• UTM

    i should be the only priority

    June 17, 2013

    Hi,

    I’m in the process of switching into DEM and encountered a few issues with enrolling in the required program courses. My enrolment date began on June 13th but I was restricted to enrolling due to not having a subject post as yet. Today, I’ve selected a subject post [ specialist in DEM] but cannot enrol in courses any courses. I’m not sure whats the barrier here? I still need to complete 2 first year perquisites [CCT110 and MGM102] during July-August but that shouldn’t be the problem or is it?

    Thanks!

    ———————————————

    Well darling…

    If you take a look at the enrolment controls for those second-year DEM courses you want to be in, you’ll see that they give priority to students actually in the DEM program until July 26.

    So since you’re not actually in the program… thar ya go.

    happy waiting,
    aska

    Cheers!

    aska

    Read More
  • enrollment,  ROSI,  UTM

    enrolment errors and other common situations

    June 13, 2013

    Hello,

    I will be asking the registrar for advice regarding my issue but I figure I might as well ask here too in case you may have encountered this same issue, and in the very least, maybe this will serve to aid any one else who encounters this issue.

    I am going into my second year however I only have the credits to be considered a first year. Which is fine. But I am taking 1.5 credits this summer, which would place me into the second year category come September. This is again as expected. The issue I am running into is however the school emailed me with my enrolment time, and stated that based on the fact that I will have the credits to be considered second year, that I will be enrolling at the same time as students with 4.0-8.5 credits.

    Then comes the day and I have all my course codes ready. I punch the very first one in and am given the message “you do not fit in any enrolment category”. After a bit of searching I discovered that at least for most people this is because they either lack the necessary amount of credits, or because their subject posts are incorrect and are barred from registering into new courses. But this is where my confusion comes from.

    1. I have a major, and two minors. All are ‘active’. But since I have 3.0 credits I did not believe this would be an issue, but to be sure, I had them declared nonetheless.

    2. The courses I am choosing are second year, not third or fourth. Why would they allow me to enrol for courses if I did not have the right amount?

    3. I even tried picking up a few first year courses, just as a test, and I received the same message.

    I have no debt with the University, my entire first year completely paid off as well as my summer courses. I was a full time student. I intend to be again. My status on ROSI is ‘invited’. As far as I can tell I should be able to pick my courses and yet I cannot even pick up a first year course. This does not appear to be a global issue because someone I know was able to pick their courses just fine.

    I’m at a loss. Hopefully you can help me in this.

    Thank you for the time.

    ———————————————

    Hey hey

    Yeaaah your situation is quite confusing.

    The end result is that you’re going to have to talk to the registrar’s office at UTM so that they can delve into the kinks of the matter, but here are some possibilities I can propose…

    1. Your extra summer courses (that 1.5 FCE) are from a different university. If that’s the case, they might just not be getting put into the credit count by ROSI.

    2. You’re just having bad luck with the enrolment controls. For example, although you’re trying with 100-level courses, those usually give priority to incoming students and fourth/fifth year students.

    3. You’re not meeting prerequisites. Sometimes you just need 4.0 FCE. Look for a course that seems to be pretty fair game for now.

    Annnnnnd that’s all I’ve got.

    Cheers!

    aska

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  • UTM

    getting through summer school without going full douchebag

    June 6, 2013

    Hey aska! I’m in kind of a pickle at the moment, and I need some advice 🙁 In brief, I messed up, badly. But here’s the story: I had to drop math in first year and I am retaking it in summer school now. I also failed another course in first year, meaning that if I finished math this summer, I’d have 4 courses completed by the end of this summer. Here’s what I’m worried about, I am bad at math, and I need a 60% in it right now to NOT be suspended for a year (because of my horrifying GPA). I’m in chemical and physical sciences, so I have to take math, but maybe I shouldn’t have taken it in the summer considering my circumstances. Anyways sorry about the rant, My question is:

    1. If I drop math in the summer before the July 28th deadline where it appears on my academic transcript, will the” 1.5 CGPA or 1.7 Session GPA” still be in effect for this summer? Or will it start up again in second year, where I’ll still be “on probation” until I am assessed again?

