point average. Refer to Regulation VIII, Section 9. Promotion Regulations.
  • INC (incomplete): Notwithstanding the mark obtained by a student in a course, the instructor may report the designation "incomplete" in addition to the student’s final course mark, if:
     
    1. a student has not made a reasonable attempt to complete major session assignments, projects laboratories, tutorials, tests, thesis, final exam, or other coursework and 
    2. the instructor announced, prior to the date to add or substitute courses, that the assignment would be considered mandatory. If the instructor’s report is confirmed by the Undergraduate Assessment Committee, the student will be required to clear the incomplete status to receive credit for the course; however, the original course mark will not be altered. 

      An incomplete status may be cleared by obtaining an evaluation of 50% or greater on the required course work which must be completed within a time period specified by the instructor but not later than the end of the next corresponding session. A student who does not clear an incomplete course designation in the manner prescribed above will not receive credit for the course and the result will be treated as an F grade, i.e., Regulation IV, Section 8 pertaining to the repeating or replacing of courses with F grades will apply.

 

III. University of Toronto Policies & Guidelines

As members of the University of Toronto community, students assume certain responsibilities and are guaranteed certain rights and freedoms. The University has several policies that are approved by the Governing Council and which apply to all students. Each student must become familiar with the policies. The University will assume that they have done so.

The rules and regulations of the University are listed in this Calendar. In applying to the University, the student assumes certain responsibilities to the University and, if admitted and registered, shall be subject to all rules, regulations and policies cited in the Calendar, as amended from time to time.

Governing Council’s website hosts all of the University’s policies. Policies of particular interest to students are as follows:

Additional Provostial guidelines, reports, practices and frameworks are posted on the Division of the Vice-President and Provost’s website.

 

IV. Officers of the University

 A list of officials of the University of Toronto can be found on the Governing Council website at governingcouncil.utoronto.ca.

 

V. Academic Program Load

Please note that program load may vary by year of study and program. 

The normal full academic load is 2.50 credits per session. Students in second or higher years may, in exceptional cases, increase their academic load to a maximum of 3.00 credits. Full-time students may take a CS or HSS elective course in any term starting in the summer after their initial registration, and subject to the rule above. Part-time students may take a CS or HSS elective course in any term. 

A full-time student may reduce their academic load below the full academic load by 0.50 credits by dropping a CS, HSS or technical/free elective course if it is possible to take the same or a replacement course in a summer or subsequent session. Students taking a full-year core course will not be allowed to drop this course in the Winter Session. It is recommended that a student consult their undergraduate advisor for advice on how this may impact their ability to complete their degree requirements within the expected period of time.

Reducing the academic load to less than a full load as defined by a student’s year and program of study will make the student ineligible for certain scholarships. Full-time students with reduced course loads are still required to pay the full-time program fee, and will not be entitled to any tuition fee refunds.

 

VI. Degree Requirements

To qualify for a degree, a student must complete a full undergraduate program as outlined in the Faculty Calendar within nine calendar years of first registration, exclusive of mandatory absences from their program. Further, no student will be allowed to graduate if they do not meet the criteria that may lead to registration as a Professional Engineer as set by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB).

1. A full undergraduate program consists of eight Fall and Winter Sessions taken in order. 

To gain credit for a session a student must:

  1. Satisfy the academic regulations to proceed to the succeeding session as described herein, and
  2. Not be subsequently required to repeat the session for which credit is to be gained, and
  3. Not have any outstanding designations of "standing deferred," "incomplete," "No Grade Available," or "GWR" (Grade Withheld pending Review under Code of Conduct on Academic Matters) for any course in any session (see Regulation I, Section 5 and Regulation I, Section 7).
     

2. Final Session

To be eligible to graduate, a student must attain a weighted Session Average of 60% or greater in their final session. Any student who does not achieve a weighted Session Average of 60% in their final session (4W), but has attained a weighted Session Average that allows them to proceed to the next session on probation, shall repeat the final session and achieve a weighted Session Average of 60% or greater to graduate.

An academic standing of Proceeding on Probation, or On Repeat Probation will be removed and changed to Pass (or Honours if applicable) at the conclusion of the final session during which all requirements for graduation are satisfied.

3. English Proficiency Requirement

The Faculty requires each student to show an ability to write English coherently and correctly in all written work submitted for evaluation. Consequently, the Faculty reserves the right to ask each student to write a post-admission English Proficiency Assessment at the beginning of their first year of studies. Every student will also take at least one course that includes a written communication component within their curriculum. Satisfactory completion of the course or courses is required for graduation.

4. Practical Experience Requirement

It is a regulation of the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering that all students complete a minimum of 600 hours of practical work before graduation. Full details of the practical experience requirement are outlined in "Curriculum and Programs."

 

VII. Academic Standing

1. There are three categories of Academic Standing used for promotion:

  1. Clear: A student with a Clear standing may proceed to subsequent sessions.
  2. Proceeding On Probation: A student is placed on Probation the first time the Session Average is between 55% to 60%. Probation is a warning that academic performance is not satisfactory.
  3. On Repeat Probation: A student placed on Repeat Probation must withdraw from the Faculty for a prescribed period of time in accordance to the promotion regulations. A second instance of Repeat Probation will result in refusal of further registration in the Faculty.
     

2. Honours Standing (Full-time or Part-time):

Honours academic standing for a non-repeat Fall or Winter term is granted to students who earn a weighted term average of 79.5% or higher, excluding courses designated as “Extra” (EXT).

3. Dean's Honours List

  1. Dean's Honours List for Full-time Students: Students with full-time (FT) attendance class will be recognized on the Dean’s Honours List for any non-repeat Fall or Winter term in which they complete a minimum of 2.0 credits (usually 4 half courses) with a weighted term average of 79.5% or higher, counting only non-repeat and non-extra courses. Note: valid full-year courses that are still in progress (“IPR”) in which a student remains enrolled also count towards minimum Fall Term load requirements.
  2. Dean's Honours List for Part-time Students: Students with part-time (PT) attendance class in sequential Fall and Winter terms will be recognized on the Dean’s Honours List once for the combined terms if they complete at least 2.0 credits (usually 4 half courses) with a combined term weighted average of 79.5% or higher, counting only non-repeat and non-extra courses.
     

