Health Studies
Health Studies
| Location: | School of Health Policy and Management, 314 Stong College, Tel.: 416-736-5157, Fax: 416-736-5227, E-mail: shpm@yorku.ca |
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| Website: | yorku.ca/health/shpm/ |
| Chair of School: | M. Morrow |
| Undergraduate Program Director: | L. van Dreumel |
| Professors: | T. Daly, L. Ginsburg, S. Hoffman, L. Lum, P. McDonald, M. Morrow, J. Orbinski, D. Raphael, M. Wiktorowicz |
| Professors Emeriti: | J. Lexchin |
| Associate Professors: | F. Ahmad, C. Chaufan, S. Dinca-Panaitescu, C. El Morr, R. Da Silveira Gorman, L. Granek, N. Viva Davis Halifax, G. Reaume, E. Schraa, P. Tsasis, A. Viens, H. Wong |
| Assistant Professors: | L. Appel, A. Berthelot-Raffard, A. Daftary, S. Hillier, J. Vorstermans, L. van Dreumel |
The Health Studies program explores how and why our health care system must continually renew itself. The program develops students' understanding and analytic skills in becoming future leaders with vision and innovative edge. The School of Health Policy and Management offers a broad perspective on all aspects of the health care system and fosters an understanding of how the broad determinants of health such, as income and ethnicity, influence the health of Canadians. The faculty in the school are internationally recognized for their research and teaching.
The 120-credit Honours BHS program offers a unique approach to health systems education. The programs emphasize the organization of health care and other systems, the diversity of Canadians, the role of communities, and fairness and social justice as integral considerations in the development of effective health care models by incorporating a determinant of health approach. These concerns are incorporated into the study of the most recent developments in management practice, health planning, and use of information in health care.
The 120-credit Honours BHS program allows students to complete pre-med and other pre-health professional course requirements. In addition, students can do a double major or major-minor in conjunction with many other York programs.
The School of Health Policy and Management offers an Honours BHS program in Health Studies and Specialized Honours BHS degrees in Health Management, Health Policy and Health Informatics. Also available are Honours Minor programs in Health Management, Health Informatics and Health Policy and a Cross-Disciplinary Certificate in Health Informatics as well as a Professional Certificate in Health Services Financial Management.
University-Wide Residency Requirement
A minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University.
Faculty-Wide Degree Requirements
Bachelor of Health Studies (BHS)
Graduation: all graduates must complete a total of at least 90 credits, with a minimum overall cumulative grade point average of 4.00 (C).
General education: a minimum of 18 credits as follows:
six credits at the 1000 level in approved Faculty of Health general education or humanities categories approved by the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
six credits at the 1000 level in approved Faculty of Health general education or social science categories approved by the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
six credits at the 1000 level in natural science (NATS) offered by the Faculty of Science
Honours Bachelor of Health Studies (Honours BHS)
Graduation: all graduates must complete a total of at least 120 credits, with a minimum overall cumulative grade point average of 5.00 (C+).
General education: a minimum of 18 credits as follows:
six credits at the 1000 level in approved Faculty of Health general education or humanities categories approved by the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
six credits at the 1000 level in approved Faculty of Health general education or social science categories approved by the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
six credits at the 1000 level in natural science (NATS) offered by the Faculty of Science
Program-Specific Degree Requirements
Bachelor of Health Studies Honours and Bachelor of Health Studies Degree Programs
The School of Health Policy and Management offers an Honours and bachelor degree program (BHS) majoring in health studies. In addition, the school offers three Specialized Honours programs in Health Informatics, Health Management and Health Policy along with a Cross-Disciplinary Undergraduate Certificate in Health Informatics.
Health Studies (Honours BHS Program): 120 Credits
Residency requirement: a minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University.
Graduation requirement: all graduates must complete a total of at least 120 credits with a minimum overall cumulative grade point average of 5.00 (C+).
General education: a minimum of 18 credits as follows:
- six credits at the 1000 level in approved Faculty of Health general education or humanities categories approved by the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
- six credits at the 1000 level in approved Faculty of Health general education or social science categories approved by the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
- six credits at the 1000 level in natural science (NATS) offered by the Faculty of Science
Note 1: It is strongly recommended that students complete the general education requirements above within their first 54 credits.
Note 2: Students may complete a maximum of 30 credits in general education; any additional credits not being used to fulfil general education may count toward electives.
Note 3: General education requirements are satisfied by taking natural science courses, approved humanities or social science categories courses and Faculty of Health general education courses. For further information please visit yorku.ca/health/academic-resources/general-education-requirements/.
