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PRELIMINARY YEAR AND PRELIMINARY YEAR PLUS AT WESTERN UNIVERSITY

Preliminary Year and Preliminary Year Plus at Western University

Western University offers a co-educational Preliminary Year program for students who do not have a basis of admission from their secondary school qualifications, and who have not completed studies at the post-secondary level.

Students enrolled in the Preliminary Year program must have a minimum of 24 credits toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and have completed the Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC), or equivalent from an educational system outside Ontario. This would be equivalent to Grade 11 completion within the Ontario system. The majority of courses taken at the secondary school level should be at the academic, advanced, university (‘U’ level) or university/college level (‘M’ level). A minimum average of 70% in an academic program orientated toward university studies is required for admission consideration. Prerequisites for Preliminary Year courses are normally the same as for Grade 12 U or M courses. Students outside Ontario are eligible depending on evaluation of their academic records.  Students enroll in 5.0 credit courses in addition to a 1.0 non-credit course.

Students who have partial admission credentials required for admission by Western and/or an Affiliate or who have completed previous post-secondary work that does not constitute a basis of admission to first year university may be considered for Western University’s Preliminary Year Plus program.  Preliminary Year Plus consists of a minimum of 2.0 credit courses numbered 0001-0099 depending on the assessment of prior studies and the first year faculty/program in which the student expresses an interest. Successful completion of Preliminary Year or Preliminary Year Plus programs requires a pass standing in all credit and non-credit courses required as specified at time of admission.  Applicants who successfully complete the Preliminary Year or Preliminary Year Plus program may be considered for admission to a variety of general first year university programs.  Admission to first year programs is competitive and is based on academic performance, and the completion of and performance in required prerequisites.  Admissions decisions are determined by the Admissions or Registrar’s Office at the institutions to which students apply.  Students intending on continuing their studies at Western Main Campus must formally apply for admission through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) for consideration. Students wishing to enroll in undergraduate programs at Western’s Affiliated University Colleges (King’s or Huron) may submit an Intent to Register (ITR) during the ITR period in the winter session or directly to the Registrar’s Office on each of these campuses.

All students enrolled in either the Preliminary Year or Preliminary Year Plus program are required to complete a non-credit course focused on academic and personal preparation for enrollment in university level studies.  Courses taken in the Preliminary Year programs will be part of the student's overall academic record.  Courses numbered 0001-0099 constitute part of the basis of admission to university study and do not carry university credit.  Students are governed by the academic policies related to undergraduate course delivery and may appeal course marks following the usual procedures (see relevant Academic Rights and Responsibilities Section of the Academic Calendar).

Senate Academic Policies:
Admissions, Preliminary Year and Preliminary Year Plus at Western University