4. Honours Upon Graduation

  1. To obtain High Honours upon graduation, a student must achieve a cumulative weighted average of 87.5% or higher across courses taken in terms in which their year of study was 2, 3 or 4, as well as a cumulative weighted average of 82.5% or higher across courses taken in terms in which their year of study was 4, excluding any repeat courses or courses marked as "Extra."
  2. Students not eligible for High Honours obtain Honours upon graduation if they have achieved a cumulative weighted average of 79.5% or higher across courses taken in terms in which their year of study was 2, 3 or 4, as well as a cumulative weighted average of 74.5% or higher across courses taken in terms in which their year of study was 4, excluding any repeat courses and courses marked as "Extra."

    Note: Summer Session registrations also have an associated year of study; as such, valid summer courses are also included.

     

VIII. Promotion Regulations

The Promotion Regulations are the academic standards that dictate whether a student will proceed to the next session or not. These regulations apply to all students who are registered in the Faculty. The first session (Fall Session) commences in September and ends in December. The second session (Winter Session) begins in January and ends in April/May.

1. Removing Probation: 

Full-time students

A full-time student who has completed a non-repeated fall or winter term with a weighted Session (term) Average of 60% or greater while maintaining a minimum 1.50 cumulative GPA will have their probation status improved by one academic standing category. For example, a student who has a probation status of “Repeat Probation” after one session with a weighted Session Average of 60% or better and a CGPA of 1.50 or higher will have a new status of “Proceed on Probation.” Note: For the purposes of probation lifting, a full-time session means four or more non-repeated half-course equivalents (HCEs).

Part-time students

Students who are in part-time studies will have their probation status improved by one academic standing category after having completed the minimum number of sequential part-time fall or winter terms required to have numeric grades registered in four or more non-repeated HCEs with a composite average of 60% or greater across all non-repeated courses in those terms and a CGPA of 1.50 or higher. 

Upon Graduation

An academic standing of "Proceeding on Probation," or "On Repeat Probation" will be removed and changed to "Pass" (or "Honours" if applicable) at the conclusion of the final session during which all requirements for graduation are satisfied.

2. Required Withdrawal:

A student who has failed a session is required to withdraw and must discontinue their studies as soon as grades are made official. This applies whether or not the student is enrolled in courses that continue in the following session. In all cases where a full year course is dropped, the student will not receive credit for any work already done in the course. A student who is required to withdraw after a Fall Session will be withdrawn by the Registrar’s Office and will receive a refund for the Winter Session. A student who wishes to withdraw voluntarily must complete a withdrawal form at the Registrar’s Office. A student who is required to withdraw after a Winter Session need not complete a withdrawal form. 

Under some conditions, students in years 24 may request to be enrolled in a maximum of three half-course equivalents during the withdrawal period. These courses must consist of previously failed technical courses (not from the term leading to second probation status), and, in special cases, complementary studies courses. Students who receive second probation status following term 1S may request to be enrolled in a maximum of two half-course equivalents during the following fall term session. Students will make such requests through an academic advisor; decisions will be made on a departmental basis. Petitions to the Undergraduate Assessment Committee are required for requests outside this scope.

3. Repetition of a Session:

A student is not permitted to repeat the same session more than once. Thus, any student who would otherwise be required to repeat a session more than once is given the status "Failed ⁠— will not be considered for re-admission."  In permitting a student to proceed to the next session, it is assumed by the Faculty that the student has both the ability and necessary background to obtain a weighted Session Average of 60% or greater. 

  1. In a repeated session, no credit is retained for courses previously taken in which a mark of less than 70% was achieved. Courses in which a mark of 70% or greater has been achieved need not be repeated. A student who is repeating a session may choose elective courses different from those they chose on the previous attempt.
  2. A first-year student may not improve their academic standing by voluntarily repeating a session. For example, if a student is on academic probation and the promotional standing of the student will not be improved by the results of the voluntarily repeated session if their weighted Session Average for the session is 60% or greater.

4. Re-enrolment after Withdrawal:

A student who has withdrawn from the Faculty must apply for re-enrolment by the stated deadline dates for the Fall Session and Winter Session as stated in the Calendar for a decision on their eligibility to resume studies in the Faculty. Specific deadline dates are listed in the “Sessional Dates” section of the Calendar. Please contact the Office of the Registrar for application information. Re-enrolment is not automatic. First-year students making such applications should consult a first-year advisor.

5. Credit for Courses in the Fall & Winter Session: 

  1. A student whose mark is less than 50% in any course taken as part of the academic load in a session will not be given credit for the course. If credit is not obtained for a course, the students must register for and repeat the course at the first opportunity. If a mark of 50% or greater is obtained in the repeated course, credit will be given for the course. 
  2. If credit is not obtained for the original course on the second attempt, be it through repeating or substituting of a course, the student will be permitted one additional opportunity to clear the requirement. In such case, the student must register for and repeat the course or a substituted course at the first opportunity. If credit is not obtained for the original course or for the substituted course on the third attempt, the student will be given the status "Failed ⁠— Refused Further Registration."
  3. A student who is not in a regular full-time or part-time program and is taking courses either to obtain credit for a missing requirement or to repeat a previous failed course must achieve a mark of 50% or greater in order to retain credit in such courses.
  4. PEY Co-op students who are given permission to take courses during their internship programs will be given credit for those courses in which they obtain a mark of 50% or greater.
  5. In the event that the requirement to repeat or substitute a course causes timetable conflicts that cannot be sanctioned by the department or division, study of higher level conflict courses must be deferred.
  6. Promotion rules shall apply in the usual manner to students who are repeating or substituting courses or repeating examinations. Grades for repeated or substituted courses or repeated examinations shall be included in the weighted Session Average.

6. Credit for Courses in the Summer Session: 

A student taking any University of Toronto summer course(s) including repeated courses, must obtain a grade of at least 50% in order to retain credit. There will be no audit/promotional assessment for the Summer Session and credit for courses will be assessed on a per course basis except for students participating in the T-Program.

7.  Late Withdrawal Without Supporting Documentation 

This policy applies to students wishing to withdraw from courses after the withdrawal deadline, but prior to the start of the Faculty's examinations period.

Case (1): Students in Years 24
Students are allowed to drop, without penalty, a maximum of two half-credit (0.5 wt) elective courses. This would be a three-year total and does not include courses dropped under this policy in Year 1. This applies to technical electives, CS/HSS electives and free electives taken at the University of Toronto.

Case (2): Students in Year 1 Engineering Science
Students are allowed to drop a maximum of three half-credit courses in:

  1. Term 1F as part of a transition to term 1S in a core-8 program, or
  2. Term 1S as part of a transition to term 2F in a core-8 program.
     

Case (3): Students in Year 1 Core 8/Track One
Students are allowed to drop a maximum of two half-credit courses over the combined 1F and 1S terms.

