Academic Regulations

In general, diplomas offered by the Career and Professional Development unit are comprised of ten courses. Some programs, however, have corequisite and prerequisite courses that must be completed by the students in order for them to obtain their certificate or diploma.

Students who believe that they have taken the equivalent of one or more of the corequisites to the program, or one or more of the prerequisite courses that are not part of the program to which they have applied, may take an Exemption by Examination test. Students who have failed any of the corequisite courses to the program, or any of the prerequisite courses that are not part of the program to which they have applied, are not eligible to take the Exemption by Examination test.

The Exemption by Examination test is intended for students who do not have the requisite academic background required, but who believe that they have the requisite level of knowledge needed.

Students who successfully pass the Exemption by Examination test(s) with a minimum grade of 65% will not have to take the course(s) for which the test(s) was taken. Those who fail the Exemption by Examination test(s) will not be permitted to repeat the test(s); instead, they must enrol in the course(s) for which the particular test was taken. Students will be notified in writing of their test results. Test results are valid for one academic year. Students may obtain an application form from Client Services, or may download one from the website: www.mcgill.ca/continuingstudies/prospective-students/apply/exemption-examination.

An applicant may submit an Exemption by Examination application form to Client Services by mail or in person (no emails or faxes accepted). A CAD$100 (non-refundable) application fee (payable by credit card, debit card, certified cheque, or money order) must accompany the request. Students interested in a list of courses for which the Exemption by Examination test applies should refer to the application form. For further details on the Exemption by Examination test, students should contact the Career and Professional Development unit.

Exemption by Examination tests will be held on the following dates:

Exemption by Examination
Wednesday	August 13, 2014
Thursday	August 14, 2014
Wednesday	November 26, 2014
Thursday	November 27, 2014
Wednesday	April 1, 2015
Thursday	April 2, 2015

Note: The School of Continuing Studies reserves the right to reschedule test dates and to revise the application fee without prior notice.

Admission Procedures for all Programs

For more information, see the eCalendar under Faculties & Schools > School of Continuing Studies > Getting Started > Admission Requirements.

Proof of Proficiency in English

The language of instruction for most courses and programs at 91社区 is English; however, students may submit any written work that is to be graded in English or French, except in cases where knowledge of the language is one of the objectives of the course. Applicants must demonstrate an adequate level of proficiency in English prior to admission, regardless of citizenship status or country of origin. 91社区 has this language requirement in place to ensure that all students are provided with the opportunity to succeed in their chosen program. In all cases, the University reserves the right to require proof of English proficiency if it is deemed necessary. Below you will find information on when proof of proficiency is required.

If you answer 鈥測es鈥� to any of the following seven statements, you do NOT necessarily need to provide proof of English proficiency, but must provide documentation to support your answer.

Have you lived and attended school, for at least four years, in a country where English is the acknowledged primary language?
Have you completed both Secondary V and a DEC at a French CEGEP in Quebec?
Have you completed a DEC at an English CEGEP in Quebec, during or later than 2003?
Have you or will you complete a French Baccalaureate 鈥� Option Internationale (British or American section)?
Have you or will you complete International Baccalaureate English A with a final result of 5 or better?
Have you or will you complete the British Curriculum A-Level English with a final grade of 鈥淐鈥� or better?
Have you completed the British Curriculum GCSE/IGCSE/GCE O-Level English, English Language, English First Language, or English as a Second Language with a final grade of 鈥淏鈥� or better?

If you answered 鈥渘o鈥� to all of the above, but answer 鈥測es鈥� to any of the following questions, you will be asked to provide supporting documentation to this effect and may still be asked to provide proof of English language proficiency.

Do you consider English to be your mother tongue?
Have you been attending school for at least four consecutive years at an accredited educational institution (in a non-English speaking country) where English is the language of instruction?
Have you obtained an undergraduate degree from an accredited educational institution where the language of instruction in your program of study was English (minimum three years)?
Have you obtained a graduate degree from an accredited educational institution where the language of instruction in your program of study was English (minimum two years)?

