3.1 Why is it important to be aware of the university’s official rules and regulations?
It’s a good idea to be proactive and ensure that you make yourself aware of the academic rules and regulations, as well as academic and financial dates and deadlines. Don’t wait until you’ve run afoul of a rule to learn about it!
Students have both rights and responsibilities, and being aware of the rules is one of your key responsibilities. Having a thorough understanding of those rules is crucial to helping you stay on top of your studies. You also have rights, and if you feel as though a rule or policy is unclear, or is having an effect other than the one intended, then it’s good practice to ask questions and advocate for yourself through the appropriate campus department or service unit.
TIP: If you feel that you have been unfairly affected by a particular rule or regulation, the Ombuds Services Office can help you clarify your rights and your responsibilities. Visit them for more information.
3.2 How often should I review my audit?
An audit is your tailor-made map to navigating through your degree requirements. It records your academic history and current academic status. While the audit is an unofficial document, it contains important information to help you work through your studies.
The audit can tell you your degree title, your degree requirements, your year standing (first, second, third, fourth), any minors, concentrations and specializations you have added to your degree, courses that you have completed or are currently registered in, your grade for each course, your Cumulative Grade Point Averages (CGPA), your academic standing (for example, Eligible to Continue), remaining requirements for graduation, and a lot more.
Because the audit is an ever-changing document, it is critical that you review your audit often, especially after you have added or dropped courses. You have access to your audit 24-hours a day, 7 days a week through Carleton Central.
Stay on top of it! You are responsible for making sure that you are meeting the degree requirements outlined in the calendar. Check your audit regularly to ensure that your ability to graduate is not negatively impacted. Remember, if you need help understanding your audit, an academic advisor can help.
TIP: Your interactive audit includes several graphs and charts which are helpful to give you a snapshot of your progress towards your degree as well as your remaining requirements and CGPAs.
3.3 What are the university’s policies surrounding academic accommodation for students with disabilities? What are my responsibilities?
At Carleton, we pride ourselves on being progressive and proactive in providing academic accommodation for students with both visible and non-visible disabilities. We are committed to providing access for students with disabilities to our rich variety of degree programs. The university has a Senate-approved policy on academic accommodation that forms part of its Human Rights Policies and Procedures. The Paul Menton Centre (PMC) is the primary department on campus that coordinates academic accommodations and support services for Carleton students with disabilities.
Don’t wait until it’s too late! If you have a diagnosed disability (permanent or temporary), or think that you might, it is your responsibility to identify your needs to the Paul Menton Centre early in each term. Implementing classroom and/or test and exam accommodations can take some time, so it is important to advocate for your accommodation needs in a timely fashion!
See Academic Regulations for Students with Disabilities (Academic Regulation 8.1) in the undergraduate calendar for more information about accommodations.
TIP: Take ownership of your success by understanding your responsibilities for accessing disability-related accommodation. Visit the PMC website for more info!
3.4 What if I need religious or personal accommodation during classes or tests?
If you have to miss an exam, test, assignment deadline, lab or other compulsory event due to religious obligation, or for personal circumstances, you are responsible for making a written request for accommodation directly to your instructor. Normally, your request should be made during the first two weeks of any given academic term, and certain deadlines apply if you are making a request.
Check the official undergraduate calendar for more info.
See Academic Regulations for Students with Religious Obligations (Academic Regulation 9.1) in the undergraduate calendar for more information about accommodations.
TIP: Students unable to reach a satisfactory accommodation arrangement with their instructor(s) should contact the Department of Equity and Inclusive Communities (EIC).