General Studies

ufv.ca/General-Studies

Bachelor of General Studies degree (Winter and Summer 2017)

Note: After undergoing extensive review, the decision has been made to revise the requirements for the Bachelor of General Studies. These changes will take effect September 2017. Please see the Bachelor of General Studies (Fall 2017) page for details.

In the Bachelor of General Studies, students can create a flexible, interdisciplinary degree program customized to suit their different educational and career goals. As part of the degree program, students develop and demonstrate core competencies highly desired in the workforce (e.g. effective communications, use of data, etc.). They can then choose to specialize by working with an Academic Advisor and faculty to plan coursework in a particular topic area (thematic option) or discipline (minor), or they may choose to complete courses from many areas, without a specialization.

Students can enter the BGS degree program directly (i.e. with no previous university experience), or after having completed credits or certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees at UFV or other accredited colleges and universities. The degree allows students to use these credentials and credits or to (upon review) meet core competencies and to accumulate credits toward the degree.

Can professional experience be used towards the BGS?

Potentially, yes! The Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process allows students the opportunity to have non-traditional learning and work experience assessed for credit. PLAR may also be used to assess whether core competencies have been met. Please contact an Academic Advisor for more information.

Can prior education be used in the BGS?

In most cases, yes! Students can integrate prior university learning (including professional programs and technology studies) within the BGS degree. University-level courses or credentials in other programs or at other institutions may meet demonstrate some of the core competencies required (see “BGS Program Requirements” below). All students must meet the residency requirements (see below). Students who have completed another degree and are wanting to complete a subsequent degree should refer to the subsequent degree policy (see below under “Additional Policies and Practices”). In order to assess how you can use prior academic learning as part of their degree plan, schedule an appointment with an Academic Advisor.

Residency for students entering in Winter or Summer 2017

Students can complete academic course work at another post-secondary institution and transfer this credit to UFV to satisfy BGS degree requirements, under the following restrictions:

• Of the BGS overall total of 120 credits, 30 credits must be completed at UFV.
• Of the BGS upper-level total of 45 credits, 15 upper-level credits must be completed at UFV (see Note).
• For a minor program, at least 50 percent of the required upper-level credits in the specific discipline must be completed at UFV.

Provided those requirements are met, up to 50% of credits required for the degree may be met through recognition of non-formal credit through the PLAR process (including course challenges). Total transfer credit and prior learning credit must not exceed 90 credits.

Note: Residency requirements for students entering in Fall 2017 can be found here.

Entrance requirements for students entering in Winter or Summer 2017

Applicants must have successfully completed 30 post-secondary credits of which nine must be university level and must include three credits of English composition or writing. A 2.0 GPA is required for entry into the degree program.

Post-secondary refers to credits that are transcripted by UFV as 100-level or higher. University level refers to credits that are transferable to one of the public universities in Canada.

Applicants must meet the Degree/diploma level English language proficiency requirement. For details on how this requirement may be met, see the English language proficiency requirement section of the calendar.

Entrance requirements and options, including direct entry, for students entering in Fall 2017 can be found here.

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:

   • Official transcripts (or interim transcripts) from all post-secondary institutions attended. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to UFV from the originating institution; see the Transfer credit section for details.
2. You will be advised of an admission decision and, if accepted, will be provided with registration information.
3. In cases where course work is in progress, an admission decision may be made conditional upon completion of academic requirements.

Basis for admission decision

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

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section. Books and additional supply costs vary according to course subject matter and mode of delivery.

Courses from other institutions

UFV students who wish to take academic work at other institutions for credit toward the degree must obtain permission. A letter of permission request is available at ufv.ca/admissions or can be obtained from the Office of the Registrar. Students must be in good standing (CGPA > 2.0) to receive a letter of permission. When approval has been granted, the Registrar’s office will issue a Letter of Permission to the student.

Except as noted below, total transfer and course challenge credits, including prior learning credit, may not exceed 90. A minimum of 30 credits must be completed at UFV. A minimum of 15 upper-level credits must be completed at UFV. For students entering the program in Fall 2017, a minimum of 24 upper-level credits will need to be completed at UFV. Within these limits, transfer credit may be applied to the BGS with courses passed with a grade of D or higher. A D grade may not be sufficient for prerequisite purposes. Transfer credit is not used in the calculation of the institutional cumulative grade point average but will be used to calculate grade point average for degree graduation purposes.

Subsequent degree

Students who have already completed a degree at the bachelor’s level may be granted an additional bachelor’s degree provided that the two degrees are significantly different and that the student has met the degree requirements. No more than 75% of the credits required for the additional degree may be applied from any previous degree. At least 30 upper-level (300-400) credits for the subsequent degree must be taken at UFV. Refer to the subsequent degree policy for further details.

