Continuation and Promotion

Last updated: April 10, 2024

Academic evaluations for continuation and promotion

Every year in May, the Undergraduate Office (UGO) conducts a comprehensive review of your academic progress. We validate your eligible year level and calculate 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.

Your winter session average is a weighted average, that takes course credit values into consideration, and includes any failing grades. Grades earned while participating in a study abroad or exchange program during the winter session are also included in the calculation of your average. Courses taken during the summer session (May to August) are not included in the calculation of your 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.

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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 pause your studies at UBC for a period of at least one year. Averages are not rounded up (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

Some BCom program requirements changed in recent years. Take careful note of which calendar year and which year level you entered the program so that you’re referring to the requirements that apply to you. Additionally, new BCom promotion requirements at all year levels take effect in 2024 to facilitate the implementation of Workday Student.

Note that for 2023W evaluations, your year level eligibility will be determined using either the new or former criteria for promotion. The criteria which are most advantageous to you will apply.

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

Entry in 2022W and onwards

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

Year 1 to Year 2

As of 2024 and sessions onwards*: You will be promoted to Year 2 once you have met all of the following requirements:

Completed a minimum of 24 credits including:

all of COMM 101, COMM 105, COMM 196.

Criteria for 2023 winter and previous sessions: You will be promoted to Year 2 once you have met all of the following requirements:

Completed a minimum of 24 credits including:

all of COMM 101, COMM 105, ECON 101, ECON 102, MATH 100 (or accepted Math equivalent), and
at least two¹ of COMM 190 (formerly COMM 290), COMM 191 (formerly COMM 291), COMM 192 (formerly COMM 292), COMM 196²

*This criteria will be implemented for the 2023/24 winter session. This means all courses taken from September 2023 to April 2024 will be evaluated by both the new and previous promotion criteria.

¹ While a minimum of two of COMM 190, COMM 191, COMM 192, COMM 196 are required for promotion to Year 2, all four courses must be completed to be eligible for promotion to Year 3. All courses must eventually be completed to fulfill BCom degree requirements.

² If you have not successfully completed COMM 196 in Year 1, you must complete it in Year 2. A minimum grade of 60% in the course is required, however, a passing grade of 50% or greater can be used for the purpose of promotion to Year 2. In such cases, COMM 196 must be retaken to achieve a grade of 60% or greater.

Combined Major in Business and Computer Science (BUCS)

As of 2024 and sessions onwards*: If you're enrolled in the BUCS program, you will be promoted to Year 2 if you have met all of the following requirements:

Completed a minimum of 24 credits including:

all of COMM 101, COMM 105, COMM 196, CPSC 110

If you're enrolled in the BUCS program, you will be promoted to Year 2 if you have met all of the following requirements:

Completed a minimum of 24 credits including:

all of COMM 101, COMM 105, ECON 101, ECON 102, MATH 100 (or accepted Math equivalent), CPSC 110 and
at least one³ of COMM 192 (formerly COMM 292), COMM 196⁴, CPSC 121

*This criteria will be implemented for the 2023/24 winter session. This means all courses taken from September 2023 to April 2024 will be evaluated by both the new and previous promotion criteria.

³ While a minimum of one of COMM 192, COMM 196, CPSC 121 are required for promotion to Year 2, all three courses must be completed to be eligible for promotion to Year 3. All courses must eventually be completed to fulfill BCom degree requirements.

⁴ If you have not successfully completed COMM 196 in Year 1, you must complete it in Year 2. A minimum grade of 60% in the course is required to fulfill this requirement, however, a passing grade of 50% or greater may be used for the purpose of promotion to Year 2. In such cases, COMM 196 must be retaken to achieve a grade of 60% or greater.

Continuation in the BCom program without promotion

If you have not completed the minimum requirements for promotion to Year 2, you may still continue in the next winter session, remaining in Year 1, provided your winter session average is greater than or equal to 60% on all courses attempted from September to April. 

Year 2 to Year 3

As of 2024 and sessions onwards*: You will be promoted to Year 3 if you have met all of the following requirements:

Completed a minimum of 49 credits including:

27 credits from COMM 190-298
All of COMM 105, COMM 196, COMM 202

Criteria for 2023 winter and previous sessions: You will be promoted to Year 3 once you have met all of the following requirements:

Completed a minimum of 49 credits including

all Year 1 required courses,
COMM 202, and
at least four¹ of COMM 203, COMM 204, COMM 205, COMM 293, COMM 294, COMM 295, COMM 296, COMM 298

*This criteria will be implemented for the 2023/24 winter session. This means all courses taken from September 2023 to April 2024 will be evaluated by both the new and previous promotion criteria.

