ADVISING FAQS
This document is intended to provide general information for Huron students about their academics.
This list is not exhaustive. For additional information, please view the Academic Calendar or contact
your Academic Advisor.
COURSE SELECTION AND ENROLLMENT
HOW AND WHEN DO I ENROLL IN COURSES?
Students can enroll in courses through their Student Centre by following the prompts under “Enroll in
Classes”. Students must have a valid enrolment appointment before they can enroll in courses. Students
can check their enrollment appointment under “Open Enrollment Dates”. These dates will be updated
throughout the term.
Before students can enroll in Spring/Summer courses, they must do “Summer Term Activation” through
their Student Centre.
WHERE CAN I SEE WHAT COURSES ARE OFFERED?
Students can view courses that will be offered during the academic year through Western’s Fall/Winter
Academic Timetable: [Link]/secure/timetables/mastertt/[Link]
Students can view courses that will be offered during the summer term through Western’s Summer
Academic Timetable: [Link]/secure/timetables/SummerTT/[Link]
Students can view course offerings and create a draft schedule through Draft My Schedule:
[Link]/[Link]
HOW MANY COURSES SHOULD I TAKE?
Students can take up to 2.5 courses each term for a total of 5.0 courses during the academic year. To be
considered full-time, students must take at least 3.5 courses during the academic year. Be aware that
funding (such as scholarships or OSAP) may have different requirements for what it means to be full-
time. Consult Huron’s Financial Aid Officer for more information.
ARE THERE ANY COURSES I HAVE TO TAKE?
Yes, view Degree and Module Requirements (below) for more information.
HOW DO I KNOW IF A COURSE IS OFFERED AT HURON?
Courses offered at Huron have section numbers that begin with “55” such as “550”, “551”, “552”.
ADVISING FAQS – Refer to Academic Calendar website for additional information 1
HOW ARE COURSES COUNTED? WHAT DO THE LETTERS IN HURON’S COURSE CODES MEAN?
Huron offers courses worth 0.5 credit, which last the length of one term (September to December or
January to April), and courses that are worth 1.0 credit which last the full academic year (September to
April). Here is a helpful chart to understand:
FULL YEAR COURSES FALL TERM COURSES WINTER TERM COURSES
WORTH 1.0 CREDITS WORTH 0.5 CREDITS WORTH 0.5 CREDITS
(SEPTEMBER TO APRIL) (SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER) (JANUARY TO APRIL)
Courses ending in “E” Courses ending in “F” Courses ending in “G”
ESSAY COURSES
(ie. History 1801E) (ie. Philosophy 2700F) (ie. Writing 1021G)
Courses with no suffix Courses ending in “A” Courses ending in “B”
NON-ESSAY COURSES
(ie. Speech 2001) (ie. Economics 2121A) (ie. Religious Studies 2295B)
Note that, for example, students should not take Philosophy 1250F and Philosophy 1250G as these are the
same course, just offered in different terms. They are not part one and part two of the same course.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR A COURSE TO BE AN “ESSAY COURSE”?
A course is considered to be an “essay course” if it requires students to write a certain number of words
throughout the course as indicated below:
■ 1.0 credit course at 1000 to 1999 level: at least 3000 words
■ 0.5 credit course at 1000 to 1999 level: at least 1500 words
■ 1.0 credit course at 2000 level and above: at least 5000 words
■ Half course (2000 and above): at least 2500 words
WHERE CAN I FIND COURSE OUTLINES/SYLLABI FOR THE COURSES I WANT TO TAKE?
You can search for course outlines on Huron’s website: [Link]. On the top left corner, there are
three lines, click on those to view each department. Each department will have its own course listings
and course outlines.
CAN I ENROLL IN COURSES AT WESTERN, KING’S, OR BRESCIA?
Yes, Huron students are permitted to take courses away from Huron in accordance with Huron’s
Residency Requirement (see below for more information).
HOW DO I GET MY COURSE TIMETABLE APPROVED?
First year students are encouraged to come to a SOAR (Summer Orientation and Academic Registration)
session where an Academic Advisor can assist with course selection and review students’ timetables.
Upper year students who want assistance with course selection are encouraged to connect with their
Academic Advisor. Students are not required to get their timetables approved by an Academic Advisor.
Students are ultimately responsible for ensuring they are enrolled in the correct courses.
CAN I DROP A COURSE?
Students can withdraw from a course with no academic penalty up until the drop date. A “WDN” may
appear on your academic record next to the course you dropped. Check the Academic Calendar for the
last day to add or drop a course.
