Academic Calendar - 2024
Western University Academic Calendar. - 2024
return to: Degree Requirements and Graduation
SCHOLAR'S ELECTIVES PROGRAM AND WESTERN SCHOLARS
Scholar's Electives
The Scholar's Electives program allows students who have demonstrated outstanding academic potential to apply to Western for admission to both a primary, discipline-based program/module of study and the Scholar's Electives program. The Scholar's Elective program is designed to provide an intellectually stimulating learning environment for students who truly wish to undertake an interdisciplinary and/or laboratory research experience. Its goal is 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 Honours degree before moving on to their chosen careers.
Those selected will comprise a small group (no larger than 50-75 students per year at the constituent university) who will, in addition to their Honours degree courses, enrol in a Scholar's Electives program comprised of 3.0 courses. The interdisciplinary courses in the Scholar's Electives program will be taught by faculty members from more than one Faculty and expose students to significant ideas from different disciplines.
The small enrolment in the program will enable the students to connect with one another and ensure greater individual contact with faculty members. Development and staffing of the Scholar's Electives courses will be the responsibility of the participating faculties.
Huron University College also offers a Scholar's Electives program leading to a BA degree under the same conditions. King's University College offers its own King's Scholar program. Admission to the program shall be granted by the Academic Dean (King's University College) or Dean of Arts and Social Science (Huron University College) and, where appropriate, in consultation with the Dean(s) of the constituent university faculties involved in the proposed course of study.
Students who complete the first two years of the Scholar's Electives Program successfully before registering in one of the HBA combined programs in the Richard Ivey School of Business may continue in the Scholar's Electives Program and receive this designation at graduation.
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 mentor in Years 2 and 3. The mentor will hold regular meetings with the student to monitor the student's progress and provide advice if necessary. Students will also have the opportunity to network and build a community with other high-achieving students through planned activities and events facilitated by both the Faculties and The Student Success Centre. The current listing of minimum admission requirements to undergraduate programs from foreign countries is maintained by the Office of the Registrar. For admission requirements of international applicants, please refer to the International Students admission policy in the Admission section in the Academic Calendar.
Admission Requirements
Students apply for admission to the Scholar's Electives program prior to registration in first year of a BA, BHSc, BMSc or BSc degree program. Scholar's Electives is a limited enrolment program, open to full-time students who qualify for membership as Western Scholars by having at least a 90% admission average. Selection will be determined by a Selection Committee on the basis of grades and personal accomplishments, such as demonstrated achievement beyond the classroom and community contributions, as detailed on a supplementary admissions form.
Program Requirements
The Scholar's Electives program is a 21.0-course program that includes an honours degree, with either an Honours Specialization or Honours double Major modules, as well as the Scholar's Electives courses. The Honours 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 Dean's Office. The lecture/seminar courses in the Scholar's Electives program are interdisciplinary courses developed and taught by a team of experienced faculty members. Mentoring for the Supervised Individual Research courses in Years 2 and 3 of the Scholar's Electives program will be by individual faculty members who are experienced researchers.
Scholar's Electives Program
3.0 courses:
0.5 course: Scholars Electives 1100F/G (normally taken in Year 1), or the former Scholars Electives 1020Y.
2.0 courses from: Scholars Electives 2200E, Scholars Electives 3302E, Scholars Electives 3305E.
0.5 course: Scholars Electives 4400Y.
Students must be registered in a minimum of 5.0 courses during each Fall/Winter session. Scholars Electives 1100F/G or the former Scholars Electives 1020Y will be taken in addition to the minimum course load of 5.0 courses in Year 1. With permission of the Department and Dean's Office, students with an appropriate background may be permitted to include senior courses in Year 1. In second and third year, the Scholar's Elective courses will be taken within the minimum course load of 5.0 courses. Scholars Electives 4400Y will be taken in addition to the minimum course load of 5.0 courses in Year 4. After first year, students are required to take all of their courses at the 2000-level and above. (One exception may be permitted with Dean's approval.). Graduation regulations such as breadth and essay requirements, apply to Scholar's Electives students.
Themed Modules
These modules allow study in areas that are not covered within the existing Honours Specialization or Major modules. Each themed module will be overseen by an appropriate mentor or Associate Dean. Examples of these themes include:
- peace studies (economics, politics, philosophy, anthropology, history, women's studies, etc.)
- multiculturalism (politics, geography, comparative literature, history, languages, etc.)
- scientific methodology (biology, chemistry, physics, history, philosophy, etc.)
