Frequently asked questions

Please refer to academic standing for minimum academic averages for each program. Check your unofficial transcripts at the beginning of each term for transcript text and your overall academic standing. This standing will be based on your cumulative average and your major average of all of the courses (passed or failed) that you have taken at Waterloo while enrolled as an undergraduate.

Students who receive a Conditional standing in their first term are strongly advised to meet their academic advisor for plan-specific advice. Please see program requirements for more details.

For SPHS students, 100% course load usually means 5 coures per term. To have full-time status, you must be enrolled in at least 1.5 units in a term. Please contact Student Awards & Financial Aid for implications on OSAP & government aid if you take less than the minimum 1.5 units.

Consult with your SPHS academic advisor if you require changes to your course sequence. Reducing course load or withdrawing from required/restricted elective courses may affect your academic term/level of study, your ability to get into upper courses and your degree progression.

Students can take a maximum of three units (six courses) per term. Students who are taking a course load over three units should be mindful of WD dates found on the Calendar of Events and Academic Deadlines.

To declare a minor, option and/or specialization submit a completed Plan Modification Form and have the appropriate department approve your request. Read and follow the instructions on the form, then submit it to The Centre for processing.

Check the faculty/department in the Undergraduate Studies Academic Calendar for the minors and options that are available to you which include requirements and when to declare them. Below is a list offered by SPHS (for the following, please submit Plan Modification Form to sphs-undergrad@uwaterloo.ca)

• Gerontology Minor
• Gerontology Diploma 
• Addictions, Mental Health and Policy Minor
• Aging Studies Option
• Health Informatics Option
• Health Research Specialization – must declare by the beginning of the 3B term.
• Pre-Clinical Specialization – must declare by the beginning of the 3A term.

Note: Be aware of the double counting of courses.

Courses may only be counted once in your major/degree. Bachelor of Science, Honours Health Studies and Bachelor of Public Health Honours require successful completion of 20 units (40 credits). Review the curriculum for specific required and restricted courses. Double counting of courses applies to two different plans, however, when a course is listed as a requirement in both the major and its associated specialization, it is considered a single use of the course. So you can double count a course towards the following, but not triple count.

• Degree (major and/or specialization) and minor or option
• Minor and option (cannot declare Gerontology Minor and Aging Studies Option)
• Between two minors