OOR Updates and FAQs
As Western University responds to the changing circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of the Registrar has created this page to provide you with the latest updates to our services in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This page will act as the official source for up-to-date information regarding academic events, deadlines, services and their related policies. This is to help give students a resource to be informed on changes and to provide clarity when pre-existing resources such as websites/webpages and information guides or previously released feature stories are no longer applicable.
Choose a category to learn more:
Admissions
Go to welcome.uwo.ca/updates for information.
Convocation
Updated July 15, 2020
Information for students who plan to graduate in Fall 2020:
A decision has been made to postpone Western’s fall convocation as part of our larger response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes all scheduled ceremony dates from October 21-23, 2020.
For those planning to graduate this fall:
- Your degrees will still be conferred in October (exact date to be determined), and your graduation “awarded” status will be reflected on your official transcript. Additional information about obtaining your degree will follow shortly.
- Please be sure to apply to graduate for Fall 2020.
- Plans are already underway to celebrate your achievements virtually in October, just as we did with your fellow Class of 2020 spring graduates in June.
- Please be assured Western is committed to providing all graduates the opportunity to participate in a future convocation ceremony when it is safe to do so.
- At this time, the University is planning to host in-person convocation ceremonies for our spring and fall 2020 graduates in May 2021. Updates will be provided as contingency plans develop.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to email the Office of the Registrar or visit Convocation.
Dropping a Course
From May 1 to May 15, Undergraduate students can use a new online Course/Grade Change system to drop a Winter 2020 half or quarter course or 2019-2020 full-year course without academic penalty.
Before using the Course/Grade Change system, make sure to review the below FAQs and consider the impacts of dropping a course without academic penalty (also known as withdrawing from a course).
You can access the Course/Grade Change system through the Student Center under the Western Links section starting May 1st.
A grade must be posted in your Student Center on the course you wish to drop.
See Academics > My Academics > View My Grades to make sure a grade has been posted.
If your grade is not yet showing, please continue to check back.
- Winter 2020 half or quarter courses or 2019-2020 full-year courses with a final numerical grade posted in Student Center. Note: Numerical grades below 40% that were converted to an alpha grade of "F" are eligible
- a Discovery Credit Pass/Fail
- a course Pass/Fail assigned by your instructor as part of the Institutional Framework for Exam Alternatives
Ineligible courses:
- Courses that have been converted to Western Pass/Fail or awaiting processing to be converted to Western Pass/Fail through the Course/Grade Change system.
- Winter 2020 half or quarter courses or 2019-2020 full-year courses with a grade of SPC, IPR, INC, SAT, AUD or an F grade that was posted prior to final grading and was a result of a request that had gone through your home Faculty Academic Counselling office.
Caution: Once you have submitted your drop request, it is final. You will not be able to modify or cancel through the Course/Grade Change system. Make sure you are ready to make your final decision and be careful in selecting your course.
Choosing to withdraw from a course FAQs
1. What is the extended deadline for dropping a course?
2. Will there be an academic penalty if I drop a course?
3. How do I drop a course?
Students are advised to carefully consider the financial and academic implications of withdrawing from a course, and to consult with Student Financial Services and their Academic Counsellors, as needed. An online process for dropping courses will be available from May 1 to May 15. Details of the online process will be available on May 1st. It will not be necessary to submit drop requests to your Academic Counselling Office during that period.
Students who wish to withdraw from a clinical practice, practicum, work placement, internship, or co-op course must contact their program/faculty.
4. In light of current circumstances, will I be getting any reimbursements on certain tuition and/or ancillary fees?
In light of the current and evolving Covid-19 circumstances, Western has implemented certain changes in order to enable students to complete the remainder of their term online, as an alternative to traditional, in-class learning.
As a result, there are no changes to posted refund schedules for the September 2019 to April 2020 period.
Any additional concerns, such as those related to changes in assessment formats, course content delivery, etc should be brought to the attention of your faculty.