ADVISING FAQS – Refer to Academic Calendar website for additional information 2
DEGREE AND MODULE REQUIREMENTS
HOW MANY CREDITS DO I NEED FOR MY DEGREE?
For a four-year degree, students require 20.0 credits. For a three-year degree, students require 15.0
credits. Students may take longer than three or four years, respectively, to complete their degree
requirements. A maximum of 7.0 first year credits can count towards one’s degree.
WHAT COURSES DO I NEED FOR MY MODULE?
You can view admission requirements and required courses for your module on the Academic Calendar
under “Modules/Programs”.
HOW MANY COURSES CAN I HAVE IN ONE SUBJECT?
For a four-year degree, you can have up to 14.0 credits in one subject. For a three-year degree, you can
have up to 9.0 credits in one subject.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I FAIL A COURSE?
Failing a course will decrease your cumulative average. An ‘F’ will not be removed from your record, even
if you repeat the course. You can take a course again (up to three times, depending on the situation) and
it is always the most recent attempt that counts. If you have more than 6.0 fails, you will be required to
withdraw from the university.
WHAT ARE SOME OTHER DEGREE REQUIREMENTS?
Students must complete Breadth Requirements. Breadth Requirement include successfully completing
at least 1.0 credits in each of Category A (Social Science), Category B (Arts and Humanities), and
Category C (Math and Science). At least two of these Categories must be completed in first year at the
1000 level. Students must complete at least 2.0 essay credits, at least 1.0 must be at the 2000 level or
above.
WHAT AVERAGES DO I NEED TO ACHIEVE/MAINTAIN?
To graduate or to be in good standing, students require a minimum modular and cumulative average of
at least 60%. For Honours programs, students typically require averages of at least 70%. In many cases,
averages required are program dependent. Check the Academic Calendar to determine what grades/
averages are required for your program.
HOW CAN I CHANGE MY PROGRAM?
Students can request to change their program though their Student Centre during the Intent to Register
(ITR) period which takes place every year in February and March. Students must complete an ITR
whether they wish to remain in the same program or change programs. Students will only be admitted
into a program if they meet the requirements outlined in the Academic Calendar.
WHAT IF I DON’T GET INTO THE PROGRAM I WANT?
Students are encouraged to create parallel plans so if their first choice program doesn’t work out,
they have a second choice. If a student can’t get into their chosen program, they will be “Undeclared”.
Students are encouraged to check out the Academic Calendar to explore program options and to meet
with an Academic Advisor for more information.
ADVISING FAQS – Refer to Academic Calendar website for additional information 3
WHERE CAN I VIEW MY PROGRAM AND STATUS?
Students can view their program and status through their Student Centre under “My Program”.
Students’ programs are typically updated in mid-June after they are reviewed by an Academic Advisor.
WHERE CAN I VIEW MY GRADES?
Students can view their grades through their Student Centre under “View My Grades” or “Web Academic
Report”.
ACADEMIC RESOURCES
WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE TO HELP ME DO WELL ACADEMICALLY?
There are numerous resources available to help Huron students succeed. These resources include
Huron’s Writing Services and Course Content Support ([Link]/library/writing-services) and
Western’s Learning Skills Services ([Link]/sdc/learning/).
CAN HURON HELP ME FIND A TUTOR FOR ONE OF MY COURSES?
Huron’s Writing Services offers one-on-one content supports for certain courses for subjects including
Math and Economics. Students can sign up for these appointments for free through Huron’s website. Our
office does not connect students with private tutors. Your instructors or peers may be able to make tutor
recommendations.
ACADEMIC CONSIDERATION AND ACCOMMODATION
WHAT IS ACADEMIC CONSIDERATION? WHAT IS ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATION?
Academic consideration is a cooperative process between the university, the student, and academic staff.
It is intended for short term purposes such as when a student is experiencing an acute illness. Academic
consideration is intended to provide students with consistent, fair, and pedagogically appropriate
consideration without compromising the academic integrity of the course or program, when they have
been unable to complete some component of a course due to extenuating circumstances. Students
seeking academic consideration should connect with their Academic Advisor.
Academic accommodation is intended for students who have long-term or chronical medical
considerations (physical or mental) which may impede their ability to complete academic
responsibilities. Students seeking academic accommodations should connect with Student Accessibility
Services through Western.
Note that there is no expectation that a student must be in optimum physical or mental condition to carry
out their academic responsibilities.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO MISS A TEST, MIDTERM, OR HAND AN ASSIGNMENT IN LATE?
WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR REQUESTING ACADEMIC CONSIDERATION?