¹ While a minimum of four of COMM 203, COMM 204, COMM 205, COMM 293, COMM 294, COMM 295, COMM 296, COMM 298 are required for promotion to Year 3, all eight courses must be completed to be eligible for promotion to Year 4. All courses must eventually be completed to fulfill BCom degree requirements.

Combined Major in Business and Computer Science (BUCS)

As of 2024 and sessions onwards*: If you're enrolled in the BUCS program, you will be promoted to Year 3 if you have met all of the following requirements:

Completed a minimum of 51 credits including:

18 credits from COMM 190-298
All of COMM 105, COMM 196, CPSC 210, MATH 101

Criteria for 2023 winter and previous sessions: If you're enrolled in the BUCS program, you will be promoted to Year 3 if you have met all of the following requirements:

Completed a minimum of 51 credits of the first and second year BUCS program requirements including:

all Year 1 required courses, and
all of COMM 190 (formerly COMM 290), COMM 202, COMM 205, CPSC 210

*This criteria will be implemented for the 2023/24 winter session. This means all courses taken from September 2023 to April 2024 will be evaluated by both the new and previous promotion criteria.

Continuation in the BCom program without promotion

If you have not completed the minimum requirements for promotion to Year 3, you may still continue in the next winter session, remaining in Year 2, provided your winter session average is greater than or equal to 60% on all courses attempted from September to April. 

Year 3 to Year 4

As of 2024 and sessions onwards*: You will be promoted to Year 4 if you have met all of the following requirements:

Completed a minimum of 73 credits including:

All of COMM 105, COMM 196, COMM 202
6 credits from COMM 306-489 (excluding COMM 393-396) and/or COHR 301-486
6 credits from COMM 393-396

Criteria for 2023 winter and previous sessions: You will be promoted to Year 4 if you have met all of the following requirements:

Completed a minimum of 73 credits including:

all Year 1 and Year 2 required courses,
two option courses (6 credits)¹, and
at least two² of COMM 393, COMM 394, COMM 396³

*This criteria will be implemented for the 2023/24 winter session. This means all courses taken from September 2023 to April 2024 will be evaluated by both the new and previous promotion criteria.

¹ Students in the General Business Management option must complete any two 300/400-level COMM/COHR courses (6 credits) that do not count toward their BCom core requirements. Commerce courses taken to fulfill BCom core requirements (e.g., COMM 393, COMM 394, etc.) cannot be double counted toward General Business Management option requirements

² While a minimum of two of COMM 393, COMM 394, COMM 396 are required for promotion to Year 4, all courses must eventually be completed to fulfill BCom degree requirements.

³ A minimum grade of 60% in COMM 396 is required.

Combined Major in Business and Computer Science (BUCS)

As of 2024 and sessions onwards*: If you're enrolled in the BUCS program, you will be promoted to Year 4 if you have met all of the following requirements:

Completed a minimum of 82 credits including:

3 credits from CPSC 304-310
All of COMM 202, COMM 396

Criteria for 2023 winter and previous sessions: If you're enrolled in the BUCS program, you will be promoted to Year 4 once you have met all of the following requirements:

Completed a minimum of 82 credits including:

all Year 1 and Year 2 required courses,
at least one⁴ of CPSC 304, CPSC 310,
all of COMM 203, COMM 296, and
at least two⁵ of COMM 204, COMM 393, COMM 396⁶

*This criteria will be implemented for the 2023/24 winter session. This means all courses taken from September 2023 to April 2024 will be evaluated by both the new and previous promotion criteria.

⁴ While a minimum of one of CPSC 304, CPSC 310 are required for promotion to Year 4, all courses must eventually be completed to fulfill BCom degree requirements. All courses must eventually be completed to fulfill BCom degree requirements.

⁵ While a minimum of two of COMM 204, COMM 393, COMM 396 are required for promotion to Year 4, all courses must eventually be completed to fulfill BCom degree requirements. All courses must eventually be completed to fulfill BCom degree requirements.

⁶ A minimum grade of 60% in COMM 396 is required.

Continuation in the BCom program without promotion

If you have not completed the minimum requirements for promotion to Year 4, you may still continue in the next winter session, remaining in Year 3, provided your winter session average is greater than or equal to 60% on all courses attempted from September to April. 