Bachelor of General Studies requirements for students entering in Winter or Summer 2017

There are three sets of requirements for the BGS.

1. Degree requirements
2. Breadth requirements
3. Electives for the General option, minor(s), or Thematic option

Note: Beginning in September 2017, the requirements for the Bachelor of General Studies will change. These changes are outlined in the Bachelor of General Studies (Fall 2017) page. Please also see the Notice of changes for Fall 2017 section below for details.

Degree requirements

To receive a Bachelor of General Studies degree students must complete a minimum:

• 120 credits with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.0 or higher
• 33 general breadth requirements
• 45 upper-level credits
• CGPA of 2.0 in the BGS program
• CGPA in courses for minor(s) (unless otherwise stated)
• GPA of 2.0 in all upper-level credits
• The 120 credits must incorporate the breadth requirements as well as include appropriate electives.

Breadth requirements

Graduates are expected to have:

• Effective written and oral communication skills
• Effective team and interpersonal skills
• Ability to think critically, problem solve, and apply mathematical and scientific reasoning
• An understanding of the scientific and natural world and the ability to use technology
• A sense of social responsibility and citizenship and an understanding of the global context in which we live and work
• An appreciation of the aesthetic and cultural world

These breadth requirements can be satisfied by successfully completing at least 33 credits in six or more subject areas from the categories listed below.

Effective communication skills (3 credits)

• ENGL 105, CMNS 125, CMNS 155, CMNS 251, ENGL 210

Effective team and interpersonal skills (6 credits)

• Adult Education, Business, Child and Youth Care, Criminology, Health Science, Kinesiology, Social Services, Human Services, Social Work

Critical thinking, problem solving, mathematical and scientific reasoning (6 credits)

• Mathematics and Statistics, Philosophy, Psychology

Scientific and natural world, ability to use technology (6 credits)

• Agriculture, Applied Business Technology, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Information Systems, Computing, Geography, Library Technology, Physics

Social responsibility and citizenship (6 credits)

• Anthropology, Economics, History, Latin American Studies, Media and Communication Studies, Political Science, Sociology

Appreciation for the aesthetic and cultural world (6 credits)

• Art History, English Literature, Film Studies, Literature in Translation, Modern Languages, Theatre, Visual Arts, Art History, Film Studies

Degree pathways

Students can choose from the following degree pathways: Thematic options, Thematic option (Professional Pilot Training), minors, Co-operative Education, and General option.

Beginning in Fall 2017, students must declare which option they plan to pursue by 60 credits or, for transfer students with more than 60 credits, at time of entry.

Thematic option

The Thematic option allows students to create a customized program of study in an area for which UFV does not offer a major. A student can develop a thematic option from a variety of disciplines that form a common theme, such as administrative studies, explorations of aging, childhood studies, agroecology, advertising and social communication, or Middle Eastern studies.

Please see the Bachelor of General Studies website for more information on building your Thematic option or on selecting from an existing Thematic option.

Students selecting a Thematic option must identify this within their Customized Learning Plan (CLP) and submit this by 60 credits or time of entry. Students choosing to complete a Thematic option after the CLP can submit a separate proposal but should do so before 90 credits in order to ensure that sufficient time is available to complete requirements. The plan must include courses that satisfy the general degree requirements and show how the selected courses support the theme. The requirements and details are located on the BGS website.

Thematic option – Aviation

Professional Pilot Training – Fixed Wing

The BGS offers a departmentally-approved Thematic option for students who are completing the Aviation program. This program includes courses for obtaining private and commercial licenses and one of the specialized advanced options: heavy jet or professional flight instructor. Upon successful completion of the BGS requirements and Aviation courses students obtain a Thematic option: Professional Pilot Training – Fixed Wing. Students can select courses to complete one or more minors or select courses for interest.

For this specialized option, students must apply and be admitted to Coastal Pacific Aviation. Please refer to the Aviation section of the UFV calendar and to the Coastal Pacific Aviation website for further details about admission requirements and application processes.

Minors

Students select electives to complete one or more minors. Refer to the appropriate calendar details for minor requirements. Of the 120 credit minimum, at least 45 must be 300 or 400 level, which allows for completion of up to three minors. Typically, minors require at least 15 upper-level credits taken within a single discipline (unless otherwise specified in the academic calendar).

Students can choose from any existing minors in Arts, Science, or Professional Studies.

General option

Students select courses to complete a minimum of 120 credits, of which at least 45 must be 300 or 400 level. Students are eligible to select any course for which they meet the prerequisites. Choice should include courses that enhance a career path, or meet prerequisites for professional programs, or for expanding academic knowledge. The program is developed according to the intended learning goals of the individual.

