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Academic Advising
Important note during COVID-19: We are currently working remotely and are available to answer your questions and help solve problems. Please send your questions and concerns via email to BioAdvising@wlu.ca (please attach your student number to your emails). We are continuing to support you during this challenging time.
Academic advising is for all students, whether you are doing well or are facing some challenges. Advisors support and enable individual students as they design, refine and implement their academic plan.
Incoming First-Year Students
Take advantage of the information and assistance that is available online. We know you will have lots of questions as you prepare for university and the details at Laurier 101 will help. Connect online for course registration support and to link up with classmates, staff and faculty.
Advising Appointments
Advising Office - BA432 (located on the 4th floor of the Bricker Academic Building), however, currently all advising support is be provided via email, phone or Teams messaging.
To make an appointment please write to BioAdvising@wlu.ca.
Please attach your student number to every email.
Other Advising and Support
- If you have general questions regarding university academic regulations and procedures, are experiencing academic difficulties or are a senior student in the general BSc/BA program, you should meet with an academic advisor in the Science Advising Office.
- The Study Skills and Supplement Instruction Centre offers support for enhanced learning strategies and study skills.
- The Mathematics Assistance Centre provides an array of support services for mathematics and statistic courses.
- Writing Support can help you in developing the writing skills you need to succeed.
- The Accessible Learning Centre helps students with documented disabilities reach their full academic potential.
- Laurier Career Centre is available to support students with career development at all stages/years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take six courses?
It is never advised to take an overload of courses. A full course load for a full time student is 2.5 credits (5 courses) and if you feel that you absolutely must take 6 courses in a term then you should talk to your academic advisor to explore options (write to BioAdvising@wlu.ca, WatSciAdvising@wlu.ca, or EnvsciAdvising@wlu.ca). You always have options. Students enrolling in courses that are additional to the normal program load are reminded that they are fully responsible for doing so and are cautioned against possible academic difficulties.
Please attach your student number to your emails. Thank you.
I AM HAVING TROUBLE ENROLLING IN A BI OR WASC COURSE, WHAT CAN I DO
In order to take a course you must have completed prerequisite(s). If you are having trouble enrolling in a BI or WASC course then:
- Make sure you check the prerequisites. In order to take a course you must have completed the prerequisite(s).
- Also check the course restrictions (use LORIS, Browse Classes and click on the title of the course).
If you think there is a mistake and that your should be able to enrol, but can’t, then see more details here.
I NEED TO CHANGE MY LAB/TUTORIAL SECTION. DO I HAVE TO DROP THE COURSE TO DO THAT?
No, do not just drop the course. Instead see instructions here (scrolling to "Switch Between Lectures and Labs/Tutorial").
Can I take a course if I am missing a prerequisite.
No. You must complete the prerequisite(s) before you can enrol in a course. It is not a good idea to take a course that you are not prepared for. Please speak with your academic advisor if you have additional questions. See further details here.
I'm thinking about pursuing a minor, how do I get more information?
Many programs allow you to customize your degree with a minor and it's a great way to build additional qualifications into your degree. In an honours degree you can have up to 2 minors. Minors require a minimum of 3.0 credits and rules vary, depending on the discipline. Details are available in the academic calendar and you can contact your academic advisor for more information.
You can add a minor to your degree by using the Program Selection Form. When you have added your minor, the My Degree tool can be used to evaluate whether you have completed it.
Minors can also be declared when you apply to graduate. It's up to you to ensure that you meet all the requirements of the minor.
I get an error message when I try to register for a course on LORIS.
There are a number of common error messages that you may encounter when registering for courses on LORIS. A list of the most frequent problems and suggestions on how to fix them can be found in the LORIS Glossary.
Can I change my program? How do I change it?
Yes! You have to apply to change your program and you should discuss this with your academic advisor to ensure you understand the implications and options associated with switching programs. Information on how to change your program can be found at the Enrolment Services (see Changing Programs on the left side of the page) site.
Can I take a course at another university?
It is possible to take a course at another Canadian university and get credit at Laurier. This is relatively straightforward for elective courses but it is not advisable for required courses in your program. You should discuss details with your academic advisor and the procedure can be found on the Enrolment Services (see Alternative Registration Proceedures on the left side of page) site.
The description of my program says it 'shall include no more than 6.0 100-level credits'. What's up with that?
If you are in a 20.0 credit honours program that shall include no more than 6.0 credits at the 100-level then you must have 14.0 senior credits to complete the requirements of your degree. These rules apply to all courses (required and electives). Senior courses are at the 200, 300 and 400-level.
Are the WASC and Human Biology courses, Human Anatomy (HN210) and Human Physiology I and II (HN220 and HN320) counted as Biology credits in my program?
The Human Biology (HN) courses are counted as senior Biology credits in Hon Biology programs.
Water Science and Environmental Health (WASC) senior courses also count as Senior Biology Credits.
I have questions about Tuition and Fees, Registration, OSAP, Awards and Ordering Official Documents
You can contact Service Laurier at 519.884.0710 x2800 or email them at servicelaurier@wlu.ca.