Note 4: Students have the option to take specified Faculty of Health courses to fulfill their social sciences general education requirements. Courses offered by the Faculty of Health that are used to fulfill the social sciences general education credits may not also count as credits towards the major. For a list of courses, please visit: yorku.ca/health/general-education-approvedhhcourses/
Major credits: students must complete a minimum of 42 credits in the major as follows:
- HH/HLST 1010 3.00 and HH/HLST 1011 3.00
- HH/HLST 2010 3.00
- HH/HLST 2020 3.00
- HH/HLST 2030 3.00
- HH/HLST 2040 3.00
- HH/HLST 2300 6.00
- HH/HLST 3120 3.00
- HH/HLST 3230 3.00
- HH/HLST 3341 3.00
- HH/HLST 4010 3.00
- HH/HLST 4200 6.00
Upper-level credits: a minimum of 36 credits must be taken at the 3000 level or 4000 level, including at least 18 credits at the 4000 level.
Electives: additional credits as required for an overall total of at least 120 credits. Elective credits may be used to fulfil upper-level credits.
Honours Double Major BHS Program
The Honours BHS program described above may be pursued jointly with Honours Double Major bachelor's degree programs in the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, the Faculty of Health, the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, the Faculty of Science or the Lassonde School of Engineering. For further details on requirements, contact the respective Faculty.
Honours Major/Minor BHS Program
The Honours BHS program described above may be pursued jointly with any Honours Minor bachelor's degree program in the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, the Faculty of Health, the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, the Faculty of Science or the Lassonde School of Engineering as listed in the Faculty of Health Rules and Regulations section of the Faculty Rules.
Health Studies (BHS Program): 90 Credits
Residency requirement: a minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University.
Graduation requirement: all graduates must complete a total of at least 90 credits, with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 4.00 (C).
General education: a minimum of 18 credits as follows:
- six credits at the 1000 level in approved Faculty of Health general education or humanities categories approved by the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
- six credits at the 1000 level in approved Faculty of Health general education or social science categories approved by the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
- six credits at the 1000 level in natural science (NATS) offered by the Faculty of Science
Note 1: It is strongly recommended that students complete the general education requirements above within their first 54 credits.
Note 2: students may complete a maximum of 30 credits in general education; any additional credits not being used to fulfil general education may count toward electives.
Note 3: general education requirements are satisfied by taking natural science courses, approved humanities or social science categories courses and Faculty of Health general education courses. For further information please visit yorku.ca/health/academic-resources/general-education-requirements/.
Note 4: Students have the option to take specified Faculty of Health courses to fulfill their social sciences general education requirements. Courses offered by the Faculty of Health that are used to fulfill the social sciences general education credits may not also count as credits towards the major. For a list of courses, please visit: yorku.ca/health/general-education-approvedhhcourses/
Major credits: students must complete a minimum of 30 credits in the major including the following:
- HH/HLST 1010 3.00 and HH/HLST 1011 3.00
- HH/HLST 2010 3.00
- HH/HLST 2020 3.00
- HH/HLST 2030 3.00
- HH/HLST 2040 3.00
- at least 12 additional credits in health studies (HLST) credits at the 3000 level
Upper-level credits: at least 18 credits at the 3000 level or 4000 level, including at least 12 credits at the 3000 level or 4000 level in health studies.
Electives: additional credits as required for an overall total of at least 90 credits. Elective credits may be used to fulfil upper-level credits.
Course Substitutes
Subject to course exclusions, program requirements/restrictions, and residence requirements, the following courses are acceptable substitutes for the purpose of meeting program requirements:
| Interim Dean: | S. Murtha |
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| Associate Deans: | C. Ardern, M. Hamadeh, K. Page-Cutrara |
| Office of the Dean: | 426 Health, Nursing and Environmental Studies Building, 416-736-5124 |
General Information
The Faculty offers a range of perspectives on health drawn from natural science, social science, nursing, humanities, management and administration. The Faculty’s vision is driven by the following principals and goals:
- to promote York’s expertise in teaching, research, and practice in health by bringing it together in one Faculty;
- to foster the development of new academic programs in health at York that capitalize on existing strengths among faculty members across the University; and
- to create an academic environment and culture that will support the continual development of novel, innovative and multidisciplinary approaches to health and health care.
This multidisciplinary approach creates opportunities to explore a wide variety of health issues ranging from public policy decisions to the search for better clinical interventions.