Depending on why you missed your test, midterm, or handed your assignment in late, you may be
eligible for academic consideration. Huron Student Support Services will recommend academic
consideration for students for short-term medical concerns, compassionate considerations, varsity
athletic commitments, or religious considerations. Appropriate documentation is required as well as
the Academic Considerations Request Form (which can be accessed through Huron Student Support
ADVISING FAQS – Refer to Academic Calendar website for additional information 4
Services). If approved, it will be up to your instructor as to what consideration will be granted (ex. Write
makeup, re-weight evaluations, accept late assignment).
Students must submit the required documentation to Huron Student Support Services in a timely
manner and follow the process outlined on the Academic Calendar.
Note that students are not guaranteed to be granted academic consideration.
ARE THERE OPTIONS ASIDE FROM SEEKING ACADEMIC CONSIDERATION IN CASES WHERE I
NEED TO MISS AN EVALUATION?
Yes, in some cases students have the option to self report an absence through their Student Centre.
Certain criteria must be met and the process must followed. Students are permitted up to two self
reported absences during the academic year. For most students, these two self reported absence
options should sufficiently cover any missed work throughout the academic year. See the Academic
Calendar for more information.
I HAVE A FLIGHT BOOKED ON THE SAME DAY AS AN EXAM. CAN I BE GRANTED ACADEMIC
CONSIDERATION FOR THIS?
No, students will not be granted academic consideration for things like flights, weddings, or interviews.
I AM SCHEDULED TO WRITE FOUR EXAMS IN TWO DAYS. CAN I BE GRANTED ACADEMIC
CONSIDERATION FOR THIS?
Yes, students may be granted academic consideration for exams in the December or April exam period
if they have 3 exams within 23 hours, 4 exams within 47 hours, or 5 exams within 71 hours. The time
between exams is considered from when the exam starts.
I HAD AN IEP IN HIGH SCHOOL. CAN I HAVE SOMETHING LIKE THIS AS A HURON STUDENT?
Students who had an IEP in high school may be eligible for academic accommodation through Student
Accessibility Services (SAS, formerly SSD). These supports may include additional time for exams
or writing in a private space. Students are responsible for ensuring that they use the SAS supports and
accommodations as outlined by SAS. For additional information, visit the SAS website: [Link]/ssd/
PROBATION AND REQUIRED TO WITHDRAW STATUS
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE ON PROBATION?
A student will be put on probation if their cumulative average is below 55% (for first year students) or
below 60% (for senior level students). A student who is put on probation must meet with an Academic
Advisor and meet conditions of their probation contract in order to be back in good standing.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE REQUIRED TO WITHDRAW (RTW)?
A student will be required to withdraw if their cumulative average is below 50% (for first year students)
or below 55% (for senior level students); has failed more than 6.0 courses; or has not met probation
requirements. A student who is RTW cannot take courses from the university for a minimum of twelve
months. A student who has been RTW can apply for readmission to return to Huron after twelve months.
Students who are RTW can apply for a Dean’s Waiver which, if granted, permits a student to continue at
Huron under Dean’s Waiver conditions.
ADVISING FAQS – Refer to Academic Calendar website for additional information 5
TAKING COURSES AWAY FROM HURON
WHAT IS HURON’S RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT?
Residency Requirements dictate that Huron students must take at least 60% of their courses at Huron
each academic year. The other 40% can be taken at Western, King’s, or Brescia. If a course is offered at
Huron, students must take it at Huron. If students are not meeting Residency, they may be removed from
one or more of their courses.
Residency Requirements do not apply during the Spring/Summer term or for students on exchange.
HOW CAN I DO AN EXCHANGE THROUGH HURON?
Students who’d like to go on exchange are encouraged to do so in their third year. Tuition is paid to
Huron. For additional information about exchange, visit Huron’s website: [Link]/student-life-
campus/student-services/international/outgoing-exchange
WHAT IS A LETTER OF PERMISSION (LOP)?
An LOP allows students to take a required course away from Huron and have it count it towards their
degree. Only courses required for one’s program will be considered. Contact Huron Student Support
Services for additional information.
DO ANY HURON COURSES INCLUDE A TRAVEL COMPONENT?
Yes, Huron’s Political Science department has offered a course where students travel to Rwanda.
Huron’s Centre for Global Studies department also has opportunities for students to get Huron credit
while travelling internationally. Typically, students will have to submit an application for these courses.
Reach out to the appropriate department to learn more.
ADVISING FAQS – Refer to Academic Calendar website for additional information 6