Academic Policies and Procedures

Attendance (Policy S1990-01)

Regular class attendance, and participation in course activities and assignments, is expected and likely essential to successfully achieving the course learning outcomes. Students are responsible for any and all content and instructions communicated during scheduled classes, in course handouts, and (if applicable), via course email and websites. In cases where participation by all students is essential for conducting the planned instructional activities, attendance may be mandatory. In all cases, the attendance expectations and any penalties for missing instructional activities shall be clearly articulated on the course outline.

Full-time Student (Policy S2002-04):  A student registered in a minimum of nine credits is classified as a full-time student.

Generally, for provincial and federal financial aid purposes, a student registered in a minimum of nine credits at the 100 level or higher will be considered to have met the full-time enrolment requirement for financial aid. For scholarships, bursaries and awards, the requirement for full-time status is nine credits at the 100 level or higher.  Please verify eligibility with the Financial Aid & Awards Office.

For participation in intercollegiate sports, enrolment in a minimum of nine credits will generally be considered to have met the enrolment requirement.

Audit:  An audit enrolment indicates the student has registered in and will attend a course without writing examinations or submitting work, papers, lab reports, etc. Full fees are required for audit enrolment. Attendance at lectures, labs and seminars is required. For those students who do not meet the attendance requirement, their permanent student record and transcript will be annotated with the comment AUDIT DENIED. Audit status in a particular course is not calculated in the GPA, does not have credit attached, and may not be used toward completion of a credential.

Students are permitted to register for audit status in a particular course only as of the first day of classes, on a space-available basis, with the instructor's approval. Students may change their registration in a course from credit to audit or audit to credit on or before the last day of the Add/Drop Period with the instructor's approval and signature on a completed registration form.

For enrolment verification purposes Academic Year Standing is determined by the following:

• 1st Year: <24 credits
• 2nd Year: 24 credits
• 3rd Year: 54 credits
• 4th Year: 84 credits

Enrolment Verification letters (Confirmation of Enrolment) are available online via myCapU Account.

All official permanent student records are kept in the Registrar's Office and are considered confidential.

Students may be provided with a copy of their academic record upon written request to the Registrar's Office.

Academic record information will only be released upon presentation of photo identification (i.e. valid driver's license, passport, or Capilano University student identification card). Information will not be given to any agency or person other than the student unless the student has given their permission using a Third Party Authorization form. Exceptions are as follows:

• For institutional research projects approved by the University.
• To government departments or their agents where Capilano University is required by law to provide the requested information.
• To respond to a valid court order, search warrant, subpoena, summons, or other legal document served upon the University.
• To respond to appropriate parties if knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals.

Grade statements: Final grades are available online via myCapU Account at the end of each term.

Transcripts: Official transcripts are issued by the Registrar's Office, only at the request of the student, and are mailed directly in a sealed envelope to the institution, agency, or student or sent electronically to the institution or agency.

Unofficial transcripts can be printed by students from myCapU Account.

Personal information contained on your student record will be used to verify your Personal Education Number (PEN) or to assign one to you. The PEN is a nine-digit number assigned to each student as they enter the British Columbia educational system. This identification number follows the student through their K-12 and post-secondary education. This number is used for multiple purposes including the distribution of funding to schools, transition analysis between schools, districts and post-secondary education, exams and student reporting.

The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act oversees the privacy of personal information that is being collected, used, and disclosed by public sector institutions. Capilano University adheres to the collection, use and disclosure of PENs as per the appropriate sections of the Act. If you have any questions about the use of PEN, please contact the Capilano University Privacy Officer in writing at privacy@capilanou.ca or: Capilano University Privacy Officer, 2055 Purcell Way North Vancouver, B.C., V7J 3H5.

Capilano University gathers and maintains information used for the purposes of admission, registration, research, alumni development, student association, and other purposes consistent with the mandate of the institution. Your personal information is collected under the authority of section 26(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), as the information relates directly to and is necessary for an operating program or activity of the University. Questions about the collection of this information may be directed to the Privacy Officer at privacy@capilanou.ca. Additionally, please see University’s policy regarding Student Records Management and Access for further clarification on the ways in which Capilano University manages student records.

All requests for exemption, substitution or transfer credit must be submitted to the Registrar's Office. A decision will be made with the recommendation of an appropriate program coordinator and copied to the Dean, if applicable. The credit or action will be noted in the student’s myCapMap account upon approval by the Registrar's Office. 

Exemption

An exemption indicates a student is not required to complete a particular course(s) in a program because of successful completion of a combination of post-secondary courses which, overall, constitute equal content. Exemption Standing does not reduce the total number of credits required to complete a credential. Approved Exemption will be noted on myCapMap but is not on the student's Official Transcript of Academic Record.

