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Foundation term

The Foundation Term is designed to provide students who are academically at-risk an opportunity to build the skills necessary to succeed in their university studies.

The Arts Foundation Term is offered in the Fall term only. You’ll take 3 on campus courses only (on-line courses are not permitted) which will count toward your degree. Three courses in a term is considered full-time.

Students in the Fall 2018 Foundation Term will take:

  1. University (UNIV) 101
  2. ARTS 102 – to help with academic writing
  3. Students will rank their choices using the Ranking Form (below) for the third course in order of preference from the following approved courses:
  • Students may not repeat any courses previously taken.

How can University 101 and the Foundation Term Help?

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:
    • Show you new skills and strategies
    • Allow you to apply and practice them
    • Give you feedback on how to be more successful in the future
  • Statistics show that eligible students who choose to enroll in the Foundation Term are more successful at Waterloo than students who don't.

What are the conditions I have to meet to be part of the Foundation Term?

The Foundation Term is only open to students who have been given an academic standing decision of "failed, required to withdraw" in their first year and have been away from studies for at least 1 term before enrolling in the Foundation Term.

Deadline to apply - Fall 2018: June 29, 2018

In order to be considered for enrollment into the Foundation Term you should first 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 THREE documents to Devon Hutchinson by e-mail or drop them off at PAS 2439 by the deadline. 

  1. Arts Foundation Term Contract [PDF]
  2. Ranking Form for third Arts course [PDF]
  3. Application for Readmission

What are the conditions to pass the Foundation Term?

  • You must achieve a minimum 60% in UNIV 101
  • You must pass ARTS 102 and your other Arts course, and achieve an average of at least 65% in these two courses.
  • Have no grades of NMR (No mark reported, no credit granted) or DNW (Did not write examination, no credit granted) assigned to a course taken during the Foundation Term.
  • Before continuing studies, you must complete all courses taken during the Foundation Term that have been awarded an INC (Incomplete course work, no credit granted.)

What if I don’t meet the conditions?

Not meeting the conditions is very serious. You will not be permitted to continue your studies. You will be given the following academic decision: “Failed, may not continue in Faculty" which means future enrollment will not be permitted for a minimum of 5 years.

This is also true if any student receives a second failed standing in Arts at any time in the future.

Questions

Please contact Devon Hutchinson if you have questions about the Foundation Term.