Mount Allison University Campus

Academic Calendar 2023-2024

Table of Contents

3 Admission

3.1 Contact Information

All correspondence regarding admission should be submitted to the Registrar's Office, Mount Allison University, 62 York St., Sackville, NB, E4L 1E2; phone (506) 364-2269; e-mail <admissions@mta.ca> . Full information on admissions procedures are available from the Registrar's Office and on the web at <www.mta.ca/apply>

3.2 Admission to the University

3.2.1 Admission Criteria

Mount Allison University recognizes a strong academic performance at the high school level as the primary indicator of university-level success. It also recognizes the added potential of those students with a well-balanced record of academic and extra-curricular activities. In making admissions decisions, both high school marks and other activities are considered. The University is interested in applicants possessing a strong academic record, leadership skills, a high level of commitment, and the potential for personal growth. Among the additional information requested from applicants will be evidence of extra-curricular involvement, volunteer activities in school and in the community, work experiences, and letters of reference.

3.2.2 Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities receive assistance from the Meighen Centre after presenting appropriate documentation. They are encouraged to identify themselves on the Application for Admission and to contact the Meighen Centre as early as possible so that their needs can be addressed. Students applying to the University should meet all admission criteria. See Calendar section 3.3.2 Minimum Grade/Average. Visit the Meighen Centre site at <www.mta.ca/meighen> .

3.2.3 Early Admission

  1. Students who achieve an 80% final average on five academic courses in their grade 11 (or equivalent) year may be offered a conditional acceptance, provided they have successfully completed a grade 11 (or equivalent) academic English course.

  2. Students applying to the Bachelor of Commerce program or Bachelor of Science program must provide proof of enrollment in the required university preparatory grade 12 (or equivalent) courses to be offered a conditional acceptance to the program. If proof of enrollment in required courses for a the Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Science program are not provided but minimum early admission requirements are met, a conditional acceptance to the Bachelor of Arts program may be offered.

  3. Students applying for early admission to the Bachelor of Fine Arts program or Bachelor of Music program who satisfy the minimum early admission requirements may be offered a conditional acceptance to the Bachelor of Arts program with acceptance to the Bachelor of Fine Arts program pending portfolio review by the department and acceptance to the Bachelor of Music program pending audition/interview and theory test review by the department.

See Calendar section 3.4.2 Requirements for Specific Programs

3.2.4 Refusal of Admission

The University reserves the right to reject any application for admission on the basis of the overall record even if all entrance requirements are satisfied.

3.2.5 Special Circumstances

In special circumstances, a student who does not meet our entrance requirements but provides evidence of academic promise at the university level may be admitted.

3.3 Minimum General Admission Requirements

3.3.1 Provincial Requirements

Students registering at Mount Allison are expected to have graduated from high school at the university preparatory level. In New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories, the Yukon, and Nunavut, this is Grade 12. Students from Quebec will be expected to have completed either Grade 12 Senior Matriculation or Grade 11 and one year of a CEGEP academic program.

3.3.2 Minimum Grade/Average

For an application to be considered, during the final two years of preparatory work a minimum grade of 65% must have been achieved on each academic course considered for admission. Meeting the minimum requirements guarantees only that the application will be considered; normally, students who are admitted have averages that are above the minimum.

3.4 Additional Admission Requirements

3.4.1 University Preparatory Courses

All students must have successfully completed a university preparatory English course among their university preparatory courses. Whenever possible, students should anticipate their first year of university study and take the appropriate preparatory courses. (See Section 3.5). The University strongly recommends that students undertake a well- balanced preparatory year that includes courses in the Humanities, Mathematics, Sciences and the Social Sciences.

3.4.2 Requirements for Specific Programs

Students are advised to complete the following courses for specific programs:

Bachelor of Arts:  University preparatory English is required and it is strongly recommended that university preparatory courses in the Humanities, Mathematics, Sciences and the Social Sciences be completed.

Bachelor of Arts and Science:  University preparatory English and science preparatory Mathematics are required and it is strongly recommended that two university preparatory courses in the Sciences, and one in either Humanities or Social Sciences, be completed.

Bachelor of Music:  University preparatory English is required and it is strongly recommended that university preparatory courses in the Humanities, Mathematics, Sciences and the Social Sciences be completed. All Music applicants must complete a satisfactory audition and interview.

Bachelor of Fine Arts:  University preparatory English is required and it is strongly recommended that university preparatory courses in the Humanities, Mathematics, Sciences and the Social Sciences be completed. All Fine Arts applicants are required to present a portfolio of their previous artwork for assessment.

Bachelor of Science:  University preparatory English and science preparatory Mathematics are required and it is strongly recommended that two university preparatory courses in the Sciences, and one in either Humanities or Social Sciences, be completed.

