| Academic Accessibility Accommodations for Students |
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The University of Guelph is committed to creating a barrier-free environment. Providing services for students is a shared responsibility among students, faculty and administrators. This relationship is based on the respect of individual rights, the dignity of the individual and the University community's shared commitment to an open and supportive learning environment.
If you require special service or academic accommodation, whether due to an identified ongoing or short-term disability, please contact the academic assistant to the executive director. Please ensure that you contact us before the end of the first week of your course (every semester) in order to avoid any delays in support. Documentation from a health professional is required for all academic accommodations. Please note that all information provided will be held in confidence.
If you require textbooks produced in an alternate format (e.g., DAISY, Braille, large print or eText), please contact the academic assistant to the executive director at least two months prior to the course start date. If contact is not made within the suggested time frame, support may be delayed. It is recommended that you refer to the course outline before beginning your course in order to determine the required readings.
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| Academic Consideration, Appeals and Petitions |
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The University of Guelph will consider granting academic consideration for courses if there are sufficient extenuating medical, psychological or compassionate reasons. This chart outlines the categories for academic consideration, grounds, timelines and appeals. Knowledge of the procedures, early action on the student's part, timely consultation with the instructor(s) and/or program counsellor, and immediate provision of any required documentation will facilitate a prompt, coordinated response.
For questions regarding academic consideration timelines and procedures, please contact the Open Learning program counsellor or contact the academic assistant to the executive director.
Categories for Academic Consideration, Grounds, Timelines and Appeals
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Category
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Grounds for Consideration
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Consideration Granted By
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Period of Consideration
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Subsequent Appeal To
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Incomplete Coursework (see below for Deferred Privilege requests)
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Medical
Psychological
Compassionate
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Instructor
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Same semester
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Academic Review
Sub-Committee submitted as soon as possible, not later than the end of the following semester
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Request for Deferred Privilege (examination or condition)
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Medical
Psychological
Compassionate
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Academic Review Sub-Committee (consult with Program Counsellor)
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Documentation must be submitted to Program Counsellor within five working days of the missed examination/coursework deadline
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Petitions Committee
10 working days deadline for appeals of academic review decisions
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Supplemental Privilege
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Please see the criteria listed under the Supplemental Privileges section of the Undergraduate Calendar
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Academic Review Sub-Committee (consult with program counsellor)
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Documentation must be submitted within the first five class days of the subsequent semester
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Petitions Committee 10 working days deadline for appeals of academic review decisions
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Late Drops, Credit Standing, and Withdrawal with Failure (WF)
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Medical
Psychological
Compassionate
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Academic Review Sub-Committee (consult with Program Counsellor)
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Documentation must be submitted within the first 20 class days of the subsequent semester
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Petitions Committee
10 working days deadline for appeals of academic review decisions
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Request for Probationary Status
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Medical
Psychological
Compassionate
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Academic Review Sub-Committee (consult with Program Counsellor)
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Contact your program counselling office for request submission deadlines
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Petitions Committee
10 working days deadline for appeals of academic review decisions
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Request for Grade Reassessment
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Calculation error or omission
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Instructor
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10 class days of the following semester
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No appeal
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Request for Grade Reassessment
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Methods and Criteria
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Department Chair
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10 class days of the following semester
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Petitions Committee
10 working days after decision of chair
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Request for Grade Reassessment
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Misapplication of an academic regulation
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Instructor
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Should be initiated as soon as possible
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First Level:
Department Chair
Second Level:
College Dean
Third Level:
Provost
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| Academic Misconduct |
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Academic misconduct is behaviour that erodes the basis of mutual trust on which scholarly exchanges commonly rest, undermines the University's exercise of its responsibility to evaluate students' academic achievement, or restricts the University's ability to accomplish its learning objectives.
The University takes a serious view of academic misconduct and will penalize students, faculty and staff who are found guilty of offenses associated with misappropriation of others' work, misrepresentation of personal performance and fraud, improper access to scholarly resources, and obstructing others in pursuit of their academic endeavours.
It is the responsibility of the University of Guelph students, faculty and staff to be aware of what constitutes academic misconduct and to do as much as possible, through establishment and use of policies and preventive procedures, to limit the likelihood of offenses occurring. Furthermore, they have the specific responsibility of initiating appropriate action in all instances where academic misconduct is believed to have taken place. This responsibility includes reporting such offenses when they occur and making one's disapproval of such behaviour obvious.
