Continuation and Promotion

Academic evaluations for continuation and promotion

Each year during the month of May, the Undergraduate Office (UGO) reviews your academic progress and calculates your winter session average based on all courses taken from September to April to determine if you have successfully completed: 

  • continuation requirements to remain in the program
  • course requirements for promotion to the next year level

This is a weighted average, taking course credit values into consideration, and does include any failing grades. If you participate in a study abroad and exchange program during the winter session, grades earned on exchange will be included in the calculation. Courses taken during the summer session (May to August) are not included in the winter session average.

Your winter session average is also used to determine:

Your academic success is important to us!

In addition to year-end academic evaluations, we also conduct mid-session checks after December exams to provide assistance and resources to students who may be struggling in their studies. If you have concerns about your academic progress, we strongly encourage you to meet with an academic advisor in the UGO and take advantage of academic coaching services in the CLC.

Continuation and promotion requirements by year

Continuation in the BCom program

A winter session average of ≥60% based on all courses attempted from September to April is required to continue in the program at all year levels. This is a weighted average calculated from your final course grades and their corresponding course credit values; it will include any failed courses. If you participate in a study abroad and exchange program during the winter session, grades earned on exchange will be included in the calculation.

If your winter session average falls below 60%, you will be considered to have failed the year and will be required to discontinue your studies at UBC for a period of at least one year. Decimals are not rounded (i.e., a winter session average of 59.9% would be a failed year). Courses taken during the summer session (May to August) are not included in the winter session average.

 

Promotion requirements

BCom program requirements have changed in recent years, so when reviewing your promotion requirements, take careful note of when and at what year level you entered the program so that you're referring to the requirements that apply to you.

For example, if you are currently a Year 3 (continuing or transfer) or Year 4 BCom student, please follow the degree requirements listed in the second tab labelled Entry in 2021W and prior. The Entry in 2022W and onwards tab is only for direct entry Year 1 students who started the BCom program for the first time in 2022W and Year 2 transfer students who entered the BCom program in 2023W.

  • Entry in 2022W and onwards
  • Entry in 2021W and prior
Entry in 2022W and onwards

The following elective requirements apply to students who entered the program in 2022W and onwards.

Year 1 to Year 2
Year 2 to Year 3
Year 3 to Year 4
Completing your degree

Entry in 2021W and prior

The following elective requirements apply to students who entered the program in 2021W.

Year 1 to Year 2
Year 2 to Year 3
Year 3 to Year 4
Completing your degree

Unsatisfactory performance

If your winter session average falls below 60% at any year level, you will be considered to have failed the year and will be required to discontinue your studies at UBC for a period of at least one year. Decimals are not rounded (i.e., a winter session average of 59.9% would be a failed year). Instructions concerning eligibility for readmission to the program will be provided to students at the time they are required to discontinue. Notifications will be sent via email and letter mail in early June.

Note: If you are an international student, this may have an impact on your legal status in Canada and study permit. If you have questions about the impact on your ability to stay in Canada, study permit, please refer to students.ubc.ca/international-student-guideIf you have additional questions or would like to discuss your options/next steps, we encourage you to seek advising from an International Student Advisor/ Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant available at International Student Advising in the UBC Life Building or contacting them at 604.822.5021 or isa@students.ubc.ca.  

Students who return to UBC Sauder and fail the year a second time, whether in repeating a year or in a later year, will be required to withdraw permanently. Readmission in such cases is normally not granted.

Academic regulations  

Appeal process

If you did not achieve the minimum 60% winter session average required to continue in the BCom program, you may request that your circumstances be evaluated on their own merits by submitting a letter of appeal to the UBC Sauder Undergraduate Office by May 17, 2023. You may still submit an appeal after this date, but your response may be delayed. We cannot guarantee that a decision will be made before registration opens.

Requirements for submitting an appeal:
  • Letter of appeal – Download and complete the appeal form. Include a summary of the circumstances which you believe impacted your academic success performance.

Appeal form  

  • Supporting documentation – If possible, provide doctors’ notes, official medical documentation, or other evidence that supports the grounds of your appeal.
  • Reference campus services – If you have accessed campus services like, academic advising, peer programs, Counseling Services, the Centre for Accessibility, other health care providers, please include this in your action plan to overcome the circumstances that impacted your academic performance and ensure your academic success. There are fields in the appeal form to include this information.

Please collate all your documents into one PDF file and email the complete PDF file to the Undergraduate Office or your academic advisor. It is important to note that you must submit your complete appeal in one submission; that is, all of the circumstances that you would like to be considered with all supporting documentation. Once a decision has been made on your appeal, you will not be able to submit additional information or documentation unless it refers to a situation or condition that was unknown to you at the time of your original appeal (e.g., a new medical diagnosis). 


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