Students will make such requests through their academic advisors; petitions to the Undergraduate Assessment Committee are not required. "LWD" will appear on a student's transcript for all courses dropped under this policy. This course status will have no effect on the GPA, sessional averages or other elements of the academic record.

8. Designating Credit Courses as Extra

With the approval of their department’s undergraduate academic advisor or Chair’s designate for undergraduate studies, a student may elect to take an extra course. These courses cannot be used for degree program credit. Their marks are shown on the transcript but not included in the calculation of sessional averages. Any course taken by a student in a degree program that is not listed in the curriculum requirements for that program in the “Curriculum and Programs” section of the academic calendar will be designated as “EXT.” This includes courses taken for interest or additional elective courses beyond what is prescribed in a program’s curriculum.

The deadline for requesting any credit course be changed to an extra course is the same as that for dropping a course. The deadline for requesting an extra course be changed to a credit course (if applicable) is the same as that for adding a course.

A student planning to take more courses than required for their program should select which courses will count as Extra. If no such designation is made by the corresponding deadline and Extra courses must be declared retroactively, the following rules will apply to determine which courses are maintained for credit:

  1. Chronology: courses taken in earlier semesters count towards the degree, courses taken later will be designated as Extra.
  2. Alphanumeric: if multiple courses were taken in the same semester, and only a subset can count toward the degree, the course code(s) that appears earlier in the alphabet will count toward the degree (e.g., course code ABC123 would take precedence over ABC124 or BCD123). 
     

Promotion Regulations: Text

There are two important parameters to the Promotion Regulations: a student’s previous record and the weighted Session Average (SA) achieved by the student in the current session. The regulations are presented below in text format. They are presented in nine sections, according to the student’s previous record. 

1. First-year Students Enrolling with a Clear Record
  1. Session Average 60% or greater: Passed. Proceed to the next session 1W with a clear record.
  2. Session Average between 55% and 60%: Placed on Probation with three options:
    1. Proceed to 1W on probation if all course marks are 50% or greater.
    2. Enrol in the T-Program on probation. Repeat all courses with marks less than 50%. Students may elect to repeat other courses which have marks between 50% and 59%. Must repeat specific courses as decided by the Vice Dean, First Year or Designate. Up to three courses may be repeated. Students who are part-time or who are required to repeat/take four or more 1F courses are not eligible to enrol in the T-Program. 
    3. Withdraw from the Faculty with the right to return to a subsequent Session 1F on probation. If more than three course marks are less than 50% or is required to take four or more 1F courses, a student must withdraw.
  3. Session Average between 50% and 55%: Placed on Probation with two options:
    1. Enroll in the T-Program on Probation. Will repeat all courses with marks less than 60%. If more than three courses have marks less than 60%, normally, the three courses with the lowest grades will be repeated. Students who are part-time or who are required to repeat four or more courses are not eligible to enrol in the T-Program and must withdraw. 
    2. Withdraw from the Faculty with the right to return to a subsequent Session 1F on probation. If more than three course marks are less than 50%, a student must withdraw.
  4. Session Average between 45% and 50%: Placed on probation. Must withdraw from the Faculty and is eligible to repeat sessions when next offered.
  5. Session Average less than 45%: Failed. May apply for re-admission. Re-admission, if granted, will be on repeat probation. 
2. First-year Students proceeding with a Clear Record
  1. Session Average 60% or greater: Passed. Proceed to the next session with a clear record.
  2. Session Average between 55% and 60%: Placed on probation. Proceed to the next session on probation.
  3. Session Average less than 55%: Placed on repeat probation. Repeat session immediately when next offered.

*Students cannot proceed to second year if more than two first-year courses are outstanding.

3. First-year Students in the T-Program ⁠— Session 1W
  1. Session Average 60% or greater: Passed. Proceed to the Summer Session on probation in the T-Program.
  2. Session Average less than 60% or a mark in a repeated course below 50% Failed. May apply for re-admission. Re-admission, if granted, will be on repeat probation.
4. First-year Students in the T-Program ⁠— Summer Session*
  1. Session Average 60% or greater: Passed. Proceed to 2F on probation
  2. Session average less than 60%: Placed on repeat probation. Repeat session 1W when next offered on repeat probation.

*Students cannot proceed to second year if more than two first-year courses are outstanding.

5. First-year Engineering Science Students ⁠— Session 1F
  1. Session Average 60% or greater: Passed. Proceed to the next session (1W) with a clear record.
  2. Session Average between 55% and 60%: Passed. Proceed to the next session (1W) with a clear record in Engineering Science or: 
    1. Conditionally transfer to another Engineering program of choice. Final acceptance into a program of choice is conditional upon a student achieving a Winter Session Average of 60% or greater.
    2. Transfer to another Engineering program with space with no conditions.
  3. Session Average between 45% and 55%: Placed on Probation. Required to transfer to a program with space with two options:
    1. Enrol in the T-Program on Probation. Required to take as repeated those courses equivalent to courses with marks less than 60% (APS111H1 in lieu of ESC101H1 if the mark in ESC101H1 is less than 50%). If more than three courses have marks less than 60%, the three courses with the lowest grades will be repeated.
    2. Withdraw from the Faculty with the right to return to a subsequent Session 1F on probation in a program with space. If more than three course marks are less than 50%, a student must withdraw. Not eligible to apply for re-admission to the Engineering Science program.
  4. Session Average less than 45%: Failed. May apply for re-admission. Re-admission, if granted, will be on repeat probation. Not eligible to apply for re-admission to the Engineering Science program.
6. First-year Engineering Science Students ⁠— Session 1W*
  1. Session Average equal to or greater than 65%: Passed. Proceed to next session with a clear record.
  2. Session Average between 55% and 65%: Passed. Proceed to next session with a clear record in any other second-year Engineering program.
  3. Session Average between 50% and 55%: Placed on Probation. Proceed to next session on probation in an Engineering program with space.
  4. Session Average less than 50%: Placed on repeat probation. Repeat session immediately when next offered on repeat probation in a program with space (not Engineering Science or Track One).

*No first-year Engineering Science student transferring to a Core 8 program, shall proceed to second year (2F) with more than two outstanding Core 8 course equivalents.

