Academic Actions

Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Option

Students in a Bachelor of Music program may take one non-music elective course (3 credits) per semester graded as Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) option, up to a maximum of 10% of earned credits towards the degree requirement.

Courses taken under S/U will not count towards a major, minor or freshman requirements.

When you take a course under S/U, the course will be graded as follow:

  • Grade of C or better (or 55% or higher) is deemed “Satisfactory” (S)
  • Grades of D, F and J are deemed “Unsatisfactory” (U)

Note: S/U courses are NOT considered for in-course scholarships. To be considered for in-course scholarship, you must complete a minimum of 27 graded credits in the regular academic session, excluding S/U and summer courses. Full detail on scholarship criteria can be found here.

To take a course under S/U, you must select this option when you register for the course on Minerva before the add/drop deadline.

  • Student Menu > Registration Menu > Quick Add or Drop Course Sections > Course Grade Mode > Select Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

You may register for a course under S/U at the beginning of the term then decide to switch it to graded option if you do well in the course. To remove the S/U option, you must indicate this on Minerva before the withdrawal without refund deadline. More information at: https://www.mcgill.ca/students/courses/plan/s-u


MINERVA Error Messages

If your fee account is clear, check the following possibilities, each of which is followed by a suggestion for resolution of the problem:

  1. Pay close attention to the following information on the Class Schedule: Course restrictions to students in a particular program, limited enrollment, departmental approval.
  2. You will need to obtain a permit over-ride form to register for courses that require special permission. In most cases, approval will be given by the Department concerned. Once you have been granted a permit over-ride, it is your responsibility to add the course section. For more information, please contact the appropriate Department.
  3. Music courses with 'linked' sections, for example; lecture and tutorial, studio and lab, you are required to register for both links at the same time.
  4. According to Minerva, you lack prerequisites; if you believe this to be an error, see the Student Affairs Office.
  5. Special Projects courses are not available on Minerva. Students will require Departmental approval to register. Appropriate forms are available from the Department concerned.
  6. Practical Instruction/Exams and Voice Coaching will be added by the Performance Department after the online request is submitted by the student. For further information, please contact the Student Affairs Office.

Course Add/Drop

During the initial Registration Periods, you may make changes to course registrations (add or drop courses), subject to the requirements and restrictions of your program and of individual courses.

The Course Change deadline, which coincides with the deadline for late registration, is listed on the eCalendar.

After the Course Change deadline, courses may be added according to each faculty's regulations and only with written permission of the instructor and the respective Student Affairs Office which administers the course. A fee will be charged for each course added.


Course Withdrawal

Any course withdrawal from the period after the Course Change Period to the withdrawal deadline, will appear as a 'W' on your record. A 'W' is not calculated in your grade point average. A ‘W’ simply means you withdrew from a course. More information on Course Withdrawals and Refunds can be found on the e-Calendar website.

Do not wait until after your mid-term exam to make a decision. If you are thinking of withdrawing from a course, please consult with the Academic Advisor before the withdrawal deadline. Any requests made after the deadline will be considered late and only approved for compelling reasons.

 

Late Withdrawals after the deadline

Students are responsible for the accuracy of their record. Before the end of the course change period, use Minerva to verify course and section registration.  In the case of a late withdrawal, the course will not be deleted from the student's record. A notation of 'W' will appear on the transcript.

If you would like to withdraw a course after the withdrawal deadline, you should:

  1. obtain a Late Course Withdrawal Form from the Music Student Affairs Office.
  2. write a letter explaining why you are making this request. The letter should include when you started and/or stopped attending class. The letter should also include if and when you tried accessing Minerva to register and/or withdraw from the class.
  3. take your letter and Course Withdrawal Form to the class instructor. The instructor will then confirm the dates that you attended class.
  4. bring the completed form and the letter to the Music Student Affairs Office for approval. Allow three working days for the Student Affairs Office to render a decision. If your request is approved, a $50 fee for each course will then be applied towards your student fee account.

It is your responsibility to initiate the withdrawal process.

  • Non-attendance of classes does not constitute a course withdrawal. 
  • Failure to withdraw from course before the deadline will constitute a ‘J’ grade, considered a failing grade for incomplete course.  A ‘J’ grade is factored into the cumulative grade point average (CGPA) calculation.

Note that withdrawing from one or more courses during the semester may – where applicable – affect your government aid and/or McGill work-study eligibility.

For international students, it may also impact your immigration status and/or permission to work in Canada.

Please ensure that you are aware of any consequences related to a course withdrawal request: consult with McGill's Scholarships & Student Aid Office, International Students Services, and/or the Student Affairs Office, where relevant.


University Withdrawal

If you are considering withdrawing from your Program, we strongly recommend you to consult your Advisor before making a final decision.

It is your responsibility to initiate the withdrawal process, non-attendance of classes does not constitute a program withdrawal. You can view the University's Regulations Concerning University Withdrawal on the eCalendar.

To withdraw from the University, you must withdraw from all your courses on Minerva before the deadline for University Withdrawal.

Should you decide not to return to McGill in September after you have registered, the last date to cancel your registration is August 31, 2014. You must drop all your courses on Minerva.

If you withdraw from all your courses on Minerva before the deadline for University Withdrawal, you will not have a record of study for this term and your student record will remain inactive.  Your McGill email account will become inactive after 30 days.

Music students are blocked from dropping practical instruction, voice coaching, and Special Projects. Therefore, a written request must be submitted to the Music Student Affairs. Your registration will be deleted and you will not be charged any administrative fees.

Withdrawal After the Deadline:

Withdrawal from the University after the University withdrawal deadline may be granted only under serious, well-documented circumstances. Circumstances which can affect your ability to complete your studies, and which may constitute a valid basis to grant a University withdrawal past the withdrawal deadline include illness, unforeseen financial hardship, or serious family affliction. If you wish to withdraw from the University after the University withdrawal deadline, you must submit your request with appropriate supporting documentation to the Music Student Affairs.

  • If you were granted a University Withdrawal after the deadline, your record will indicate "Withdrew from the University" and the date on which your withdrawal became effective. Your McGill email account will become inactive after 30 days.
  • If you withdraw in the Fall term, you are considered withdrawn from the entire academic year and your Winter term is deleted.

Should you wish to return to McGill in the future, please refer to our readmission procedures.


Academic Standing

McGill University adheres to the highest code of academic integrity and conduct. Students who are found guilty of academic dishonesty will be disciplined. Please refer to the 'Handbook of Student Rights and Responsibilities'.

A cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.00 or greater is required to maintain a satisfactory standing.  Students will be placed on probationary standing and may be asked to have their course load reduced if the CGPA falls below 2.00.  See the eCalendar for more informaton.


Proof of Enrollment

Students who require confirmation of their status at McGill can obtain a signed letter listing the terms in which they were registered by accessing their record in Minerva.

Contact Service Point for more information. 

 

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