Section 13.2 Definitions
The Academic Year
The academic year begins with a summer session (May to August) followed by a regular session (September to April). The summer session includes all courses offered between the beginning of May and the end of August. The regular session is divided into a fall term (September to December) and a winter term (January to April), each 15 weeks long. Terms include an examination period, during which any final examination must be held. The Section 11 Academic Calendar lists precise dates for the beginning and end of classes and examination periods.
Exemption
A student may be exempted from a Concordia course based on previous study. An exemption from a course has no credit value towards a degree or certificate. Exemptions from required courses may be granted in cases where students have already covered the work at another institution with an appropriate level of performance. Any such courses may be replaced with courses chosen in consultation with their advisors if it is a required course for their program. Students who complete a course for which an exemption has been granted will not be permitted to retain the credits unless they have been granted prior approval from the Faculty and/or departmental advisor.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning credits are awarded for knowledge, skills and competencies acquired outside of traditional academic learning pathways, which may be applied towards a Concordia degree or certificate.
Sequence of Courses
Prerequisite
Course A is a prerequisite of Course B when “A” must be taken and successfully completed before taking “B.” Students may be deregistered from a course until its prerequisite course(s) has been successfully completed.
Co-requisite
Course A is a co-requisite of Course B when “A” must be taken in the same academic term as “B,” unless it has already been successfully completed. Students may be deregistered from Course B if they are not concurrently registered in the co-requisite Course A.
Residence Requirement
This refers to the minimum number of credits which must be taken at Concordia University to obtain a degree or certificate awarded by the University.
Transfer Credits
Transfer credits are credits for courses taken at another institution (or in another Concordia program) which may be applied towards a Concordia degree or certificate.
Student Type
Extended Credit Program Students
Students registered in an extended program, normally requiring 30 credits in addition to the regular requirements, designed for students entering from secondary institutions outside Quebec. (See relevant Faculty section.)
Independent Students
Students not seeking a degree or certificate.
Mature Students
Undergraduate students who do not meet regular academic admission requirements and have been admitted on the basis of their age, experience, and academic potential.
Bridging Students
Undergraduate students who do not meet regular academic admission requirements and have been admitted to a bridging program on the basis of their age, experience, and academic potential.
Undergraduate Students
Students registered in an undergraduate degree or certificate program, whether on a full‑time or part‑time basis. See Section 16.1.2 Credit System for a definition of full‑time and part‑time study.
Microprogram Students
Students registered in an undergraduate microprogram, usually a coherent program of 9-15 credits made up of regular undergraduate courses, completed within one or two academic terms.
Visiting Students
Undergraduate students from other universities who have written approval from their home university to take courses at Concordia University, or students currently registered in certain certificate programs sponsored by external associations (e.g. programs related to the John Molson School of Business).