Open Learning Program Calendar

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The information published in the Open Learning program Calendar includes important regulations, procedures and deadlines that apply to the 2024-2025 academic year, including the following semesters:

Fall Semester 2024
Winter Semester 2025

Open Learning program students are required to follow the same basic Senate-approved academic regulations as University of Guelph undergraduate students. As an Open Learning program student, you are responsible for familiarizing yourself with the contents of this calendar. In the event of a discrepancy between a print version (downloaded) and the online version, the online version will apply.

Academic Accessibility Accommodations for Students

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 Open Learning program counsellor. 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 Open Learning program counsellor 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.

Academic Accommodation of Religious Obligations

The University acknowledges the pluralistic nature of student communities. Accommodation will be made to students who experience a conflict between a religious obligation and scheduled tests, mid-term examinations, final examinations, or requirements to attend classes and participate in laboratories. The type of accommodation granted will vary depending on the nature, weight and timing of the work for which accommodation is sought. Accordingly, the request for alternative arrangements normally must be submitted to the instructor in charge of the course within two weeks of the distribution of the course outline. A student requiring accommodation may submit the request to the instructor directly. The Open Learning program counsellor can provide additional guidance about the process and support to students making an accommodation request, if needed. The instructor has a responsibility to provide reasonable alternative arrangements that do not put the student at an academic disadvantage. In the case of a conflict with a final examination, the instructor should reschedule the examination to another time during the examination period taking care that the new date and time does not put the student at an academic disadvantage.

In the event that a student is not satisfied with the accommodation offered by the instructor, the student may appeal to the Department Chair, or Director of the School, who may grant alternative accommodation. A student who remains dissatisfied with the outcome of their request may seek the assistance from Diversity and Human Rights (DHR) to facilitate a resolution.

For a current list of major holy days, please contact the Office of Diversity and Human Rights (DHR).

Academic Consideration, Appeals and Petitions

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.

Request for Academic Consideration form

Categories for Academic Consideration, Grounds, Timelines and Appeals
Category	Grounds for Consideration	Consideration Granted By	Period of Consideration	Subsequent Appeal To
Incomplete Coursework (see below for Deferred Assessment requests)	Medical Psychological Compassionate	Instructor	Same semester	Academic Review Sub-Committee submitted as soon as possible, not later than the end of the following semester
Request for Deferred Assessment (examination or condition)	Medical Psychological Compassionate	Academic Review Sub-Committee (consult with Program Counsellor)	Documentation must be submitted to Program Counsellor within five working days of the missed examination/coursework deadline	Petitions Committee 10 working days deadline for appeals of academic review decisions
Supplemental Assessment	Please see the criteria listed under the Supplemental Assessment section of the Undergraduate Calendar	Academic Review Sub-Committee (consult with program counsellor)	Documentation must be submitted within the first five class days of the subsequent semester	Petitions Committee 10 working days deadline for appeals of academic review decisions
Late Drops, Credit Standing, and Withdrawal with Failure (WF)	Medical Psychological Compassionate	Academic Review Sub-Committee (consult with Program Counsellor)	Documentation must be submitted within the first 20 class days of the subsequent semester	Petitions Committee 10 working days deadline for appeals of academic review decisions
Request for Probationary Status	Medical Psychological Compassionate	Academic Review Sub-Committee (consult with Program Counsellor)	Contact your program counselling office for request submission deadlines	Petitions Committee 10 working days deadline for appeals of academic review decisions
Request for Grade Reassessment	Calculation error or omission	Instructor	10 class days of the following semester	Contact Department Chair if request to Instructor is not addressed and/or under review after 5 working days
Request for Grade Reassessment	Methods and Criteria	Department Chair	10 class days of the following semester	Petitions Committee 10 working days after decision of chair
Request for Grade Reassessment	Misapplication of an academic regulation	Instructor	Should be initiated as soon as possible	First Level: Department Chair Second Level: College Dean Third Level: Provost

Academic Misconduct

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.

Admission Information

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

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.

Certificate Programs

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.

Additionally, all University of Guelph students can only double count up to 50% of OpenEd degree-credit certificate or diploma courses with another degree-credit certificate or diploma (e.g., 2 courses in a 2.50 credit certificate). Therefore, a University of Guelph student may apply for a second certificate or diploma if at least 50% of the courses in your second certificate or diploma have not already been counted towards any other certificate or diploma program. Please note that the Certificate in Leadership is also exempt from this restriction.

Continuation of Study

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

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
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
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

Schedule 2 Regulations

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

Deferred Assessments

When students do not write a required final examination or complete a final assignment by the deadline, they may be eligible for a deferred assessment. An assessment privilege is the opportunity to complete the final course requirements after the end of the semester. The nature of the deferred assessment may take the form of either a deferred condition or a deferred examination. The Academic Review Sub-Committee grants deferred assessments on the basis of medical, psychological or compassionate considerations (see Academic Consideration Appeals and Petitions). Deferred assessments must be completed in the semester immediately following the semester in which the exam/coursework was originally missed.

Instructors cannot grant deferred assessments. 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 assessments are completed.

Categories for Academic Consideration, Grounds, Timelines and Appeals

Request for Academic Consideration form

Deferred Condition

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 the Open Learning program counsellor and may submit a Request for Academic Consideration form with documentation within five working days of the missed condition deadline.