    2. The date to pick courses for 2nd year is June 13th, for students with (or will have) 4.0 to 8.5 credits. Right now, I’m en route to getting those 4 credits so I can choose my second year courses at that date. If I drop math AFTER I pick my courses on June 13th, will they remove the courses I have chosen for second year, since i will no longer have 4 credits by the end of summer?

    3. Lets say I just can’t do math, but I finished the prerequisites for another program that doesn’t need math, Psychology. Would I be able to switch into that this summer, drop math, leaving number 2 to be the only question I should be asking??

    I apologize for the length of this question, and if I was not supposed to ask a question of such large magnitude, I apologize for that as well and I guess I’ll talk to the academic advisor. If you do answer it, thank you so so much and bless your divine soul. Whoever you are, i love you 🙂

    ———————————————

    Hey there

    No need to be sorry. Your question isn’t thaaaaaaaaat long. Or well, I’ve just seen longer. And less organized! But kudos to you for knowing how to use numbers efficiently. I suppose that’s what one year at UofT gives you.

    Anyhow:

    1. Ummm forgive me if I’m not answering you correctly but here — if you drop math, which I assume is a Y course, by July 28 (the last day to drop a Y course without any academic record), then basically you’re going to remain on probation and it’ll be like the summer never happened.

    And, more importantly, there won’t be the risk of you ending up on suspension.

    To be honest, I sort of recommend dropping math… In the end it’s up to whether or not you actually work towards doing better this time around, but for the most part, students on probation are cautioned against summer courses.

    Like not to be harsh but… well if you couldn’t handle a regular semester, what makes you think you can do an accelerated one, right?

    2. Theoretically, you can totally do that, and, most likely, not be booted out of the courses you go into, but can I just tell you that that would be soooo incredibly unethical?

    aska does not endorse this sort of douchebaggery.

    Also, weigh the pros and cons out properly. Sure, you’ll be enrolling in courses a week early, but at the same time, if you drop that course after June 10 (the last day to get at least a 50% refund), you’ll have wasted a good thousand dollars or so.

    3. As long as you have the prerequisites, you can basically go into whatever program you want.

    Cheers!

    aska

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  • grad school,  UTM

    grad school: every student’s safety net

    June 5, 2013

    Hello Aska,

    I will be graduating next week from UTM and have a few questions. I would really love to pursue a Masters in Psychology, preferably in counselling. The problem is my GPA is 2.3, (my average from the last two years is 72%). Basically my first year is bringing my average down.
    I know Master in Psychology programs are crazy competitive and require insane GPAs, research experience and GRE scores, etc. The most important thing for me to do right now is be realistic with myself and with my abilities. I’m contemplating returning to UTM in the fall to do an individual research project (I spoke with the Psych. department and I will most likely be able to do one), and maybe raise my GPA (however I’m not too keen on taking extra courses. It costs too much money, and I can’t even guarantee it will raise my GPA).

    I think Western uni is my best shot at the moment. They have a masters in counselling psychology, that requires a 70% average from the last two years, and an individual research project. That application is in feb. of next year. Should I go back and complete an IRP? I know the admission says 70% minimum, but the reality is that the competitive average is probably a lot higher. They accept 24 people for interviews, and probably only accept a fraction of them. Should I even bother going back? I don’t want to waste my time and my parents money..
    (Also, they don’t require GRE scores, but would this be a good idea to submit anyway?)

    I’ve already had this semester off and am waiting for graduation, but I don’t know what to do next. I’m having difficultly finding a full time job (my major is in Psychology). I am applying to teachers college this december but am not to keen on pursuing that anymore (and even if I do get accepted, its another whole year I’ll have to wait). Please help me! What should I do? Do I even still have time to get in to UTM for the fall (as I realize there’s an online application process?)

    Thanks for your advice, its much appreciated!! 🙂

    ———————————————

    Yo yo

    So as you might know, when it comes to grad school questions and their specific requirements, my answers don’t really stray far from it depends on the specific school.

    Now for this situation and for the sake of your wallet, I’m going to be completely honest with you.

    You’re asking the student and the student is answering that if I was in your shoes, no, I would not go back. Realistically, one year back isn’t going to have a huge effect on your CGPA. Likewise, you’re most likely going to follow the same patterns and just maintain your current CGPA so unless you plan on ignoring the world in favour of studying, nothing’s going to change.