5. Will my OSAP eligibility be affected if I drop a course?
6. Will my tuition be refunded if I drop a course?
7. Now that the drop deadline has been extended, can I still declare a course as a Discovery Credit?
Examinations
20th March 2020
An Institutional Framework for Exam Alternatives is being shared with professors as they plan alternative assessments in place of final exams. Included are the following options for Exam Alternatives. Please note that each program will decide on solutions that are appropriate to specific courses; solutions will vary across campus.
Institutional Framework for Exam Alternatives
Option 1 - Final grade based on completed course work
In courses where students have already completed at least 60% of course requirements, professors may give a final course grade based on the evaluation of achievement in the term work of the course. Students would not be required to complete an Exam Alternative.
Option 2 - Alternative Summative Project
In some cases, an assignment may take the place of the final exam. This could take various forms:
- Essay
- Open-book exam
- Production of an artifact (slide deck, video or audio recording)
- Group project/recorded presentation
The due date for the Alternative Summative Project will be no sooner than the end of the regularly-scheduled exam time for the course.
Option 3 - Oral Exam
For small-enrolment courses, a technology-mediated oral exam may be possible (using Zoom or Skype).
Option 4 - Pass/Fail
In rare cases, it may be possible for professors to give a grade of Pass/Fail in the course. The goal of P/F is to ensure students are able to progress into courses or programs for which the current course serves as a prerequisite. This option requires approval of the Dean.
Professors have been asked to communicate to you by March 30, 2020, the Exam Alternative option they will be using in your course. Western remains committed to ensuring that students can complete their term. Every effort will continue to be made in support of students requiring accommodation.
Many students will still have assignments and projects due in the last three weeks of classes. In some cases these will be modified so that they can be completed remotely. You are encouraged to check OWL regularly for updates on any revisions to course work.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will I be able to get a final grade in each course I'm registered in?
The University is making every effort to ensure that students who are registered in Western courses will receive a final grade in each course.
2. Several options are given in the Western Framework for Exam Alternatives. Do I get to choose the option I prefer?
No. The option for each course is decided by the Department or Faculty. Please see the "Grades" section for information on changing a course grade to Pass/Fail and the "Dropping a Course" section for information on withdrawing from a course.
3. When will I know which option will be used in my course?
Professors are asked to inform their class about the decision by March 30.
4. What are my options if I do not accept the conditions for revised assessment in my course?
Professors have made their best effort to meet the learning objectives of their classes and to assess them in a fair way. If a student feels these are unreasonable in their current situation, the University has extended the deadline to drop a second-term or full-year course without academic penalty to May 15, 2020. Students can carefully consider the new grading scheme and have the opportunity to drop without academic penalty if they choose.
5. I have not been able to complete a course taken while on exchange. Will I get credit for the course?
While it will depend partly on the practices of the partner university, credit will be given wherever possible. In some cases, students may be asked to submit a summative project for evaluation. Contact the Associate Dean (Academic) of your Faculty for more information.
Fall/Winter 2020-2021 Courses
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are classes changing for the fall term?
Teams across campus are working hard to ensure we deliver the very highest quality learning and student experience we can in September. Keeping the campus community safe is incredibly important and is a responsibility shared by all.
Western will offer a full fall term for every student whether you are new to Western or returning. Our “mixed model” will see some of our courses (or parts of them) delivered online and others in-person. We are working to preserve as much of the in-person educational experience as possible and will enable on-campus experiences and supports while strictly following the advice of public health authorities.
In the coming days and weeks, your home faculties will share more details specific to your program.
Updates will also be posted to Western’s COVID-19 website.
2. How do I know if my course is online or not?
The Fall/Winter Academic Timetable states for each course component (lecture, lab, tutorial) whether it is online or in-person. If all course components, including lecture, lab, and tutorial, that you register in are listed as online, your course is fully online and will not require your presence on campus. If at least one of your lecture, lab, or tutorial components is listed as in-person, you will be expected to attend campus for those components. Note that in some cases, students have the option to select between online or in-person components.
3. My fall term or winter term lecture, lab, or tutorial is listed as "online." Can I complete all requirements online?
Yes, if your lecture, lab, or tutorial is identified as "online," all aspects of the lecture/lab/tutorial component can be completed online. Note that other components of the same course may require your presence on campus unless they are identified as online as well.
