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4 Course Evaluation


Instructors will use formative and summative evaluation methods that directly measure course learning outcomes. Summative evaluation is defined as evaluation that focuses on the end of a learning cycle and measures mastery of material. Although students have access to summative evaluations (i.e., examinations), they are not returned to the student unless stated otherwise in the course outline or syllabus.

Formative evaluation focuses on continual assessment and the progressive development of skills or knowledge. Any student work involved in formative evaluation will be returned to the student, unless stated otherwise in the course outline or syllabus.

Instructors will make available to students either hard copy or electronic versions of course material (including an official course outline and syllabus) during the first four hours of scheduled sessions. This material will clearly state the course learning outcomes, methods of evaluation and evaluation criteria. Evaluation criteria will include the weighting of assignments, tests, presentations and other evaluation tools, calculating the final mark, and the approximate timing of all work.

Instructors will keep any assignments, exams, tests, project work, etc., that students do not pick up for one year from the date the course ends, as required by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Program co-ordinators are available to assist students in their progress through the program and courses and in their program and course choices. Co-ordinators will also monitor fairness of evaluation across multiple sections, instructors, courses and student experiences.

  • 4.1 Grading System

    In most cases, students will receive a numerical grade. However, other grading symbols may be used in certain instances to describe course status. Numerical grades are submitted by instructors and are used in the calculation of the program and semester Grade Point Average (GPA). When failed courses appear on a transcript, the numerical grade achieved for these symbols is calculated in the program and semester GPA. Other grading symbols are not calculated in Grade Point Averages. See the Course Grading Symbols Chart.

    To obtain credit for co-op work experience, students must officially register online via the student information system for each co-op work term within the registration period; submit a completed Co-op Learning Agreement to their co-op consultant prior to starting the work experience; receive a satisfactory employer evaluation; and submit a satisfactory work term report to their co-op consultant by the deadline date. Failure to fulfil any of the above will result in the student receiving a failing grade and will require the completion of an additional co-op work term. Students may refer to the Student Services department for additional requirements. Fees may apply for late registration and late submission of work term reports.

  • 4.1.1 Grade Reports/Transcripts

    At the end of each academic semester, students may view their grade reports online. Students may receive official copies of transcripts from the Office of the Registrar. Official transcripts are subject to a fee. Written requests for transcripts are required (telephone requests are not accepted). For more information about requesting a transcript, call the Office of the Registrar at (705) 722-1511.

  • 4.1.2 Calculation of Weighted Averages

    Semester and Program Weighted Averages are used to determine GPA. GPA is used to determine promotional status and eligibility to graduate at Georgian College.

    GPA includes all credit courses taken in the semester. Grades receive Quality Points (QP) ranging from 0 to 100 (grade earned = QP). Courses are assigned “credits” based on the number of total hours (42 hour course = 3 credits).

    The total course QP is calculated by multiplying the QP (based on the grade) by the course credits. For example, a student completes four courses as follows:

    MATH1001, 3 credits, 70 per cent : 70 QP x 3 credits = 210 total QP

    ACCT1006, 3 credits, 65 per cent : 65 QP x 3 credits = 195 total QP

    PSYC2001, 3 credits, 80 per cent : 80 QP x 3 credits = 240 total QP

    GNED2001, 3 credits, 50 per cent : 50 QP x 3 credits = 150 total QP

    12 Total Credits = 795 Total Semester QP

    To calculate the semester GPA, divide the total QP by the total
    course credits as follows: 795 total semester QP divided by 12 total credits = 66.2 per cent. Program GPA is computed similarly and includes all course grades for all semesters in the student’s program.

    Prior to fall 2003, Semester Weighted Average (SWA) and Program Weighted Average (PWA) were used at Georgian College to determine promotional status and eligibility to graduate.

    The SWA includes all credit courses taken in the semester (excluding Fundamentals courses as of fall 1998). The SWA is calculated by multiplying the final course grade by the course hours to give the weighted grade.

    Grade x Total Course Hours = Weighted Grade

    The weighted grades from each course are then totalled and divided by the total hours for all courses taken in that semester (excluding Fundamentals courses as of fall 1998) to calculate the Semester Weighted Average. Sum of All Weighted Grades divided by the Sum of Total Hours = SWA.

  • 4.1.3 Promotional Status

    The passing grade for all courses is 50 per cent. The semester GPA for promotion through each semester of a program is 60 per cent. Courses at the graduate certificate level require a minimum grade of 60 per cent to fulfil prerequisite requirements; and courses in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program with a Nursing subject code require a minimum grade of 60 per cent to fulfil prerequisite requirements. For promotion, a minimum of 65 per cent or C+ is required. Courses in the Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training program with a FIRE subject code require a minimum grade of 70 per cent to fulfill prequisite and graduation requirements.

    A student’s promotional status, which is based on his or her academic performance, is determined at the end of each semester. A student studying on a part-time basis will be assessed for promotion once he or she has registered for six credit courses. Certain programs may have additional promotional status requirements in addition to those stated in this calendar. Students are advised to consult official program outlines for more information.

    A student who fails the same course twice is not permitted to register for it again without prior approval of the academic area and the Office of the Registrar. Students who are permitted to register for a course for the third time and who are again not successful must consult with their dean to discuss program progression or transfer options. For further details, please see the Promotional Status Chart. Promotional status is not appealable. Students are encouraged to speak with their academic area to discuss progression through their program.

    Students are permitted to take clinical, practicum or field placement courses only once, unless they are granted special permission by their dean. Students who fail a clinical, practicum or field placement course must consult with their dean to discuss program progression or transfer options.

  • 4.1.4 Definitions

    In Good Standing – May proceed to next semester.

    On Probation – May proceed to next semester on probation. Student should seek academic advice on how to improve chances for academic success.

    Under Academic Warning – May proceed to next semester under academic warning. If the semester GPA is less than 50 per cent, he or she may not engage in workplace experiences, including co-op, unless approval is granted by the co-op consultant. Students must seek academic advice on how to improve their chances for academic success.

    Must Repeat Courses/Semester – Must repeat failed courses/semester before proceeding.

    Suspended (for two semesters) – May not proceed. Students who are suspended:

    May not engage in any form of workplace experience (for example, co-op, field placement, internship, clinical placement, etc.) that is part of their program;

    May not enroll in any part-time post-secondary credit courses, nor are they admissible to any other Georgian College full-time or part-time certificate or diploma programs (except academic upgrading);

    Will have any future offers of admission revoked;

    May apply for re-admission after two semesters using the standard application process;

    If accepted for re-admission, may return after two semesters. If the student does not achieve a semester GPA of at least 60 per cent in that semester, he or she will be academically dismissed.

    Academic Dismissal (Required to withdraw for one calendar year)

    Students are required to withdraw for one calendar year, whether full-time or part-time. After 12 months, the student may register for part-time general interest non-credit courses or apply for admission to another Georgian College program provided it does not have any vocational courses in common with the program from which he or she was required to withdraw. The conditions and progression are shown on the Promotional Status Chart

  • 4.1.5 Promotional Status and Eligibility for Co-op

    A student may proceed to a co-op work term if any of the following reflect his or her current academic standing:

    • In Good Standing
    • On Probation
    • Under Academic Warning with a semester GPA of greater than 50 per cent

    Students who are “under academic warning” with a semester GPA of less than 50 per cent may not proceed to a workplace experience, including co-op, unless approval is granted by their co-op consultant. Students with any other academic standing may not proceed. See Promotional Status Chart