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General Studies diploma

The General Studies diploma allows students to meet a variety of needs while earning a diploma. Students can explore all disciplines, or take courses to fulfill the first- or second-year requirements for professional programs or to ladder into degree programs.

Entrance requirements

B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent or minimum of 19 years of age before the first day of classes.

Applicants must satisfy the English language proficiency requirement. For details on how this requirement may be met, see English language proficiency requirement section of the calendar.

When to apply

Applications are accepted for entrance to the Fall, Winter, and Summer semesters. For application deadlines, see Specific intake application process.

How to apply

1. Apply online at ufv.ca/admissions/admissions/apply.

Additional documents required for a complete application:
• Proof of graduation (an official high school transcript) if you are under 19 and no longer in school.
• A transcript is recommended for students over 19.

No documents need to be submitted by students currently in Grade 12, until final grades are available at the beginning of August.

If a UFV Placement Test or Upgrading and University Preparation (UUP) assessment score is required, please make arrangements to write the assessments early in the year.

2. Upon admission to UFV, students will be provided with registration information. Please contact an Advisor for assistance in choosing courses and organizing timetables.

3. For students under 19 years of age, admission is conditional upon B.C. secondary school graduation. Proof of graduation is due at the end of the first week in August for the Fall semester. B.C. Grade 12 students can arrange at their schools to have transcripts sent directly to UFV.

Note: It is essential to provide your Provincial Education Number (PEN) on the application form.

Basis for admission decision

Applicants who meet the entrance requirements will be admitted in order of their application date. This date is set when an application, all required documentation, and the application fee have been submitted.

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section.

Program requirements

The General Studies diploma requires:

• A minimum of 60 credits in courses numbered at the 100-level or higher.
• A minimum of 18 credits in courses numbered at the 200-level or higher.
• No more than 45 credits from any one department.
• At least three credits of any ENGL course numbered at the 100-level or higher or any CMNS course numbered 115 or higher.
• At least three credits in one of the following courses which foster skills in information management: COMP 230 (formerly CIS 230); CMNS 251; COMP 251; CRIM 220; LIBT 145 or 280; MACS 130 or 240; MATH 108 or 214; PSYC 110; SOC 255/ANTH 255/MACS 255; STAT 104 or 106.

Advisors can assist students in developing individual educational plans. An advising appointment can help students refine their goals and objectives, understand available choices, and select courses which will apply to the intended program. Contact Advising at advising@ufv.ca.

Note: Students may enrol in courses for which they meet the prerequisites. Some courses may be more difficult to gain access to as seats are reserved for students admitted to a particular program. General Studies students may be able to enrol in these courses if there are vacancies in courses after program students have registered. Refer to the course descriptions for prerequisite information.

Undergraduate continuance

Students must maintain a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 2.00 to remain enrolled in Good Academic Standing at UFV. Students in Good Academic Standing will have no registration limits placed on them. Failure to meet the minimum CGPA requirement will result in restrictions on registration and may eventually lead to academic suspension from the University. Students on Academic Warning or Academic Probation are limited to registering in 10 credits. For further details, see the Undergraduate Continuance section of the academic calendar. Academic standing is governed by UFV’s Undergraduate Continuance policy (92).

Residency

At least 15 credits (25% of the total) must be completed at UFV.

Graduation

A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher on all courses that count toward the diploma is required for graduation.

Students must submit a Request for Graduation form and the graduation fee to the Office of the Registrar by April 1 to be eligible to participate in convocation ceremonies in June. Students can graduate from the program at any time if the diploma requirements have been completed; the April 1 deadline is only important for June convocation.

Changing programs

Advisors can assist students with transitioning from one program to another. Contact Advising at advising@ufv.ca.