4. If my course introduces in-person meetings later on, do I have to attend in person?
No, you need not attend in person. Even if a course introduces face-to-face meetings as an option at some later date, you will still be able to complete all aspects of the course online.
5. Will I have to come to campus to write face-to-face tests or exams for an online course?
No. All fully online courses (i.e., which do not require your presence on campus) will have an online option for any tests or exams. This will be the case even if in-person sections are available as an option, and even if the option of a face-to-face test or exam is provided at a later date. Any course with mandatory in-person components (e.g. lecture, lab, or tutorial) may schedule face-to-face, in-person tests and exams. Please consult the course outline for the details of your course.
6. My lecture, lab, or tutorial is listed as "on campus." Do I have to attend the lectures, labs, or tutorials on campus to complete the requirements?
Yes, you should be prepared to come to campus for the face-to-face aspects of the course.
7. Are there any computer or internet requirements for courses?
Due to uncertainty around Covid-19, students must have a reliable internet connection and computer that are compatible with online learning and testing system requirements. Some courses may also require the use of a remote proctoring platform (such as Proctortrack) to ensure tests are taken fairly in accordance with Western's policy on Scholastic Discipline for Undergraduate Students and Scholastic Discipline for Graduate Students. Refer to the course syllabus and Western's Remote Proctoring Website for further information.
Fees
13th April 2020
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I set up direct deposit? When will I receive my refund?
Residence Credits due to COVID-19
If your tuition account currently has a credit balance you may be eligible for a refund. If you are awaiting a refund from residence for vacating early this term, credits will be applied to student accounts mid-April. Once posted to your student account, refunds can only be issued via Direct Deposit into a Canadian bank account. Students who do not enroll in direct deposit will be issued cheques once we have returned to the office. Credits can also be retained for future terms of registration.
Students can enroll in Direct Deposit by logging into your Student Center account and scrolling to the bottom left of the page. Under Finances, click on Enroll in Direct Deposit and enter your bank information.
Please allow seven (7) business days from the time you enroll in Direct Deposit with a credit balance in your Student Account to have your credits refunded to your bank account.
International students requiring a wire transfer back to their home bank must wait for the funds to be posted in their student center account and then email reg-fees@uwo.ca for further instructions.
To view your student account balance, log into Student Center and refer to the balance under Account Summary.
General Credits on Tuition/Residence Account
If your tuition account is currently in a credit balance you may be eligible for a refund. Email reg-fees@uwo.ca from your uwo email address to request a refund.
Refunds will be issued only by Direct Deposit while we are out of the office due to COVID-19 circumstances. If you do not enroll in Direct Deposit, your credit will be held for future registration.
Students can enroll in Direct Deposit by logging into your Student Center account and scrolling to the bottom left of the page. Under Finances, click on Enroll in Direct Deposit and enter your bank information.
Please allow seven (7) business days from the time you enroll in Direct Deposit with a credit balance in your Student Account to have your credits refunded to your bank account.
2. I am an international student and I don't have a Canadian bank account. Can I still receive an electronic refund?
If your tuition account currently has a credit balance you may be eligible for a refund.
International students requiring a wire transfer back to their home bank must wait for the funds to be posted in their student center account and then email reg-fees@uwo.ca for further instructions.
3. In light of current circumstances, will I be getting any reimbursements on certain tuition and/or ancillary fees?
In light of the current and evolving Covid-19 circumstances, Western has implemented certain changes in order to enable students to complete the remainder of their term online, as an alternative to traditional, in-class learning.
As a result, there are no changes to posted refund schedules for the September 2019 to April 2020 period.
Any additional concerns, such as those related to changes in assessment formats, course content delivery, etc should be brought to the attention of your faculty.
4. Where can I find the fees schedule for the upcoming term?
Information regarding fees can be found on the Office of the Registrar website. This site provides you with information on things like services, courses, student finances, etc.
For information about tuition, ancillary fees and refunds, please refer to the fee and refund schedules page.
