Faculty of Arts & Science
Academic Advising

What is my program?

Your program is the specific set of course requirements leading to the completion of admission requirements, degree, diploma, or certificate either at the University of Lethbridge or at an institution with which the University has formal transfer arrangements (U of L Calendar).

Generally your program is the degree(s) that you are working towards, such as the BA/BEd or the BASc. If you have not yet been admitted to your program you are in a "pre-" program (e.g. Pre-BA/BEd, Pre-Dentisry). The program includes all of the requirements for the degree, such as the major, minor, GLER, and divisional course designation.

What is my major?

A major is the main area of specialization within the broader program requirements. For example, a student in the BA program can choose a major from the humanities or social sciences.

How do I change my program?

Students need to submit a Program Change Form to the Registrar's Office to change their program. You should see a student program advisor if you are considering changing your program and/or major. Student program advisors will give you the correct Program Planning Guide for your new program and will also advise you on which courses to choose for your new requirements.

All students who change their program (e.g. from Pre-BA/BEd to BA) or wanting to change to a Quota Program (i.e. majors in Environmental Science or Agriculture Studies) must see a student program advisor.

When do I have to change my program?

To have your program change effective for the following Spring semester, the Program Change Form must be submitted to the Registrar's Office before October 15 of the previous year. To have the change effective for the following Spring semester, the Program Change Form must be submitted to the Registrar's Office no later than February 15 of that year.

Do I have to declare a major?

No, it is possible to study at the University of Lethbridge with an "undeclared" major, however seats are usually reserved in courses for students who need them for their declared major. This means that as an "undeclared" major your access to courses during registration will be limited.

What is my Calendar Year?

For most students, their year of the calendar is the academic year that they were most recently admitted to the University of Lethbridge. Your calendar year determines the degree requirements that you need to fulfill to complete your program.

Your calendar year will only change in the following circumstance:

• You elect to follow a later calendar year to take advantage of changes to the curriculum. For example, the minor in Religious Studies was created in 2011/2012. If a student whose calendar year is 2010/2011 wants to declare this minor and have it recognized upon graduation, they will need to change to a later calendar year.
• You came to the U of L directly from an institution with which we have a transfer agreement and request to follow an earlier calendar year.
• If you lose your continuing student status by not taking courses in a Fall or Spring semester and have to reapply to the University.

Continuing Arts and Science students must obtain approval from a student program advisor to change their calendar year. This can be done during a walk-in appoinment.