Bachelor of Commerce:  University preparatory English is required and it is strongly recommended that university preparatory courses in the Humanities, Mathematics, Sciences and the Social Sciences be completed.

To view admission requirements, please see <www.mta.ca/requirements>

3.4.3 Provincial Guidelines

Students are advised of the following provincial guidelines for admission, including the above program-specific requirements:

British Columbia, Yukon:  Four provincially-examinable grade 12-level subjects

Alberta, Northwest Territories, Nunavut:  Four academic 30- or 31-level subjects of which at least four are departmentally examinable

Saskatchewan:  Five academic 30-level subjects

Manitoba:  Five academic 40- or 41-level or 45-level subjects

Ontario:  Five academic grade 12-level subjects, a combination of U and M courses

Quebec:  Five academic grade 12-level subjects, or Grade 11 and one year of an academic CEGEP program. Only CEGEP courses with a credit value of 2.00 or higher will be considered for admission

New Brunswick:  Five academic grade 12-level subjects

Prince Edward Island:  Five academic 600-level subjects

Nova Scotia:  Five academic grade 12-level subjects

Newfoundland:  Ten credits in academic 3000- or 4000-level subjects. English Language 3101 and one of Thematic Literature 3201 or Literary Heritage 3202 must be included

To view admission requirements, please see <www.mta.ca/requirements>

3.5 Notes on Entry to First-Year Courses

  1. Students enrolling in Chemistry 1001 should normally have completed a university preparatory-level* course in Chemistry.

  2. Students enrolling in Computer Science 1631 should normally have completed a university preparatory-level* course in Mathematics.

  3. Students enrolling in Economics 1001 and 1011 should normally have completed a university preparatory-level* course in Mathematics.

  4. Students enrolling in Mathematics 1111 should normally have completed a university preparatory-level* course in Mathematics designed to prepare them for university calculus.

  5. Students enrolling in Physics 1051 should normally have completed a university preparatory-level* course in Mathematics.

*See section 3.3

3.6 Requirements for Non-Canadian Education Systems

3.6.1 American School System

Students studying an American high school curriculum will be considered for admission provided they have successfully completed a selection of university/college preparatory courses and graduated from an accredited high school. The required academic standing is comparable to those outlined in sections 3.3 and 3.4. Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT) results are not required, but students are encouraged to submit their results.

3.6.2 General Certificate of Education (GCE)

For those studying towards the General Certificate of Education or the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), (e.g. in the United Kingdom, West Indies, Bermuda, East and West Africa, Hong Kong) the University requires a minimum of two subjects at the Advanced 'A' Level and three at the Ordinary 'O' Level, or three at the 'A' Level and one at the 'O' level, with an overall average of 'C' and no subject below a 'D' grade. Two Advanced Standard (AS) Level courses may be used in place of one Advanced Level course.

3.6.3 International Baccalaureate

Students pursuing an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program must include three courses in each of the higher and standard levels, with a minimum score of 4 in each subject and a minimum overall score of 26 points (excluding bonus points). Credit may be granted for specific higher level courses with minimum scores of 5 points (see section 3.9.1).

3.6.4 Baccalaureate

Students following France's system of education, must complete the requirements for the Baccalaureate with a minimum academic standing of 'Assez Bien'.

3.6.5 Other Educational Systems

Students studying in other educational systems are expected to satisfy the university admissions requirements of their own country, and must demonstrate a high level of accomplishment. To view the requirements for international applicants please see <www.mta.ca/requirements> .

3.7 English Requirements

As English is the primary language of instruction at Mount Allison University, students must possess a mastery of English sufficient to communicate effectively, follow lectures, and write assignments and examinations in English. All applicants will be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency. This evidence may take one of the following forms:

  1. Successful completion of at least three years of instruction in Canada at a secondary institution as recognized by Mount Allison University

  2. Successful completion of at least 30 credit hours (or equivalent) at a post-secondary institution as recognized by Mount Allison University where English is the primary language of instruction

  3. TOEFL score of 213 (computer test) 580 (paper test) or 90 (internet test) with no band score lower than 20

  4. Michigan English Language Assessment Battery MELAB score of 85%

  5. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 6

  6. Completion of the ELS USA Program with a score of 109

  7. Canadian Academic English Language Assessment CAEL (or CAEL CE) with an overall score of 70, and no sub-test result below 60

  8. Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) by Cambridge Assessment English with a minimum Cambridge English Score of 176.

  9. Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) by Cambridge Assessment English with a minimum Cambridge English Score of 176.

  10. Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) score of at least 60 with no individual score less than 51.