Please note: Fees for upcoming terms may not be updated yet. For tuition pre-payments, you may use the current term’s fee schedule as a rough estimate of fees for upcoming terms.
Graduate Summer fee schedules are posted. Undergraduate fee schedules will be posted shortly.
5. Prepayments for Students Under SDS Applications for Study Permits
For information on fee payment methods, including international payments, please refer to the Fee Payment Methods page.
Please note: Once you have made the payment, monitor your Student Center account at student.uwo.ca for the posting of your payment. Follow the directions in one of the two letters below to obtain a receipt of your prepayment. One letter is for Graduate students and one is for Undergraduate students.
6. I have some outstanding tuition on my Student Account, will this affect my registration in the upcoming term?
Your fees balance must be paid in full in order to be eligible for term activation (registration) for an upcoming term. If the tuition balance has not been fully paid by the term activation (registration) start date, your ability to register may be delayed. Please note that web banking payments will take 2-3 business days to reflect on your fees account.
- If you have a payment arrangement with the Student Financial Services Office, please make your payments as scheduled.
- If you have just received or negotiated student loans, please ensure the funding reaches your tuition account on the date set by the government.
- If your tuition is being paid by your supervisor, your graduate program, or other sources on campus, please follow up to ensure this payment is forthcoming.
- If your fees are being paid by an external sponsor, please provide proof of funding (sponsorship letter) to reg-fees@uwo.ca.
- If you require financial assistance, please schedule a phone appointment via the link to Financial Aid Counselling (under Student Services Links) within your Student Center account or email your inquiry to contact@uwo.ca
- If you are completing or have already completed your degree requirements this term, please note that you will not be eligible to receive your diploma if you have an outstanding balance.
- If you are now on an approved leave of absence, please note that you will not be permitted to re-enroll when your leave is over if you continue to have an outstanding balance.
- If you are no longer a student at Western, please note that the outstanding fees are still due.
Please note: In light of COVID-19, if a graduate has an existing payment plan in place and is requesting a further deferral please email reg-fees@uwo.ca with an updated payment plan.
7. I am trying to make a payment to Western University from outside of Canada - What are my options?
Please refer to the payment methods outlined on the Office of the Registrar website. Our current preferred method of receiving international payment is the Western Union GlobalPay platform.
You can find more information on the International Payments page.
8. Questions about program-specific fees for upcoming terms (usually graduate)
Graduates:
There are three terms in a grad year; Fall (September), Winter (January) and Summer (May). Similar fees are charged to your tuition account at the beginning of each term. The SOGS health and dental fee is normally charged to accounts in September and is valid until the following August. It is prorated if you start in the Winter or Summer term.
The fees for the current Winter and upcoming Summer terms are in the Fee and Refund Schedules page.
If you cannot find your program, the first entry lists fees for Masters programs, other than those specified in the sections below. Please note that fees are subject to change in future terms ad while every effort has been made to ensure the fee and refund schedules are accurate and complete, Western University reserves the right to make changes as required.
Undergraduates:
The Fall/Winter fees for the current term are in the Fee and Refund Schedules page.
These fees are subject to change in future terms. Summer fees for undergrads are considered a separate term and will be posted shortly.
9. I dropped a course on ____, how much of a refund can I expect to receive?
You can find the Refund Schedules on the Office of the Registrar website on the Fee and Refund Schedules page.
If the upcoming term you are inquiring about hasn’t been posted, you may use a previous similar term as a rough guide.
Generally speaking, after the start of classes, the amount of refund or fees owing changes weekly at a rate of 12% of the declining fee balance. Certain fees are non-refundable.
10. When is tuition due for Summer courses?
The tuition due date for Summer courses is May 22, 2020.
11. Will there be changes to fees for the 2020 Summer or Fall/Winter terms?
The transition to online delivery of our programs has not changed the amount that we are investing to ensure academic integrity and quality for our students.
Western continues to provide the core services funded through tuition and other revenue sources. In addition to your learning from instructors, Western continues to provide support services, financial aid advice, and academic guidance for undergraduate and graduate students.