Progression and Graduation Requirements
To maintain their registration in the Scholar's Electives program, students enrol in a full course load (minimum of 5.0 courses) during the Fall/Winter session and must achieve a sessional average of at least 80% in all courses taken during the Fall/Winter session with no mark less than 65%. Students must achieve a mark of at least 80% in their two Scholar's Electives research courses. If additional courses are taken during the summer session, students must achieve an average of at least 70% during the summer session with no mark less than 65%.
Graduation requirements: Completion of an Honours Bachelor degree, including the Scholar's Electives program, with a minimum cumulative average of 80% with no grade less than 65%.
The diploma awarded to students will record both the status of Scholar's Electives and the module(s) studied, as recommended by the Dean.
Western Scholars
Nature and Purpose
The purpose of the Western Scholars designation is to recognize students’ outstanding academic achievement and to provide opportunities for program enrichment.
High-achieving students entering first year are eligible to become members of the honour society referred to as Western Scholars. Western Scholars are invited to participate in extracurricular activities through which they are exposed to a variety of cultural, social and academic events, and are offered opportunities to participate in volunteer activities in the community.
Western Scholars are encouraged to pursue Honours Bachelor degrees. Although there is no requirement that Western Scholars take honours-level options, they are encouraged to select challenging courses that meet their academic needs.
The Western Scholars designation is noted on the student’s internal academic record, official transcript and degree diploma.
Eligibility Requirements
Students entering full-time study with averages of at least 90% or equivalent are invited to be recognized as Western Scholars prior to the beginning of their first year as part of the registration process. Students with equivalent levels of achievement who are entering with an International Baccalaureate or who have been admitted as international students or transfer students are also eligible.
Students who were not eligible at the time of admission to first year or eligible students who did not accept membership in their first year may apply for the Western Scholars designation at the end of first year if their sessional average in first year exceeds 80% on a full course load (i.e., at least 5.0 courses in the Fall/Winter session), with no mark below 65%. In subsequent years, students may apply for Western Scholars designation if they have met all of the progression requirements each session from their first year onward.
To retain the Western Scholars designation, students must achieve a sessional average of at least 80%, with no mark less than 65%, on a full course load (i.e., at least 5.0 courses) during each Fall/Winter session and a sessional average of at least 70%, with no mark less than 65%, on any additional courses taken during the summer session.
Senate Academic Policies:
Admission, Scholar's Electives Program and Western Scholars
RELATED:
The Student Success Centre, Scholar's Electives Program
The Student Success Centre, Western Scholars
return to: Degree Requirements and Graduation
SCHOLAR'S ELECTIVES PROGRAM AND WESTERN SCHOLARS
Scholar's Electives
The Scholar's Electives program allows students who have demonstrated outstanding academic potential to apply to Western for admission to both a primary, discipline-based program/module of study and the Scholar's Electives program. The Scholar's Elective program is designed to provide an intellectually stimulating learning environment for students who truly wish to undertake an interdisciplinary and/or laboratory research experience. Its goal is 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 Honours degree before moving on to their chosen careers.
Those selected will comprise a small group (no larger than 50-75 students per year at the constituent university) who will, in addition to their Honours degree courses, enrol in a Scholar's Electives program comprised of 3.0 courses. The interdisciplinary courses in the Scholar's Electives program will be taught by faculty members from more than one Faculty and expose students to significant ideas from different disciplines.
The small enrolment in the program will enable the students to connect with one another and ensure greater individual contact with faculty members. Development and staffing of the Scholar's Electives courses will be the responsibility of the participating faculties.
Huron University College also offers a Scholar's Electives program leading to a BA degree under the same conditions. King's University College offers its own King's Scholar program. Admission to the program shall be granted by the Academic Dean (King's University College) or Dean of Arts and Social Science (Huron University College) and, where appropriate, in consultation with the Dean(s) of the constituent university faculties involved in the proposed course of study.
Students who complete the first two years of the Scholar's Electives Program successfully before registering in one of the HBA combined programs in the Richard Ivey School of Business may continue in the Scholar's Electives Program and receive this designation at graduation.
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 mentor in Years 2 and 3. The mentor will hold regular meetings with the student to monitor the student's progress and provide advice if necessary. Students will also have the opportunity to network and build a community with other high-achieving students through planned activities and events facilitated by both the Faculties and The Student Success Centre. The current listing of minimum admission requirements to undergraduate programs from foreign countries is maintained by the Office of the Registrar. For admission requirements of international applicants, please refer to the International Students admission policy in the Admission section in the Academic Calendar.
Admission Requirements
Students apply for admission to the Scholar's Electives program prior to registration in first year of a BA, BHSc, BMSc or BSc degree program. Scholar's Electives is a limited enrolment program, open to full-time students who qualify for membership as Western Scholars by having at least a 90% admission average. Selection will be determined by a Selection Committee on the basis of grades and personal accomplishments, such as demonstrated achievement beyond the classroom and community contributions, as detailed on a supplementary admissions form.
