| 9.1 How do I calculate my average in my program? |
| 9.2 How do I calculate my average in my major? |
| 9.3 How can I improve my average? |
9.1 How do I calculate my average in my program?
Your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is calculated based on the grade points you earned and the credit values of the courses you successfully completed (see the undergraduate calendar for help on calculating your CGPA). Your CGPA appears in the “SUMMARY OF PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS” section of your audit.
Based on that average, the CGPA will help you – and the university – evaluate your overall progress in satisfying the requirements of your program (see Academic Continuation Evaluation and Academic Standing). Ultimately, the CGPA is used as an assessment tool for the Academic Continuation Evaluation carried out each term, and, most importantly, your eligibility and class of honours for graduation.
Your overall CGPA includes all Carleton and University of Ottawa exchange courses you’ve taken that count toward your degree. Visit the Academic Advising Centre’s page regarding CGPAs for help on CGPA calculation.
Please note: You have to meet the minimum overall CGPA required for your degree program (check the calendar) in order to remain eligible to continue and graduate.
See The Cumulative Grade Point Average (Academic Regulation 3.2.4) in the undergraduate calendar for more information.
TIP: If you are a scholarship student, you have to maintain an annual GPA of 10.00 or better to maintain your award. Visit the Awards website for more information.
9.2 How do I calculate my average in my major?
The CGPA that you earn in your major is calculated the same way as your overall CGPA (see above). However, the major CGPA includes only the specific courses required for your major (students in Combined Honours programs will have CGPAs for both majors separately). To graduate with a degree in which a major CGPA is calculated, you have to meet the minimum major CGPA required for that degree.
The major CGPA is not formally assessed as part of the Academic Continuation Evaluation; however, students in an Honours program must meet a minimum 6.0 CGPA in their major once they reach 15.5 credits, or they will be placed in a corresponding non-Honours program (see section 3.4.6 of the Undergraduate Calendar).
* Some exceptions apply to certain programs where major CGPA is assessed as part of the Academic Continuation Evaluation. See specific program regulations for details.
The minor CGPA includes only the courses that are going into your minor requirements (if applicable). The minor CGPA does not play any role in your Academic Continuation Evaluation (see below). In some minors, however, failure to meet the minimum CGPA may put your minor in jeopardy.
If you have a major or minor program element, check the undergraduate calendar for your minimum CGPA.
See Minimum CGPA Requirements (Academic Regulation 3.2.6) in the undergraduate calendar for more information.
TIP: CGPA requirements for good academic standing, to be eligible to continue, increase the further along you get in your degree.
9.3 How can I improve my average?
If you did not do well in a course, there are strategies that you may want to consider in order to improve your overall average. One method is to take another course that can replace a course you did not do well in. Students may also repeat courses, taking the exact same course again. When you repeat a course, the attempt with the best grade will count in the audit and be included in your CGPA calculation. The attempt with the lower grade will be bumped out of your degree and moved to a section of your audit called “COURSES SET ASIDE”. Both grades will always appear on your transcript. As a result, this can be an effective way to improve your average.
If you do not foresee a significant improvement in the grade with repeating a course, or taking another precluding one in its place, there is another strategy you may want to consider. If you wish to set 0000- or 1000-level courses aside and exclude them from your overall CGPA calculation, you can take many other 1000-level courses to surpass the 7.0 credit limit on first-year/introductory-level courses (see above). Once you have reached the 7.0 credit limit, the excess courses will be set aside in your audit. However, our audit has difficulty calculating this automatically and you may not see the results right away. You should see an advisor at the Academic Advising Centre to have this confirmed and find out what can be done about it.
Please note: If unsuccessful, these strategies can have serious consequences on your standing.
Improving your major CGPA can be complicated. If you need to improve it, you should discuss your options with an advisor.
Engineering students: Please consult with an Engineering Academic Support Office advisor for course selection advice.
TIP: If you do not meet the minimum standards for your program, you will most likely be placed on academic warning (AW). Students who are not in good standing should speak with an advisor as soon as possible.