A variety of methods for studying health and social phenomena is used in the Faculty, ranging from experimental and epidemiological techniques to clinical case studies, oral histories and ethnographic observation. Research focuses not only on hospitals and clinics but communities, homes, farms, schools, factories and the global economic environment.
Faculty of Health Programs
- Bachelor of arts and bachelor of arts with Honours, majoring in global health
- Bachelor of arts with Honours, majoring in kinesiology and health science
- Bachelor of arts and bachelor of arts with Honours, majoring in psychology
- Bachelor of health studies and bachelor of health studies with Honours, all majors
- Bachelor of science and bachelor of science with Honours, majoring in global health
- Bachelor of science with Honours, majoring in kinesiology and health science
- Bachelor of science and bachelor of science with Honours, majoring in neuroscience
- Bachelor of science and bachelor of science with Honours, majoring in psychology
- Bachelor of science in nursing with Honours, all streams
Academic Advising and Student Responsibility
The Faculty of Health considers academic advising an important responsibility. The term academic advising covers a number of complementary functions related to assisting students, such as:
- understanding degree and program requirements;
- understanding Faculty legislation and policies;
- understanding your grade report and academic standing.
These functions may vary in their significance to students at different times of the academic year and at different points in students’ academic careers.
Advising students is a shared responsibility between Faculty of Health schools and departments and the Office of Student and Academic Services. Students contact these offices throughout the year for advice and information related to their academic career including academic performance, degree programs and requirements.
Student Responsibility
Every effort is made to ensure that students in the Faculty of Health have access to sound information and individual advice and guidance. Within this context, and within the framework of Faculty and program regulations, students are responsible for making their own choices about courses and programs.
Students are responsible for knowing and fulfilling all degree and program requirements outlined in the York University Undergraduate Calendar. Throughout the academic year, students are welcome and strongly encouraged, to consult the Faculty of Health, Office of Student and Academic Services and professional and/or faculty advisers in their school or department.
Take special care to ensure that:
- the course(s) you choose do not have a time conflict;
- the course(s) you choose meet all requirements for graduation;
- the course(s) you choose meet prerequisites and are not course credit exclusions of other courses already taken or courses for which you have already been given credit;
- you keep yourself informed about your academic performance;
- you observe published deadlines, especially add, drop and withdrawal deadlines and refund deadlines;
- you maintain the grade point average required to proceed in your degree/program of study;
- you read, understand and adhere to the Senate Policy on Academic Honesty;
- you read, understand and adhere to the Student Code of Conduct;
- your student information is kept up to date, including changes to your name, address, phone number, York e-mail address, etc.
Academic Honours
The Faculty recognizes student academic excellence in appropriate ways. The following honours are recorded on a student's transcript.
Sessional Honours (Dean’s Honour Roll)
- Students taking 12 to 17 credits in a given session who have attained a sessional grade point average of 8.00 or higher.
- Students taking 18 or more credits in a given session who have attained a sessional grade point average of 7.50 or higher.
Graduation Honours for Honours Degrees
Summa cum laude: 8.00 or higher cumulative grade point average
Magna cum laude: 7.80 to 7.99 cumulative grade point average
Cum laude: 7.50 to 7.79 cumulative grade point average
Member of the Dean's Honour Roll: 7.00 or higher cumulative grade point average
Graduation Honours for Bachelor Degrees
With distinction: 8.00 or higher cumulative grade point average
With merit: 7.50 to 7.99 cumulative grade point average
Member of the Dean's Honour Roll: 7.00 or higher cumulative grade point average
In addition:
- medals,
- scholarships and merit awards,
- entrance scholarships,
- renewable scholarships,
are recorded on the student’s transcript.
Academic Penalties
Students whose academic record does not meet Faculty or program standards are subject to the academic penalties of academic warning, required withdrawal, debarment warning, debarment and academic probation. Students enrolled in the bachelor of science in nursing degree program are subject to a separate set of academic penalties.
Academic Warning
Students whose cumulative grade point average falls below 4.00 at the end of any session, or who enter the Faculty with a grade point average equivalent to less than 4.00 on the York scale, receive an academic warning. Students on academic warning must achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 4.00 within the next 24 credits taken, or earn a sessional grade point average of at least 5.00 in the session in which that 24th credit is completed and in each subsequent session until the cumulative grade point average reaches 4.00, or be required to withdraw. Students whose cumulative grade point average on at least 24 credits is below 2.50 will be required to withdraw.