Substitution

A substitution indicates a Capilano course used in lieu of another Capilano course to complete a program's requirements. Credit must be equal. Approved Substitution will be noted on myCapMap but is not on the student's Official Transcript of Academic Record.

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit is credit given for work successfully completed at another institution. Approved transfer credit is noted on the student's Official Transcript of Academic Record. While grades are noted on the student record system, they are not included in the calculation of the GPA, nor are they printed on an official Capilano University transcript. For more detail see the full Transfer Credit Policy.

Cap Core for Transfer Students

Students who transfer into Capilano University can apply to transfer up to 60.0 credits toward their baccalaureate degree. Courses that receive assigned credit at CapU will automatically be granted Cap Core attributes as defined by the CapU course (e.g. if a course transfers in as equivalent to ENGL 100, the student would meet the Cap Core Literacy requirement). Unassigned credit will be assessed for Cap Core on an individual basis as requested by the student.

Students who have transferred into Capilano University and received block transfer will still be required to complete some Cap Core requirement credits. The credit total will be dependent on the program of study and the number of transferred credits.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a process whereby students may receive university credits for learning acquired in formal and informal situations. This process is of immense benefit to adult learners who have work and life experiences that equate to courses offered at the University. For example, if you have on-the-job work experience with computers you may be able to receive credits offered in one or more office or business administration courses. You will need to demonstrate that you have met at least 50% of the learning outcomes in the courses for which you are receiving credit. This is done by providing evidence of what you have learned. This might include any one or combination of the following: a work site visit, documentation, interview, oral presentation, or portfolio. For more information about whether the PLA option is available in the program for which you are applying, please contact the program Chair. A fee is charged for Prior Learning Assessment; please visit the Incidental Fees page for more information. Prior Learning Assessment granted will be recorded on the permanent student record. For more detail see the full Prior Learning Assessment Policy.

Course Challenge

Admitted students may request a course challenge whereby an examination for achievement may be awarded for a very specific and limited selection of courses at the institution. Certain courses may not be challenged. Information about the fees charged for a challenged course can be found at Incidental Fees. Students interested in this procedure should contact the academic department responsible for the course. A course challenged successfully will be recorded on the permanent student record.

Note: Transfer credit, exemption, substitution, PLA, or Course Challenge granted is only relevant for Capilano University. Other institutions to which you may transfer will re-evaluate your credits at the time of application to that institution.

Grading Profile (Policy S2017-01)

Grade Point Average (GPA)

Grade performance is expressed in terms of a grade point average (GPA). GPAs are reported on each Official Transcript of Academic Record. To calculate the term GPA, the grade point value for each grade is multiplied by the credit hours to produce a number of grade points for each course. For example, an "A" received in a three-credit course would become, for purposes of the calculation:

A = 4.00 x 3 credit = 12 grade points

To calculate the term GPA (TGPA), the sum of the grade points is then divided by the number of credit hours taken in one term only. Similarly, the cumulative GPA (CGPA) recorded is the sum of total grade points for all terms, divided by the number of credits for all terms of enrolment.

The minimum grade point average for graduation is 2.00. Some programs require a higher grade point average for graduation purposes; please refer to the specific program pages for more information.

Participation

Up to a maximum of 10% of the total grade may be assigned to participation. (A percentage higher than 10% can be assigned with the approval of the Dean). Where participation is included in the total grade, the definition of participation will be included in the course outline.

Audit

An audit indicates the student has registered in and attended a course without writing examinations or submitting work, papers, lab reports, etc. Audit status is not calculated in the GPA, does not have credit attached, and may not be used toward completion of a credential.

Audit Denied

Students registered as audit status are required to attend lectures, labs and seminars. For those students who do not meet the attendance requirement, their permanent student record and transcript will be annotated with the comment Audit Denied.

CR or NC Grade

The grades CR (Credit) or NC (No Credit) are assigned to courses in which a level of mastery is required for successful completion, but is not included in the GPA calculation.

F Grade

All Fail or F grades recorded on the student's Official Transcript of Academic Record are assigned a value of zero in the calculation of a student's term and cumulative GPA.

Withdrawal

Assigned when the student withdraws from the course during the defined withdrawal period for the course.

Withdrawal - Extenuating Circumstances

Withdrawal from a course after the end of the withdrawal period is only granted for exceptional circumstances, which are unexpected and unavoidable circumstances which make it impossible for a student to complete coursework and affects academic performance. Information about the documentation required for such withdrawal is available on the Appeals webpage.