7. Students proceeding with a Clear Record ⁠— Sessions 2F, 2W, 3F, 3W, 4F or 4W     
  1. Session Average 60% or greater: Passed. Proceed to the next session with a clear record.
  2. Session Average between 55% and 60%: Placed on Probation. Proceed to the next session on probation.
  3. Session Average less than 55%: Placed on repeat probation. Repeat session immediately when next offered.
8. Students proceeding on Probation ⁠— Sessions 1W, 2F, 2W, 3F, 3W, 4F or 4W
  1. Session Average 60% or greater: Passed. May proceed to the next session with a clear record. See Regulation VIII, Section 1. Removing Probation for details and conditions. 
  2. Session average less than 60%: Placed on repeat probation. Repeat session immediately when next offered.
9. Students proceeding on Repeat Probation ⁠— Sessions 1W, 2F, 2W, 3F, 3W, 4F or 4W
  1. Session Average 60% or greater: Passed. May proceed to the next session on probation. See Regulation VIII, Section 1. Removing Probation for details and conditions.
  2. Session average less than 60%: Failed. Refused further registration. Will not be considered for re-admission.
10. Students repeating any session
  1. Session Average 60% or greater: Passed. Proceed to the next session on probation.
  2. Session average less than 60%: Failed. Refused further registration. Will not be considered for re-admission.

 

Promotion Regulations: Chart

The following chart summarizes the text version of the promotion regulations. In the event of conflict between the text version and the chart version, the text version shall govern.

First-year Fall Session ⁠— 1F Newly Admitted First-year Students
Status at Start of SessionSession Average
045%50%55%60%
ClearRepeat Probation 
Failed. May apply for re-admission.
Probation
Withdraw for eight months and repeat 1F Session.
Probation 
Proceed to 1W in T-Program or withdraw for eight months and repeat 1F.*
Probation
Proceed to 1W on Probation, or T-Program or withdraw for eight months and repeat 1F.
Clear 
May proceed. Pass or Honours.

*A student who is part-time or has more than three course marks below 50% will be required to withdraw and is eligible to return to repeat 1F in a subsequent session on probation.

First-year Winter Session ⁠— 1W
Status at Start of SessionSession Average
055%60%
ClearRepeat Probation
Failed. Must withdraw for eight months. Upon return, must repeat session.
Probation
Proceed on probation.
Clear
May Proceed. Pass or honours.
ProbationRepeat Probation
Failed. Must withdraw for eight months. Upon return, must repeat session.
Probation
Proceed on Probation.*

*See Regulation VIII, Section 1 Removing Probation for details and conditions.
Repeat ProbationRefused Further Registration
Failed. Not eligible to continue in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering.
Repeat Probation
Proceed on repeat probation.*

*See Regulation VIII, Section 1 Removing probation for details and conditions.

*Students cannot proceed to second year if more than two first-year courses are outstanding.

T-Program Winter Session ⁠— 1W
Status at Start of SessionSession Average
060%
On Probation in the T-ProgramRepeat Probation
Failed ⁠— May apply for re-admission.
Probation in the T-Program

Pass ⁠— May proceed to Summer Session on Probation in the T-Program.*

*Condition: No repeated course may have a final mark less than 50%

T-Program Summer Session
Status at Start of SessionSession Average
060%
On Probation in the T-ProgramRepeat Probation
Failed ⁠— Must withdraw for six months. Upon return must repeat regular 1W.
Probation
Pass ⁠— May proceed to second year on probation.

*Students cannot proceed to second year if more than two first-year courses are outstanding.

First-year Engineering Science Fall Session ⁠— 1F Newly admitted First-year Students
Status at Start of SessionSession Average
045%55%60%
ClearRepeat Probation
Failed ⁠— May apply for re-admission in a program with space.
Probation
Enrol in the T-Program or withdraw and repeat 1F ⁠— in a program with space.
Clear
Remain in Engineering Science or transfer to another Engineering program.*
Clear
May Proceed ⁠— Pass or Honours ⁠— or Transfer to any program.

*55-60% Options:
  1. Remain in Engineering Science and proceed to 1W subject to Engineering Science promotion rules.
  2. Voluntarily transfer to another Engineering program with space and be unconditionally accepted.
  3. Voluntarily transfer to another Engineering program. Acceptance in a program of choice in 1W is conditional upon receiving a Winter Session average of 60% or greater.
  4. Students who transfer into Track One are subject to Track One 1W transfer regulations.
First-year Engineering Science Winter Session ⁠— 1W
Status at Start of SessionSession Average
050%55%65%
ClearRepeat Probation
Failed ⁠— Repeat session 1W immediately in a program with space (not Engineering Science or Track One). 
Probation
Transfer to a program with space on probation.
Clear
Transfer to another Engineering Program.
Clear
May Proceed ⁠— Pass or Honours. May remain in Engineering Science or Transfer to any program.

*No first-year Engineering Science student transferring to a Core 8 program shall proceed to second year (2F) with more than two outstanding Core 8 course equivalents.

Fall and Winter Sessions 2nd, 3rd and 4th year
Status at Start of SessionSession Average
055%60%
ClearRepeat Probation
Repeat session immediately when next offered.
Probation
Proceed on probation.
Clear
May Proceed. Pass or honours.
ProbationRepeat Probation
Failed. Repeat session immediately when next offered.
Probation
Proceed on Probation.*

*See Regulation VIII, Section 1 Removing Probation for details and conditions.
Repeat ProbationRefused Further Registration
Failed. Not eligible to continue in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering.
Repeat Probation
Proceed on repeat probation.*

*See Regulation VIII, Section 1 Removing probation for details and conditions.
Any Repeated Session
Status at Start of SessionSession Average
060%
ClearRefused Further Registration
Failed. Not eligible to continue in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering.
Clear
May proceed.
ProbationRefused Further Registration
Failed. Not eligible to continue in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering.
Probation
Proceed on probation.
Repeat ProbationRefused Further Registration
Failed. Not eligible to continue in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering.
Repeat Probation
Proceed on repeat probation.

 

IX. Transfers

1. Transfer within the Faculty

A student may apply to transfer from one program to another within the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. Students must submit the "Request to Transfer" application available via the Engineering Student Portal. Program transfers at the completion of first year will not normally involve any additional courses to remedy deficiencies.

  1. Transfers between Core 8 programs (excluding intra-departmental transfers): 
    1. Applications to transfer between Engineering programs may be submitted at any time during the Winter Session of first year but not later than the deadline as listed in the Sessional Dates section. All such applications are considered together on their merits after that date.
    2. The approval of transfers is subject to the availability of places in the program. Often, programs are unable to accept all students seeking transfer.
    3. Students who have submitted an online request to transfer application before the deadline and who have completed first year with a clear record and with a Winter Session Average of 65% or greater will receive preference for their selected program provided space is available. 
    4. Students who have submitted an online request to transfer application before the deadline and who have completed first year with a clear record who obtain a 79.5% weighted term average excluding EXT courses (Honours standing, as defined in VII.2) in both sessions of first year will be allowed to transfer to the second-year program of their choice.
       