Applicants to Career and Professional Development who do not meet any of the above-listed conditions must demonstrate proficiency in English using one of the following options:

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) 鈥� Minimum acceptable scores:
iBT (Internet-based test): 90 overall (a minimum individual component score of 21 in each of the four components, i.e., reading, writing, listening, and speaking)

Note: An institutional version of the TOEFL is not acceptable.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System): a band score of 6.5 or better.
MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery): a minimum mark of 85%.
APIEL (Advanced Placement International English Language): a minimum score of 4.
91社区 SCS TELP (91社区 SCS Test of English Language Proficiency): a Category A result.
91社区 Certificate of Proficiency in English or 91社区 Certificate of Proficiency 鈥� English for Professional Communication: Certificate of Proficiency awarded.
University of Cambridge ESOL Certificate in Advanced English (CAE): a grade of 鈥淏鈥� (Good) or higher.
University of Cambridge ESOL Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of 鈥淐鈥� (Pass) or higher.
Edexcel London Test of English 鈥� Level 4 鈥� with an overall grade of at least 鈥淢erit Pass.鈥�
Edexcel London Test of English 鈥� Level 5 鈥� with an overall grade of at least 鈥淧ass.鈥�

Note: Your test results must be reported directly to the University by the test centre; consequently, candidates' copies of results will not be accepted as proof of English language proficiency. It is your responsibility to ensure that the official test results in an official format are forwarded directly by the testing service to the Client Services Office (Admissions) of the School of Continuing Studies, 688 Sherbrooke St. West, 11th Floor, Montreal QC H3A 3R1. For TOEFL and APIEL, the institutional code at 91社区 University is 0935-00.

Integrated English Language and Professional Studies (IELPS)

Integrated English Language and Professional Studies (IELPS) serves to facilitate the joint application to existing programs leading to the Certificate of Proficiency in English (Language and Intercultural Communication) and to one or more of the certificates or diplomas offered by Career and Professional Development.

Students applying to their programs of choice through the IELPS will be required to submit only one application for both areas of study. IELPS is available to both local and international students. For further information, please visit our website at: www.mcgill.ca/continuingstudies/programs-and-courses/languages/english/integrated-english-language-and-professional-studies-ielps.

Independent Studies

Please consult the eCalendar under Faculties & Schools > School of Continuing Studies > Getting Started > Admission Requirements > Special Student Status: Graduate-Level Courses for information pertaining to Special Students.

Academic Advisers

General advising information for the School of Continuing Studies can be obtained by calling one of our Client Service Representatives at 514-398-6200 during regular business hours, or by sending an email to info.conted [at] mcgill.ca.

Current and prospective students who wish to take the opportunity to meet with an academic adviser to obtain information on course and program selection, are encouraged to call the Client Services Office at 514-398-6200 to schedule an appointment. The Client Services Office welcomes walk-ins during regular business hours to obtain general advising or to meet with an academic adviser.

Please note that a pre-scheduled appointment is preferred so we can better address your queries and prioritize your appointment over walk-ins. Learners are recommended to contact Client Services well ahead of admission deadlines and registration peak periods for assistance, as academic advisers have a high influx of learners during those periods and the wait time may be longer.

Advanced Standing for the Diploma Programs

Students transferring to 91社区 from another university may be awarded Advanced Standing of up to 30% of the courses in any one degree program for successfully completed equivalent graduate-level study done at another recognized university within the last five years.

Students may apply for admission to, and register in, more than one program concurrently. Where program course requirements overlap, credits may be granted up to a maximum of three courses (9 credits). Students may be granted exemption for overlapping courses in excess of 9 credits but must choose substitute courses with the approval of Career and Professional Development.

Students who apply for admission to a degree or diploma program after having completed a certificate program may be granted Advanced Standing at the discretion of the Associate Dean of the faculty in which the degree or diploma is offered.

Diploma in Management

Students who have completed equivalent post-graduate level courses with a minimum grade of B- at a recognized university may apply for a transfer of credits. A maximum of three courses (9 credits) may be credited for post-graduate courses taken outside the program in which they are registered. These courses must have been completed within the last five years. Students are required to complete the remaining courses at 91社区 in order to be eligible for the program.

Graduate Certificates

Students who have completed equivalent post-graduate level courses, including corequisite and prerequisite courses, with a minimum grade of B- at a recognized university may be granted a maximum of 3 credits (one course). This course must have been completed within the last five years. Students must complete 12 credits (four courses) in the Graduate Certificate at 91社区. Students completing two graduate certificates may only double count 3 credits.

Supplementals for all Programs

Please note: Supplemental examinations are not available in courses offered by Career and Professional Development (i.e., if a student fails a course he/she must repeat it).