As such, there are no changes to tuition or ancillary fees for the 2020 Fall/Winter term. There are no changes to tuition fees for upcoming Summer session courses, but some ancillary fees for the Summer term have been waived.
Western’s leadership team is working closely with student leaders to develop strategies and supports to address students’ immediate financial and academic challenges precipitated by the pandemic. Some of the supports already announced include:
- An additional $13.5 million in student financial aid for the coming year (admissions bursaries for undergrads)
- One-time, needs-based graduate student summer bursaries for PhD and research master’s students
- $11 million in refunds for students in residence
Students with questions regarding fees or financial aid may find additional information or submit a question by visiting the Office of the Registrar or the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
12. Will there be changes to Ancillary Fees for Fall/Winter 2020-2021 terms?
All of our student programming and supports will continue to be available, though in different models of delivery, during our blended delivery of education.
As such, Western is planning to continue with full ancillary fees for the 2020-21 school year, with the exception of three fees associated with sports and recreation. The Campus Recreation, Intercollegiate Athletics, and Thompson Athletic Centre fees will be reduced by 50% of the approved fee levels for the fall term, in part due to the cancellation of competitive sport by provincial sport associations. Students will have these fees adjusted on their online statement of account.
While we have reduced these fees, we are not planning a reduction in programming. Recreation and sport are vital to the student experience and central to student well-being. The university remains committed to ensuring students have access to spaces and continued recreational programming both on-campus and online.
We continue to offer career development, academic support, leadership, and medical and health appointments and programs – all available through links on the Digital Student Experience website.
Decisions on the winter term fees will be made at a later date.
Financial Aid
24th March 2020
Q: I am approved for Work Study but now I cannot work. Can I be re-assessed for bursary consideration?
A: Contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss your financial situation by emailing contact@uwo.ca.
Grades
From May 1 to May 15, Undergraduate students can use a new online Course/Grade Change system to convert a numerical grade to a Western Pass/Fail for a Winter 2020 half or quarter course or 2019-2020 full-year course.
Before using the Course/Grade Change system, make sure to review the below FAQs and consider the impacts of converting a numerical grade to a Western Pass/Fail.
You can access the Course/Grade Change system through the Student Center under the Western Links section starting May 1st.
A grade must be posted in your Student Center on the course you wish to convert to a Western Pass/Fail. See Academics > My Academics > View My Grades to make sure a grade has been posted. If your grade is not yet showing, please continue to check back.
Pass: 50 - 100%
Fail: 0 - 49%
Eligible courses:
- Winter 2020 half or quarter courses or 2019-2020 full-year courses with a final numerical grade posted in Student Center. Note: Numerical grades below 40% that were converted to an alpha grade of "F" are eligible.
Ineligible courses:
- Courses that have been withdrawn or awaiting processing to be withdrawn
- Discovery Credit courses
- Winter 2020 half or quarter courses or 2019-2020 full-year courses with a final grade of PAS, FAI, SPC, IPR, INC, SAT, AUD or an F grade that was posted prior to final grading and was a result of a request that had gone through your home Faculty Academic Counselling office.
Caution: Once you have submitted your Western Pass/Fail request, it is final. You will not be able to modify or cancel through the Course/Grade Change system. Make sure you are ready to make your final decision and be careful in selecting your course.
6th April 2020
Choosing to Change a Course Grade to Pass/Fail FAQs
1. When will I be able to change the numerical grade in my course to Pass/Fail?
Students will be able to declare any Winter 2020 half-course or 2019-2020 full-year course as Pass/Fail between May 1 to 15. It is expected that all of your grades will be posted by May 15th.
Any numerical grade submitted by your instructor will remain on file to be used for certain internal processes (see below) and will be available to you upon your request (e.g., to support a future application to graduate or professional school). Therefore, students are encouraged to remain engaged in their learning until all assessments have been completed.
2. How do I change my numerical course grade to Pass/Fail?
You can elect for a course grade to be changed to a Pass/Fail grade through the Office of the Registrar. Information will be provided as soon as the system development for this option has been completed.