  2. Transfers from Track One:
    1. A Track One student who has achieved a Session Average of 60% or greater in both terms of first year (1F and 1W) may transfer to their program of choice. 
    2. A Track One student who has achieved less than a 60% session average in either term (1F or 1W) but who is eligible to proceed to second year may apply to enrol in a program of their choice. However, their choices may be limited to a program with space.
       
  3. Transfers between Electrical & Computer Engineering programs: 
    Students will select their courses in third and fourth year to fulfill program requirements in computer engineering or in electrical engineering.
     
  4. Transfers between Mechanical & Industrial Engineering programs:
    1. Applications to transfer between Mechanical and Industrial Engineering programs must be submitted no later than the deadline after the current academic year.
    2. Students who wish to transfer between the Mechanical and Industrial Engineering programs will be allowed to do so if admitted directly to the first-year Fall Session of the Mechanical or Industrial Engineering program. 
    3. Students not in category (ii) above will be allowed to transfer if places are available.
       
  5. Transfers to the Engineering Science program:
    Transfers from Engineering programs to Engineering Science are permitted after sessions 1F and/or 1W only in cases where the student has a superior academic record.
     
  6. Transfers from the Engineering Science Program:
    1. Newly admitted first-year Engineering Science students will be accepted to transfer to any Engineering program on or before the last day to add or substitute Fall Session courses.
    2. First-year Engineering Science students who obtain a Fall Session Average of 60% or greater will be accepted to transfer to any Engineering program on or before the last day to add Winter Session courses. Students with Fall Sessional Averages between 55% and 60% will be conditionally accepted into a program of choice. Students with Fall Sessional Averages between 45% and 55% will be accepted to transfer to any program in which space is available, in the T-Program.
    3. First-year Engineering Science students who obtain Winter Sessional Averages of 55% or greater will be accepted to transfer to any Engineering program provided their "Request to Transfer" online application is submitted prior to the deadline. Students who obtain Winter Sessional Averages between 50% and 55% must have submitted an application to transfer not later than the deadline and these applications will be considered on their merits along with the applications for transfer from students in Engineering programs.
       

2.  Transfers to Other Faculties

A student interested in admission to another Faculty in the University of Toronto should consult with the Registrar or Admissions Officer of the Faculty concerned about the feasibility of obtaining transfer credit upon admission. Information regarding the application process can be found at future.utoronto.ca. More information may also be obtained from the Undergraduate Engineering website: www.undergrad.engineering.utoronto.ca or the Office of the Registrar.

 

X. Faculty Final Examinations

Final examinations are held at the end of each term. Students who make personal commitments during the examination period do so at their own risk. No special consideration will be given and no special arrangements made in the event of conflicts with personal or extra-curricular activities. Information regarding dates and times of examinations will be posted online for each session.

Rules for the Conduct of Examinations

(Additional resources: undergrad.engineering.utoronto.ca/exams/exam-rules-regulations)

1.  Timetable & Seating Lists

The timetable of examinations and a list showing the rooms in which the candidates in each course have been assigned to write will be posted in prominent locations prior to the examinations.

2.  Aids Permissible and Not Permissible

  1. A candidate will be permitted to bring to the examination and use only pen and pencil, drafting instruments, and if permitted, electronic calculators. All equipment brought to the examination must be placed on the candidate’s desk and kept in view during the examination.
  2. With the exceptions noted under f), g) and h) below, a candidate must not bring to the examination desk any books, notes in any form, loose paper, calculator cases, instrument cases, or other containers.
  3. Permissible calculators must be non-printing, non-communicating, silent and self-powered. The type of calculator permitted will be one of the following types, as specified by the professor at the commencement of the course and on the final examination paper.
    1. All programmable and non-programmable electronic calculators and pocket computers.
    2. All non-programmable electronic calculators.
    3. Calculators from a list of approved calculators as issued by the Faculty Registrar.
    4. No electronic or mechanical computing devices will be permitted.
  4. Bilingual dictionaries may be used under the following conditions by students who have language difficulties:
    1. The dictionary shall be submitted by the student for inspection by the presiding examiner.
    2. The dictionary must not contain any material other than that which was originally printed in it.
    3. The dictionary must be bilingual, i.e. contain the English equivalents of foreign words and vice versa, but no other material.
  5. All coats and jackets should be placed on the back of each candidate's chair. All notes and books, pencil cases, turned-off cell phones, laptops, purses, and other unauthorized aids should be stored inside a candidate's knapsack or large bag, which should then be closed securely and safely placed under the candidate's chair. Candidates are required to place their watches or timepieces on the desk throughout the examination. Material placed on the desk may be inspected by invigilators. Candidates are NOT allowed to have a pencil case on their desk and any pencil cases found on desks will be searched. Candidates are not allowed to touch their knapsack or bag or the contents therein until the exam is over. Candidates are not allowed to reach into the pockets or any part of their coat or jacket until the exam is over.  
  6. For those examinations marked C in the timetable, a single aid-sheet may be prepared and taken by the candidate to the examination for their personal use only. A “closed book” examination. A student may prepare, bring to the examination and use, a single aid sheet, downloaded from the Faculty's website, printed on an 8.5"x11" piece of paper. Students may enter on both sides of the aid sheet any information they desire, as specified by one of the three subtypes listed below. 
    • Type C1: Such entries will be handwritten and not mechanically reproduced. Digitally prepared sheets (e.g., handwritten on a tablet) will not be permitted. 
    • Type C2: Such entries will be handwritten, but may be mechanically reproduced (e.g., prepared on a tablet and printed). 
    • Type C3: Such entries may be handwritten or computer generated, including typewritten text, images or other formats that fit within the aid sheet. 
  7. For those examinations marked D in the timetable, a candidate may bring to the examination and use such books, notes, or other printed or written material as may be specified by the examiner.
  8. For those examinations marked X in the timetable, a candidate may bring to the examination and use any books, notes, or other printed or written material.
     