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 the Open Learning program counsellor and must submit a Request for Academic Consideration form with documentation within five working days of the missed condition deadline.

Dropping Courses

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.

Email Account

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.

Examinations

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.

Grade Reassessment

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 should discuss their concern with the instructor in writing (via email) as soon as possible and 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. If the grade reassess request is not addressed and/or under review after five workdays, the student may submit the request in writing to the Chair/Director of the department offering the course. The chair shall forward the student’s request to the instructor and the instructor shall respond to the chair within five working days. The instructor has the responsibility of ensuring that the calculation and totaling of marks is accurate. The instructor must reply to the chair, in writing, giving assurance that the review is complete. Where there is a change in grade, the chair signs the “Grade Reassessment” form and forwards it to the Open Learning program Counsellor, Open Learning and Educational Support. The Open Learning program Counsellor will advise the student in writing of the change of grade. If there is no change of grade, it is the instructor’s responsibility to inform the student in writing.

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.

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.

Letters of Permission

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.

Library Card

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.

Refund Schedule

Fall 2024

Fall 2024 Refund Schedule
Dates (2024)	Tuition
September 5 to September 15	100%
September 16 to September 22	75%
September 23 to September 29	50%
September 30 to October 6	25%
October 7 and beyond	None

The last day to receive a full refund is September 15, 2024.

After the 100% refund date, the refund is a percentage of the tuition fee, minus a $75 administration fee.

Friday, November 29, 2024 is the last day to drop without academic penalty.

Winter 2025

Winter 2025 Refund Schedule
Dates (2025)	Tuition
January 6 to January 12	100%
January 13 to January 19	75%
January 20 to January 26	50%
January 27 to February 2	25%
February 3 and beyond	None

The last day to receive a full refund is January 12, 2025.

After the 100% refund date, the refund is a percentage of the tuition fee, minus a $75 administration fee.

Friday, April 4, 2025 is the last day to drop without academic penalty.

Schedule of Dates

The dates for the 2024-2025 Academic Year are listed by semester below as follows:

Fall Semester 2024

Thursday, September 5 – Classes commence
Friday, September 13 – Add period ends
Monday, October 7 – Deferred examinations for Summer 2024 courses commence
Friday, October 11 – Deferred examinations for Summer 2024 courses conclude
Monday, October 14 – Holiday – NO CLASSES SCHEDULED
Tuesday, October 15 – Fall Study Break Day – NO CLASSES SCHEDULED
Friday, November 1 – 40th class day – Instructors have provided feedback on a minimum of 20% of final course grade
Friday, November 29 – Classes conclude – Last day to drop courses
Monday, December 2 – Examinations commence
Saturday, December 7 – Examinations scheduled
Friday, December 13 – Examinations conclude

Winter Semester 2025

Monday, January 6 – Classes commence
Friday, January 10 – Add period ends
Monday, February 3 – Deferred examinations for Fall 2024 courses commence
Friday, February 7 – Deferred examinations for Fall 2024 courses conclude
Monday, February 17 –Holiday – Winter Break – NO CLASSES SCHEDULED THIS WEEK
Monday, February 24 – Winter Break ends; classes resume
Friday, March 7 – 40th class day – Instructors have provided feedback on a minimum of 20% of final course grade
Friday, April 4 – Classes conclude – Last day to drop courses
Monday, April 7 – Examinations commence
Saturday, April 12 – Examinations scheduled
Friday, April 18 – Holiday – NO EXAMS SCHEDULED
Monday, April 21 – Examinations conclude

Schedule of Fees

Certificate Application - $40

Visit our Order Your Parchment page for instructions on ordering your certificate or diploma.

NSF Cheques - $60

Returned cheques will incur a fee of $60 (see Registration Fees below for more details).

Registration Fees

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.

Transcript Request Form - $15

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.

Transcripts

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.

Important Dates for Distance Education

Important dates and deadlines for distance education are outlined below. These dates are applicable to both Open Learning program and University of Guelph degree students.

Please note that online course access opens on the course start date.

Summer 2024

Summer Semester (12-Week Format)

Courses begin: Thursday, May 9, 2024
Online course access begins: Thursday, May 9, 2024
Last day to drop courses: Friday, August 2, 2024
Courses end: Friday, August 2, 2024
Final exam period: Tuesday, August 6 to Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Summer Session (6-Week Format)

Courses begin: Thursday, May 9, 2024
Online course access begins: Thursday, May 9, 2024
Last day to drop courses: Thursday, June 20, 2024
Courses end: Thursday, June 20, 2024
Final exam period: Monday, June 24 to Friday, June 28, 2024

Fall 2024

Courses begin: Thursday, September 5, 2024
Online course access begins: Thursday, September 5, 2024
Last day to drop courses: Friday, November 29, 2024
Courses end: Friday, November 29, 2024
Final exam period: Monday, December 2 to Friday, December 13, 2024

Winter 2025

Courses begin: Monday, January 6, 2025
Online course access begins: Monday, January 6, 2025
Last day to drop courses: Friday, April 4, 2025
Courses end: Friday, April 4, 2025
Final exam period: Monday, April 7 to Monday, April 21, 2025