Academic misconduct is broadly understood to mean offenses against the academic integrity of the learning environment. These include, but are not limited to, such offenses as:
- Misappropriation of Others' Work: plagiarism, copying or unauthorized cooperation or collaboration
- Misrepresentation and Fraud: impersonation, falsification, withholding academic documents, use of unauthorized aids and assistance
- Improper Access and Obstruction: preventing access to materials, obstruction and interference, improper access, improper dissemination
- Aiding and Abetting: knowingly aiding or abetting anyone in committing any form of academic misconduct
If a student is found guilty of academic misconduct, an official warning will be given and one or more of the following penalties may be assessed:
- A requirement for submission of a new or alternative piece of work
- The rescinding of a University-funded scholarship or bursary
- Partial or total loss of marks on the examination or assignment in which the offense occurred
- Partial or total loss of marks for the course in which the offense occurred
- Suspension from the Open Learning program for a period of between one and six consecutive semesters
- Recommendation for expulsion from the University
- Recommendation for revocation/rescinding of a degree or certificate
The executive director of Open Learning and Educational Support shall place in the student's file, a record of all academic misconduct for which the student is penalized. This record shall be expunged from the student's file upon completion of a certificate, diploma, or graduation from an accredited university. Students, who do not graduate from a university or complete a certificate or diploma, may submit an appeal to the Academic Review Sub-Committee to have the record expunged no sooner than five years after the date of last registration.
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| Admission Information |
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The Open Learning program--an open admission, distance-only mode of study--provides access to online degree-credit university courses. The program operates on a three-semester system—Winter (January to April), Summer (May to August) and Fall (September to December).
Search for courses on the OpenEd Student Portal. Registration opens approximately two months before the beginning of the semester. It is recommended that you apply well in advance of course start dates to ensure a spot in the course of your choice.
| Guaranteed Admission to Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Arts Programs |
| Open Learning program students--with no previous post-secondary experience, who complete four courses (2.0 credits), with a 70% minimum cumulative average--may qualify to transfer into the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Commerce Programs at the University of Guelph. If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact the Open Learning program counsellor for more information on the different course requirements for each program. |
| Continuing Education Option |
| If you are an Open Learning program student not interested in receiving credit for a course, you may register as a continuing education student. As a continuing education student, you are not required to complete assignments or exams; however, you may participate in any related online discussion groups. If you are interested in this option, please contact the Open Learning program counsellor before registering. |
| Letter of Permission |
| If you are a student from another university or college who wishes to register for a University of Guelph online degree-credit course, you may do so through the Open Learning program. To ensure that the course will be considered as a credit towards your program, it is best to follow the appropriate procedure outlined by your home institution. Once you have permission, you may proceed with the Open Learning program registration process. |
| English Proficiency |
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All courses offered through OpenEd are facilitated in English. For successful admission, you must meet the English Proficiency Requirements outlined on the University of Guelph Undergraduate Admission website.
To better assist you, OpenEd has developed the English Language Programs, intensive academic English language preparation programs designed to prepare students for academic success. For more information, please email English Language Programs or phone us at 519-824-4120 ext. 52149.
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| Certificate Programs |
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OpenEd offers a variety of degree-credit certificate programs that can be completed online. You may choose to complete a certificate in order to enhance your post-secondary program studies, to grow professionally, or to improve potential employment opportunities.
The following is a list of available certificates:
University of Guelph students currently registered in a degree program, or those intending to transfer into a degree program, should note that there are restrictions with regards to double-counting courses. For more information on double-counting regulations, undergraduate students should consult with their program counsellor for the degree program they seek to complete.
Please note that the Certificate in Leadership is exempt from this restriction.
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| Continuation of Study |
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For continuation of study within the Open Learning program, a student must satisfy the conditions as set down under Schedule 1 or Schedule 2. The appropriate schedule will be determined by the criteria outlined below.
| Schedule 1 Regulations |
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The Open Learning program has established conditions that must be met for continuation of study. These regulations are based on the principle that students must maintain a minimum average of 60%. To allow for transition issues, some leniency has been built into the minimum average requirement during the first 5.00 credit attempts as follows:
- The student's cumulative average will be reviewed first.
- If the student's cumulative average does not meet the required minimum, the student will either be required to withdraw or placed on probation.
- When a student is placed on probation he/she will be required to obtain a minimum semester average.
- In subsequent semesters, the student will either be required to withdraw, allowed to continue on probation, or placed back on regular status.
- Students will be taken off probation once their cumulative average is greater than or equal to 60%.