Required Withdrawal
Students whose academic record shows marked weakness may be required to withdraw from their studies for one year, during which they are encouraged to identify and remedy any problems which may have contributed materially to their failure to perform up to their potential and to reflect on their reasons for pursuing a university education. The following regulations apply to required withdrawals.
Grade point average below 2.50: Students whose cumulative grade point average on at least 24 York credits is below 2.50 must withdraw for 12 months.
Grade point average below 4.00 and equal to or greater than 2.50: Students who have received an academic warning for a cumulative grade point average below 4.00 must achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 4.00 within their next 24 credits taken or earn a sessional grade point average of at least 5.00 in the session in which that 24th credit is completed and in each subsequent session until the cumulative grade point average reaches 4.00; otherwise, they must withdraw for 12 months. Should the student’s cumulative grade point average fall below 2.50 at any time after completion of 24 York credits, they will be required to withdraw for 12 months.
Petition to continue without interruption: Students who have been required to withdraw may submit a petition to the Faculty of Health Petitions Committee requesting permission to continue their studies without interruption. Students granted such a petition will be allowed to continue their studies on debarment warning.
Reactivation after required withdrawal: Students who have been required to withdraw must apply for reactivation after the requisite period of absence by submitting a request online at the Reactivation Web page (registrar.yorku.ca/enrol/reactivate). Students who return to their studies after such a required withdrawal (as well as those who have been allowed to continue their studies by virtue of a petition to the Faculty of Health Petitions Committee) receive a debarment warning.
Debarment Warning
Students who have been required to withdraw from the Faculty of Health or from another Faculty at York or elsewhere, receive a debarment warning upon continuing their studies in the Faculty. Students on debarment warning must achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 4.00 within the next 24 credits taken or earn a sessional grade point average of at least 5.00 in the session in which that 24th credit is completed and in each subsequent session until the cumulative grade point average reaches 4.00, and must then maintain this average. Students who do not fulfill these conditions will be debarred from the University.
Debarment
Students who fail to meet the debarment warning conditions outlined above will be debarred from the University. Debarment, the minimum period for which is normally two years, means that the student is no longer a student at York University.
Petition to continue without interruption: Students who have been debarred may submit a petition to the Faculty of Health Petitions Committee requesting permission to continue their studies without interruption. Students granted such a petition will be allowed to continue their studies on academic probation.
Reapplying after debarment: Students who have been debarred and who wish to resume their studies must apply for admission through the Admissions Office (futurestudents.yorku.ca) and must provide persuasive evidence that they are ready and able to complete a degree program. Students who are re-admitted (as well as those who have been allowed to continue their studies by virtue of a petition to the Faculty of Health Petitions Committee) receive an academic probation.
Academic Probation
Students who have been debarred and who subsequently resume their studies in the Faculty of Health, whether by petitioning to continue without interruption or by reapplying for admission, receive an academic probation. Students on academic probation must meet the debarment warning conditions outlined above; otherwise, they will be debarred again.
Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Honours BScN (All Streams)
Program Warning for Honours BScN
BScN students who have completed less than 120 credits will be placed on a program warning if the cumulative grade point average is at least 4.00 but is below 5.00.
Students may continue in BScN providing they meet the program warning conditions outlined below.
Program warning conditions for BScN: BScN students on program warning, within the next 24 credits taken, must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 5.00. At no time may the cumulative grade point average fall below 4.00. At no time may the cumulative grade point average fall below 2.50 upon completion of at least 24 York credits.
Upon completion of 120 credits BScN students who do not have a cumulative grade point average of at least 5.00 including a minimum grade of C+ (5.00) in all courses used in the major will be ineligible to proceed in the program or graduate.
Failure to meet the above program warning conditions: Students whose cumulative grade point average on at least 24 York credits is below 2.50 must withdraw for 12 months (required withdrawal).
Students who do not meet the program warning conditions for their program as listed above will not be eligible to continue in the program and must declare a new degree program to be eligible to continue with their studies.
Students with less than a 4.00 cumulative grade point average who have completed less than 90 credits must declare a new degree program and will proceed in the new degree program on academic warning.
Required Withdrawal
Students whose academic record shows marked weakness may be required to withdraw from their studies for 12 months, during which they are encouraged to identify and remedy any problems which may have contributed materially to their failure to perform up to their potential and to reflect on their reasons for pursuing a university education. The following regulations apply to required withdrawals.