3. Can I change my mind at a later date and change my Pass/Fail grade back to the numerical grade?
No, the change cannot be reversed. Students are therefore advised to carefully consider the implications of a Pass/Fail grade to their progression and future educational plans.
4. I plan to apply to a graduate program or professional school after I graduate. Will my change to Pass/Fail affect my admission eligibility?
Traditionally, graduate and professional programs rely upon numerical grades in their admissions process. It is not yet known how they will respond to the introduction of Pass/Fail grades that many universities will be issuing in April 2020. It is possible to request that the Office of the Registrar provide any numerical grade submitted by your instructor to a graduate or professional school in the future, even if you designated it as Pass/Fail.
5. I have Advanced Entry Opportunity (AEO) status and plan to enrol in Ivey’s HBA program. Will my change to Pass/Fail affect my admission eligibility?
Ivey will accept a “Pass” for up to 1.0 credit during the current academic year for admission consideration in cases where there is no numerical grade. For a course recorded as Pass/Fail, and for which a numerical grade was submitted by the instructor, Ivey will use the numerical grade. Additional information on Ivey’s admissions process.
6. I want to register in a limited-enrolment module or program. Will my change to Pass/Fail affect my eligibility to enrol?
At the discretion of the program, the underlying numerical grade submitted by your instructor may be used to determine your eligibility to enter a limited-enrolment module or program, even though it appears as a Pass/Fail on your transcript. This is to ensure fairness to all students seeking admission to the module or program and to reduce concerns about designating a grade as Pass/Fail.
Faculties will be asked to publish their criteria for September admission into such modules.
7. I want to register in a module or program that has no enrolment limits. Will my change to Pass/Fail affect my eligibility to enrol?
No. A grade of “Pass” in a required course will be sufficient to gain entry into a module or program without enrolment limits. Any other requirements, such as a minimum overall average in other Principal Courses, must still be met. A grade of “Pass” will not contribute to such an average.
Since entry into some modules and programs requires grades in specific courses that are considerably higher than a “Pass,” students are strongly encouraged to select modules and programs for which their background preparation is sufficient.
8. Will my change to Pass/Fail affect my progression in my module or program?
A grade of “Pass” will be sufficient for progression in the module or program that you were enrolled in as of September 2019, with the exception of the Honours Specialization modules in the Bachelor of Medical Sciences (BMSc) program. Additional information regarding admission into Year 4 of the Honours Specialization modules in the BMSc program.
9. Can I still graduate if I select Pass/Fail for courses that are mandatory in my program of study?
Yes. A grade of “Pass” will be sufficient to graduate from any module or program in which you are already enrolled. Some graduate and professional programs may require your original numerical grades, which will be available from the Office of the Registrar upon your request.
10. Will my change to Pass/Fail affect my ability to enrol in a course next year that requires a specific mark for the prerequisite?
A grade of “Pass” in a prerequisite course will be considered sufficient to enrol in a subsequent course requiring that course as a prerequisite, even if there is a minimum grade requirement. Students are cautioned to carefully consider their prospects for success in the follow-up course in cases where they have not met the grade requirement.
11. Will my change to Pass/Fail affect my academic standing?
Neither a grade of “Pass” (indicated as “PAS” on the transcript) nor a grade of “Fail” (indicated as “FAI”) will be included in the calculation of your term and cumulative averages. A grade of “FAI” will count toward the number of failed course attempts. Students have the option to drop a Winter 2020 half-course or 2019-2020 full-year course by May 15, 2020 to avoid any consequence.
12. Will my change to Pass/Fail affect my eligibility to be named on the Dean’s Honour List or other such University honours?
The Pass/Fail grade will not be included in the calculation of the grade average used to determine eligibility for University honours. Faculties may, however, choose to restrict the Dean’s Honour List to students with a minimum of 3.5 courses graded on a numerical basis and no failures in 2019-2020.
13. Will my change to Pass/Fail affect retention of my Continuing Scholarship or National Scholarship?
N o, the Pass/Fail grade will not be included in the calculation of the grade average used to determine your eligibility to retain a Continuing Scholarship or National Scholarship.
