The Scholar's Electives Program allows students who have demonstrated outstanding academic potential to apply to Brescia University College for admission to both a primary, discipline-based program of study and the Scholar's Electives module. The program is designed to provide an intellectually-stimulating learning environment for students who truly wish to undertake an interdisciplinary and/or research experience. Its goals are to foster a community of scholars who have diverse disciplinary and research interests, but a general intellectual curiosity about most disciplines. The program is intended primarily for students who are interested in completing a four-year honors degree before moving on to their chosen careers.

Scholar's Electives students will enroll in a Scholar's Electives module in addition to their Honors degree courses/modules. The Scholar's Electives courses will bring students into contact with faculty members from different disciplines and will expose students to significant ideas from those different disciplines. Students will be admitted to the Scholar's Electives module by the Academic Dean and, where appropriate, in consultation with the Dean(s) of the constituent University faculties involved in the proposed course of study.

While the primary benefit of enrolling in Scholar's Electives is the flexibility to achieve personal and unique academic goals, there are a number of ancillary benefits associated with the program. Scholar's Electives students will have the benefit of being paired with a faculty member. The faculty member will serve as the student's primary academic advisor, working in collaboration with the Associate Academic Advisor at Brescia University College. The faculty advisor will hold regular meetings with the student to monitor the student's progress and provide advice if necessary. Students also have an opportunity to network and build a community with other high-achieving scholars through the Scholar's Association at Brescia University College, to develop community-based leadership skills through experiential learning, to participate in extra-curricular activities through planned activities and events by the Office of the Academic Dean and Student Services, and to explore volunteer opportunities through Brescia's volunteer centre, Beyond Brescia.

Normally, students apply for admission to the Scholar's Electives program prior to registration in the first year of a BA degree program. Full-time students who qualify for membership in Western Scholars by having at least a 90% admission average are invited to apply. Selection will be determined by the Academic Dean on the basis of grades, admission subjects and personal accomplishments, such as demonstrated achievements beyond the classroom and community contributions, detailed on a supplementary admissions form. After the first year, students whose achievements are comparable to the program's admission and progression requirements may apply to the Academic Dean for late admission.

The Scholar's Electives program includes an honors degree, with an Honors Specialization or Double Major, as well as the Scholar=s Electives module. The Honors Specialization or the Major modules may be standard modules offered by Departments, or theme areas designed by the student with the support of Faculty mentors and approved by the Academic Dean.

Brescia University College is a student-centered community that educates women to think critically and to participate actively in society. A Catholic college in the Ursuline tradition, we prepare our graduates to respond with wisdom, justice and compassion to a changing world.

3.0 courses:

1.0 course: Philosophy 1000E: Introduction to Philosophy & Critical Thinking.
0.5 course: Scholars Electives 2275F/G: Experiential Learning for Leadership.
0.5 course: Scholars Electives 3375Y: Sophia as Wisdom.
0.5 course: Scholars Electives 3300Y: Directed Readings.
0.5 course: Scholars Electives 4401Y: Fourth Year Senior Research Project.

Students must be registered in a minimum of 5.0 courses during each Fall/Winter session. Students may take additional courses in the summer. With permission of the Department and the Academic Dean, students with an appropriate background may be permitted to include senior courses in their first-year program. After first year, all courses taken by Scholar's Electives students must be numbered 2000 and above. (One exception may be permitted with the Academic Dean's approval.) Regulations governing the New Academic Choices, including the breadth and essay requirements, apply to Scholar's Electives students.

To maintain their registration in the Scholar's Electives program, students enroll in a minimum of 5.0 courses during the Fall/Winter session and must achieve a sessional average of at least 80%, with no mark less than 65%. On any additional courses taken during the summer session, students must maintain a sessional average of at least 70%, with no mark less than 65%.

Completion of an Honors Bachelor of Arts degree, including the Scholar's Electives module, with a minimum cumulative average of 80%, with no mark less than 65%. The diploma awarded to students will record both the status of Scholar's Electives and the Specialization and/or Majors studied, as recommended by the Academic Dean.