School Admission Requirements

BA in Health and Community Services

Students entering the Program will usually have completed 27 units of 1st and 2nd year coursework, the equivalent of just under two years full-time study at UVic. Students enter through a competitive application process. An overall GPA of B- (4.0) is usually required. Students who have completed 27 units will be required to complete one area of focus. Students who have completed only 21 units will be eligible to apply to the program at the second-year level and would be required to complete two areas of focus.

Admission of transfer students who have completed transferable coursework at another accredited post-secondary institution will be considered. An overall GPA of B- (4.0) is usually required. At least 33 credits must be completed in the Health and Community Services Program. Policies and procedures for granting transfer credit at the University of Victoria and the Faculty of Human and Social Development are described in the 2010-11 University Calendar (an online version of the 2010-11 can be found at <web.uvic.ca/calendar2010>.

All students must meet UVic's “Academic Writing Requirement” prior to entering the program. In addition students must have Precalculus 11 or Foundations 12 or equivalent.

All new applicants must submit the following: an Application for Admission to the University to Undergraduate Admissions; a Bachelor of Health and Community Services Application to the School, resume of work and volunteer experience, as well as a personal statement of intent.

UVic students (those seeking admission from another faculty) must submit an Application for Re-registration to Records Services and a Bachelor of Health and Community Services Application to the School, resume of work and volunteer experience, as well as a personal statement of intent.

All applicants will enter a competitive admissions process (GPA, work experience). Application information and forms are available on the PHSP website: <www.uvic.ca/publichealth>. Application deadline is March 1.

Possession of the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the School of Public Health and Social Policy. Where the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number that can be accommodated, the admission cut-offs will be higher than the minimum published requirements.

Diploma in Aboriginal Health Leadership

Applicants will be expected to have completed Grade 12 or equivalent. Ideally applicants will have some post-secondary experience, however all applicants will be considered based on educational preparation and work experience.

Required Documentation

In addition to the application to UVic Undergraduate Admissions, applicants should submit to the Program Coordinator an application to the Program, along with a letter of intent and a resume. Special admission categories outlined below may also require specific documentation, such as references.

Admission Criteria

Applicants will usually meet general admission criteria as set out by the University. However, the following principles will be considered: maximizing accessibility and the willingness to review applications on a case-by-case basis. Two additional distinct processes exist to facilitate entrance for those who do not meet the regular admission criteria.

Potential applicants are encouraged to meet with the Program Coordinator to determine which admission category (general, special access or Aboriginal) best applies.

1. Special Access

The University of Victoria is interested in extending university-level learning opportunities to residents of British Columbia who may not qualify under the regular categories of admission.

The number of applicants admitted under this category is limited by the availability of University resources. Admission under the Special Category is not automatic.

An applicant for admission under the Special Category must meet the following criteria:

• The applicant is at least 23 years of age by the beginning of the session applied, for and
• The applicant’s academic achievements have been significantly and adversely affected by health, disability, or family or similar responsibilities.

The Senate Committee on Admission, Reregistration and Transfer selects candidates for admission on the basis of:

• Their educational history
• Non-educational achievement that indicate an ability to succeed at university

Applicants in this category must submit two Special Access Reference forms from persons specifically able to assess the applicant’s potential for academic success. References from relatives will not be accepted. Applicants must be able to document the nature and extent of their circumstances, and demonstrate the impact these have had on their educational achievements.

Note: Applicants who have attempted a full year or equivalent of university-level courses are not eligible to apply under this category.

Applicants under this category must also meet the prerequisites for the program they wish to enter.

2. First Nations, Metis and Inuit

The University welcomes applications from Aboriginal peoples of Canada, including those of First Nations, Metis and Inuit ancestry (including Non-status Aboriginal).

Applications from Aboriginal peoples of Canada who do not qualify under the other categories admission will be considered on an individual basis by the Senate Committee on Admissions, Reregistration and Transfer.

The committee will consider each applicant’s:

• Educational history
• Non-educational achievements that indicate an ability to succeed at university.

Applicants who choose to apply under the “Special Access” or “First Nations, Metis and Inuit” category must submit two reference forms from persons specifically able to assess the applicant’s potential for academic success. If possible, one reference should be from a recognized Aboriginal organization. References from relatives will not be accepted. Applicants must also submit a personal letter outlining their academic objectives.

A limited number of students not formally admitted to the program may register for individual courses (if enrolment permits), with the permission of the Program Coordinator.