3. Beginning the Examination

  1. Only those candidates who are there to write the examination will be allowed in the room during the examination.
  2. Candidates will be admitted to the examination room two minutes before the hour appointed for the examination. They shall proceed quietly to their desks, where they will find all necessary material for the examination, except authorized aids which may be brought into the room. (See 2 above.)
    If the examiner considers it necessary, candidates may find on their desks with the examination paper special data such as log books, tabular data, curves or plans. Such special data are not to be written upon or marked in any way, and are to be returned with the answer books.
  3. At the beginning of the examination period, answer books must be endorsed as follows: name and student number of the candidate, Faculty, course, instructor, date and room number. If more than one answer book is required, each must be endorsed when received and the books marked, “Book 1,” “Book 2,” and so on. The extra books are to be placed inside Book 1 when the candidate is through writing.
  4. A candidate will not be permitted to leave the room during the first sixty minutes, nor to enter the room after that period. A candidate who arrives more than sixty minutes late will have to petition the Undergraduate Assessment Committee for special consideration.
     

4. Ending the Examination

  1. At ten minutes and five minutes before closing time the presiding examiner will announce the number of minutes remaining for writing.
  2. Candidates who have finished writing and wish to leave the examination room before the five minute announcement must first personally hand in all their answer books, whether used or not, at the presiding examiner’s desk, together with special data if provided.
  3. After the five minute announcement all candidates still in their seats must remain quietly seated, even if finished writing, until all the answer books and special data have been collected, and the presiding examiner announces that they may leave the room.
  4. When closing time is announced, all candidates are to stop writing immediately, assemble their answer books, whether used or not, and special data which may have been provided, and hand them to the Assistants who will collect all materials from the seated candidates.
  5. The examination paper belongs to the candidate unless otherwise stated.
  6. When all materials have been collected, the presiding examiner will announce that candidates may leave the room. All rules for the conduct of candidates during examinations remain in full force until this announcement is made.
     

5. Conduct During the Examination

  1. A candidate giving assistance to or receiving assistance from, or communicating in any manner with any person other than the examiner, the presiding examiner or assistants, or copying, or having at the examination unauthorized aids of any kind, is liable to the sanctions listed in the Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters.
  2. Eating and drinking are not permitted in examination rooms.
  3. If it is necessary for a candidate to leave the room they may do so and return if accompanied by the presiding examiner or an assistant.
  4. A candidate must not write on any paper, other than that in the answer book, and must keep all papers on the desk.

6. Reproduction of Final Examination Papers

A student may obtain a photocopy of any final examination paper that they have written under the jurisdiction of the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering by submitting an online request within the period ending February 15 or October 15 (whichever comes first), following the session in which the course was taken. A fee of $15, payable by credit card, for each examination paper to be reproduced must accompany the request. The Office of the Registrar may offer a period of Final Exam Viewing appointments after the term. Contact the Office of the Registrar for details.

7. Final Mark Re-Check & Final Examination Re-Grade 

If a student believes an error has been made in the calculation of marks or in the marking of a Faculty final examination, there are two procedures that can be followed to request a review of marks:

Final Mark Re-Check

If a student believes there has been an arithmetical error in the calculation of a course mark, they may request a “re-check.” The student must indicate precisely where they believe the error has occurred. Final mark re-check requests submitted without a specific error identified will not be processed. 

The instructor will review the student’s examination paper (if a final examination was held in the course) to ensure that all questions were properly marked in accordance with the marking procedure used for the entire class, that the addition of marks was correct, that the term marks were correctly compiled, and that the clerical operations involved in the computation and reporting of the final mark were correct. Mark adjustments based upon lenient reconsideration of the students work will not be made. The examination will not be reread.

A final mark re-check may result in a raised mark, lowered mark or no change. The Instructor has the authority to re-grade other questions if they deem it necessary. If a grade is changed, the final mark recheck fee will be refunded to the student.

A student can request a final mark re-check through the Engineering Portal. The cost for a re-check is $13.

Final Examination Re-Grade

If a student believes that a final examination has been incorrectly marked, or that a portion of an examination has not been marked, they may request a “re-grade.” The student must indicate precisely where they believe the error occurred. Final Examination Re-grade requests submitted without a specific error identified will not be processed.

The student must demonstrate that his/her answers are substantially correct by citing specific instances of disagreement, supported by such documentary evidence as course handouts, textbooks, lecture notes, etc. The student must do more than simply assert that “I disagree with the marking,” or that “I believe I deserve more marks.” The Instructor will reread the examination with the arguments presented in mind.

A final examination re-grade may result in a raised mark, lowered mark or no change. The Instructor has the authority to re-grade other questions if they deem it necessary. Any re-grading of the student’s exam must be done in a manner consistent with the rest of the class. If a grade is changed, the final examination re-grade fee will be refunded to the student.

A student can request a final examination re-grade through the Engineering Portal. The cost for a re-grade is $36.

Deadlines to request a final mark re-check or re-grade:

  • Fall Session (December exams): February 15
  • Winter Session (April-May exams): June 15
  • Summer Session (June exams): October 15

 

XI. Grading Policies

Below are the regulations governing the administration of Engineering courses. The full text of the University Assessment and Grading Practices Policy is available online. Any deviation from the regulation must receive prior approval by the Undergraduate Assessment Committee.

  1. The instructor in each course shall inform the class as early as possible in the session but before the final date to add or substitute courses: the details of the composition of the final mark (COFM) which applies to the course, the exam type, the timing of each major session evaluation and the type of aids and electronic calculators permitted on session tests and final examinations – see below.

    The dates of session tests should be announced in advance in the course syllabus. Unannounced session tests, if used, should not count for more than a minor fraction of the total mark for independent session work, and the value of this fraction should be specified early in the session when the details of the composition of the final course mark are announced in class.

  2. After the final date to add or substitute courses, the composition of the final mark in a course can only be changed with the consent of a simple majority of students attending the class,  the vote must be announced no later than in the previous class. Any changes must be reported to the Undergraduate Assessment Committee. The only exception to this is in the case of the declaration of a disruption by the University.
     
  3. One or more pieces of session work (resulting from tests, assignments, lab work, quizzes, midterms or equivalent) cumulatively worth at least 10% of the final course grade shall be returned to the class prior to the last day for withdrawal from the course without academic penalty. For lecture courses, this 10% requirement should be met with closely supervised work.  After evaluating and returning items of session work, the instructor or the teaching assistant(s) shall be available as appropriate to meet with each student who wishes to discuss the work and/or the commentary offered. 
     
  4. The following applies to the evaluation of student performance in all courses. An instructor may request permission from the Undergraduate Assessment Committee to deviate.
     
    1. The composition of final marks is based upon:
      1. A final examination;
      2. Independent term work closely supervised, i.e., term tests or any other work produced under supervision which, in the judgment of the instructor, is a reliable measure of the performance of the individual student evaluated, and;
      3. Term work not closely supervised.
         
