Academic Calendar 2004
(New Academic Choices)

At the beginning of each course, Departments must inform students of the following information to allow students to make informed decisions on their course selection and the scheduling of their studies.

1. A written outline of each course offered by the department (or faculty), containing a general description of course content. If the course is taught by more than one instructor, the name of the person responsible for the course (course coordinator) shall be included in the outline.
2. A statement of what is expected of the student by way of preparation, tests, exercises, essays, laboratory reports, etc. (hereafter called "assignments").
3. An indication that plagarism is a serious Scholastic Offence.
4. If written work will be assigned in the course, a reference to the possible use of plagarism checking software.
5. If computer-marked multiple-choice tests and/or exams will be given, a reference to the possible use of software to check for unusual coincidences in answer patterns that may indicate cheating.
6. A statement of the methods by which student performance will be evaluated and of the relative weight of assignments.
7. An exact timetable of assignments. When exact dates cannot be supplied, a tentative or rough schedule should be issued, with an exact schedule to follow as soon as possible. This regulation does not preclude the administration of surprise assignments and quizzes, as long as the total number, approximate frequency, and the value of such assignments is specified in the course outline.
8. If applicable, a list of the prerequisites for the course and a notation regarding Senate regulation with respect to the student's responsibility for ensuring that course prerequisites have been successfully completed or special permission from the Dean obtained.

Note: The policy of the University is that, when a course instructor wishes to change the evaluation procedure, as outlined in his or her course outline at the beginning of the year, prior approval must be obtained from the Dean of the Faculty concerned.

At the beginning of each course, the Department will provide a statement of the methods of evaluation that will be used in assessing performance.

Wherever possible, departments (or faculties) will ensure that final grades in their courses are derived largely from documented evidence demonstrating academic achievement, i.e., written or practical examinations, essays, reports, problem assignments. This does not preclude the use of oral examinations as part of the evaluation process.

Each student granted admission to Western must be proficient in spoken and written English. Students must demonstrate the ability to write clearly and correctly. Work presented in English in any subject, at any level, which shows a lack of proficiency in English and is therefore unacceptable for academic credit, will either be failed or, at the discretion of the instructor, be returned to the student for revision to a literate level.

To foster competence in the use of the English language within their own discipline, all instructors will take proficiency in English into account in the assignment of grades.

Any student who, in the opinion of the instructor, is absent too frequently from class or laboratory periods in any course, will be reported to the Dean (after due warning has been given). On the recommendation of the Department concerned, and with the permission of the Dean, the student will be debarred from taking the regular examination in the course.