Students in the Master of Architecture program fall under academic regulations in place for master's programs as set out by the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. The following apply specifically to the Master of Architecture program:
A grade of at least 60% is required in any course taken in the program with no more than 15 credits of Pass-level standing (60-67%) being counted towards degree requirements. In addition, a grade of at least 65% is required in ARCH 500 and at least 68% in ARCH 540 and 549. Failure to obtain credit for a total of three design studios will require the student to withdraw from the program and the student will not be permitted to re-register in the program.
Should a student not attain 65% or above in ARCH 500, the following conditions would apply:
- If the mark is less than 60% the student would be required to withdraw from the program for eight months and retake ARCH 500 in the subsequent Winter Session Term 1;
- If the mark is between 60% and 65% the student will not be granted credit for ARCH 500. The student will be required to re-register for ARCH 500 the following term.
A minimum mark of 74% must be obtained when repeating a failed course.
Portfolio
All students are required to keep a portfolio of their work in each design studio for review by faculty members at the end of each term in which the studio is held. The portfolio must contain, at a minimum, all the presentation drawings from each project in a studio, but these may be digital files or reproductions of originals and photographs of other presentation materials such as models, etc. The portfolio is to be kept available for review in case of an appeal of grade in a studio or other dispute regarding the student's standing.
Advanced Placement
As noted under Admission, advanced placement is normally established at the time of admission, subject to confirmation of previous experience by appropriate faculty.
Supplementary Work
No supplementary work is available in design studios.
For courses other than design studios, the normal University regulations apply. Only in exceptional circumstances will a student be allowed to undertake supplementary work in those other Architecture courses, which are assessed on a continuing basis throughout the term.
Appeal Procedures
Students may protest decisions relating to their academic studies. In this event, it is recommended that the student first consult the faculty member directly involved in the decision. At any point in seeking resolution, a student should feel free to seek the advice of the chair of the program's Standings and Promotion Committee. If satisfactory resolution is not forthcoming at this point, the appeal process should continue with a written request of appeal to the chair of the program.
When the protest relates to a decision in a design studio, the program chair would establish an appeal committee to hear the case. The appeal committee would consist of three full-time design faculty plus the program head, ex-officio, and has the authority to interview all persons involved and to recommend to the program chair that the grade be affirmed or changed. The appeal would only be heard if it is initiated within thirty days from the time the decision has been communicated to the student, whether it be by letter or by posting on the Student Service Centre.
If the matter has not reached satisfactory resolution, the student would then contact the following sequence of individuals as necessary: the Director of SALA, the Dean of Applied Science, and finally the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Any change of grade must be approved by the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Normally resolution can be achieved through the above processes, however the following additional procedures are in place. In matters of academic judgment, students may request a Review of Assigned Standing through Enrolment Services. For details, see Review of Assigned Standing. With respect to matters of procedure, resolution may be sought through the Registrar to the Senate Committee on Appeals on Academic Standing. For details, see Senate Appeals on Academic Standing.