Standing in a Course

As of 1998, students are assigned a grade in each course as follows (grades earned prior to September 1998 remain as originally reported). 

*Fail

Note:

Grades of 'F', 'NCR', and 'NC%' are failing grades, yielding no standing in a course and no degree credit. Students are cautioned that a numerical score on an assignment is not deemed to be automatically equivalent to the corresponding letter grade. 

Credit/No Credit

UTSC degree students may select up to 2.0 full credits of their degree credits to be assessed on a Credit/No Credit basis. Courses identified as program requirements, or that are intended for individual study, such as supervised reading courses, are not eligible for Credit/No Credit assessment. UTSC students must choose, or cancel, this mode of assessment via ACORN no later than the last day of classes at UTSC, regardless of the division at which the course is taught. Once the deadline has passed, students may not under any circumstances reverse this decision.

To achieve a status of CR (Credit), a student must earn a final grade of at least 50%. Grades below that will be assessed as NCR (No Credit). Courses with a final status of CR will count as degree credits but will not affect the student's GPA. They may count as breadth requirements and degree credits, but cannot be used to satisfy program requirements.

Courses with a final status of NCR will not count as degree credits but will not count as failures, and will also not be included in the GPA calculation. Regardless of when CR/NCR status in a course is declared, if a student has specified the CR/NCR option for a course in which an academic offence has been committed, the CR/NCR option will be revoked and the percentage mark will stand as the course mark. If no academic sanction is applied, the CR/NCR status can be reinstated.

The CR/NCR option is open only to degree students. Once students have graduated, they may not complete courses on a CR/NCR basis, even if they enrolled in the course before their graduation; for example, a student graduating in June, selecting a Summer course as CR/NCR. Or a student graduating in November, selecting a Fall or Winter course as CR/NCR, will have the CR/NCR designation removed and a percentage grade will appear on the student's record. 

Certain courses, including some music courses, are graded on a CR/NCR basis. In these courses, to achieve a passing grade a student must receive a final mark of at least 50%. This will be designated as CR on a transcript and will not be included in the grade point average. A failing grade (below 50%) will be designated on the transcript as NCR, and the course will be included as an “F” (value zero) in the grade point average. 

In courses graded on a CR/NCR basis, students may opt for a normal graded assessment with specific grades assigned. Students must choose this mode of assessment no later than the last day to enroll in the relevant course. Requests for this type of assessment are made through the course instructor offering the course. Once the deadline has passed, students may not under any circumstances reverse this decision. 

Other Course Grade Notations

The following notations have no grade point value, do not yield credit, and are not included in the calculation of CGPA: 

Grade Reports

Grade reports are not issued to students. Instead, final grades, grade point averages and academic standing are made available through ACORN. Grades are available as soon as they have been submitted and approved. CGPAs for individual students are available shortly after the student's last grade is approved, and academic standing is available in September, January and May. Students who are on academic probation, suspended, or refused further registration, will receive an email regarding their academic status. 

Grade Point Averages

A grade point average (GPA) is calculated as follows: the grade points earned in each full (1.0) credit course and one-half the grade points earned in each half- (0.5) credit course are added together and this total is divided by the number of full credits taken.

A sessional grade point average (SGPA) is the average of the grades in courses taken in the most recent semester (Summer, Fall, Winter).

A cumulative grade point average (CGPA) is the average of the grades of all courses passed or failed at UTSC.

Sessional and cumulative grade point averages are calculated at the end of each session and included on the student's academic record and transcript.

Courses taken for credit by degree students while registered at UTSC, FAS or UTM are normally included in UTSC grade point averages. Courses taken while registered at other institutions or other divisions or faculties of UT are not normally included in grade point averages. 

Determination of Academic Status

The following rules apply to all students except visiting students whose academic status is not assessed or as described below in "Determination of Academic Status for Students Re-enrolling at the University of Toronto Scarborough," "Determination of Academic Status for Students in the Certificate Program in Business," and "Determination of Academic Status for Students Admitted on Probation."

Academic status is determined as follows for students who have attempted at least 3.0 credits since beginning their studies at UTSC, or another Arts and Science division of the University (not including Credit/No Credit, Pass/Fail, or courses marked Extra). It is determined at the end of each academic session (Summer, Fall and Winter):

In Good Standing 

• Students who maintain a cumulative grade point average of 1.60 or better are said to be "in good standing".

On Probation

• Students who have attempted at least 3.0 credits and have a CGPA of less than 1.60 are placed on probation.
• Students returning from suspension (see Suspended or Refused Further Registration below and any provision in previous rules) shall be placed on probation again. 

Probation Cleared

• Students may clear probation by achieving a CGPA of 1.60 or better. Students who have cleared probation shall be said to be again "in good standing".

Probation Continued

• Students may continue on probation by achieving a sessional grade point average of at least 1.60 in each session until they return to good standing. 