Completing your degree

Entry in 2021W and prior

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

Year 1 to Year 2

Criteria for 2023 winter and previous sessions*: You will be promoted to Year 2 once you have met all of the following requirements:

Completed a minimum of 24 credits including all of COMM 101, ECON 101, ECON 102, MATH 104 (or accepted Math equivalent), and at least two¹ of COMM 290, COMM 291, COMM 292, WRDS 150/ENGL 112 (or accepted English equivalent)²

*As of 2024 winter and onwards, the system will use new criteria to evaluate students and this will prevent an automatic promotion to Year 2. At this stage, your year level will remain as Year 1. An academic advisor in the UGO will review and promote students to Year 2 on an individual basis.

¹ While a minimum of two of COMM 290, COMM 291, COMM 292, WRDS 150/ENGL 112 are required for promotion to Year 2, all four courses must be completed to be eligible for promotion to Year 3.

² If you have not successfully completed WRDS 150/ENGL 112 in Year 1, you must complete it in Year 2. A minimum grade of 60% in the course is required to fulfill this requirement, however, a passing grade of 50% or greater may be used for the purpose of promotion to Year 2. In such cases, WRDS 150/ENGL 112 must be retaken to achieve a grade of 60% or greater.

Combined Major in Business and Computer Science (BUCS)

Criteria for 2023 winter and previous sessions*: If you're enrolled in the BUCS program, you will be promoted to Year 2 once you have met all of the following requirements:

Completed a minimum of 24 credits including:

all of COMM 101, ECON 101, ECON 102, MATH 104 (or accepted Math equivalent), and CPSC 110
at least one³ of WRDS 150/ENGL 112⁴, COMM 292, CPSC 121

*As of 2024 winter and onwards, the system will use new criteria to evaluate students and this will prevent an automatic promotion to Year 2. At this stage, your year level will remain as Year 1. An academic advisor in the UGO will review and promote students to Year 2 on an individual basis.

³ All courses must eventually be completed to fulfill BCom degree requirements.

⁴ If you have not successfully completed WRDS 150/ENGL 112 in Year 1, you must complete it in Year 2. A minimum grade of 60% in the course is required to fulfill this requirement, however, a passing grade of 50% or greater may be used for the purpose of promotion to Year 2. In such cases, WRDS 150/ENGL 112 must be retaken to achieve a grade of 60% or greater.

Continuation in the BCom program without promotion

Year 2 to Year 3

As of 2024 and sessions onwards*: You will be promoted to Year 3 if you have met all of the following requirements:

Completed a minimum of 49 credits including:

27 credits from COMM 190-298
COMM 202

Criteria for 2023 winter and previous sessions: You will be promoted to Year 3 once you have met all of the following requirements:

Completed a minimum of 48 credits including all Year 1 requirements
Completed at least four¹ of COMM 203 (formerly COMM 392), COMM 204 (formerly COMM 399), COMM 205 (formerly COMM 391), COMM 293, COMM 294, COMM 295, COMM 296, COMM 298

*This criteria will be implemented for the 2023/24 winter session. This means all courses taken from September 2023 to April 2024 will be evaluated by both the new and previous promotion criteria.

As of 2024 winter and onwards, the system will use new criteria to evaluate students and this will prevent an automatic promotion to Year 3. At this stage, your year level will remain as Year 2. An academic advisor in the UGO will review and promote students to Year 3 on an individual basis.

¹ All courses must eventually be completed to fulfill BCom degree requirements.

Combined Major in Business and Computer Science (BUCS)

As of 2024 and sessions onwards*: If you're enrolled in the BUCS program, you will be promoted to Year 3 if you have met all of the following requirements:

Completed a minimum of 51 credits including:

18 credits from COMM 190-298
All of CPSC 210, MATH 101

Criteria for 2023 winter and previous sessions: If you're enrolled in the BUCS program, you will be promoted to Year 3 if you have met all of the following requirements:

Completed a minimum of 50 credits including:

all required courses from first year
COMM 205, COMM 290, and CPSC 210

*This criteria will be implemented for the 2023/24 winter session. This means all courses taken from September 2023 to April 2024 will be evaluated by both the new and previous promotion criteria.

As of 2024 winter and onwards, the system will use new criteria to evaluate students and this will prevent an automatic promotion to Year 3. At this stage, your year level will remain as Year 2. An academic advisor in the UGO will review and promote students to Year 3 on an individual basis.