    2.  A final examination, conducted under the jurisdiction of the Faculty Council and counting for at least 35% of the final course grade shall be held in each lecture course.
       
    3. The cumulative value of multiple-choice questions in a final exam shall not exceed 25% of the total final exam value.
       
    4. Closely supervised term work shall account for a minimum of 15% of the final course grade. 
       
    5. No one assignment, test, examination, etc., should be more than 80% of the final grade.
       
    6. A component of the final course grade must be derived from session work, and the final examination must not count for all of the final marks.
       
    7. The portion of course grade for lecture courses which is derived from not closely supervised work shall not exceed a total of 50%.  The recommended practice is that non-closely supervised term work should not exceed 25% of the final course grade. Work included in this category shall normally be accompanied by a sign-off statement attesting to the fact that the work being submitted either by an individual student or a group of students is their own work. The proportion of marks which can be derived without a sign-off statement, where students are encouraged to work together, is to be limited to 5% of the final course mark.
       
    8. Group Evaluation:
      1. In situations where a student’s performance is evaluated by a student peer group, the results of such evaluation shall not constitute more than 25% of the final course grade.
      2. In courses in which group work or group assignments are performed, the proportion of a student’s final grade derived from undiscriminated evaluation of such group work or submission shall not exceed 25%.
         
    9. Under no circumstances will students be permitted to evaluate their own work for credit in a course.
       
    10. Each instructor must specify on session tests and final examination papers the type of calculator permitted (see Regulation X, Section 2 (c) above).
       
    11. Unless otherwise specified, the only aids permitted are those outlined in Regulation X, Section 2 (Aids Permissible and Not Permissible). Details regarding permitted aids or software (i.e., for Type B, D and/or CPU) must be communicated to the students prior to the course drop deadline.
       
    12. A list of final examination types approved for use in examinations conducted under the Council’s jurisdiction, along with their definitions, can be found below.
    13. The value of each part of the examination must be indicated on all final examination papers. Any variation from the normal Faculty examination procedures (e.g., take-home examinations, pre-distribution of examination questions, oral examinations, restricted examinations, multiple examinations in multi-section courses, examinations which are not of the standard 2.50-hour duration) should be requested within the first three weeks of the term, and an announcement to the class may not be made until the approval of the Undergraduate Assessment Committee is obtained.

      Normally, multiple-choice questions are not used in final examinations conducted by the Faculty. In any event, the Undergraduate Assessment Committee must give its prior approval if the value of multiple choice questions exceeds 25% of the total marks for any examination.

  5. Final examination papers are not returned to students. The instructor shall deliver the marked examination papers in alphabetical order to the Office of the Registrar for storage. The papers will be stored until February 15 or October 15 (whichever comes first) following the term in which the course was offered, after which they will be destroyed.
     
  6. Instructors shall submit course results as percentages.
     
  7. Any assessment of the performance of students is not to be based on any system of quotas or predetermined arbitrary limits.
     
  8.  
    1. Instructors shall submit their final course marks to the Undergraduate Assessment Committee via the Office of the Registrar in conformity with a prescribed deadline.
       
    2. The Chair of each department or division of the Faculty may elect to appoint a departmental marks review committee, to review results in courses offered by the department. The departmental marks review committees are not authorized to make recommendations directly to instructors but may make recommendations to the Faculty’s Undergraduate Assessment Committee.
       
    3. A student’s final course mark is unofficial until approved by the Undergraduate Assessment Committee.

Approved Examination Types:

  • Type A: Papers for which no data are permitted other than the information printed on the examination paper.
  • Type B: Papers for which separate special aids or data, as specified at the top of the examination paper, are provided by the examiner for distribution to the candidates by the Office of the Registrar or are made available to the students electronically in a computer-based exam.
  • Type C: A “closed book” examination. A student may prepare, bring to the examination and use, a single aid sheet, downloaded from the Faculty's website, printed on an 8.5" x 11" piece of paper. Students may enter on both sides of the aid sheet any information they desire, as specified by one of the three subtypes listed below.
    • Type C1: Such entries will be handwritten and not mechanically reproduced. Digitally prepared sheets (e.g., handwritten on a tablet) will not be permitted.
    • Type C2: Such entries will be handwritten, but may be mechanically reproduced (e.g., prepared on a tablet and printed).
    • Type C3: Such entries may be handwritten or computer generated, including typewritten text, images or other formats that fit within the aid sheet.
  • Type D: Papers for which the candidate may bring to the examination and use such aids (in the form of printed or written material) as the examiner may specify. The nature of the permitted aids must be clearly specified at the top of the examination paper and must be announced to the class by the examiner in advance of the examination.
  • Type X: Papers for which the candidate may bring to the examination and use, any books, notes or other printed or written material, without restriction.
  • Type O: A different exam format, not covered by one of the existing types. Requires special approval by the Undergraduate Assessment Committee as part of the approval for the Composition of Final Marks. Details of the assessment must be communicated to the students prior to the course drop deadline.
  • Type CPU_[ ]: Examinations which will take place in a computer lab, using software and pre-loaded aids or data specified ahead of time by the instructor. The brackets “[ ]” should be replaced by one of the letters (A, B, C, D, X, O) from an existing exam type, specifying the type of aid material a candidate may bring into the exam room. Open internet access is not permitted except with special permission (Type O). Access to specific websites is permitted only if (a) the websites do not allow communication amongst students, or between students and an outside party, and (b) The Engineering Computing Facility (ECF) team confirms that access can be restricted to only these websites. Instructors using Type CPU are responsible for coordinating with the Registrar’s Office and ECF to ensure they are aware of all required procedures and are prepared to administer the exam according to staff guidelines.

 

XII. Petitions & Appeals

1.  Petitions

Petition forms are available on the Undergraduate Engineering website: uoft.me/petitions.

There are three types of petitions:

  1. Petition for Consideration in Course Work: A student who is unavoidably absent during the term and consequently misses any graded work should submit a term-work petition through the Engineering Portal within one week of the graded work. The petition must be accompanied by appropriate documentation.
  2. Petition for Consideration in Final Examinations: A student who believes that their academic performance has been adversely affected by illness, mishap or other circumstance during the examination period should submit a petition for consideration in final examinations. Such petitions must be submitted online through the Engineering Portal within one week of the date of the student’s last examination.
  3. Petition for Special Consideration: A student may petition for exemption from a specific academic regulation of the Faculty; however, they must provide sufficient reason why the regulation should be waived or altered. It is highly recommended that students first consult with their undergraduate advisor before they submit a petition for special consideration. 