Suspended or Refused Further Registration

Students on probation who, by the end of a given session, have not achieved a sessional grade point average of at least 1.60 shall be liable for suspension or refusal of further registration as follows, regardless of the number of credits taken in the session:

• Students who have incurred no previous suspension will be suspended for four months (one session);
• Students who have previously incurred a four-month (one-session) suspension will be suspended for twelve months (three sessions);
• Students who have previously incurred a twelve-month (three-session) suspension will be suspended for thirty-six months (nine sessions); and
• Students who have previously incurred a thirty-six month (nine-session) suspension will be refused further registration. 

Determination of Academic Status for Students in the Certificate program in Business

Academic status is determined at the end of each session as follows for all students who have completed at least two full credits since beginning their studies: 

In good standing

• Students who maintain a CGPA of at least 2.00 are said to be in good standing.

Refused further registration

• Students who, at the end of a given session, have not achieved a CGPA of at least 2.00 or better are refused further registration in the Certificate program.

Determination of Academic Status for Students Admitted On Probation

Candidates who fail to satisfy normal admission requirements, but successfully appeal for special consideration may be admitted on probation.

• The academic requirements that such students must meet are the same as those required of students who encounter academic difficulties while registered in the university, including course load restrictions.
• The academic status will remain "On Probation" until the student achieves a CGPA of 1.60 or higher.
• Students on probation who fail to achieve a sessional grade point average of 1.60 or higher will be subject to academic suspension.
• Students who are admitted on probation are urged to seek advice on course selection and study methods from the Academic Advising & Career Centre. 

Determination of Standing for Students in Co-op Programs

The Co-op Office and the Registrar’s Office will start assessing a student's standing in the Co-op program at the end of each semester, once students have attempted at least 4 credits (including all courses taken regardless of whether they are passed or failed).

When a student's status is reviewed, they will be assessed based upon their Cumulative Grade Point Average (cGPA) and will fall into one of the following 3 categories: 1) In good standing, 2) On Probation or 3) Removed from Co-op.  

In Good Standing: 

• Indicates a student has achieved a cGPA of 2.5 or higher and is eligible to remain in the in the Co-op program.  

On Probation: 

• If a student's cGPA is between 2.3-2.49, they are considered "On Probation." 
• When on probation, students are not able to compete for co-op work terms until their status changes to "In Good Standing." 
• Students will have one semester to clear probation (achieve In Good Standing) by achieving a cGPA of 2.50 or higher in the next semester. If after one semester, students achieve a sessional (for the current semester) GPA of at least 2.5 but their cGPA is not 2.5 or higher, the probation period may be extended for one more semester. If an extension is permitted, they will have one more semester to achieve a cGPA of 2.5. If this is not attained, students are then will be removed from the Co-op program. If after one semester a student's cGPA is not 2.5 or higher and their sessional cGPA is not at least 2.5 they will be removed from the co-op program and put into the non-Co-op version of their program.  

Removal from Co-op: 

• If a student's cGPA is below 2.3, they will be removed from the Co-op Program. Students may elect to reapply to the Co-op Program after being removed. This must be requested during the limited subject POSt request periods, as long as they meet admission requirements.  

Please note: The Standing referenced here is a student's overall standing in the University as seen on academic transcripts. Students are notified of their co-op standing only if they fall into the Probation or Removal categories. Any students in the Co-op program who are being put on probation or removed will be contacted by the Co-op Office regarding this.  

Academic Transcripts

The academic transcript is the official statement of the academic record of each student.  The transcript records the following information:

• Student’s full name and university student number.
• Student's academic record, listed chronologically by session, including:
  • Each course attempted, its abbreviated title, and its grade including courses from which late withdrawal has been approved;
  • The sessional grade point average;
  • The CGPA at the end of the session;
  • The annual grade point average;
  • Completion of a Co-operative program;
  • Completion of degree and program requirements, and date of conferral of the degree; and
  • Graduation with high distinction or with distinction.
• The following kinds of special consideration granted by petition:
  • WDR - withdrawal without academic penalty from a course after the relevant deadline;
  • Deferral of suspension;
  • Award of aegrotat standing; and
  • Other considerations deemed to have altered the academic record. 

Students can obtain an unofficial copy of their academic history at no cost directly from ACORN. Official transcripts can be ordered for a fee through ACORN.

Student Identification

Student Numbers

Every student at the University of Toronto is assigned a unique student number that corresponds with their personal University record. This number is confidential, and the University assumes and expects every student to protect the confidentiality of their student number. 

UTORid

Each student is automatically issued a JOINid, which is converted to a UTORid once they begin the activation/TCard process. A valid UTORid is a virtual credential that grants access to online University of Toronto services such as ACORN and Quercus, the University of Toronto email address (UTMail+), the wireless network, the University Library System, and UT Portal. A UTORid is also used to access the Office of the Registrar online service portal and used to access software from some academic departments to submit term work. Students must activate their individual UTORid, and select a secure password of their choice in order to use these services. The University of Toronto also utilizes multi-factor authentication (UTORMFA) for access to many applications.  

To prevent shared access to internal or external communications and student records by a third party, including family and friends, students should not share their UTORid and/or password with anyone.  

