The University of British Columbia
News
Events
Directories
Search UBC
myUBC Login

General Policies

 

  1. Academic Progress
  2. Appeals
  3. Assignments
  4. Academic Integrity
  5. Attendance
  6. Course Cancellations
  7. Course Enrollment
  8. Course Evaluations
  9. Course Withdrawals
  10. Equipment for Student Use
  11. Ethical Review
  12. Grades
  13. Leaves of Absence
  14. Student Accident Insurance
  15. Time Limitations
  16. Work-Study Program

 

Academic Progress

Master's Students

A minimum of 60% must be obtained in any course taken by a student enrolled in a master's program for the student to be granted Pass Standing. However, only six credits of Pass Standing may be counted towards a master's program. For all other courses, a minimum of 68% must be obtained.

On the recommendation of the Chair of the Master's Program and the approval of the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, the student may repeat a course for higher standing or take an alternate course. Both marks will, however, appear on the student's transcript. If the School does not make such a recommendation, or if the recommendation is not approved by the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, the student will be required to withdraw. A student who obtains a grade of less than 68% in an excessive number of courses will normally be required to withdraw. The student will be informed of unsatisfactory academic progress in writing before any action regarding withdrawal is taken.

The following policies apply to Masters students who under extenuating and exceptional circumstances extend their program beyond two years:

 

  • Masters students entering their third year in the program must meet every four months (i.e. at least once every regular term and once during the spring/summer session) with their research committee members.  A copy of the meeting minutes taken by the student and approved by the committee members must be submitted to the SCARP office for the student’s file. 
  •  Masters students entering their fourth year in the program must meet every month with their research committee members.  A copy of the meeting minutes taken by the student and approved by the committee members must be submitted to the SCARP office for the student’s file.  If the student is doing a thesis (Plan 549C) and there is no substantial progress, a student must switch to a professional project (Plan 547C) at the start of the fourth year of the program. 
  • Twice a year, in year three to five, the student must meet with the Chair of the Masters Program (in September and January) to discuss their progress in the program. 
  • At the end of the fifth year in the program, an extension will not be approved if there is no significant progress in the thesis or project research.  

 

Doctoral Students

 

A minimum of 68% (B-) must be achieved in all coursework taken for credit with the exception of PLAN 602 - Advanced Planning Theory where an A- is required (see candidacy requirements). In all other courses where a grade of less than 68% (B-) is obtained in a course, and on the recommendation of the graduate program and the approval of the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, the student may repeat the course for higher standing or take an alternate course. If the graduate program advisor does not make such a recommendation, or if the recommendation is not approved by the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, the student will be required to withdraw. A student who obtains a grade of less than 68% in more than one course will normally be required to withdraw. If progress in research is unsatisfactory, a student will be required to withdraw.The student will be informed of unsatisfactory academic progress in writing before any action regarding withdrawal is taken. Check the UBC policy on satisfactory progress.

Appeals

To appeal a grade a student should first discuss the situation with the Instructor and then if not satisfied, with the Chair of their program or Director. A graduate student may ultimately apply to the Registrar for an official review of a course mark if this becomes necessary. Appeals based on alleged prejudice or bias or on improper or unfair procedures may be heard by the Dean of Graduate Studies, and then the Senate Committee on Academic Standing (application to the Senate Committee must be made within 10 days of the Dean's decision). The Dean and the Senate Committee on Academic Standing have no jurisdiction for appeals based on academic judgment and such appeals will be dismissed. See the General Information section of the UBC Calendar for further information.

Assignments

Most courses in the School require students to write short assignments and term papers. In addition, a major part of every student's program is his or her individual research project leading to either a Master's thesis/project or Ph.D. thesis. To facilitate all such writing assignments students should review the following style manual:   The Chicago Manual of Style, 14th ed. rev. (University of Chicago Press, 1993).

Unless otherwise specified, all assignments are to be submitted typed, double-spaced on 8.5"x 11" paper. All assignments should have your name, course number and course intructor on the first page. Assignments may be retained by the School. Late assignments will not be accepted without prior approval by the instructor and penalties will apply. Assignments are not to be faxed or e-mailed to the SCARP office.

Academic Integrity