Academic standings

Person writing on a sheet of paper

After each academic term, each student enrolled in the term has their academic progress evaluated and an official academic standing is assigned, usually on the officially graded date. Undergraduate advisors in each academic plan review these standings for students enrolled in their plan and, where appropriate, add a note(s) called transcript text.

Academic standings are the "word" equivalent of your average(s). The averages you need to maintain are determined by the specific requirements of your official academic plan.

Your academic standing for your most recent term is available in Quest on your unofficial transcript. After reviewing the description of your academic standings, if you feel that you have been assigned an inappropriate standing, please consult with your academic advisor.

Academic standings needing attention

Failed standings

Required to withdraw (FRW): This standing means you are no longer able to continue in the Math faculty and are required to withdraw. The first step upon receiving this academic standing would be to contact your academic advisor.
 

Concerning standings

Must change to Mathematical Studies (FLM, FLMP, FLMC, or FLMA): This is an immediate change to your academic position and you should speak to a Math Studies advisor as soon as you can.

Must change your academic plan; CAV/MAV low (FLP or FLPP): This is an immediate change to your academic position you should speak to an academic advisor as soon as you can.

Probational/ Conditional standings (PRBC, CNDP, or PRBO): These standing can impact your academic plan in the future, and you should speak to your academic advisor within the first six weeks of the term to discuss your academics.

It is a good idea to meet with your academic advisor in the future to discuss your standing and its implication as well as resources you may want to seek out.
 

Reflecting on your current standing

If you have received a standing you are concerned about then this is an opportunity to reflect on the previous term. University is often a time of transition and those changes may affect your academics. Reflecting on these changes can help you discover where the setbacks were and how to best move forward. Here are questions to help you get started:

  • What did you think of your classes? Did you enjoy the material that was being taught? Was there a class you found most interesting? Why?
  • Did you attend lectures and tutorials regularly? Why or why not?
  • What were your study strategies in high school? Did they change during university? If you have a bad term, in hindsight what do you think would’ve worked better for you during the term?
  • Even if you had a bad term if you were successful in a certain course what do you think you did differently in this course that did work?
  • Are you aware that there are services available to you? Such as the study skill workshops offered by the Student Success Office and the Math Tutoring Centre.
  • What are your sleeping and eating habits? Do you think your sleeping and eating habits are having any impact on your studies? Do you think making any changes in these areas could assist you?
  • Do you have interests outside of your academics that help provide balance in your life?
  • Were there any external events or disturbances outside of your control which impacted your academic performance?
    • If this is the case, we recommend meeting with your academic advisor.
  • Do you feel like you have a support network such as friends, family, or peers you can talk to? If not, we encourage you to expand that network by reaching out to either peer mentors from the Student Success Office.

Good standings

Good (GOOD): Congratulations, you’re progressing sufficiently in your academic program and continue to keep up the good work! Your Cumulative Average (CAV) is between 60.0 and 79.99 and you are meeting the MAV requirement(s) for your plan.

Excellent (EXCL): Congratulations, keep up the excellent work as you’re excelling in your academic program! Your CAV is 80.0 or higher.
 

Other standings

Decision deferred (DEF):  An assessment of your academic standing has been deferred until further information becomes available. The most common reasons for postponing an assessment are the following:

  • Incomplete (INC) grades: Incomplete course work, no credit granted
  • In Progress (IP) grade: Course in progress, no grade assigned at this time and no credit granted
  • Under Review (UR) grade: Grade under review or disciplinary proceedings underway, decision pending, no credit granted

Once further information becomes available your deferred standing will be finalized.

Decision not applicable (NAPP): This academic standing indicates a decision is not applicable, it is normally assigned to non-degree, post-degree, exchange, and letter-of-permission students.

May proceed subject to stipulated conditions (CNDR): This standing is assigned to students that have been prescribed a set of conditions by the Standings & promotions Committee.