Conditions for continuation of study are applied using the following criteria:
Number of Credit Attempts: Between [0.25] and [2.50]
Students will be allowed to continue in the Open Learning program, regardless of their cumulative average. Students will be placed on probation if their cumulative average falls below 50%.
Number of Credit Attempts: Between [2.75] and [5.00]
If Eligible to Continue:
| Cumulative Average (C) | Status of Student |
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| C < 50% |
Required to Withdraw |
| C ≥ 50% and < 60% |
Probationary Status |
| C ≥ 60% |
Eligible to Continue |
If on Probation:
Cumulative Average (C)
Semester Average (S) | Status of Student |
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| S < 50% or C < 50% |
Required to Withdraw |
| S ≥ 50% but C < 50% |
Required to Withdraw |
| S ≥ 50% but C < 60% |
Probationary Status |
| C ≥ 60% |
Eligible to Continue |
Number of Credit Attempts: More Than 5.0
If Eligible to Continue:
| Cumulative Average (C) | Status of Student |
|---|
| C < 50% |
Required to Withdraw |
| C ≥ 50% and < 60% |
Probationary Status |
| C ≥ 60% |
Eligible to Continue |
If on Probation:
| Cumulative Average (C) | Status of Student |
|---|
| S < 60% |
Required to Withdraw |
| S ≥ 60% but C < 60% |
Probationary Status |
| C ≥ 60% |
Eligible to Continue |
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| Schedule 2 Regulations |
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Students who have been required to withdraw from the Open Learning program and subsequently readmitted are required to follow Schedule 2 of the Continuation of Study regulations.
If Eligible to Continue:
| Cumulative Average (C) | Status of Student |
|---|
| C < 50% |
Required to Withdraw |
| C ≥ 50% and < 60% |
Probationary Status |
| C ≥ 60% |
Eligible to Continue |
If on Probation:
| Cumulative Average (C) | Status of Student |
|---|
| S < 60% |
Required to Withdraw |
| S ≥ 60% but C < 60% |
Probationary Status |
| C ≥ 60% |
Eligible to Continue |
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| Deferred Privileges |
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When students do not write a required final examination or complete a final assignment by the deadline, they may be eligible for a deferred privilege. A deferred privilege is the opportunity to complete the final course requirements after the end of the semester. The nature of the deferred privilege may take the form of either a deferred condition or a deferred examination. The Academic Review Sub-Committee grants deferred privileges on the basis of medical, psychological or compassionate considerations (see Academic Consideration Appeals and Petitions). Deferred privileges must be completed in the semester immediately following the semester in which the exam/coursework was originally missed.
Instructors cannot grant deferred privileges. They can only grant academic consideration for work that is due during the semester and cannot grant extensions beyond their deadline for submission of final grades.
OpenEd reserves the right to disallow registration until all deferred privileges are completed.
Categories for Academic Consideration, Grounds, Timelines and Appeals
| Deferred Condition |
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The instructor and/or chair/director determine the requirements and conduct of the deferred condition. The deferred condition may be a written test, an oral test, an assignment, a laboratory practical, or any other method of evaluation. The requirements for completion of the deferred condition are documented on the Terms of Supplemental/Deferred Condition form and a copy is retained by the instructor and the student.
Students must normally complete a deferred condition by the end of the deferred examination period in the semester immediately following the completion of the course. Once the request for a deferred condition has been granted, it is the student's responsibility to contact the instructor and make arrangements for the details of the condition.
If the condition is not completed by the required date, a grade is assigned based on the term work completed as indicated on the original Incomplete Coursework Form. An extension beyond the end of the deferred examination period will be granted only in extreme circumstances—with provision of additional documentation—and must be completed within the same semester the original deferred condition was missed. Students may be considered for an extension or other consideration if medical, psychological or compassionate reasons prevail at the time of the scheduled condition. In this case, the student should consult with their program counsellor and may submit a Request for Academic Consideration form with documentation within five working days of the missed condition deadline to their program counsellor.
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| Deferred Examination |
| Students are expected to write deferred examinations during the deferred examination period that follows the end of the semester in which the course was taken (refer to the section Schedule of Dates). An extension beyond the end of the deferred examination period will be granted only in extreme circumstances--with provision of additional documentation--and must be completed within the same semester the original deferred examination was missed. Students may request an extension or other consideration if medical, psychological or compassionate reasons prevail at the time of the scheduled deferred examination. In this case, the student should consult with their program counsellor and must submit a Request for Academic Consideration form with documentation within five working days of the missed condition deadline to their program counsellor. |
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| Dropping Courses |
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To withdraw from a course, log into the OpenEd Student Portal.