Continuation in the BCom program without promotion

Year 3 to Year 4

As of 2024 and sessions onwards*: You will be promoted to Year 4 if you have met all of the following requirements:

Completed a minimum of 73 credits including:

COMM 202
6 credits from COMM 306-489 (excluding COMM 393-396) and/or COHR 301-486
6 credits from COMM 393-396

Criteria for 2023 winter and previous sessions: You will be promoted to Year 2 once you have met all of the following requirements:

Completed a minimum of 72 credits including all Year 1 and 2 requirements
Completed two option courses (6 credits)
Completed at least two¹ of COMM 390/396 (minimum grade of 60% in COMM 390/396), COMM 393, COMM 394, COMM 395

*This criteria will be implemented for the 2023/24 winter session. This means all courses taken from September 2023 to April 2024 will be evaluated by both the new and previous promotion criteria.

As of 2024 winter and onwards, the system will use new criteria to evaluate students and this will prevent an automatic promotion to Year 4. At this stage, your year level will remain as Year 3. An academic advisor in the UGO will review and promote students to Year 4 on an individual basis.

¹ All courses must eventually be completed to fulfill BCom degree requirements.

Combined Major in Business and Computer Science (BUCS)

As of 2024 and sessions onwards*: If you're enrolled in the BUCS program, you will be promoted to Year 4 if you have met all of the following requirements:

Completed a minimum of 82 credits including:

3 credits from CPSC 304-310
All of COMM 202, COMM 396

Criteria for 2023 winter and previous sessions: If you're enrolled in the BUCS program, you will be promoted to Year 4 if you have met all of the following requirements:

Completed a minimum of 81 credits including:

all required courses from first and second year
at least one² of CPSC 304, CPSC 310
all of COMM 203, COMM 296
at least two² of COMM 204, COMM 390/396, COMM 393, COMM 395

*This criteria will be implemented for the 2023/24 winter session. This means all courses taken from September 2023 to April 2024 will be evaluated by both the new and previous promotion criteria.

As of 2024 winter and onwards, the system will use new criteria to evaluate students and this will prevent an automatic promotion to Year 4. At this stage, your year level will remain as Year 3. An academic advisor in the UGO will review and promote students to Year 4 on an individual basis.

² All courses must eventually be completed to fulfill BCom degree requirements.

Continuation in the BCom program without promotion

Completing your degree

Failed Year and Readmission

If you have been required to withdraw from UBC based on your academic performance, there are some options available for you to return.

At the end of each academic session, you are assessed for eligibility to continue based on your sessional average. For BCom students, this means that if your winter session average¹ falls below 60%, you are considered to have failed the year and you are asked to to discontinue your studies at UBC for a period of at least one year. If you are required to withdraw from the Bachelor of Commerce program or another faculty at UBC, know that you are not alone, and many students successfully return to their studies once they have regained a pattern of academic success while away from UBC.

If you wish to complete your degree in Commerce after receiving a failed year standing, you can contact an Academic Advisor at the UGO to discuss your situation and develop a new academic success plan. Also, you may wish to contact other on-campus support units relating to finance, health, and wellness during this time.

View UBC student support

¹Averages 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 given to students when they are notified of a failed year standing. Notifications will be sent via email and letter mail in early June.

Note to international students: Being asked to leave UBC for a period of one year may affectct your study permit and therefore your legal status in Canada . If you have questions about possible impacts of a failed year on your study permit, we encourage you to refer to the International Student Guide. If you have additional questions or would like to discuss your options/next steps, please connect with 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.

Appeal for permission to continue

The initial requirement to withdraw from the Bachelor of Commerce can be appealed but requires significant evidence that the issues causing the failed year have been resolved, including proof that you have connected with appropriate professionals (health, wellness, financial aid, etc.) to seek help. Please see below for instructions on how to submit your appeal. to the Undergraduate Office via the permission to continue appeal form (available May 27 – June 15 each year).
The form will be available on May 12, 2024. You may still submit an appeal after this date, but your response may be delayed and we cannot guarantee that a decision will be made before registration opens.

Requirements for submitting an appeal:

Letter of appeal – Download and complete the following appeal form:

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, Counselling Services, the Centre for Accessibility,etc., 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).

Please be aware that students who experience two failed years are required to withdraw from the University. Review additional information in UBC Calendar Advancement Regulations - Readmission to the BCom program in such cases is normally not granted.

Academic regulations

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Continuation and Promotion

Last updated: April 10, 2024

Academic evaluations for continuation and promotion

Your academic success is important to us!