  11. Duolingo English Test (DET) with a minimum overall score of 110

3.7.1 English Language Training Partners

Applicants who require enhanced English language proficiency have the option of taking advantage of Mount Allison's partnership with one of partner language schools. An advantage to such students of these partnerships is that Mount Allison is able to grant conditional admission, which enables students to begin their visa application processes before completion of the language program.

ILI: International Language Institute (Halifax, NS):  Successful completion of ILI's University Preparatory (UP) program will allow students to meet Mount Allison's English language proficiency requirements.

KAPLAN: Kaplan International English (Vancouver, BC; Toronto, ON):  Successful completion of Kaplan International English's University Foundation Course will allow students to meet Mount Allison's English language proficiency requirements.

CLLC: Canadian Language Learning College (Toronto, ON; Ottawa, ON; Halifax, NS):  Successful completion of CLLC's University Pathway Program (UPP) will allow students to meet Mount Allison's English language proficiency requirements.

McKENZIE: McKenzie College (Moncton, New Brunswick):  Successful completion of McKenzie College's English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program will allow students to meet Mount Allison’s English language proficiency requirements.

SACLI: Study Abroad Canada Language Institute (Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island):  Successful completion of SACLI's University Preparation Program will allow students to meet Mount Allison's English language proficiency requirements.

ECLC: East Coast Language College (Halifax, Nova Scotia):  Successful completion of ECLC's University College Pathway program will allow students to meet Mount Allison’s English language proficiency requirements.

3.8 Mature Students

Mount Allison recognizes that students come to us through many different paths and, consequently, with many different experiences. Individuals who will be 22 years of age or older prior to the first day of classes of the term in which admission is sought may be considered for admission as a mature student. A mature student should apply as a full or part-time student and include with their application a letter of intent, an updated resumé, and a copy of their high school transcript. A letter of intent should state both personal and career goals which detail the reasons for applying to the university. The resumé should document recent work and volunteer experience.

Applicants who have attempted fewer than 18 credits or equivalent of transferable post-secondary level courses may also be eligible for admission as a mature student. If a student has undertaken study at any other university or recognized post-secondary institution please have the institution send an official transcript directly to the Admissions Office.

The Admissions Office reserves the right to refer any cases to the Admissions and Re-admissions Committee for special consideration.

3.9 Admission with Advanced Standing

Students applying for admission with advanced standing must provide official transcripts for the applicable program, within one year of admission to Mount Allison to be eligible for transfer credits to be recognized and count toward a degree from Mount Allison.

Students who have received credit in a subject and who propose to register for a further course in that subject must at registration determine placement in consultation with the department concerned. Placement may be granted without credit. In cases of doubt applicants may be required to write one or more examinations upon entering the University.

Students may not earn more than a total of 30 credits towards their degree program from any combination of types of Advanced Standing listed in Section 3.9.

3.9.1 International Baccalaureate

For students who have completed the IB Diploma with an overall score of at least 26 as per 3.6.3, a maximum of 30 credits on a 120-credit degree program may be awarded for both HL and SL courses with scores of at least 5 and for Theory of Knowledge (TOK) with a score of at least 'C'. Otherwise, up to 18 credits on a 120-credit degree program may be awarded for individual HL IB subjects completed with scores of at least 5.

3.9.2 Collège d'Enseignement Général et Professionnel (CEGEP)

Students accepted to Mount Allison from the CEGEP system may receive up to 30 credits according to the criteria listed below:

CEGEPMt. Allison Credits Granted
16 courses6
18 courses12
20 courses18
22 courses24
24 courses30

3.9.3 General Certificate of Education (GCE)

Students who have successfully completed Advanced 'A' Level papers with grades of at least 'D' may receive up to 30 credits.

3.9.4 Advanced Placement 'AP' Program

The University grants a maximum of 30 credits on a 120-credit degree program for subjects completed in the Advanced Placement program at a level of 4 or 5. Evidence of completion of appropriate laboratory or studio work would be required.

3.10 Transfer Students

Students pursuing post-secondary studies at a recognized university or college should present a minimum overall grade point average of 2.0 (or equivalent) on their post-secondary studies to be considered for admission. Please be aware that possession of the minimum requirement does not guarantee admission; students may be expected to present higher grades for admission to any given year. If course work has been completed at multiple institutions, the academic performance at all institutions will be taken into consideration. Students who are not eligible to return to their home institution will normally be required to wait at least one academic year before applying for admission. Please note that failure to provide a full and complete academic record as relating to post secondary institutions attended may result in the cancellation of your application and/or admission, and/or expulsion once admitted.

3.10.1 Transfer Credits

  1. Students transferring from recognized post-secondary institutions may receive credits for courses previously completed as determined by the Registrar in consultation with the appropriate Academic Department or Academic Dean.