Grade point average below 4.00 and equal to or greater than 2.50: Students who have received an academic warning for a cumulative grade point average below 4.00 (C) must achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 4.00 (C) within their next 24 credits taken or earn a sessional grade point average of at least 5.00 (C+) in the session in which that 24th credit is completed and in each subsequent session until the cumulative grade point average reaches 4.00 (C); otherwise, they must withdraw for 12 months. Students will be required to withdraw for 12 months should their cumulative grade point average fall below 2.50 at any time after completion of 24 York credits.
Grade point average below 2.50: Students whose cumulative grade point average on at least 24 York credits is below 2.50 must withdraw for 12 months.
Petition to continue without interruption: Students who have been required to withdraw may submit a petition to the Faculty of Health Petitions Committee requesting permission to continue their studies without interruption. Students granted such a petition would be allowed to continue their studies on debarment warning.
Reactivation after required withdrawal: Students who have been required to withdraw may apply for reactivation after the requisite period of absence by submitting a request online at the Reactivation Web page (registrar.yorku.ca/enrol/reactivate). Students who return to their studies after such a required withdrawal (as well as those who have been allowed to continue their studies by virtue of a petition to the Faculty of Health Petitions Committee) receive a debarment warning.
Debarment Warning
Students who have been required to withdraw receive a debarment warning upon continuing their studies in the Faculty.
Debarment warning conditions: Students on debarment warning must achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 4.00 (C) within the next 24 credits taken or earn a sessional grade point average of at least 5.00 (C+) in the session in which the 24th credit is completed and in each subsequent session until the cumulative average reaches 4.00 (C), and must then maintain this average. Students who do not fulfill these conditions will be debarred from the University. Students whose cumulative grade point average falls below 2.50 at any time while on debarment warning will be debarred.
Debarment
Students who fail to meet the debarment warning conditions outlined above will be debarred from the University. Debarment, the minimum period for which is normally two years, means that the student is no longer a student at York University.
Petition to continue without interruption: Students who have been debarred may submit a petition to the Faculty of Health Petitions Committee requesting permission to continue their studies without interruption. Students granted such a petition would be allowed to continue their studies on academic probation.
Reapplying after debarment: Students who have been debarred and who wish to resume their studies must apply for re-admission through the Admissions Office, and must provide persuasive evidence that they are ready and able to complete a degree program. Students who are re-admitted (as well as those who have been allowed to continue their studies by virtue of a petition to the Faculty of Health Petitions Committee) receive an academic probation.
Academic Probation
Students who have been debarred and who subsequently resume their studies in the Faculty whether by petitioning to continue without interruption or by applying for re-admission, receive an academic probation. Students on academic probation must meet the debarment warning conditions outlined above; otherwise, they will be debarred. Students who have completed 120 credits or greater who do not have the required cumulative grade point average of at least 5.00 and/or a minimum grade of C+ (5.00) in all courses used in the major will be ineligible to proceed or graduate.
Academic Standing
Academic standing depends on several factors which include the number of credits a student has passed, the grade point average achieved during a particular session (sessional grade point average), or the overall grade point average (cumulative grade point average).
Year Level and Student Progress
Student progress toward a degree in the Faculty of Health is measured in terms of the number of credits passed (or earned) rather than years of study completed. The year level includes transfer credit. Year 4 applies to students in Honours programs only.
| Year Level | Credits Earned |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0 to 23 |
| 2 | 24 to 53 |
| 3 | 54 to 83 |
| 4 | 84 or more |
Faculty of Education courses taken by students coregistered in the Faculty of Education are not included in Faculty of Health year levels.
Honours Standing Grade Point Average Requirement
Students who have completed fewer than 84 earned credits and whose cumulative grade point average is below 5.00, may continue in a Faculty of Health Honours degree program provided they meet the year level progression requirements as follows:
| Year Level | Credits Earned | Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 to 23 | 4.00 |
| 2 | 24 to 53 | 4.25 |
| 3 | 54 to 83 | 4.80 |
| 4 | 84 or more | 5.00 |
The BScN degree program has different requirements, see below.
Academic Standing Requirements for Bachelor of Science in Nursing Honours Degree Program
Students who have completed fewer than 120 credits and maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 5.00 may proceed in Honours.
Students at the point of completing 120 credits who have at least a cumulative grade point average of 5.00 and have a minimum grade of C+ (5.00) in all courses used in the major may apply to graduate or continue in the BScN Honours if requirements are not met.
