On June 10, 2016, Senate approved revisions to the following policies, now included in the online policy manual:
Graduation Awards policy (64), now titled Credentials, along with deletion of Residency (96) and Time limit to complete Programs (69) as separate policies.
The revised Credentials policy
- defines new credential types (associate certificate, post-baccalaureate diploma, graduate diploma)
- establishes credit ranges for credentials
- establishes a graduation requirement of at least 50% additional course work for a second credential (other than for associate certificates and subsequent and concurrent bachelor’s degrees)
- incorporates minimum residency requirements
- NOTE: credit from approved student exchanges is to be treated as resident credit.
For new program approvals, the changes to credential types and credit ranges will be in effect for Fall 2016.
Other aspects of implementation are still under discussion.
Subsequent Degree policy (98), now titled Subsequent and Concurrent Bachelor Degree
- The extra credit required for a second degree has increased from 25% to 1/3 of the credits for the additional degree. This applies to two degrees taken concurrently or in sequence.
- Clarifies some of the restrictions on additional degrees, for example:
o Students with four-year degrees may pursue the same or a different degree as a second degree, provided the principal area of study is in a different discipline and there is not too much overlap
o Concurrent degrees must be different degrees.
o Completion of the same or a lesser option in the same subject as in a previous degree is not permitted in an additional degree. - The policy applies to students with a previous three-year degree. They must apply under this policy and must complete 1/3 of the credits for the second degree (i.e. 40 extra credits for a 120-credit degree) but they may be allowed to pursue a degree in the same discipline if there is not too much overlap.
- Admission to an additional degree requires the dean’s (or designate’s) approval and may be denied if there is too much overlap in the requirements. Admission is required in order for the student to graduate with an additional degree.
- UFV graduates have the option of completing a higher degree option (e.g., a major after a minor) in the same subject and degree. A notation of completion will be made on their transcript, but the degree awarded will not be altered.
- Changes to graduation requirements will be applied to new applicants for Winter 2017. Other aspects of implementation are still under discussion.
If you have any questions, please email Elaine Harris at Elaine.harris@ufv.ca.
08/15/2016