  2. Transfer credit will normally be granted for courses with passing grades for which credit has been earned. However, students must obtain a grade of at least C- in all courses used to fulfill prerequisite requirements. Otherwise, written permission of the appropriate Department Head or Program Co-ordinator must be obtained.

  3. Transfer credits are recorded on the transcript with credit value and a notation of 'P' (equivalent to passing grade of C- or higher) or 'CP' (equivalent to passing grade below C-, not eligible to be used as a prerequisite) and they are excluded from the Grade Point Average.

  4. A maximum of 60 transfer credits may be credited toward a degree from Mount Allison. (See also Regulation 10.10.2 regarding transfer credit limitations).

  5. Students transferring credits from another institution must provide the following:

    1. an official transcript pertaining to the credits, submitted directly to the Registrar's Office by the institution concerned.

    2. detailed course descriptions from the transferring institution's Calendar. (Notarized English translations should be included if applicable)

Note:  Students transferring from another institution to Mount Allison must have provided official transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended within one year of admission to Mount Allison to be eligible for transfer credits from other institutions to be recognized and count toward a degree from Mount Allison.

3.11 Challenge for Credit

Mount Allison University may recognize prior learning through Challenge for Credit for certain courses when students have obtained a proficiency or intellectual skills in the subject matter through training or experience rather than through high school, college, or previous university instruction.

3.11.1 Eligibility for Challenge for Credit

  1. Challenge for Credit is available only in courses which have been recommended by academic Departments or Programs and approved by Senate for this purpose. These courses will be identified in the Calendar. Courses that are not identified in the Calendar as available for Challenge for Credit may be approved on a case-by-case basis upon recommendation by the department or program concerned and with approval of the Academic Dean in consultation with the Registrar. In such cases, the department or faculty concerned should be satisfied that there is a reasonable basis for requesting a challenge and the department or faculty will determine the content and form of the Challenge for Credit examination.

  2. Only students who have been admitted to or are currently registered in a degree program at Mount Allison University may Challenge for Credit.

  3. Students may not Challenge for Credit courses:

    1. that serve as prerequisites to courses in which students are currently registered, have previously been registered, or have been placed as a result of a placement test; or

    2. in which students have previously been registered (including registration for audit) at any postsecondary institution.

  4. Students may not Challenge for Credit more than once in any course.

  5. Students may not earn more than a total of 30 credits towards their degree program through Challenge for Credit and any form of Advanced Standing (Calendar section 3.9). Such credits do not count towards Academic Residency Requirements (Calendar regulation 10.10.2).

3.11.2 Regulations and Procedures for Challenge for Credit

  1. A student who wishes to Challenge a course which has been identified as being available for Challenge for Credit as per 3.11.1 a) must complete the application available on the Mount Allison University website and submit it at least one month before the beginning of the Fall or Winter Term.

  2. The student must pay the required fee, which payment must accompany the application. If the student is judged ineligible to pursue the Challenge for Credit option, this fee will be returned to the student.

  3. Challenge for Credit is normally evaluated through a comprehensive examination which covers the entire content of a course. The Challenge examination may or may not be the same as the final examination for the course. In some cases there may be alternative or additional evaluative components such as submission of portfolios or of sample work, laboratory tests, or performance of essential course-related skills.

  4. Challenge examinations will be held before or during the first week of the Fall and Winter Terms, normally in conjunction with self-directed distance learning and deferred examinations.

  5. All challenge examinations will be held on the campus of Mount Allison University.

  6. A student must achieve a grade of C- or higher to succeed in the challenge. Any attempted Challenge for Credit will be recorded on a student's transcript. A successful challenge will be recorded as Cr (Credit); an unsuccessful challenge will be recorded as NC (No Credit). Challenge grades are excluded from the calculation of a student's GPA.

3.12 Visiting Students

Students pursuing post-secondary studies at another recognized university or college and who want to complete coursework at Mount Allison are considered visiting students. In order to be considered for admission, applicants must obtain a Letter of Permission from their home institution and submit a complete Visiting Student Application. The visiting student application is available online at <www.mta.ca/apply>

3.13 Exchange Students

Students applying to Mount Allison as an exchange student are normally required to meet the University's minimum admissions requirements and may be required to provide proof of English language proficiency. Students should be in good academic standing at their home institution and will need to present a transcript of all courses previously taken at the university level in order to be considered for admission to Mount Allison as an exchange student. The application for admission as an exchange student is available online at <www.mta.ca/apply/>

3.14 Special Circumstances

Students who do not intend to earn a degree from Mount Allison may be admitted under special circumstances to register for individual courses which they are qualified to take.

3.15 Graduate Studies

For Admission requirements to the Master of Science program please see the Master of Science program outline in the Academic Programs section 11.4.