Entry/Re-entry
Students who attain the 5.00 cumulative grade point average before completing 90 credits and who have fulfilled the entry requirements may apply for entry/re-entry to the program. Students who have not attained the 5.00 cumulative grade point average at the point of completing 90 credits, will be ineligible for the program. No extra courses may be taken in a subsequent session in an effort to raise the grade point average. All requests for re-entry to the BScN are subject to School of Nursing approval. Some programs may have limited entry. Students may submit a request to enter/re-enter the program to the School of Nursing. All students who enter/re-enter the BScN program must follow the requirements of the program in place at the time of entry/re-entry.
Program Change
Students from other Faculties may submit a Program Request Change to enter the program. More information is available on the Registrar's Office website.
Failure to Maintain Academic Standing
Advising is recommended. Please refer to the Academic Penalties section, which contains information on program warning, program warning conditions, required withdrawal, reactivation after required withdrawal, debarment warning and debarment warning conditions.
Academic Standing Requirements for Specialized Honours Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience Degree Program
Transfer Requirement
For BSc students who wish to transfer into the Neuroscience program. Students will be considered on a case-by-case basis if space permits and if they meet the following requirements: (1) completed NRSC 1001 or have the permission of the program coordinator to take the course in the upcoming year, (2) earned at least 24 science credits at York with an overall cumulative GPA of 7.00 (B+) or better, and (3) completed BIOL 1000, BIOL 1001, and PSYC 1010 with a minimum grade of 4.00 (C). Once the requirements are completed, students should submit a MyProgram request for Change in Major by June 1st for review. Permission to transfer should be provided by July.
Re-entry Requirement
For BSc students who were admitted into the Neuroscience program, but did not make the Qualifying requirements. Student can apply for re-entry if the student has achieved (1) an overall cumulative GPA of 7.00 (B+) or better on at least 24 science credits at York, and have (2) completed NRSC 1001, and (3) have completed BIOL 1000, BIOL 1001, and PSYC 1010 with a minimum grade of 4.0 (C). Once the requirements are completed, students should submit a MyProgram request for Change in Major by June 1st for review. Permission to transfer should be provided by July.
Academic Standing Requirements for Visiting Students
An individual who wishes to enrol in undergraduate credit courses, but who do not intend to complete a degree or a certificate may be admitted to York as a visiting student (see the Admissions section for more information). There are three categories of visiting students:
- those who hold an undergraduate degree (three-year bachelor's degree minimum) from an accredited university/university-level institution;
- those who do not hold an undergraduate degree but wish to enrol in York courses to fulfill the academic, upgrading or professional development requirements of a professional designation;
- those who are currently attending another recognized university and wish to take York courses on a letter of permission issued by their home institution.
Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement
Students in categories A and B whose overall cumulative grade point average (OCGPA) falls below 4.00 on at least 24 credits attempted will not be allowed to enrol in any subsequent session as visiting students. Students who are not permitted to re-enrol must apply for re-admission through the Admissions Office.
Note: repeated course legislation does not apply to visiting students but only to academic degrees and certificates. All courses attempted or taken, therefore, will count in the OCGPA.
Credit Limits
Students in category B who have maintained an OCGPA of 4.00 throughout their studies and who have completed 30 credits will not be allowed to enrol in subsequent sessions. They must either reactivate to proceed as visiting students or may choose to apply for admission to a degree or certificate program
Limited Additional Credits for Bachelor Degree Program
Students in a bachelor program who have earned 90 credits in accordance with Faculty and program requirements, but whose cumulative grade point average is below 4.00 may attempt to raise their average to 4.00 by taking up to 12 additional credits, to a maximum of 102 credits. These courses must be above the 1000 level and must be taken at York University.
Petitions for Exemptions from Regulations
Academic regulations allow you to develop your interests and talents to the fullest in ways consistent with the philosophy and standards of the Faculty. In establishing academic regulations, the Faculty also recognizes that instances will arise where it makes sense, in the context of a student’s academic career, to waive regulations which would otherwise apply.
Petitions Committee
The Faculty of Health Petitions Committee considers requests for exceptions to Faculty regulations, such as but not limited to: requests to withdraw from a course past the deadline, deferred standing to complete final exams or final assignments, and requests to continue studies without interruption from students who have been required to withdraw or debarred. The Committee will give due consideration to transition difficulties documented by students in their first university year.
Right to Petition
Students in the Faculty of Health have the right to petition for special consideration of a waiver of a faculty regulation or deadline. A petition cannot be used to create legislation that does not exist (e.g. a degree program).
Petition Procedures
Petitions are held in the strictest confidence. The Committee considers the petition package itself, any supporting documentation from professors or medical practitioners and other relevant information contained in the student’s record. Students may not appear before the Faculty of Health Petitions Committee at an adjudication meeting. It is important that students submit a complete petition package with all relevant documentation for consideration by the Petitions Committee.
