Grades, academic standings and foundation term

Grades

The University of Waterloo uses a numerical grading system (0-100%). In certain circumstances a student may be assigned a grade other than a numerical grade. A complete list of possible grades with definitions can be viewed in the Undergraduate Calendar section, Grades.

Academic decisions in the Faculty of Environment are normally based on your cumulative Major and Overall averages. Your academic record will normally show two sets of average calculations:

• Major Average (MAV)
• Overall Average (OAV) 
• In special instances a third average may also be shown - Special Average (SAV)

Plan average requirements can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar under your plan section.

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Academic standing

Your cumulative overall and major averages are used to determine your academic standing.

Honours program

Standing	Cumulative major average	Cumulative overall average
Excellent	>80	>80
Good or Satisfactory	>70	>65
Conditional	<70	<65
Failed - required to withdraw	<70 two terms in a row	<65 two terms in a row

General 3-year program

Standing	Cumulative major average	Cumulative overall average
Excellent	>80	>80
Good or Satisfactory	>65	>60
Conditional	<65	<60
Failed - required to withdraw	<65 two terms in a row	<60 two terms in a row

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Conditional and failed academic standings

Normally students are allowed only one term in conditional standing in the Faculty of Environment. Failure to raise their plan averages during their next academic term will normally result in a Failed – Required to Withdraw standing. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their academic advisor to determine the average required to meet plan averages, to discuss resources, and other options available to them.

Conditional standing - must raise Plan average(s)

Normally a student receives this academic standing when they have not met their academic plan cumulative overall and/or major average(s) but are within a range that it may be possible to raise their averages during their next academic term.

Conditional- at risk of being required to withdraw

Normally a student receives this academic standing when they have not met their academic plan cumulative overall and/or major average(s) and are at a point in which raising their averages will be either difficult or not possible during their next academic term.

Conditional standing progressions after 1A Fall term

Possible academic pathways for a 1A student receiving a conditional standing after Fall term:

1A Fall term	Winter term	Off – Spring term	Fall term	Winter term
Conditional	Good standing	Off / study term	2A	2B or Co-op
Conditional	Off	Off	Foundation Term – Good standing	Continue studies
Conditional	Failed Required to Withdraw	Off	Foundation Term – Good standing	Continue studies
Conditional	Failed Required to Withdraw	Off	Foundation Term - Failed standing with 60% or greater in UNIV 101	May qualify to transfer academic plan
Conditional	Failed Required to Withdraw	Off	Foundation term – Failed standing with less than 60% in UNIV 101	May not continue in studies at the University of Waterloo
Conditional	Failed Required to Withdraw	Off	Off	Apply for readmission to academic plan to continue studies

Failed standing progressions after 1A Fall term 

Possible academic pathways for a 1A student receiving a failed standing after Fall term:

1A Fall term	Winter term	Off – Spring term	Fall term	Winter term
Failed Required to Withdraw	Non-degree term / Off	Off	Foundation Term – Good standing	Continue studies
Failed Required to Withdraw	Non-degree term / Off	Off	Foundation Term - Failed standing with 60% or greater in UNIV 101	May qualify to transfer academic plan
Failed Required to Withdraw	Non-degree term / Off	Off	Foundation term – Failed standing with less than 60% in UNIV 101	May not continue in studies at the University of Waterloo
Failed Required to Withdraw	Non-degree term	Off	Off	Apply for readmission to academic plan to continue studies
Failed Required to Withdraw	Off	Off	Apply for readmission to academic plan - Good standing	Continue studies
Failed Required to Withdraw	Off	Off	Apply for readmission to academic plan - not successful in obtaining plan averages	Continue studies in conditional standing - last opportunity to meet plan averages.

Resources for students in Conditional Standing

• Student Success Office – Academic Development
• Workshops
  • Student Success Office - Study Skills Workshops
  • Campus Wellness - Seminars, Workshops, and Group Therapy
  • AccessAbility
• Writing and Communication Centre
• Portal
• Library – Assignment Planner
• Calendar – Academic Standing
• Academic Advisor

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Foundation term contacts

General Information	Know your options if you are on conditional standing or have failed the foundation term	Apply to the foundation term
Visit the Foundation Term page	Contact Environment's student transition and engagement officer  To find out if you qualify for the foundation term, see information on conditional standings or contact student transition and engagement officer.	Contact your academic advisor and student transition and engagement officer