Aegrotat

Assigned when a student has completed a minimum of 60% of their coursework but is then unable to complete the course as a result of significant and ongoing medical, emotional, or other difficulties. Distinct from a Withdrawal for Extenuating Circumstances, an Aegrotat grade is assigned when there is no expectation that the student will be able to complete the course at another time. This standing is awarded only if the course instructor or coordinator, and the Dean recommend such standing to the Vice-President Academic and Provost based on their agreement that the student has demonstrated the capacity to deal with the course material satisfactorily. When the AEG standing is awarded, a grade is assigned and calculated in the GPA as per standard grading protocol.

An "I" grade or "Incomplete" may be assigned in exceptional circumstances when a student requests extra time to complete their coursework. Such agreements are made only at the request of the student. The student is responsible to determine from the instructor the outstanding requirements of the course. If an Incomplete is not cleared by the grade deadline of the following term, the grade will be changed to the evaluation attained at the time the grade was originally assigned. The final grade replaces the “I” status and is calculated in the GPA as per standard grading protocol. For further information please see "Incomplete Grade 'I'" on the Registration page of the Calendar.

Student Appeals (Policy B.109)

This policy outlines when and how students can appeal academic determination(s) or non-academic determination(s). The Student Appeals Committee (SAC) has sole jurisdiction to hear and make a final adjudication of appeals based on an academic decision or non-academic appeal not otherwise delegated to another body.

Under this policy, students can appeal from the two following types of University decision-making: Academic Appeals and Non-Academic Appeals.

Academic Appeals include:

• Appeals regarding the procedural fairness of the determination made under the Final Grade Appeal Policy;
• Appeals regarding the procedural fairness of the determination of sanctions imposed on students under the Academic Integrity Policy; or
• Appeals regarding the procedural fairness of the determination made under any other University Policy that impacts a student's academic standing, including extenuating withdrawals, admissions, and readmissions.

Non-Academic Appeals include:

• Appeals regarding the procedural and substantive fairness of the determination of sanctions imposed on students under the Student Code of Conduct Policy;
• Appeals regarding the procedural and substantive fairness of the determination of sanctions imposed on students under the Sexual Violence and Misconduct Policy; or
• Appeals regarding the procedural and substantive fairness of the determination made under any other University Policy that impacts the student's non-academic standing.

See the full policies for more details, on the Policies webpage.

Repeated Courses (Policy S2003-02)

Without the permission of the instructor, a student may take the same course for a second time (withdrawals and extenuating withdrawals are included). The grade for each of these two attempts will be recorded, but the higher of the two grades will be used in the calculation of the cumulative grade point average (CGPA).

With the permission of the instructor of the particular course or a designated faculty member, a student may take the same course for a third time. The grade for each of the three attempts will be recorded, but the higher grade of the last two grades will be used in the calculation of the CGPA.

Programs of Study Outcomes (Procedure S2024-01-01, Section 3)

The following are the minimum requirements that a student must successfully complete in a Program of Study to be awarded an Academic Credential. Unless otherwise noted, credit refers to courses at the 100-level or higher as per S2020-02 Course Numbering and Credit Level policy. 

The full procedure document can be found on the policies page.

See individual program descriptions for the full requirements associated with a specific program of study.

Academic Honours (Policy S1989-02)

There are two types of academic honours at Capilano University: term honours and graduation honours.

Term Honours

Dean's List

Students who fulfill the following conditions in a given term will be awarded standing on the Dean's List:

• achieve a minimum of 3.67 on their term grade point average (TGPA)
• have no "Incomplete's", no "No Credit Granted" or "Fail" grades
• have completed a minimum of 12 credits for the term.

Merit List

Students who fulfill the following conditions in a given term will be awarded standing on the Merit List:

• achieve a minimum of 3.67 on both their term grade point average (TGPA) and cumulative grade point average (CGPA)
• have no "Incomplete's", no "No Credit Granted" or "Fail" grades
• complete fewer than 12 credits for the term.

Graduation Honours

Graduation with Distinction - Bachelor Degrees

Students are eligible for the Graduation with Distinction if they fulfill the following conditions:

• complete a Capilano University Degree in which no more than 20% of the credits can be Credit/No Credit grades;
• achieve a CGPA of 3.75, based on 300 and 400 level courses used to satisfy Capilano requirements; and
• have no grade lower than C+ in the program requirements at the 300/400

While credit may be given for transfer, equivalence, and so forth, the associated grades will not be used in calculating the program CGPA.

Graduation with Distinction is recorded on the permanent student record and shall appear on the student's official transcript of academic record and on the parchment.

Graduation with Distinction (all credentials except Bachelor Degrees)

Students are eligible for the Graduation with Distinction if they fulfill the following conditions:

• complete a Capilano University credential of 30 or more credits of which no more than 20% of the program's credits can be Credit/No Credit grades;
• achieve a minimum CGPA of 3.75, based on courses used to satisfy program requirements; and
• have no grade lower than C+ in the program

While credit may be given for transfer, equivalence, and so forth, the associated grades will not be used in calculating the program CGPA.

