Academic Policies in the Schulich School of Music

This section contains information on the following academic topics:

General Academic Requirements

Students are required to be punctual for all classes and lessons. Grades in academic subjects are calculated based on class work, examinations, and other course-related tasks as described in the class syllabus. Students risk failure in a course if they miss examinations or class work without a valid excuse provided in a timely manner.

We strongly recommend students follow the course sequence published on their respective program's website to complete program requirements within a standard time frame. It is particularly important for students to successfully complete the required core courses in a timely manner and in strict sequence, as they provide structured training in the professional competencies crucial to student success in our programs and in the field of music. Students who do not complete their core courses and/or meet other program requirements according to the standard timeframes risk not being permitted to register for practical instruction and/or ensembles until the required academic courses are completed. Students also risk delaying their graduation if they fail to complete the required courses in the recommended course sequence.

In general, C is the passing grade for a required course that is a prerequisite to another course in the program. Practical subjects and concentration courses in certain music programs have a higher minimum grade requirement. Students are required to meet these academic requirements for program continuation. See Academic Requirements by Program for details.

In addition, B.Mus. and L.Mus. students are required to attain a term grade point average (TGPA) 2.0 or greater and keep a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.0 or greater in order to continue in the program. See Academic Standing for details.

Academic Requirements by Program

In addition to the general academic requirements, the programs below have additional requirements students must meet for successful program continuation.

B.Mus. Composition

All B.Mus. Composition students must attain a minimum grade of B- in all courses with MUCO prefixes in order to continue in the program.

The faculty may recommend students to transfer to a different program if they fail to meet this program's requirement. Students may consult with a Program Advisor to discuss transfer eligibility and program options.

B.Mus. Performance

Students in all B.Mus. Performance programs must attain a minimum grade of B- in all practical instruction/exams and ensembles to continue in the program.

The faculty will issue students an academic warning if they fail to meet this requirement. Students who receive a warning are permitted to continue in their admitted program provided they do not receive another grade lower than B- in a practical instruction/exam (MUIN courses) and/or ensembles (MUEN courses) in subsequent terms. Students failing to meet this requirement may be asked to transfer to a different program.

B.Mus. Jazz Performance

All B.Mus. Jazz Performance students must attain a minimum grade of B- in all jazz (MUJZ) courses, as well as in all practical instruction/exams (MUIN courses) and ensembles (MUEN courses) to continue in the program.

The faculty will issue students an academic warning if they fail to meet these requirements. Students who receive a warning are permitted to continue in the admitted program provided they abide by the probationary conditions. Students failing to meet the probationary conditions may be asked to transfer to a different program.

L.Mus. Programs

Students in L.Mus. Performance programs must attain a minimum grade of A- in all practical instruction/exams (MUIN courses) and ensembles (MUEN courses) to continue in the program.

The faculty will issue students an academic warning if they fail to meet this requirement. Students who receive a warning are permitted to continue in their admitted program providing they do not get another grade lower than A- in a practical instruction/exam and/or ensemble in subsequent terms. Students failing to meet these requirements may be asked to withdraw from the program.

Academic Standing

In addition to meeting the program-specific academic conditions stipulated above, students are expected to maintain a TGPA of 2.0 or greater for program continuation.

Academic Standing is assessed after the end of each term. Students meeting the program's academic requirements and having attained a TGPA of 2.0 or greater at the end of the Fall term will be on Interim Satisfactory Standing and be allowed to continue in the same program in the Winter term. Those who fail to meet the program's academic requirements at the end of the Fall term will be on Interim Probationary Standing. Students on Interim Probationary Standing will be given probationary terms to follow in the Winter term for program continuation.

Decisions about Academic Standing in the Fall term are based only on grades that are available in January. Grades for courses in which students have deferred examinations and Fall term grades for courses that span the Fall and Winter terms do not affect Academic Standing for the Fall term, even though they will ultimately affect students’ Fall TGPA.

Satisfactory/Interim Satisfactory Standing

Students in Satisfactory Standing may continue in their program.

New students are admitted to Satisfactory Standing.
Students with a CGPA of 2.00 or greater are in Satisfactory Standing.
Students who meet the program's academic requirements are in Satisfactory Standing.

Probationary/Interim Probationary Standing

Students in Probationary Standing may continue in their program, but must abide by the probationary terms stipulated by the Faculty for program continuation.

Students in Interim Probationary Standing may continue in their program, but should evaluate their course options and adjust the term's course load as appropriate. They are strongly advised to meet with a Program Advisor before each term's add/drop deadline to review their course plan.

Students who did not attain the minimum grade for the required courses in their admitted program.
Students who were previously in Satisfactory Standing will be placed in Probationary Standing if their TGPA or CGPA falls below 2.00.
Students who were previously in Interim Probationary Standing will remain in Probationary Standing if their CGPA is between 1.50 and 1.99 and their TGPA is 2.50 or higher.
Students who were previously in Unsatisfactory Standing and who were readmitted to the Faculty by the Associate Dean (Academic and Student Affairs) will be placed in Probationary Standing if their CGPA is less than 2.00 and they satisfy relevant conditions specified in their readmission letter.

Unsatisfactory Readmitted Standing

Students who were previously in Unsatisfactory Standing and who were readmitted to the Faculty by the Associate Dean (Academic and Student Affairs) will have their Standing changed to Unsatisfactory Readmitted Standing. Their course load is specified in their letter of readmission, as are the conditions they must meet to be allowed to continue in their program. They should see a Program Advisor to discuss their course selection.

Unsatisfactory/Interim Unsatisfactory Standing

Students in Interim Unsatisfactory Standing may continue in their program, but should consult with a Program Advisor to evaluate their course options and adjust the course load accordingly. They are strongly advised to meet with a Program Advisor before each term's add/drop deadline to review their course plan.

Students who have Unsatisfactory Standing and have broken their probationary terms will be asked to withdraw from the program.

Appeals for readmission by students in Unsatisfactory Standing should be addressed to the Associate Dean (Academic and Student Affairs) no later than the readmission application deadlines published on the School of Music's website. Readmission will be considered only when proof of extenuating circumstances that affected academic performance can be provided (e.g., medical or other documentation). Students in Unsatisfactory Standing for the second time must withdraw permanently.

Incomplete Standing

Students are in Incomplete Standing when there are no final grades assigned to incomplete courses from previous semester(s), such as deferred exam (courses with grade of "L"), approved extensions (courses with grade of "K"), or supplemental examinations.

Students with Incomplete Standing in the Winter or Summer term may register for the Fall term, but their Standing must be resolved by the end of the course change period for that term. Students whose Incomplete Standing changes to Satisfactory or Probationary may continue in their program. Students whose Standing changes to Unsatisfactory may not continue in their program.

Students whose Standing changes to Unsatisfactory and who wish to request permission to continue in their program must make a request to the Associate Dean (Academic and Student Affairs) as soon as they are placed in Unsatisfactory Standing. Readmission will be considered only when proof of extenuating circumstances that affected academic performance can be provided (e.g., medical or other documentation).

Students whose Standing is still Incomplete by the end of the course change period should immediately consult with the Music Student Affairs Office.

2026-2027