Co-operative Education option

The Co-operative Education option provides students with the opportunity to acquire paid, career-related work experience in conjunction with their studies in the Bachelor of General Studies degree program. See the Co-operative Education section for more details.

Declaration of general, minors, or thematic option

Students may formally declare minors or intention to complete a thematic option after they have been accepted. Unless otherwise stated, to be eligible to declare minors, students must have earned a minimum grade of C on each of the required courses for the subject discipline. (Some areas have specific requirements; these are listed in the calendar under the relevant discipline.) Students are encouraged to declare minors or their intention to complete a thematic option as soon as possible.

Students entering the degree program in Fall 2017 or later will be required to make this declaration by 60 credits, or upon entry to degree program, whichever is later. Students may request to declare a minor or Thematic Option after 60 credits on a case-by-case basis. Students who do not meet the requirements of their planned minor or Thematic Option may be able to graduate with a BGS, general option.

Please note that the number of students wanting to enter any minor program may exceed capacity. Departments reserve the right to select competitively if necessary. UFV cannot guarantee available seats in required program courses on demand.

Notice of changes for Fall 2017

After undergoing extensive review, the decision has been made to revise the requirements for the Bachelor of General Studies. Changes include a shift in the core requirements for the degree and the addition of an ePortfolio. These changes will take effect September 2017 and are outlined on the Bachelor of General Studies (Fall 2017) page. Please note:

• Students applying for Fall 2017 will be applying to enter the revised BGS.
• Entrance requirements will change to allow for direct entry into the degree (for students who have completed 0-30 university-level credits).
• Students enrolled in the BGS prior to Fall 2017 are not affected by the changes.

Should you have any questions, please contact a UFV Academic Advisor.

Graduation

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure all program requirements are met. This should be done by regular consultation with the BGS Academic Advisor. Degree candidates who qualify to receive a UFV degree must be approved by the BGS Academic Advisor and Senate.

Students must apply for graduation by completing the Graduation Request form available at ufv.ca/admissions, or from the Office of the Registrar. We recommend this be done in the first month of the final semester. The final deadline for students who wish to attend the June Convocation ceremony is April 1 of each year, with all degree program requirements completed by April 30 of each year.

Course duplication

Duplication refers to taking a course more than once.

Under university policy, students may not register for a course more than twice without permission of the appropriate dean or designate. Where a course has been repeated, for the purpose of the grade point average (GPA) UFV includes only the higher grade, but all attempts appear on the transcript. Some programs limit the number of courses which can be repeated. Transferred courses are considered in the number of attempts. See UFV's Course Repeat policy (86).

A “W” or an “AU” in a course is not counted as duplication. Multiple repeats of the same course count as a single duplication.

Note: Repeats of lower-level Theatre practicum courses are exempt from the duplication rule when a grade of D or higher is achieved.

Standing required for continuance

All students accepted into the BGS degree program at UFV are expected to maintain acceptable standards of scholarship. Specifically, they are expected to maintain a minimum 2.0 CGPA on all courses.

Undergraduate continuance

Academic standing will be governed by UFV’s Undergraduate Continuance policy (92). Students enrolled in undergraduate courses (courses numbered 100 or above) must maintain an undergraduate 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 undergraduate studies at UFV. Students on Academic Warning or Academic Probation are limited to registering in 10 credits.

The academic standing of all students covered under this policy for courses where letter grades are assigned will be determined at intervals of 9 credits at the start of a student’s academic career and then at the end of every term after 27 credits have been completed. Students will be assessed after every term enrolled, but Academic Standing will only change at the intervals noted above. Students’ academic standing will be permanently reflected on their student record and will appear on official and unofficial transcripts.

After each semester, students put on Academic Warning, Academic Probation, or Required to Withdraw status or who are continued on Warning or Probation will be notified by the Registrar.

Required to withdraw

Students who have been required to withdraw from the degree program may have the opportunity to continue to take courses as a Qualifying Studies student; however, they may not register for any upper-level courses.

Re-admission

A student who is required to withdraw from the BGS degree program must submit an appeal for re-admission to the BGS Academic Advisor if he/she wishes to resume studies in the degree program.

Students who have been required to withdraw will be advised to complete a further nine credits of academic work or to repeat a similar amount of academic work taken previously in order to demonstrate their academic abilities. Appeals must be received at least three months before the start of the semester for which a student has applied. Re-admission is not automatic. If readmitted, students will be placed on Academic Warning again, subject to the conditions for Academic Warning as described above.

Standing on re-admission

If readmitted, students will be placed on academic warning again, subject to the conditions for academic warning as described above.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.

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