Graduation with Distinction is recorded on the permanent student record and shall appear on the student's official transcript of academic record and on the parchment.

Other Honours

The Governor General's Collegiate Bronze Medal

This award is presented to the graduate from a two-year program diploma or associate degree program who has achieved the highest cumulative grade point average, and who has attained this grade point average on a minimum of 15 credit hours per term or full program load as outlined in the University Calendar, during attendance at Capilano University.

The Governor General's Undergraduate Silver Medal

This award is presented to the graduate from an undergraduate degree program who has achieved the highest cumulative grade point average and who has attained this grade point average on a minimum of 15 credit hours per term or full program load as outlined in the University Calendar, during attendance at Capilano University.

The Lieutenant Governor's Medal for Inclusion, Democracy and Reconciliation

Awarded to one student who excels in their studies and contributes to their institution or community during post-secondary study, rewarding one or more of these activities: inclusion, democracy, and reconciliation.

Dean's Award

The Dean’s Award of Excellence is presented to the graduate who achieves distinction and the highest GPA in each degree program at Capilano University.

Academic Standing (Policy S2003-03)

Purpose

This policy is to provide direction regarding the assessment of student academic performance during their studies at Capilano University.

Scope

This policy relates to all students who register in credit (academic) courses at Capilano University.

Continuing Studies courses at Capilano University and the students completing these courses are not subject to this policy.

Policy Statement

Academic standing assessment is designed to provide feedback to students at the end of each term in regard to their term/cumulative standing to assist the student in maintaining an awareness of their ongoing academic standing.

Academic standing assessment is not designed to be a punitive tool. Instead, is meant to provide ongoing feedback of a student's academic standing. The assessment criteria are designed to ensure that students are provided with notification of standing in a fashion that is time-sensitive and allows students the opportunity to seek academic assistance if needed, and maintain or return to Good Academic Standing throughout their studies at Capilano University. To ensure that students have sufficient time to seek assistance, students cannot move more than one step lower in their academic standing in any given term but are able to return to Good Academic Standing over one term.

The Academic Standing Policy outlines the University standard for assessment of academic standing and continuance in University registration. Please note that individual programs, when approved by Senate, may have continuance standards separate from this policy. When program continuance standards are separate from this policy, it is expected that these standards are made available to their prospective and current students through their program websites and in person.

Academic Performance Assessment Criteria

Academic standing is assessed based on the following criteria:

1. Upon completion of 9 credits of coursework after the first admission to the university;
2. Using only grades assigned by Capilano University;
3. Using only standard letter grades A+ through F.

Good Academic Standing

Students at Capilano University are deemed to be in Good Academic Standing if both their Term Grade Point Average (TGPA) and Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) are 2.00 or higher.

The notation "Good Academic Standing" is recorded on the student's permanent student record and the student transcript for each term where this standing is granted.

Until such time that a student has completed 9 credits at the university, there is no Academic Standing evaluation completed for the student and the notation "Good Academic Standing" will be noted on their student record and their student transcript. Academic Standing will be evaluated at the completion of every term after the first standing evaluation occurs

Academic Alert

Students who achieve a TGPA and/or CGPA of less than 2.00 are placed on Academic Alert. The Academic Alert notation is listed on the student's permanent record but is not noted on the student transcript. Students on Academic Alert will continue to have the notation of "Good Academic Standing" on their student transcript.

The Academic Alert Standing is designed to provide students with an early warning regarding the potential shift in the academic standing. This early warning is provided to ensure that students are able to seek out services, both at the university and otherwise, to support their learning.

Academic Probation

Students who achieve a CGPA of less than 1.67 are placed on Academic Probation. The academic probation notation is listed on the student permanent record and is noted on the student academic transcript. 

Required to Withdraw

Students on Academic Probation will be Required to Withdraw (RTW) if they achieve a CGPA of less than 1.59 and a TGPA of less than 1.67. The RTW notation is listed on the student's permanent record and is noted on the student academic transcript.

Students will be RTW for a minimum of one major term (Fall or Spring). Students who have registered for a subsequent term but who are RTW will be deregistered from that subsequent term and will be refunded their fees in full.

Re-Admission After Required to Withdraw Status

To return to studies students are required to submit an Application for Admission/ Readmission with the required application fee. Students who are readmitted are readmitted on Academic Probation and are subject to the conditions of Academic Probation as outlined in the previous sections

Definitions Used in Policy

• TGPA - Term Grade Point Average - the average of the final grades for all credit courses taken within that given term
• CGPA - Cumulative Grade Point Average - the average of the final grades for all credit courses taken since the first admission to the university
• RTW - Required to Withdraw