    If I were you, I’d nix the grad school dreams for now out of practicality and get a job.

    Yeah, yeah, I know. It’s easy to say that it’s just sooooo hard to find a job, but I mean lezbehonest — if you were desperate, you’d find one. And if you’re like me and swimming in an ocean of student debt, you’d learn how to settle for working at a children’s shoe store and dealing with loud smelly brats > finding a job that you love. I mean it’s just to pass the time and pay the bills. You don’t have to be there permanently.

    But take a look at what the career centre lists for you. They honestly have some pretty awesome job posts there!

    Now that’s me. For YOU…

    What you do all really depends on just how badly you want to go to grad school.

    Do you REALLY want to go? Because everyone “wants to go to grad school” at some point in university, but for the most part, I’d say that’s just some excuse to avoid entering Real Life. If grad school really is your dream though, then yeah, of course go back to school and do what you must. I don’t think one year of 90s is going to raise your CGPA enough for consideration (a lot of places require at least a 3.0), but at least you’re trying. Just keep in mind that grad schools, for the most part, are competitive for students in the A range sooooooo.

    Yeah.

    I mean there are other options. You can do a post-graduate certificate at a college, you can, again, get a job and think about things, you can do some volunteer work in your field to be suuuuure grad school/that program you like is actually for you, yada yada yada.

    tl;dr = only go back if you’re honestly sure grad school — work-your-ass-off, expensive-as-balls, time-consuming grad school — is actually what you want and you’re not just trying to prolong student living.

    And no, don’t bother with the GRE scores.

    xoxo,

    aska

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  • housing,  residence,  UTM

    she doesn’t even go here

    June 3, 2013

    Hi,

    I was just wondering if you can still live on residence even if you are suspended for a year? Because I keep getting emails saying my housing application is incomplete and to complete it by a certain date etc. So now I am thinking of living on residence (If i am allowed to) and working for a year, since I can’t seem to find a place to live in the area for the September year…please help! (I am from UTM)

    Thank you!

    ———————————————

    Hey hey

    Uhhhhhhhhh I want to give you one big fat firm no but I’ve come to realize nothing at this bloody university is ever black or white. Instead, I’m going to give a 99.9% sure no.

    Or well. Just no. Yeah. No. No residence for you.

    The goddess of logic tells me since dorms are student residences and you are not technically a student, then nay, you’re just getting emails but they’re not relevant to you.

    And if you can’t find a place right now, give the housing search (no longer available) a try! Or Craigslist. Or random google searches.

    Cheers!

    aska

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  • UTM

    crying gets you nothing but snark… and a tissue

    May 27, 2013

    Hi Aska,

    It’s been a while. Hope things are going swell. Anyways I am frustrated with UTM, and I’m in need of your advice (because no one is answering my calls or e-mails).

    So I finished my second year at another University 4 weeks ago. A week later I received a provisional transcript assessment and got almost all my credits assessed. I was previously told (multiple times) that I would be?able to enter my subject POSt after my final assessment.

    So everything seemed to be going well, UNTIL I got floored this week by the Office of the Registrar. They told me that I had to apply for my POSt on ROSI, and because they would need to see my final assessment done. So apparently I have to apply on June 17, and I would not hear back until September 9. Basically I would have to wait until July 26 to apply for 8/10 of my courses, and since the other 2 are restricted at all times, I would have to wait until September 9, and the class sizes of these two courses are small, and I’m scared I might not even get in.

    I spoke to someone else, who told me that I might not even be able to get in until I have a CGPA (since my marks won’t transfer), So right now I’m furious and scared because I had a beautiful timetable planned out, and if I have to take these two classes in the following year it will really complicate my life.

    Sorry for the long e-mail I’m a mess right now. But I have a few questions:

    1) How screwed am I? :/
    2) If I go to the right department and cry, can I get out of this mess?
    3) If I am screwed, can I still request special consideration (UTSG was my second choice, but enrolment services said I could send a letter. Although I’m unaware of the available space for Social Science Students.)

    Thank You in Advance Aska,

    ———————————————

    Yo.

    Firstly, congratulations on your acceptance.

    Now:

    1) You’re not screwed at all. You’re not in a mess. You’re just a student at the University of Toronto.

    Congratulations. This is where people go to cry. You’ll be fine.

