5.1 How many credits are my courses worth?
All of your courses are assigned a ‘credit value’ that tells you how much weight they carry towards your degree. Most courses are 0.5 to 1.0 credit, although there are exceptions to this. When browsing courses in the undergraduate calendar, or through the Public Class Schedule in Carleton Central, you’ll notice that each course description includes a credit value. There are also some courses that are non-credit, yet required under certain conditions (e.g., COOP 1000).
TIP: During the fall and winter terms, most 0.5-credit courses are offered in one term and 1.0-credit courses over two terms. However, there are exceptions to this rule.
5.2 I’m not taking a full course load, but am still being charged full-time tuition. Why?
The normal full-time course load for an undergraduate student is 5.0 credits, spread out over the fall and winter terms, or 2.0 credits spread over the summer session. However, when you are calculating your tuition, you should keep in mind that, for tuition assessment purposes, 2.0 credits or more per term will incur full-time tuition. So enrolling in 4.0 or 5.0 credits costs the same. On the other hand, if you plan to take 1.5 credits or fewer during a given term, then your tuition will be assessed on a per-credit basis.
Your student status is determined a little bit differently because this is an academic assessment rather than a financial one. In this sense, the University defines full-time status for undergraduate students as being registered in 1.5 credits or more per term. Keep in mind that this definition only applies for academic purposes. Awards and scholarships follow the guidelines of financial full time status defined as “2.0 credits or more per term.”
See Full and Part-time Study (Academic Regulation 2.1.2) in the undergraduate calendar for more information.
TIP: When adding or dropping classes, remember that changes in registration activity may affect your student status, as well as your tuition obligation.
5.3 Why does my audit say that I’m still in first year even though this is my second year at Carleton?
If you are registered in a degree program, you are given a Year Standing according to the number of credits you’ve completed with passing grades and counting towards your degree. So even if this is your second year at Carleton, but you’ve only successfully completed 3.0 credits, your Year Standing will still be first year. This may affect some course prerequisites for some courses you might be planning to take.
To calculate your Year Standing, please check the undergraduate calendar for a more detailed breakdown (see University Year Standing Academic Regulation 3.1.7 for more information).
TIP: Most RESP plans release funds annually based on your Year Standing.
5.4 How can I apply my RESP to my tuition charges?
Many students have Registered Education Savings Plans that involve yearly proof of enrollment and paperwork in order to release funds. Students can obtain the required proof of enrolment by ordering a Verification of Student Status form through Carleton Central. Further information can be found on the Registrar’s Office website. Please remember, many of these plans will release funds only when you have successfully moved on to the next year of study, so be aware of the requirements to advance in year standing.
TIP: Before submitting your RESP forms, visit the Verification of Student Status page on the Registrar’s Office website for more information.
5.5 How many courses can I take each term?
The normal full-time course load for an undergraduate student is 5.0 credits, spread out over the fall and winter terms or 2.0 credits spread over the summer session. If you are a full-time student, you can register in courses up to 2.5 credits in each of the fall and winter terms (some restrictions/exceptions apply).
Some programs (e.g., Engineering) may be required to take a course load higher than 2.5 credits.
See Course Load (Academic Regulation 2.1.4) in the undergraduate calendar for more information.
TIP: It’s important to make sure you have a manageable course load, and that you are on track for graduation. Use your audit and meet regularly with an advisor to manage your course load effectively.
5.6 What if I want to take more than 2.5 credits per term?
Students wishing to take more than 2.5 credits per term must maintain a minimum CGPA (as outlined in the undergraduate calendar), and have completed a minimum number of credits at the university. You might be automatically eligible for an overload. Check the undergraduate calendar for details.
Remember, some programs – like Architectural Studies, Industrial Design and Engineering – already have a per-term credit limit of more than 2.5 credits.
See Course Load (Academic Regulation 2.1.4) in the undergraduate calendar for more information.
TIP: If you need permission for a course overload beyond the scope of the calendar guidelines, contact the Registrar’s Office to discuss your options.