Academic Standing Regulations

Diploma Programs

Students must complete all courses with a minimum passing grade of B-. This includes all required courses, elective courses, corequisite courses, prerequisite courses, and courses outside the program to which the student has been admitted. Students will be allowed to fail no more than two courses. On the third failure, students will be asked to withdraw from the program immediately. In this context, an unsatisfactory grade is deemed to be any grade below that of a B-. Please note that even if an unsatisfactory grade is improved by means of repetition of the course(s), the original grade remains on the student's record and counts toward the total number of unsatisfactory grades.
Students have a maximum of four years to complete the Diploma in Management.

Graduate Certificates

Students must complete all courses, including corequisite and prerequisite courses, with a minimum passing grade of B-. Students will be permitted a maximum of one failure. On the second failure, students will be asked to withdraw from the program immediately. In this context, an unsatisfactory grade is deemed to be any grade below that of a B-. Please note that even if an unsatisfactory grade is improved by means of repetition of the course(s), the original grade remains on the student's record and counts toward the total number of unsatisfactory grades.
Students have a maximum of two years to complete a graduate certificate.

Special Students

Special Students must complete all courses, including corequisite and prerequisite courses, with a minimum passing grade of B-. Students will be permitted a maximum of two unsatisfactory grades on their academic record. Students who obtain three unsatisfactory grades will be asked to withdraw from Career and Professional Development immediately. In this context, an unsatisfactory grade is deemed to be any grade below that of a B-. Please note that even if an unsatisfactory grade is improved by means of repetition of the course(s), the original grade remains on the student's record and counts toward the total number of unsatisfactory grades.

Students who have failed to comply with the minimum standards set by Career and Professional Development may not continue in their program and will have their registration cancelled. Once a student is asked to withdraw he/she will not be permitted to register in other courses or programs in Career and Professional Development, nor will they be permitted to exercise deferral privileges for the following term.

91社区's School of Continuing Studies affirms the right of students to dispute substantive or procedural academic matters, including decisions about the student's continuation in a program; or concerning any other decision with respect to the application of academic regulations and requirements to a student. A formal academic appeal must be made in writing directly to the Career and Professional Development Appeal Committee. This request must be accompanied by supporting documents which substantiate reinstatement.

Time Limits

For a single diploma requiring 30 credits, the program must be completed within four years of initial registration. For a single graduate certificate program requiring 15 credits, the program must be completed within two years of initial registration. Time limits will be adjusted accordingly for those students who are granted Advanced Standing, or who transfer from one program to another. Students exceeding the time limits may request an extension, in writing, to the graduate adviser. A recommended revision of the program of study must be approved by the Director.

Students who do not register for any course in their program for one year will be required to reapply and meet any new program requirements.

Corequisite

This refers to academic requirements that may be completed before or concurrently.

Corequisites for Programs

Certain programs require specific corequisites. These may be completed after admission to the program.

Prerequisites for Courses

Admission to certain courses is restricted to students who have reached a certain level of knowledge by having completed other required work. The prerequisite course(s) or conditions are specified in the course descriptions. Students must observe these prerequisites. If you fail to meet the prerequisite requirement, you will be denied permission to register in the course. Students unsure of their status with regard to a prerequisite must inquire at the School of Continuing Studies.

Course Load

All our programs are structured to be taken on a part-time basis. Therefore, students are advised to register for no more than two courses per term. If, however, a student with special reason wishes to take a full-time load, the following conditions are applicable:

A student would be permitted, if the schedule allows it, to register for a full load in the first term.
If a student then has one failure, the course load will be reduced to three courses in the subsequent term.
If a student has two failures, the course load would be reduced to two in the subsequent term.
If a student has accumulated three failures, he/she will be asked to withdraw.

A failure is defined as being a grade less than B- (65%).

Information Sessions

Information sessions will be held prior to each registration period. Please refer to the School of Continuing Studies website for the precise dates. These sessions will give you an opportunity to learn more about specific programs and courses. Academic advisers will be available at these sessions to provide you with details on program requirements, admission procedures, etc. We urge you to attend these sessions if you are planning to take courses in the upcoming term.

Registration in Graduate-Level Courses

For more information, see Admission Requirements.

Programs, Courses and University Regulations—2014-2015 (last updated Apr. 15, 2014) (disclaimer)

School of Continuing Studies—2014-2015 (last updated Apr. 15, 2014) (disclaimer)

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