    You’re not going to get some of the courses you want some times and that’s just how things are because of the volume of students. This is why students should always have backup plans. Don’t just stick to your one perfect schedule with absolutely no leeway. That’s how you set yourself up for disappointment.

    Now your situation is classic so don’t expect too much sympathy from, well, anyone at the university. Lots of the time students will apply for a program, be rejected in the first round, and then apply again in the second round and like you, have to wait for an answer until September.

    It sucks but it happens all. the. time.

    2) If you get pulled over, do you cry? No.

    Do not go to the department and cry. That would be the most obnoxious thing you could do. And okay, you’re in university. You’re an adult. You want to go somewhere and CRY to get your way? No. Don’t do that. No one likes that.

    You won’t get your way, you’ll get a tissue.

    3) I’m not really sure what you mean by “special consideration,” but I really don’t think you’ll get that anywhere.

    Like I said, everyone deals with not getting their ideal schedule, so no one is going to be moved by tears or some sort of appeal. The most you can really do is beg the professor of whatever course you’re losing your shit over, but past that… yeah. You’re going to be treated equally.

    But seriously, you need to relax and just… well, “get over it” is harsh, but there’s no point in dwelling. What you SHOULD be doing is looking at other options, not looking for ways to make sure you can get your way.

    (Seriously. CRYING?)

    Take some electives, take some courses at other campuses, take some random ones in the same field — just remember to be practical. You’re always going to need contingency plans, you’re always going to need to behave like someone your own age, and you’re always going to have to move forward.

    So no more whining.

    keeping it real,
    aska

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  • Transferring,  UTM

    in need of innis

    May 27, 2013

    hey aska!

    so i was just refused admission to the st. george campus but they offered me admission at UTM. i was just wondering if i were to transfer to st. george next year, will i have the same college preferences? like, i would REALLY like to get into innis but that’s already so hard to get in so if i were to transfer, would my application have equal consideration amongst, say, new undergrads.

    cheers!!!

    ———————————————

    Hey hey

    As far as I understand, logically, you shouldn’t have the same preferences any more. If you applied and were rejected, that application process is done, right?

    So when you apply for your internal transfer, just re-rank your colleges and set Innis to numero uno once again.

    Now your application will definitely have equal consideration as say someone coming from high school, so despite Innis’s tiny size, you won’t have too much trouble getting into Innis College as long as you rank them first. Honestly, Innis isn’t hard to get into. The RESIDENCE can be hard to get into because it’s in such high demand, but for the most part, if you rank them as number one on your application you should be fine.

    But I can’t blame you for wanting to get in to Innis. It rocks.

    clearly an innisian,
    aska

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  • business,  commerce,  UTM

    business studies coming before commerce

    May 27, 2013

    I just recently have gotten an alternate offer into your First year Business Studies program at UTM (denied UTM commerce). I was just wondering what the difference is as I dont know much about it and I checked electronicinfo.ca, it is not there. As well as i got a acceptance at york administrative studies, and im definately stuck between both programs.

    A little bit clearing up would be a great help, thanks again!

    ———————————————

    Hey hey

    I pretty much looked at your message, laughed, and asked myself, “What the heck is Business Studies?” because I’d never heard of it.

    Now research extraordinaire that I am, I googled that and found UTM’s little page on alternative offers — which I’m sure is totally neglected by incoming students.

    Basically, let’s say Business Studies is like a pre-program of sorts to Commerce. You’ll take the same first year courses as the Commerce kids and then you’ll essentially be applying for the program again from within UTM come April. They say the cut off average is 2.5, but be warned that that the ACTUAL minimum is most likely going to be a looooot higher since there are going to be a bunch of other people doing the same thing.

    So all in all, there’s no reaaaaal difference. You’re taking the same courses and working toward the same goal, you’re just… in Business Studies > Commerce, so you’ll have to apply to the program again at the end of first year based on your grades in those courses.

    Cheers!

    aska

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  • ccit,  UTM

    if i’m not in ccit, can i still be a ccit student

    May 24, 2013

    Hey, I am starting my second year at UTM in September. I came into UTM into the CCIT program. To enroll in the Subject Post for the CCIT Major, I need a GPA of at least 2.0. I am planning on applying to two minors as well; Earth Science and Environmental Science, which don’t require a GPA of 2.0. I will apply to the Posts in June. If my GPA is below 2.0, should I just apply to the two science minors? Will I still be considered a CCIT student? Will I have to apply for the CCIT Major next year? Please help, thanks.