Student Cards (TCards)

All registered students are required to have a UTORid to gain online access to virtual University resources and services. A University of Toronto student card (TCard) is needed to access in-person campus resources and services.  

A TCard must be presented to write in-person tests and final exams, request transactions at the Office of the Registrar, and use the Library, computer labs, and Athletic facilities, as well as for other campus service providers. Students may be required to present their TCard upon request by the University or its service providers.  

The TCard and TCard photo remain the property of the University of Toronto, and may not be used for any illegal, improper, or unlawful purpose by students. It is every student’s responsibility to ensure the safekeeping of their TCard, and they must not lend, or permit others to use, their TCard for any purpose. Altering, falsifying, misuse of, lending, or selling a TCard is prohibited and may be subject to sanctions, pursuant to the University's regulations, policies and procedures, including the Code of Student Conduct (2019) and the Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters (2019), and may also be subject to civil or criminal proceedings.  

A TCard is to be kept for the duration of a student's active registration and is to be used only by the person to whom it is issued. Students cannot hold more than one TCard at any given time. If a student is found in possession of more than one TCard, they may keep the TCard with the highest barcode number, and are expected to surrender any previous TCards voluntarily, or by request, to the TCard Office or the Office of the Registrar.  

Lost or stolen TCards must be immediately reported to the TCard Office and any meal plan provider. Students must replace lost, stolen, or damaged TCards at the TCard Office; replacement of TCards is subject to a replacement fee.  

Notice of Collection of Personal Information

The University of Toronto respects your privacy. Personal information that you provide to the University is collected pursuant to section 2(14) of the University of Toronto Act (1971). It is collected for the purpose of administering admission, registration, academic programs, university-related student activities, activities of student societies, safety, financial assistance and awards, graduation and university advancement, and for the purpose of statistical reporting to government agencies.

In addition, the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities has asked that we notify you of the following: the University of Toronto is required to disclose personal information such as Ontario Education Numbers, student characteristics and educational outcomes to the Minister under s. 15 of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Act (1990, last amended 2020). The Ministry collects this data for purposes such as planning, allocating and administering public funding to colleges, universities and other post-secondary educational and training institutions, and to conduct research and analysis, including longitudinal studies, and statistical activities conducted by, or on behalf of, the Ministry for purposes that relate to post-secondary education and training. Further information on how the Minister uses this personal information is available on the Ministry's website.

At all times your personal information will be protected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (1990, last amended 2020). If you have questions, please refer to the UTSC FIPPA website or contact the University FIPP Coordinator at 416-946-7303, McMurrich Building, Room 104, 12 Queen’s Park Crescent West, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8. You can also view an expanded version of this Notice. 

Academic Awards and Scholarships

Admission Awards

Admission awards are available to new students entering UTSC directly from secondary school. There are two types of awards: automatic consideration; or, application or nomination based. UTSC allocates Admission Awards to students entering the first year directly from secondary school. In considering students for scholarships, the University reserves the right to give preference to students whose marks are the result of a single attempt at each course. Awards and scholarships may carry additional conditions and criteria for being awarded, or for renewability.

In-course Awards

Are available to students continuing their studies at UTSC. There are two types of awards: automatic consideration; or, application or nomination based. In-course Awards are given to students who have completed their First, Second or Third year of study towards a Bachelor's degree. For award purposes, a year of study is defined as the completion of 5.0 credits. In order to give more students an opportunity to be recognized for excellent academic achievement UTSC Awards policy permits a student to hold only one major award.

A general condition for holding an Admission or In-course award is that the student must register at UTSC in the following academic year with degree status. Students who have been awarded a scholarship, which is based on enrolment in a particular program of study, must continue in that program to receive the award. UTSC reserves the right to not award a scholarship, if, in a particular year, the academic achievement of the candidate is not of a high standard. To be considered for any award, a student must be enrolled in or graduating from a Bachelor's program.

University of Toronto Scarborough Dean's List

The Dean's List is published annually in the Fall. All students who have achieved a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.5 or better in their most recent year of study will be considered as long as they have completed a minimum of 1.5 credits during the previous Fall, Winter, and Summer sessions.

Graduation Awards

Graduation awards are given at the time of graduation. They include medals and prizes awarded for outstanding achievement during the final year of undergraduate study. Students who graduate at the Fall Convocation are considered for graduation awards in the following year together with students who are graduating at the Spring Convocation. 

Recognition of Exceptional Academic Achievement

Graduating students who have completed at least 10.0 credits while registered at UTSC will be considered for the following recognition:

1. High Distinction: Students who graduate with a CGPA of 3.50 or better are recognized as graduates "With High Distinction." This achievement is noted on the diploma and transcript.
2. Distinction: Students who graduate with a CGPA between 3.20 and 3.49 are recognized as graduates "With Distinction." This achievement is noted on the diploma and transcript.

Other students with a CGPA of 3.20 or better will be considered on an individual basis. 

For complete information on awards and scholarships, please go to the Office of the Registrar website, and under the "Finances" tab, go to the "Scholarships and Awards" page.