Reduced load program

The reduced load program (RLP) is designed to allow students to complete their 1A courses over two academic terms (typically fall and spring). Since students are completing 1A over two terms, graduation will be delayed by one full year.

What is the criteria to be approved for the RLP?

Students who are in academic jeopardy following their midterm performance will be sent an email invitation to participate in the program. Joining the RLP is optional, but requires an invitation from the First Year Engineering Office. An exception (example: medical issue) could be made on a case by case basis.

What courses would I take during each given term?

Architectural Engineering students take:

Fall Term: AE 100, AE 101, AE 104, and AE 115.
Spring Term: CHE 102, MATH 117 (to replace MATH 116), and GENE 101.

Chemical Engineering students take:

Fall Term: CHE 100, CHE 120, CHE 180, and one of MATH 115 or MATH 116.
Spring Term: CHE 102, the remaining Math course (MATH 116 my be replaced with MATH 117), and GENE 101.

Civil, Environmental, and Geological Engineering students take:

Fall Term: CIVE/ENVE/GEOE 100, CIVE 104, CIVE/ENVE/GEOE 115, and ENGL/SPCOM 191.
Spring Term: CHE 102, MATH 117 (to replace MATH 116), and GENE 101.

Electrical and Computer Engineering students take:

Fall Term: ECE 105, ECE 150, ECE 190, and ARTS 190.
Spring Term: MATH 115, MATH 117, and GENE 101.

Management and Mechanical Engineering students take:

Fall Term: Concepts course (MSCI 100, ME 100), (one of CHE 102 or PHYS 115) and (one of MATH 115 or MATH 116).
Spring Term: (one of CHE 102 or PHYS 115), the remaining Math course (MATH 116 may be replaced with MATH 117), and GENE 101.

Mechatronics Engineering students take:

Fall Term: MTE 100, GENE 121 and one of MATH 115 or MATH 116.
Spring Term: CHE 102, the remaining Math course (MATH 116 may be replaced with MATH 117), and GENE 101.

Nanotechnology Engineering students take:

Fall Term: NE 100, NE 101, NE 109, NE 111, and NE 121.
Spring Term: MATH 115 (may be replaced with NE 112), MATH 117, and GENE 101.

Biomedical, Software, and Systems Design Engineering students should consult with their academic advisors.

What are the financial implications?

The financial impact is that students will be required to pay tuition and incidental fees for both the fall and spring RLP terms.

What are the promotion rules?

The promotion rules can be found in the Undergraduate Academic Calendar under Examinations and Promotions. Promotion decisions will be determined following each RLP term.

What happens with my co-op term?

Stream 4 students will continue to be eligible for a credit during the winter term; however they will be off and not eligible for a work term credit the following winter term. Students may pursue an on-own work experience during the “off” term.

Stream 8 students will have the winter term following the fall 1A term off and are not eligible for a work term credit. Students may pursue an on-own work experience during the “off” term.

All streams will participate in the co-op process and are eligible for a co-op credit during the fall term following the spring RLP term.

What are the advantages of the RLP?

The RLP allows students two terms to transition from high school to university. This includes the opportunity to learn and develop their time management, problem-solving and study skills habits, to name a few.

How do I register for the RLP?

Students who receive the invitation to join the RLP will make an appointment with one of the First Year Engineering Academic Advisors. Students can schedule an appointment by visiting the Engineering Undergraduate Office in E2 1772 during business hours, or by emailing First Year Engineering. The student and the academic advisor together, will review the program terms and conditions, and complete the RLP agreement and other applicable forms. Once the forms are complete, the designated courses will be dropped from the course schedule and the student will stop attending those classes.