    ———————————————

    Yo.

    If your GPA is below 2.0, then you won’t be able to get into the CCIT program, but do heed the required grades for those other programs you’re interested in. Do note, however, that you can’t just be in two minors. UTM requires students to be enrolled in either one specialist, two majors, or one major and two minors.

    But no, you won’t be considered a CCIT student. Naturally, you’re only considered one if you’re in the program.

    Although you can certainly apply for the program in the following year once you’ve bumped up your CGPA.

    Cheers!

    aska

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  • grad school,  suspension,  UTM

    a series of suspensions – part ii

    May 23, 2013

    Hey there, I’m currently a second year student at utm who just got a notice I was put on academic suspension for a year! Yikes! I got decent grades in first year, however, second year I hit a rough patch and was diagnosed with depression and anxiety 🙁 this literally happened to me in the middle of midterm season. As a result, my marks dropped (obviously) which resulted in my academic suspension. I was wondering if maybe I should appeal the suspension? I always wanted to go to post grad school as well and I don’t want this stopping me, however I’m scared that this will completely hurt my chances. I do plan on returning and working my ass off, as of now I’m doing a lot better however, I’m still on the road to recovery. Advice?

    ———————————————

    Yo.

    Posts to refer to that can be found in the aska archives with similar/exactly the same situations:

    1) Student is suspended — But there’s a twist! She has ~*~extenuating circumstances~*~!!!

    2) But what am I supposed to do on my year off?

    3) Second year UTM student on suspension and wants to go to grad school — what now?

    Now if you’ve read those, you’ll see that my general stance on appealing suspensions is that ~*~extenuating circumstances~*~ you may have, but the university might not really… well, care. If you have medical documentation, fine, that can’t be fought, but people on suspension start off on probation and probation always comes with a lot of talking and counseling and whatnot.

    But my advice:

    If you really do have problems with depression/anxiety though, why bother fighting the suspension? It’s a GOOD thing!

    This is time to take care of yourself and really consider whether or not you actually WANT to go to university. If you’ve been depressed, well take this spare time to figure out what’s depressing you, look at your life choices, and fix them.

    And, to be clear, if you do have anxiety problems that are sparked by school, I don’t think grad school is the best place. I mean that stuff is intense soooo. Sure, you can certainly work your butt off when you come back, but do you really think adding to the typical four years is going to make you feel any better? School just gets harder as it goes by. :/

    Grad school is basically every student’s back up dream.

    Eeeeveeeeryone says they want it at one point, maybe even apply to it, but they’re tough to get into and to see through. The marks that got you on probation and then suspension will, naturally, hurt your GPA which will in turn hurt your application, but just be sure that it’s what you reaaaaally want before working towards it. I mean there are so many other options out there that are a) less expensive, b) more accessible, and c) more likely to contribute to you getting a job. For example, have you ever considered a post-graduate certificate? So much more worth it and probably less anxiety-inducing! 🙂

    Anyhow, enjoy the year off! Pull an Eat, Pray, Love and go eat a crap load of pizza or something. Or maybe some Julie and Julia-ing can be done. Or maybe just get a job! Just focus on yourself for now and getting out of depression.

    Cheers!

    aska

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  • UTM,  UTSC

    st. george isn’t even an option

    May 22, 2013

    Hi!

    So basically, I’ve recieved an alternate offer from UTM for psychology instead of Life Sciences, which is what I originally applied for, but I also got into UTSC Life Sciences, but the thing is that I really want to go to UTM, so would it be possible to switch campuses after I accept my offer from UTSC? Or maybe I can go to UTM and switch into Life Sciences second year? Nonetheless, UTM is where I want to go, so in your opinion what should I do?

    ———————————————

    Hey hey~

    If UTM is where you want to go, then just ignore UTSC and that’s that. 😀

    But if you DO end up choosing UTSC and then decide you want to be at UTM instead, you’re going to have to do an internal transfer, which is a bit of a process so it might be best to choose what you reaaaaally want now.