Students may petition with respect to the applicability to them of any academic regulation of the Faculty. These petitions must show the grounds on which they believe that the regulation should be waived or altered. Students should consult their undergraduate advisor before submitting such petitions through the Engineering Portal website. Petitions requesting the alteration of marks or promotional regulations will not be considered.

2.  Appeals 

  1. A student wishing to appeal a decision with respect to any petition should submit an appeal in written form to the Faculty Academic Appeal Board via the Registrar’s Office. Appeals to the Faculty Academic Appeals Board must be made within thirty days of the date of notification of a petition decision from a standing Committee of Council. The Faculty Academic Appeal Board Chair will appoint a hearing panel which will consist of at least three members of the Board of whom at least one shall be a student member. Normally, the Chair of the Academic Appeals Board acts as the Chair of the hearing panel. Hearings will be called by the Chair as required, but not later than ninety business days after the submission of the appeal. The appellant will be present along with counsel (e.g., lawyer, advisor, family, friend, etc.), though counsel is not required. The appellant will have approximately 20 minutes to present their case and any new documentation to the hearing panel. Once the appellant has presented their case, the Chair will ask the hearing panel if they have any questions for the appellant. After hearing the appeal, the hearing panel may dismiss the appeal, allow the appeal and render the decision that it believes should have been made, or remit the matter back to the decision-maker for consideration. The decision of the Faculty Academic Appeals Board is considered the final decision of the Faculty.
  2. A student wishing to appeal against a final decision of the Faculty may appeal to the Governing Council of the University. In that event, the student should consult the Director, Appeals, Discipline and Faculty Grievances, Office of the Governing Council, about the preparation and submission of the appeal. Appeals to the Governing Council must be made within ninety days of the date of notification of the final decision of the Faculty. Resource Page: governingcouncil.utoronto.ca/adfg.

3.  Office of the University Ombudsperson

As part of the University’s commitment to ensuring that the rights of its individual members are protected, the University Ombudsperson investigates complaints from any member of the University not handled through regular University channels. The Ombudsperson offers advice and assistance and can recommend changes in academic or administrative procedures where this seems justified. In handling a complaint, the Ombudsperson has access to all relevant files and information and to all appropriate University Officials. The Ombudsperson handles all matters in strict confidence, unless the individual involved approves otherwise. The Ombudsperson is independent of all administrative structures of the University and is accountable only to Governing Council.

Office of the Ombudsperson
ombuds.person@utoronto.ca
Assistance Request Form

 

XIII. Undergraduate Voluntary Leave of Absence Policy

All Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering students who have completed at least one academic term may take a voluntary leave from studies without formal authorization. No specific documentation or approval is required by the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. International students should review the International Students section below for further information.

1. How to take a voluntary leave

To take a voluntary leave from studies, students have the option to: a) choose not to complete registration in a given academic period (e.g., Fall/Winter session, Fall or Winter Term), or b) cancel their current registration in a given academic period. For students who have already completed registration, read below for more information on cancelling registration. Prior to taking a voluntary leave, it is recommended that students contact their department for academic advising; students who have received student loans or have concerns about financing their education are encouraged to contact the Registrar’s Office to speak with a financial aid advisor.

If you are an international student considering a voluntary leave from your studies, you should also contact the CIE as soon as possible. Refer to the International Students section for more information

2. While on leave

While on a voluntary leave, students will not pay any tuition, incidental, or ancillary fees; are not considered for scholarships or awards; cannot normally access University services including health services (with the exception of their Registrar’s Office); participate in student internships; or undertake undergraduate research. A student who chooses to take a voluntary leave from their studies is not exempt from academic deadlines, financial responsibilities, current or future policies, and fees schedules. Students who cancel their registration part-way through a term are responsible for any outstanding balance owed to the University.

A student who has been granted an approved leave of absence under this policy is not exempt from the requirement to complete a full undergraduate program within nine calendar years of first registration.

3. Return from Absence (Voluntary Leave or Withdrawal)

Students who were previously registered as degree student in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, who have completed at least one course in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, and who have not been registered in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering in the most recent Fall/Winter term must submit an application for re-enrolment through the Registrar’s Office.

It is recommended that students planning to return from a voluntary leave and complete the re-registration process, make an appointment with an advisor in their department to discuss their academic plans, their degree and program requirements, and any changes in Faculty policies or procedures since their last registration.

Newly admitted students are not eligible for a leave of absence and should instead, if relevant, request a deferral of admission.

4. Financial Considerations

Each student’s financial aid and award situation is unique. It is recommended that students meet with an advisor in the Registrar’s Office when considering a voluntary leave of absence to discuss financial implications. An advisor can help review the impact on financial aid programs such as OSAP, out of province aid, UTAPS, or US Loans; the impact for internal and external award payments; and, how tuition and refunds will apply. Students who plan to cancel their courses and registration part-way through a term should refer to their divisional refund schedule: https://studentaccount.utoronto.ca/tuition-fees/current-fall-winter-fee-refund-schedules/ .

5. Questions

Students who have questions about taking a voluntary leave, withdrawal and/or registration timelines, and/or University resources available to students while on a voluntary leave, should make an appointment with an advisor in their department.

6. International Students

An approved leave of absence will be permitted for international undergraduate Engineering students who have completed at least one academic term and whose current academic standing is in good standing or on academic probation. 

International students may request a leave for the Fall Term, Winter Term, or the complete Fall-Winter Session, for up to a maximum of two consecutive Fall-Winter sessions. Formal leave is generally not required for the Summer Session.  International students should contact the Centre for International Experience (CIE) to request a leave of absence and to obtain an understanding of the impact a leave of absence will have on their legal status in Canada for the period of the leave.

International students may request a leave for the following reasons:

  • Serious health, personal or family issues
  • Issues related to childbirth or childcare
  • Military service

International students may extend an approved leave of absence for up to a maximum of two consecutive Fall-Winter sessions. An extension beyond two consecutive Fall-Winter sessions will not be approved; the student may choose to continue a leave, but it will not be considered an approved leave of absence.

While on approved leave, students do not pay any tuition, incidental, or ancillary fees; are not permitted to enrol in courses or register in the Faculty; are not considered for scholarships or awards; and cannot normally access University services, participate in student internships, or undertake undergraduate research.

To initiate a return to studies, students should contact the Registrar’s Office at least three months in advance of the term or session in which they plan to resume their studies.