Program Requirements
The Scholar's Electives program is a 21.0-course program that includes an honours degree, with either an Honours Specialization or Honours double Major modules, as well as the Scholar's Electives courses. The Honours 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 Dean's Office. The lecture/seminar courses in the Scholar's Electives program are interdisciplinary courses developed and taught by a team of experienced faculty members. Mentoring for the Supervised Individual Research courses in Years 2 and 3 of the Scholar's Electives program will be by individual faculty members who are experienced researchers.
Scholar's Electives Program
3.0 courses:
0.5 course: Scholars Electives 1100F/G (normally taken in Year 1), or the former Scholars Electives 1020Y.
2.0 courses from: Scholars Electives 2200E, Scholars Electives 3302E, Scholars Electives 3305E.
0.5 course: Scholars Electives 4400Y.
Students must be registered in a minimum of 5.0 courses during each Fall/Winter session. Scholars Electives 1100F/G or the former Scholars Electives 1020Y will be taken in addition to the minimum course load of 5.0 courses in Year 1. With permission of the Department and Dean's Office, students with an appropriate background may be permitted to include senior courses in Year 1. In second and third year, the Scholar's Elective courses will be taken within the minimum course load of 5.0 courses. Scholars Electives 4400Y will be taken in addition to the minimum course load of 5.0 courses in Year 4. After first year, students are required to take all of their courses at the 2000-level and above. (One exception may be permitted with Dean's approval.). Graduation regulations such as breadth and essay requirements, apply to Scholar's Electives students.
Themed Modules
These modules allow study in areas that are not covered within the existing Honours Specialization or Major modules. Each themed module will be overseen by an appropriate mentor or Associate Dean. Examples of these themes include:
- peace studies (economics, politics, philosophy, anthropology, history, women's studies, etc.)
- multiculturalism (politics, geography, comparative literature, history, languages, etc.)
- scientific methodology (biology, chemistry, physics, history, philosophy, etc.)
Progression and Graduation Requirements
To maintain their registration in the Scholar's Electives program, students enrol in a full course load (minimum of 5.0 courses) during the Fall/Winter session and must achieve a sessional average of at least 80% in all courses taken during the Fall/Winter session with no mark less than 65%. Students must achieve a mark of at least 80% in their two Scholar's Electives research courses. If additional courses are taken during the summer session, students must achieve an average of at least 70% during the summer session with no mark less than 65%.
Graduation requirements: Completion of an Honours Bachelor degree, including the Scholar's Electives program, with a minimum cumulative average of 80% with no grade less than 65%.
The diploma awarded to students will record both the status of Scholar's Electives and the module(s) studied, as recommended by the Dean.
Western Scholars
Nature and Purpose
The purpose of the Western Scholars designation is to recognize students’ outstanding academic achievement and to provide opportunities for program enrichment.
High-achieving students entering first year are eligible to become members of the honour society referred to as Western Scholars. Western Scholars are invited to participate in extracurricular activities through which they are exposed to a variety of cultural, social and academic events, and are offered opportunities to participate in volunteer activities in the community.
Western Scholars are encouraged to pursue Honours Bachelor degrees. Although there is no requirement that Western Scholars take honours-level options, they are encouraged to select challenging courses that meet their academic needs.
The Western Scholars designation is noted on the student’s internal academic record, official transcript and degree diploma.
Eligibility Requirements
Students entering full-time study with averages of at least 90% or equivalent are invited to be recognized as Western Scholars prior to the beginning of their first year as part of the registration process. Students with equivalent levels of achievement who are entering with an International Baccalaureate or who have been admitted as international students or transfer students are also eligible.
Students who were not eligible at the time of admission to first year or eligible students who did not accept membership in their first year may apply for the Western Scholars designation at the end of first year if their sessional average in first year exceeds 80% on a full course load (i.e., at least 5.0 courses in the Fall/Winter session), with no mark below 65%. In subsequent years, students may apply for Western Scholars designation if they have met all of the progression requirements each session from their first year onward.
To retain the Western Scholars designation, students must achieve a sessional average of at least 80%, with no mark less than 65%, on a full course load (i.e., at least 5.0 courses) during each Fall/Winter session and a sessional average of at least 70%, with no mark less than 65%, on any additional courses taken during the summer session.
Senate Academic Policies:
Admission, Scholar's Electives Program and Western Scholars
RELATED:
The Student Success Centre, Scholar's Electives Program
The Student Success Centre, Western Scholars