14. Will my change to Pass/Fail affect in-course and in-program scholarship eligibility?
Yes. To be fair to all students, decisions on in-course and in-program scholarships awarded in Fall 2020 may use the numerical grade underlying a grade of “Pass.”
15. Is there a limit to the number of courses I can change to Pass/Fail?
No, there is no limit to the number of Winter 2020 half-courses and 2019-2020 full-year courses you can change to Pass/Fail.
16. I had chosen to take a course as a Discovery Credit. Can I change my mind so I can have the option of a numerical grade or to take advantage of the new Pass/Fail option instead?
No. The decision to designate a course as a Discovery Credit predates the COVID-19 pandemic and cannot be reversed.
17. Everyone in my course got a Pass/Fail grade instead of a numerical grade. Will I be able to complete a supplemental assessment to get a numerical grade?
Please contact your Department or instructor to see if the option of a supplemental assessment is available. Such a supplemental assessment, if available, will typically take the form of a midterm test or final examination, at the discretion of the Department. Be aware that it may not be possible to offer a supplemental assessment before April 2021 in some cases.
Note that Ontario Faculties of Law adopted a common Pass/Fail approach for most courses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and no supplemental assessment will be possible.
18. My course will now be graded on a Pass/Fail basis, but is required in my Honours Specialization module. Will I still be able to graduate with honours?
Courses with grading schemes that have been revised to a Pass/Fail basis will not impact honours status (if a "Pass" is awarded), nor will they affect a student's standing on the Dean's Honour List or opportunity to graduate With Distinction.
19. Will my change to Pass/Fail affect my eligibility to graduate “With Distinction”?
Courses with grading schemes that have been revised to a Pass/Fail basis will not impact your opportunity to graduate “With Distinction”.
27th March 2020
Important information about options for final grades
March 27, 2020 – 5:55p.m.
With the Framework for Exam Alternatives, Western is making every effort to support your learning through this time of disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The efforts of professors to adapt their courses within the Framework mean that most students will be provided a numerical grade at the end of the academic term. We recognize, nevertheless, that the unique circumstances and challenges you face can significantly affect your learning.
For this reason, Western is introducing the option for students to change their numerical grade to Pass/Fail. In addition, the deadline to drop a Winter 2020 half course or a 2019-20 full year course without academic penalty will be further extended to align with this opportunity. Please note that these options are not available for courses in the Faculty of Law, as Ontario faculties of law have adopted a common grading process.
While additional details will be posted on the Registrar’s website in the days ahead, the selection period will be towards the end of May, 2020, when all of your course grades will be available. At that time you will have the choice to keep your numerical grade, revise your numerical grade to Pass/Fail, or Withdraw from the course without academic penalty. Pass/Fail courses will not affect your cumulative average.
If your course has been graded on a Pass/Fail basis with no other option provided, you may contact your Department or Faculty to see if supplemental assessments are available.
I encourage you to continue in your studies to the extent that your circumstances permit.
Please know that Western has introduced a range of online supports during this time, many of which are identified here: https://studentexperience.uwo.ca/remote/
Sincerely,
John Doerksen
Vice-Provost (Academic Programs)
23rd March 2020
Please see the 'Institutional Framework for Exam Alternatives' section on the Examinations page. The deadline to request/cancel a Discovery Credit will not be extended for Fall/Winter 2019 courses.
Intent to Register (ITR) & Adjudication
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date for online Intent to Register?
I am on academic probation and am worried that I will not be able to meet the requirements under the new grading scheme. Will allowances by made?
Your Dean's Office is aware of the situation and will take it into account when making decisions about your status. In addition, the University has extended the deadline to drop second-term and full-year courses without academic penalty to May 15, 2020, so you may wish to drop courses after considering the final grading scheme, which professors will release by March 30.
OSAP
23rd March 2020
Q: I am considering dropping courses. How will this impact my OSAP?
A: If a student does not successfully complete 60% of their attempted courses, they will be placed on academic probation for the following year. For clarity, if you withdraw from a course, it is considered an attempt. Being on academic probation does not change your OSAP entitlement, but you must pass 60% of your courses in that subsequent year to continue receiving OSAP funding.