- Using your username and password, login selecting the I already have an account option.
- Go to the My Enrolment History option under the Student Portal tab.
- There will be a drop button on the right-hand side of the course that you wish to be removed from.
Please note that all course drops for a particular semester are to be completed by the dates specified in the Schedule of Dates. Courses must be dropped by the last day of class to avoid academic penalty. Dropping a course after the deadline is allowed only in exceptional circumstances and requires the approval of the Academic Review Sub-Committee.
If you require further assistance, please email our main office or phone us at 519-767-5000.
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| Email Account |
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Open Learning program students enrolled in degree-credit courses are provided a University of Guelph email address. The University-issued email address is considered an official address and is used for correspondence from the University. You are responsible for monitoring this email account regularly for important communications. It is the primary conduit by which the University will notify you of events, deadlines, announcements concerning grades, student financial accounts, and other official information. If you have misplaced your password information, visit the Computing & Communication Services website.
Subscribe to Password Reset in order to be able to reset your password if you forget it.
This email account will only be active for the duration of the course. It is recommended that you use another email platform and transfer any items you may wish to retain before course completion. If you register for a course in the semester immediately following, this email account will remain active.
Please refer to communication received from Computing and Communication Services for specific information related to your email account.
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| Examinations |
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Policy on Student Access to Final Examination Materials
Final examination papers and final assignments are to be retained by faculty members for a period of one semester.
Printed or written materials--directly related to examinations conducted in the final examination time period published in the Open Learning program Calendar, or related to final assignments—shall be made available to a student, upon written request to the department chair. The request must be submitted by the fifth class day of the next semester.
Printed or written materials to be made available include the examination question paper, the marking scheme keyed to desired responses to questions, where appropriate; the student's response to the examination questions; and records taken by examiners during oral or any other examination.
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| Grade Reassessment |
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Grade reassessment is the process of reviewing the calculation of grades, or the methods and criteria used to establish final grades for a student in a course or misapplication of an academic regulation. The outcome of a grade reassessment may be a grade increase, a grade decrease, or no change to the grade. The detection of errors or omissions in the calculation of final grades will result in the assignment of a revised grade.
| Errors or Omissions |
| Students who believe there have been errors or omissions in the calculation of their final grade for a course may request a grade reassessment. They must submit a request in writing to the chair of the department offering the course no later than the 10th class day of the subsequent semester. The request must pertain to work completed during the semester. Students must also submit relevant assignments or tests that have been returned to them. |
| Methods or Criteria |
| The course outline distributed to the class at the beginning of the semester defines the methods and criteria used to establish final grades for a course. Students who believe that the methods or criteria used by an instructor in determining a final grade have been unfair, unreasonable or inconsistent with the course outline, should request the chair of the department offering the course to review the methods or criteria used. They should submit the request in writing by the 10th class day of the subsequent semester and should state the reasons for the request. |
| Misapplication of an Academic Regulation or Procedure |
| Students who believe that the misapplication of an academic regulation or procedure has affected their final grade in a course should discuss their concern with the instructor. If the concern is not resolved to their satisfaction, they may submit a complaint in writing to the chair of the department offering the course. |
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| Grades |
- A+ = 90-100%
- A = 85-89%
- A- = 80-84%
- B+ = 77-79%
- B = 73-76%
- B- = 70-72%
- C+ = 67-69%
- C = 63-66%
- C- = 60-62%
- D+ = 57-59%
- D = 53-56%
- D- = 50-52%
- F = 0-49%
Open Learning program students can access their final grades approximately 6 days after the final day of the exam period by logging in to the OpenEd Student Portal.
If you require an official transcript, please complete a Transcript Request Form.
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| Letters of Permission |
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If you are a student from another university or college who wishes to register for a University of Guelph online degree-credit course, you may do so through the Open Learning program. To ensure that the course will be considered as a credit towards your program, it is best to follow the appropriate procedure outlined by your home institution. Once you have permission, you may proceed with the Open Learning program registration process (see Admission Information).
In the situation where you do not yet have the official permission from your home institution but the registration deadline for the Open Learning program is imminent, you can still register for the course. Should permission be denied prior to the fifth class day, you can drop the course and receive a full refund.
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| Library Card |
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If you are new to the Open Learning program, you will be issued an Open Learning library barcode number that can be used to access the University of Guelph library online.
