We've included common questions that we hear from students about EDGE. If you can't find what you're looking for here, please email us at edge@uwaterloo.ca. We're happy to help.
CAN I COMPLETE EDGE IF I'M AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT?
Yes, international students can complete EDGE. If you're an international student, your path through the certificate may depend on the status of your student visa and/or work permits. If you’re unsure about the status of your visa and/or work permits, we recommend booking an appointment with an Immigration Consultant on Portal.
WHEN DO I NEED TO START COMPLETING EDGE TO FINISH BEFORE GRADUATION?
There's no set point at which you need to begin EDGE to finish before graduation. EDGE is designed to be as flexible as possible, and your individual path through EDGE will vary from the path of other students.
With that said, starting EDGE as early as possible will give you more time to complete your milestones. You should plan to finish your final certificate milestone either before or during your final academic term on campus.
DO I HAVE TO PAY ANYTHING TO COMPLETE EDGE?
No. There are not any fees associated with EDGE — all you need to do is opt in to the certificate.
HOW WILL EDGE APPEAR ON MY TRANSCRIPT?
If you complete EDGE by your graduation date, you'll receive both your degree and a certificate signifying your accomplishment of EDGE at convocation. If you opt in to EDGE but don't manage to complete the program before graduating, any milestones you complete will still appear on your academic transcript.
CAN I COMPLETE MORE THAN ONE EDGE MILESTONE IN A SINGLE TERM?
Yes, you can complete more than one EDGE milestone in a single term — though some restrictions apply. Please note that students may only complete one professional development (PD) course per term. For more information and guidance regarding your journey through EDGE, contact us at edge@uwaterloo.ca.
DO I HAVE TO COMPLETE MY EDGE MILESTONES IN A CERTAIN ORDER?
No, EDGE is designed to be flexible so you can complete your milestones during any term and in almost any order. The only exception is the capstone workshop, which can only be taken by students who have completed all their other EDGE milestones or are on track to do so in the same term.
HOW EARLY CAN I SIGN UP FOR EDGE?
Both current and incoming students are welcome to register for EDGE. If you're an incoming student (first-year or transfer), you can sign up for EDGE as soon as you've accepted your offer from the University and have a student ID number. You'll need this number to complete the registration process.
HOW CAN I CHECK MY PROGRESS TOWARD COMPLETING EDGE?
After opting into EDGE, the University will record the milestones in your Quest student record as either “in progress” or “complete.” If you want to check your progress, open your undergraduate transcript using Quest and look for your milestones at the very bottom of the transcript. You can also contact the EDGE team at edge@uwaterloo.ca for a progress update.
I'M HAVING DIFFICULTY BALANCING MY ACADEMIC STUDIES AND COMPLETING THE EDGE PROGRAM. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Juggling all aspects of work, school and life can be challenging. Your health and well-being come first and our team is here to support you. We also recognize that completing your degree requirements is the primary focus of your time on campus.
If you're having difficulty balancing school and your work toward completing EDGE, consider taking a term off from completing the certificate. If you'd like to discuss strategies for managing your time or need help prioritizing various commitments, consider taking advantage of some of the available campus resources. For example, you can connect with a member of the EDGE team, book an appointment with a Peer Success Coach from the Student Success Office, get in touch with Counselling Services or visit the Centre for Career Development's one-on-one supports.
I WANT TO TAKE A BREAK FROM PURSUING THE EDGE CERTIFICATE. DO I NEED TO OPT OUT OF THE PROGRAM?
No, you don't need to opt out of the program or inform a member of the EDGE team if you need to take a break. You can complete EDGE at your desired pace throughout your undergraduate career. You’re welcome to take terms off in between the completion of EDGE milestones. If you’d like to connect with your EDGE advisor to plan out your milestones, book an appointment online.
I NO LONGER WANT TO COMPLETE THE EDGE CERTIFICATE. HOW CAN I OPT OUT OF THE PROGRAM?
You can opt out of the program by completing the disenrollment form on LEARN.
I’VE OPTED OUT OF EDGE. CAN I OPT INTO EDGE AGAIN IN THE FUTURE?
Yes, if you’ve opted out of EDGE, you’re allowed to register again in the future. If you’ve completed any milestones, those milestones will still count toward your progress through EDGE.
WHEN SHOULD I COMPLETE MY EDGE MILESTONES IN ORDER TO RECEIVE MY CERTIFICATE AT CONVOCATION?
We recommend completing all six EDGE milestones prior to filling out your intent to graduate form. If you're unable to complete all your milestones before filling out the form, contact us at edge@uwaterloo.ca.
For more information about notifying the Registrar's Office that you intend to graduate, visit the Registrar Office's page devoted to the intent to graduate form.
CAN I BE REMOVED FROM THE EDGE PROGRAM?
Because you don't need to maintain a certain academic average or standing to remain eligible for EDGE, you will only be removed from the program under rare, special circumstances pertaining to your pursuit of a degree program.
For more information about this process, contact us at edge@uwaterloo.ca.