Petition Deadlines
A petition for late withdrawal must be submitted within 30 days of the last day of classes of the relevant course, up to one-year with grounds of extenuating circumstances to explain the lateness. Requests for deferred standing must be communicated within one week following a missed examination or the last day to submit course work. Normally, petitions will not be considered by the Faculty of Health Petitions Committee more than one year beyond the date of the release of grades for the session to which the petition relates.
Delayed Petitions
Should a petition submission be delayed due to extenuating circumstances, a student will be required to address the reason for the late submission. Waivers of submission deadlines will only be combined with adequate grounds supported by documentation of the extenuating circumstances that may have delayed the submission of a petition. Note: There are no guarantees that any petition will be resolved in time for course enrolment and/or convocation in a subsequent academic session, thus, one should plan accordingly.
Initiating a Petition
Information on initiating a petition, including an instructional video on the petitions process and all required documents may be found on the Faculty of Health petitions website: yorku.ca/health/petition-information-and-package/.
Faculty of Health students must submit their complete petition package online using the online submission system on the Faculty of Health petitions website.
Questions regarding academic petitions may be sent via email to hhpet@yorku.ca. Please allow 24-48 hours for a response.
Rules and Regulations
Sessional Course Loads
The following course loads apply to students in the Faculty of Health. In certain circumstances the Faculty may set other limits.
Fall/Winter Session
The normal course load is 30 credits for students in the fall/winter session. Students with substantial family or financial responsibilities outside the University are advised to consider taking fewer courses in a session. Students may take a maximum of 36 credits overall (and 18 credits per term) without petitioning.
Summer Session
During the summer session, students may take a maximum of 15 credits. Students with substantial family or financial responsibilities outside the University are advised to consider taking fewer courses in a session.
End-of-Term Percentage Restriction
No examinations or tests collectively worth more than 20 per cent of the final grade in a course will be given during the final 14 calendar days of classes in a term. The exceptions to the rule are classes that regularly meet on Friday evenings or on Saturday and/or Sunday at any time, and courses offered in the compressed summer terms.
Residency Requirement
A minimum of 30 course credits and at least half (50 per cent) of the course credits required in each undergraduate degree program major/minor must be taken at York University.
Coregistration in the Faculty of Education
Students enrolled in the bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degrees offered by the Faculty of Health may apply for admission to the Pre-Service Concurrent program of the Faculty of Education. If they are accepted, they may coregister in the Faculty of Education and upon successful completion of the separate degree requirements of both Faculties will be awarded two degrees:
- an Honours bachelor of arts (BA) and a bachelor of education (BEd) or
- a bachelor of arts (BA) and a bachelor of education (BEd) or
- an Honours bachelor of science (BSc) and a bachelor of education (BEd) or
- a bachelor of science (BSc) and a bachelor of education (BEd)
- a bachelor of arts (BA) in education studies
Although the health and education courses are taken concurrently, they are counted separately by each Faculty. Grade point averages for courses in the two Faculties are also calculated separately. Thus, the 30 credits required for the BEd are independent of the 120 credits required for an Honours BA or BSc, or the 90 credits required for the BA or BSc. A student completing the requirements for both degrees would therefore complete a total of 150 credits for the Honours BA/BEd or Honours BSc/BEd or 120 credits for the BA/BEd or BSc/BEd.
Guidelines for Faculty of Health Supervised Independent Study Courses
Students may wish to pursue intensive work with a particular faculty member on a topic of study not offered in a particular academic session. The Faculty of Health provides for such independent study courses which can be based on library research, including critical literature review, or on an empirical piece of research. Independent study courses are subject to the guidelines of the schools and department and to the following Faculty regulations:
- Students may take independent study courses only after having successfully completed 24 credits at York University.
- The maximum permissible number of independent study courses depends on a student's program type. Students in Honours BA, BSc, BScN or BHS programs may take 24 such credits; students in bachelor programs may take 18 such credits.
- Within their last 30 credits, students may take a maximum of 12 credits in independent study courses.
- Students may take a maximum of 12 credits of independent study courses with the same faculty member.
- The student and the faculty member must agree on a written description of the course, its content, the learning outcomes and evaluation scheme in relation to the overall degree level expectations. Agreed upon course descriptions are submitted to the appropriate unit body for approval.
- Copies of approved course descriptions must be deposited with that unit. The student and faculty member should each retain a copy.