    Basically I say go to UTM, take the courses you can fit into your schedule during first year (as in you can still take, say, the basic first year bio — life sci staple that it is — assuming you have the prerequisites), and then see where the Subject POSts take you at the end of that year.

    Cheers!

    aska

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  • suspension,  UTM

    a series of suspensions – part i

    May 22, 2013
    So I’m a second year student @ UTM and was recently put on academic suspension because I can honestly say I screwed up. But I am unclear of some things. I’ve noticed that for some people their suspensions are only for one session? Why is that? I got an email saying my suspension for one year has now been effective May 2013. Is there any way I can get out of suspension? Or ANY WAY I can make up for my screw up’s?? I am dying here…PLEASE HELP.

    Also, once I come back from suspension, what will happen? Will I be able to continue to 3rd year? And I was planning on going to Grad school, will this suspension impact on my chances of getting in greatly?!

    ———————————————

    Yo.

    I’m not sure what you’re reading, but at UTM, if you’re suspended, that goes for either one or three years. So what you might be seeing is someone saying they’ve been suspended for an entire academic session or something like that, in which they refer to an entire academic year?

    Either way, UTM seems pretty clear when they say it’s a one year thing — assuming you haven’t fallen so far as to be kicked out for three years.

    Now can you get out of this? Well… probably not.

    If you’ve looked into the aska archives on suspension, you’ll notice one or two student who think that they definitely don’t deserve to be on probation and that they’ll try harder and yada yada yada put me back in school for I am a special snowflake. I’m not trying to be mean/cynical/harsh, but if you get put on suspension… well first you were put on probation. You had a year of promising yourself and your registrar that you’d work harder, right? Very rarely does the university sympathize with people who’ve been suspended.

    But good for you! 🙂 The steps to coping with suspension always start off with accepting that you screwed up. Then we move forward!

    So yes, you can make up for your screw ups — just after a year.

    You can spend your time off making money, traveling, starting a blog, or whatever suits your fancy, but once you get back, you just start the year off again back on probation and dealing with the same circumstances as your previous probation. However, this time the threat is that if you plummet a second time, suspension lasts THREE years.

    And depending on your credit count, yes, you can carry on to third year. I mean you can be in your third year of study technically, but the university considers you third year when you have 9.0 to 13.5 FCE.

    As for grad school… well, grad school apps tend to come with a serious of extra requirements like letters of reference, transcripts, personal statements, and so on, meaning it’s possible to explain away the little mark of suspension on your record.

    However, keep in mind that letters of reference typically come from profs whose classes you totally rocked, and transcripts let potential schools see eeeveeerything. So if you really are serious about grad school, make sure that when you get back to school, you actually work on things this time. Hopefully that helps your odds for entry.

    Until then, enjoy your year off.

    Cheers!

    aska

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  • Transferring,  UTM

    if you can hold a fork…

    May 6, 2013

    Hi there! I just finished my first year at UTM. I failed a full year course and as a result I finished with only 3.0 credits. Im very confused because I know that I cannot apply for a subject Post now since I do not have 4.0 credits and I wonder how that will affect me. Can I apply in December after first semester second year? Also summer school is not an option for me as I have to work to save for second year so I can’t get a credit in summer school and catch up. Another thing I would really like to transfer to YorkU but again I dont have the 4.0 credits. Does this mean I will have to wait until after second year? I really want to get a bachelor of education but since Ive messed up so much in first year I can’t do that at UTM which is why I would like to transfer. If I have to wait until after second year to transfer, what subject posts should I apply for until then so that I can still be working towards the degree in education even though that is not my program? Im sorry if some of these are silly questions but I feel like Ive gone into university blind and I’m making my own path as I go along.

    ———————————————

    Yo.

    Okay so Subject POSts work so that you enroll after a full academic session. Meaning there won’t be any applying until next summer soooo sorry about that. At least you don’t have to worry about what program to pick, right?

    Annnnnd well I don’t really know anything about York (UofT ftw!), but I mean they DO word the requirement as “completion of at least 4 full-credits” — “completion” being the key word here. Technically, you did complete four courses. Maybe not fantastically, but you certainly completed four! But you’re going to have to clear things up with them on whether or not you have to do a second year at UTM to satisfy their requirements.

    Cheers!

    aska

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