Prerequisites and Corequisites

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About prerequisites and corequisites
How and when are prerequisites checked?
What happens when a prerequisite is missing?
How to resolve prerequisite problems
Prerequisite waivers
Avoiding prerequisite problems

A prerequisite is a requirement that must be met before you take a course, while a corequisite is a course that must be taken at the same time. Some requirements may be taken as either a prerequisite or corequisite.

Because we want you to be as successful as possible in the courses you take at UFV, prerequisite and corequisite requirements have been established to ensure you are adequately prepared for your courses in both knowledge and skill.

You can find pre- and corequisite requirements in the Course Descriptions section of the current UFV calendar. Be sure to review requirements prior to registering, to ensure that you are eligible to take each course.

Unless otherwise stated, a minimum grade of C- is required for prerequisite courses.

How and when are prerequisites checked?

If you are missing a pre- or corequisite when you register, in most cases you will receive a warning message that requirements have not been met. However, the automated processes cannot check all pre- and corequisite requirements; your instructor may also require verification on the first day of class. If you can’t demonstrate that you have met the course requirements, he or she will decide what action to take, which may be to withdraw you.

Winter 2012: Prerequisite checking up to 4 pm, December 15

If the pre- or corequisites are not on your record, you will receive a warning “status” message when you register. Your registration details in myUFV are also updated overnight to show whether or not you meet prerequisites. The status Reg’d — Prereq NOT satisfied, means there is a problem.

When a prerequisite problem is identified, an email is sent to your myUFV account, and you will be given a deadline by which you must resolve the matter (up to five business days, but no later than December 15, 4 pm). If you are unable to meet the requirements or obtain a prerequisite waiver before the deadline, you will be dropped from the course.

Remember to check your myUFV student email regularly, and to double-check your registration status through myUFV.

 Winter 2012: Prerequisite checking after 4 pm, December 15

After 4 pm, December 15, prerequisites must be met when you try to register; otherwise, you will receive an error message and will be prevented from registering or waitlisting for the course. If you are able to resolve the prerequisite problem or obtain a prerequisite waiver, you can try registering again. Students will be dropped from courses where prerequisites are not met after 9 am, December 16.

You can check your registration status at any time through myUFV.

What to do if you lack formal prerequisites but believe you have equivalent knowledge:

A&R cannot waive a prerequisite, only the course instructor can. If you can convince the instructor that you have the necessary background and skills to complete the course, he or she can submit an electronic prerequisite waiver, or give you a signed Permission to Register form.

What to do if you believe you have the prerequisites:

Prerequisites are checked against your student computer record. If you believe you have a prerequisite, but are still getting a warning/error message, the prerequisite may be missing from your student record.

• If a high school grade is missing, submit an official high school transcript to A&R.
• If you took a post-secondary prerequisite at another institution, submit an official, unopened transcript to A&R for transfer credit (please allow two months for processing).
• Placement tests taken at UFV are recorded automatically, three to four weeks after the test is written. If you have taken any external texts, submit the scores to A&R.

Because processing can take time, in the meantime you may need to show the instructor a copy of your transcript/score, and request permission to waive the prerequisite.

What to do if you have already taken a corequisite:

If you have taken a corequisite previously, and the calendar does not state that it can be taken as a prerequisite, check with the instructor to find out whether a waiver would be considered.

What to do if a prerequisite course is in progress:

If a required course is in progress at UFV when you register, once the final grade has been entered, the automated process will determine whether or not the prerequisite has been met. If a grade is entered that does not meet the minimum requirement before 4 pm, December 15 (for Winter 2012 semester), you will be notified by email and will be given a deadline to resolve the issue. If the grade is entered after 9 am, December 16, you will be dropped the following evening, and will be sent an email to notify you.

A&R cannot waive a prerequisite — only the instructor or department can. To request a prerequisite waiver, contact the course instructor or department.

If permission is granted, the instructor/department must submit an electronic prerequisite waiver, or give you a signed Permission to Register form (pdf). The Permission to Register form is good for three business days only. If you’ve been sent a prerequisite warning email, ensure that your waiver is submitted to A&R prior to the deadline given.

• Find out in advance what prerequisites you need for any courses in which you plan to register or waitlist.
• Take placement tests four to six weeks before you plan to register. Ensure your score has been recorded before registering. 
• Provide an official high school transcript if we do not have your high school grades on record.
• If you have taken prerequisite courses at another post-secondary institution, submit a Request for Transfer Credit (pdf) and an official transcript in an envelope sealed by the institution, at least two months prior to registering.