Inter-Faculty Double Major and Major/Minor Degree Options
Students have opportunities to combine a Faculty of Health Honours BA, Honours BSc or Honours BHS program with options available in the Faculties of Education, Environmental Studies, Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, or Science, the School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design, and the Lassonde School of Engineering.
Faculty of Education Options
Educational Studies
Students in the Faculty of Health may combine any Honours BA program with the Faculty of Education's Educational Studies program:
- Students must maintain Honours standing.
- Faculty of Health degree requirements and program regulations apply.
Students successfully completing this program will receive an Honours BA degree. Consult the Office of Student and Academic Services, Faculty of Health, for more information.
Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change Options
Students in the Faculty of Health may combine any Honours Double Major BA program, or Honours Major or Minor BA program, Honours Double Major BHS program or Honours Major or Minor BHS program with the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change:
- Students must maintain Honours standing.
- Faculty of Health degree requirements and program regulations apply.
Students successfully completing this program will receive an Honours BA, Honours BSc or Honours BHS degree. Consult the Office of Student and Academic Services, Faculty of Health, for more information. In order to complete the requirements of the Honours Double Major or Honours Minor programs, it may be necessary to complete more than 120 credits successfully.
Students in the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change may also pursue an Honours Double Major or Honours Minor program with the Faculty of Health. For more information, contact the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change.
Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies Options
Students in the Faculty of Health may combine any Honours Double Major BA program, Honours Major or Minor BA program, Honours Double Major BSc program, Honours Major or Minor BSc program, Honours Double Major BHS program or Honours Major or Minor BHS program with the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies:
- Students must maintain Honours standing.
- Faculty of Health degree requirements and program regulations apply.
Faculty of Health Honours Double Major BA programs may be pursued with any Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies Interdisciplinary Honours Double Major programs.
Students in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies may also pursue an Honours Double Major or Honours Minor program with the Faculty of Health. For more information, contact the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies.
Faculty of Science Options
Students in the Faculty of Health may combine any Honours Double Major BA program, Honours Major or Minor BA program, Honours Double Major BSc program, Honours Major or Minor BSc program, Honours Double Major BHS program or Honours Major or Minor BHS program with the Faculty of Science:
- Students must maintain Honours standing.
- Faculty of Health degree requirements and program regulations apply.
Students pursuing an Honours Double Major or an Honours Minor program should note that, in some cases, it may be necessary to complete more than 120 credits successfully in order to satisfy requirements. For further details, consult the Office of Student and Academic Services, Faculty of Health.
Students in the Faculty of Science may also pursue an Honours Double Major or Honours Minor program with the Faculty of Health. For more information, contact the Faculty of Science.
Lassonde School of Engineering Options
Students in the Faculty of Health may combine any Honours Double Major BA program, Honours Major or Minor BA program, Honours Double Major BSc program, Honours Major or Minor BSc program, Honours Double Major BHS program or Honours Major or Minor BHS program with the Lassonde School of Engineering:
- Students must maintain Honours standing.
- Faculty of Health degree requirements and program regulations apply.
Students pursuing an Honours Double Major or an Honours Minor program should note that, in some cases, it may be necessary to complete more than 120 credits successfully in order to satisfy requirements. For further details, consult the Office of Student and Academic Services, Faculty of Health.
Students in Lassonde School of Engineering may also pursue an Honours Double Major or Honours Minor program with the Faculty of Health. For more information, contact the Lassonde School of Engineering.
School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design Options
Students in the Faculty of Health may combine an Honours Double Major BA program, an Honours Major or Minor BA program or the Honours Major or Minor BSc program in Kinesiology and Health Science with the School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design:
- Students must maintain Honours standing.
- Faculty of Health degree requirements and program regulations apply.
Students should consult the Undergraduate Calendar's Programs of Study section for the requirements of specific majors or minors. School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design courses taken by health students as part of these programs are considered out-of-Faculty courses. Students who complete such a program receive an Honours BA or BSc degree from the Faculty of Health. Students pursuing an Honours Double Major program should note that, in some cases, it may be necessary to complete more than 120 credits successfully in order to satisfy requirements. For further details, consult the Office of Student and Academic Services, Faculty of Health.
All School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design majors or minors require an evaluation. Depending on the School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design, this may include a personal interview, an audition, a written exercise, or portfolio evaluation. For information on admission requirements in fine arts areas, students should consult the School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design's Office of Advising and Integrated Student Services.
Students in the School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design may also pursue an Honours Double Major or Honours Minor program with the Faculty of Health. For more information, contact the School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design.