Services
Duplicate Diplomas
While the Office of the Registrar is operating virtually, Duplicate Diploma orders will not be processed. You can continue to request your Duplicate Diploma online and we will process your request as soon as possible once we reopen.
Early Release of Diplomas
While the Office of the Registrar is operating virtually, Early Release of Diploma orders will be processed as soon as possible. Early Release of Diploma will not be done sooner than four weeks prior to the scheduled convocation date and requests may take up to 2 weeks to process.
Obtaining your Diploma after Convocation
Diploma orders for Convocation prior to Spring 2020
While the Office of the Registrar is operating virtually, online Diploma orders will not be processed. You can continue to request your Diploma online and we will process your request as soon as possible once we reopen.
Diploma Orders for Students Graduating in Spring 2020
Western is exploring options for mailing diplomas for students graduating in Spring 2020. We thank you for your patience as we work through these options. We will share more information once it is available. In the event we do mail the diplomas, please ensure your address is up to date on your Student Center.
Scantron Services
While the Office of the Registrar is operating virtually, Scantrons will not be processed.
Third Party Forms
While the Office of the Registrar is operating virtually, third party forms requested for mail, courier, or fax will be processed when possible. Any requests submitted for pickup will be processed as soon as possible once we reopen.
Transcripts and Official Western Letters
While the Office of the Registrar is operating virtually, transcript and official Western letter orders requested for mail, courier, or fax will be processed when possible. Any requests submitted for pickup will be processed as soon as possible once we reopen.
Western ONECards
While the Office of the Registrar is operating virtually, online Western ONECard orders will not be processed. You can continue to request your Western ONECard online and we will process your request as soon as possible once we reopen.
Summer Courses
17th April 2020
Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences 2020
Western University was to host the Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences from May 30 - June 5, 2020. No classes were to be scheduled during this time. The Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences has been cancelled, however, the period of May 30 - June 5, 2020 will continue to be respected as a break within the Summer term class dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I search for Summer Courses?
Narrow your search for online courses by using these drop-down filter options:
- Use Course Delivery Type to find courses offered online by selecting Distance Studies. Note: By selecting Distance Studies as the 'course delivery type' you will see all courses offered online regardless of what session type the course is scheduled in.
- The Start/End dates for each course will be visible within your search results.
- Use Campus to determine where the course is offered, i.e. Main, Brescia, Huron, King's.
2. How many courses can I take in the Summer term?
With undergraduate courses now being delivered online for Summer 2020, the 'no more than 2.0 courses to be taken simultaneously' rule will be waived to allow a student to enroll in 2.5 online courses in any session type. Students are encouraged to pay attention to the date overlap of their course selections to ensure that they can manage the demands of the competing course work and expectations.
3. Will exams for summer courses be held in-person?
4. Where can I see what Summer courses I enrolled in?
Online Summer courses will show in the "List View" on your Student Center (My Weekly Schedule - change to List View). On Draft My Schedule, you can also see your courses under My Current Schedule > scroll down past the grid. The flag shows that you are registered in the class and the session shows.
5. Where can I get textbooks and course materials for online classes?
Log into your Student Services account to view your personal textbook list. Be sure to check back regularly before your summer or intersession course starts, as your textbook list could change.
If digital resources are not available through The Book Store, you'll be provided with the information on how to access required course materials elsewhere.
23rd March 2020
Western Moving Summer Undergraduate Courses Online
Western's Summer undergraduate courses will be delivered online in the same sessions they are currently scheduled (e.g. a 6-week Intersession course will continue to be offered online from May 11 th to June 26 th). In addition to all of the online courses the University normally provides in the summer, many courses slated to be offered onsite will be moved online as well. The Affiliated University Colleges – King’s, Huron, and Brescia – will also deliver their Summer courses online. While we know that you will have many questions about what courses will be delivered in the Summer and how they will be delivered, please note that we are working through the details and will provide additional information as it becomes available.
Note that alternatives are being explored for Dentistry and Nursing courses, which cannot be delivered online.