Your library barcode number will be emailed to you by the end of the second week of the course. It will be activated each time you register for a course and will remain active throughout the semester, including the exam period.
The barcode can be used to access the library's electronic restricted/licensed resources online.
If you wish to access the University of Guelph library resources in person or wish to borrow books from another university library (as long as they have a reciprocal borrowing privilege agreement with the University of Guelph), please contact us to request a physical copy of the library card.
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| Refund Schedule |
| Winter 2023 |
Winter 2023 Refund Schedule
| Dates (2023) |
Tuition |
| January 9 to January 15 |
100% |
| January 16 to January 22 |
75% |
| January 23 to January 29 |
65% |
| January 30 to February 5 |
50% |
| February 6 to February 12 |
35% |
| February 13 to February 19 |
20% |
| February and beyond |
None
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The last day to receive a refund of the $75.00 resource fee is January 15; students must drop their course(s) and return any materials by this date.
After the 100% refund date, the refund is a percentage of the tuition fee, minus the administrative fee.
Monday, April 10, 2023 is the last day to drop without academic penalty.
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| Summer 2023 |
Summer 2023 Refund Schedule (12-Week Format)
| Dates (2023) |
Tuition |
| May 11 to May 21 |
100% |
| May 22 to May 29 |
75% |
| May 30 to June 5 |
50% |
| June 6 to June 12 |
25% |
| June 13 and beyond |
None |
The last day to receive a refund of the $75.00 resource fee is May 21; students must drop the course(s) and return any materials by this date.
After the 100% refund date, the refund is a percentage of the tuition fee, minus the resource fee.
Friday, August 4, 2023 is the last day to drop without academic penalty.
Summer 2023 Refund Schedule (6-Week Format)
| Dates (2023) |
Tuition |
| May 11 to May 21 |
100% |
| May 22 to May 29 |
50% |
| May 30 and beyond |
None |
The last day to receive a refund of the $75.00 resource fee is May 21; students must drop the course(s) and return any materials by this date.
After the 100% refund date, the refund is a percentage of the tuition fee, minus the resource fee.
Wednesday, June 21, 2023 is the last day to drop without academic penalty.
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| Schedule of Dates |
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The dates for the 2023 Academic Year are listed by semester below as follows:
| Winter 2023 |
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Monday, January 9 - Classes commence
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Friday, January 13 - Add period ends
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Monday, February 6 - Deferred examinations for Fall 2022 courses commence
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Friday, February 10 - Deferred examinations for Fall 2022 courses conclude
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February 17 - Winter Break begins at end of classes this day
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Monday, February 20 to Friday, February 24 - Winter Break - NO CLASSES SCHEDULED THIS WEEK
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Monday, February 27 - Classes resume
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Friday, March 10 - 40th class day - Instructors have provided feedback on a minimum of 20% of final course grade
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Friday, April 7 - Holiday - NO CLASSES SCHEDULED
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Monday, April 10 - Classes conclude - Last day to drop courses
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Thursday, April 13 - Examinations commence
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Saturday, April 15 - Examinations scheduled
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Saturday, April 22 - Examinations scheduled
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Tuesday, April 25 - Examinations conclude
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| Schedule of Fees |
| Certificate Application - $40 |
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Visit our Order Your Parchment page for instructions on ordering your certificate or diploma.
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| NSF Cheques - $60 |
| Returned cheques will incur a fee of $60 (see Registration Fees below for more details). |
| Registration Fees |
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Students are required to pay for their courses upon registration.
Cheques returned NSF after the beginning of the semester could result in being withdrawn from your course. Please make arrangements with OpenEd by the 10th class day in order to avoid any disruptions to your studies.
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| Transcript Request Form - $15 |
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If you are an Open Learning program student who requires a transcript, please complete a Transcript Request Form and submit it to OpenEd well in advance of any deadlines you may have. Keep in mind that turnaround time can be up to five business days during peak periods.
There is a fee of $15 per transcript. Please note that additional fees will apply for sending transcripts by fax or courier. The transcript request form provides more details about transcript fees. There is currently no charge for transcripts being forwarded to the University of Guelph.
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| Transcripts |
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If you are an Open Learning program student who requires a transcript, please complete a Transcript Request Form and submit it to OpenEd well in advance of any deadlines you may have. Keep in mind that turnaround time can be up to five business days during peak periods.
There is a fee of $12 per transcript. Please note that additional fees will apply for sending transcripts by fax or courier. The transcript request form provides more details about transcript fees. There is currently no charge for transcripts being forwarded to the University of Guelph.
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