Changes to Program Requirements

1. Students’ programs will normally be governed by the regulations of the Faculty of Graduate Studies in effect at the date of their first registration in the faculty.
2. Where the Faculty of Graduate Studies regulations change program requirements before the student has completed her or his degree, the student, with the approval of the disciplinary faculty¹, may elect to be governed by the new regulations.
3. Where an academic unit does not propose to provide access to courses necessary to satisfy previous program requirements for at least five years², that unit must provide a transition program for any student registered in the Faculty of Graduate Studies at the date of the program change who demonstrates that satisfying the new program requirements will extend the length of time (number of terms) that the student requires to complete her or his current program.
4. An academic unit has no obligation to provide access to courses necessary to satisfy previous program requirements or to provide transitional programs for more than five years after the date of the program change.
5. Where a student believes that a program requirement change has unfairly prejudiced her or him due to special circumstances, and that these regulations do not apply to the student’s situation, the student may request the Chair or Director or Associate Dean to establish a transition program. A student may appeal a negative decision to the Dean or the Dean’s designate. The decision of the Dean or designate is final.³

1. In some faculties (particularly Education), accreditation requirements may not permit a change in regulations midway through a student’s program.

2. The change to five years reflects the number of years some faculties allow to complete their degree program.

3. Because it is impossible to foresee all situations in which unfairness may arise (for example, a student transferring in with advanced standing from a program affiliated with a UVic program), this general regulation will allow for special circumstances.