Foundation term

If you are a student who is academically at-risk after your first term or first year of study, the Foundation Term is an opportunity to develop skills to succeed in university.

The Arts Foundation Term is available in the fall term only. You will take three in-person courses that count towards your degree completion. Three courses is still full-time studies.

In fall 2022, you will enroll in the following three courses:

  • University (UNIV) 101
  • A communications course determined by your academic advisor based on your previous academic record (one of ARTS 130, ARTS 140, or an alternative course)
  • Rank a third course in order of preference on the Application for the Foundation Term, from the following course options:
  • You may not repeat any courses previously taken

What conditions do I need to meet to participate in the Foundation Term?

The Foundation Term is a potential option to continue your studies if you received an academic standing decision of "failed, required to withdraw" in first year (level 1A or 1B) and have been away from studies for at least 1 term before enrolling in the Foundation Term. If you are a 2A student who has received this standing, you may apply on a case-by-case basis for the Foundation Term.

How do I apply for the Foundation Term?

Deadline to apply for fall 2022: June 30, 2022

For consideration, speak with your academic advisor about your options. If you and your advisor agree that the Foundation Term is a good fit for you, complete and submit the Intention to Complete the Foundation Term Registration Form by the deadline. 

How can University 101 and the Foundation Term help me?

This term will teach you how to study, manage your time, and be successful long-term at university:

  • time management and organization
  • studying and writing papers
  • self-awareness and critical thinking
  • note taking and reading

What can I expect in UNIV 101?

  • Practical Assignments
  • Mandatory attendance
  • Hands On Lectures / Workshops that:
    • New skills and strategies
    • Allow you to apply and practice them
    • Give you feedback on how to be more successful in the future
  • Our statistics show that students at risk who opt to complete the Foundation Term at Waterloo do better academically, long term

What are the conditions to pass the Foundation Term?

  • You must achieve a minimum 60% in UNIV 101
  • You must pass your communication and other Arts course, and achieve an average of at least 65% combined between the two courses
  • Have no NMR (No mark reported, no credit granted) or DNW (Did not write examination, no credit granted) grades assigned to any of the courses taken
  • Before continuing studies, all courses taken during the Foundation Term that have an INC (Incomplete course work, no credit granted) must be completed

What if I don’t meet the conditions?

If you do not meet the conditions, you will not continue your studies at the University of Waterloo. The following academic decision applies: “Failed may not continue in Faculty" which means future enrolment will not be possible for a minimum of 5 years. This applies to any Arts student who receives a second failed standing at any time in their academic career.

Questions

Please contact Arts Advisor about the Foundation Term.