Progression Requirements

For full details in the Academic Calendar regarding progression, click here.

Progression requirements establish the minimum level of achievement for students to continue at the university, and eventually, to graduate. There are two levels of progression : Level 1 applies to students who have completed a minimum of 3.0 courses at the first adjudication period and Level 2 applies to students who have completed a minimum of 8.0 courses at the first adjudication period.

In addition to these basic progression requirements, there are specific marks and averages necessary for entrance to modules and specific degree types. Honors degrees have higher entrance and progression requirements than 4 year or 3 year BA degrees.

Progression decisions will result in an Academic Standing Status of:

In Good Standing - a student who satisfies the minimum progression requirements for continuation of study will be eligible to continue at UWO.

On Probation - a student who does not satisfy the minimum progression requirements for continuation of study at Western but who will be allowed to continue at the University under Conditions of Probation:

  • A student must seek the advice of the Academic Counsellor(s) in his/her faculty.
  • A student will be permitted to take a maximum number of 2.0 courses during the Summer sessions and a maximum of 4.0 during the Fall/Winter sessions, and may be advised to take fewer courses.
  • Academic probation will begin immediately upon official notification from the Office of the Registrar, and will last until the first adjudication period at which a minimum of 3.0 courses have been attempted.
  • A student on academic probation must achieve an average of at least 60% with no failures, on all courses taken during the probation period.
  • If the conditions of probation have been met and the cumulative average remains below 60%, the probation period will be extended automatically until the first adjudication period at which a minimum of 3.0 courses have been attempted. Failures during the summer portion of an extension of the probationary period will require the student to withdraw for the fall term.
  • A student will be allowed only one period of probation in the time taken to complete a degree; and only one probation extension. A student will be required to withdraw if either the cumulative average or probation conditions are not met during this extended probation period.
  • A student who fails to meet the Conditions of Probation will be required to withdraw from the University for a minimum of twelve months.

Required to Withdraw - a student who does not satisfy the minimum Progression Requirements for continuation of study at UWO and is not eligible for probation or who has exceeded the maximum number of failed courses allowed, 6.0 courses, will be Required to Withdraw from the University for a minimum of twelve months.

A student who has been Required to Withdraw from the University and whose academic standing has been jeopardized by serious medical or personal difficulties may, if they have sought academic accomodation in a timely manner, apply for a Dean's Waiver of Progression Requirements (see Appeals). A student granted a Dean's Waiver of Progression Requirements must meet the specific conditions imposed in the Dean's Waiver.

Should an appeal be made to Senate on the ruling of a Dean, such an appeal shall be considered on behalf of Senate by the Senate Review Board Academic (SRBA).

Levels of Progression: 

There are two levels of progression:

  • Level 1: Students who have completed a minimum of 3.0 courses at the first adjudication period.
  • Level 2: Students who have completed a minimum of 8.0 courses at the first adjudication period.
Academic Standing Status

Progression Requirement

Required Cumulitive Averages

In Good Standing

Level 1

>or=55%

On Probation

Level 1

50-54%

Required to Withdraw

Level 1

<50%

In Good Standing

Level 2

>or=60%

On Probation

Level 2

55-59%

Required to Withdraw

Level 2

<55%

*Note: Averages required for graduation may differ. Averages required on an overall program or module will not be less than 60%, and will be higher for some three year and four year programs and all honors programs.

What year am I in?

Year 1: 2.5 or less successfully completed courses.
Year 2: 3.0 – 7.5 successfully completed courses.
Year 3: 8.0 – 12.5 successfully completed courses.
Year 4: 13.0 or more successfully completed courses.

The year you are enrolled in is based on the number of successfully completed (not attempted) courses you have, and is what your course enrollment appointment will be based on. For example, if you are heading into your fourth year at Western, but have completed only 12.5 credits, you will receive a third-year enrollment appointment.

Important Information

  • Your credit count includes transfer, AP and IB credits.
  • When repeating a credit, you will only retain credit for the most recent attempt, so this will affect your total credit count. Please see more information on repeat courses (Western Calendar).
  • Progression requirements for good standing, On Probation and RTW vary between levels and are available online through the Western Calendar.
  • Please be aware that progression requirements are also different for special students, and requirements can be found online through the Western Calendar.