Associate of Arts degree

The Associate of Arts degree is a formal two-year credential that recognizes the successful completion of a two-year academic program. It also serves as an intermediate qualification for students wishing to transfer to UCFV degree programs or other educational institutions, or as a qualification for employment. Students have four options to complete the general requirements or pursue studies in specific concentrations. The associate degree options are:

• Associate of Arts (general option)
• Associate of Arts: International and Development Studies
• Associate of Arts: Media and Communication Studies
• Associate of Arts: Theatre.

This program includes a breadth of intellectual and academic experience worthwhile for students whose educational or career goals are in the humanities, the creative and performing arts, and the social sciences. The minimum requirements for the B.C. Ministry of Advanced Education, Training, and Technology Associate of Arts degree are met in the UCFV Associate of Arts program.
    Because transfer credit and degree requirements vary widely, it is very important to consult with an advisor in Student Services if you plan to transfer to another university to make sure that you fulfil the needs for your field of study at your chosen institution.
    UCFV, along with other B.C. post-secondary institutions, is part of the BCcampus initiative to provide online learning opportunities to students wanting to complete an Associate of Arts degree and/or a Bachelor of General Studies. A listing of the online courses that UCFV is contributing to this initiative can be viewed at http://online.ucfv.bc.ca. To learn more about this initiative, including a complete listing of all the online courses offered, go to www.bccampus.ca. If you have additional questions, please contact the BCcampus program coordinator, Leanne Tielmann at leanne.tielmann@ucfv.ca

Admission priority to Simon Fraser University
Graduates with an Associate of Arts degree will be offered some preference in admission to the SFU Faculty of Arts, subject to the following conditions.*
* Please consult an education advisor for current information.

Entrance Requirements
To be eligible for this program you must have a minimum of nine university-level credits completed with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 based on all university-level credits attempted.

How to apply
1. Submit the application fee along with your UCFV application for admission form to the Admissions and Records (A&R) office. Application forms are available from any A&R or Student Services office. Applicants for the Liberal Arts diploma and Associate of Arts degree (excluding the Theatre option) should apply to the two-year Arts program. You can also print an application form from our website at www.ucfv.ca/ar, or you can apply directly through the internet at www.pas.bc.ca. See the Admissions Guide for a list of application dates for each intake.

Additional documents required for a complete application:
You must submit an official transcript (sealed envelope) from every post-secondary institution you have attended, whether or not you completed courses there. If transcripts are being sent directly from the institution(s) attended, please indicate they are on order. To retain your original application date, order early so transcripts arrive within two weeks of the date your application is mailed or submitted.
2. You will be advised of an admission decision and provided with registration information. A deposit is required when you register (see Fees and Other Costs). This money will be applied to the tuition fees and is not refundable. Final payment of all course fees is due the end of the second week of classes.

Program definitions
Courses numbered 100 or 200 level at UCFV may not transfer at the same level at UBC, SFU, UNBC, or UVic. When planning courses, you should refer to the B.C. Transfer Guide and B.C. Transfer Tips available in Student Services, the Library, or online at: www.bccat.bc.ca
    The Ministry of Advanced Education, Training, & Technology approved revisions to British Columbia associate degrees in May, 2000. The following definitions are outlined to assist students in completing program requirements.

1. Course definitions
a) An arts course is defined to be any course in a subject area for which there is a Bachelor of Arts degree at SFU or UBC or UNBC or UVic.
b) A science course is defined to be any course in a subject area for which there is a Bachelor of Science degree or Bachelor of Applied Science degree at SFU, UBC, UNBC, or UVic.

The requirements specified above are intended to provide breadth of exposure to a variety of disciplines in both Arts and Sciences. In some instances there may be some ambiguity as to whether a course is in the humanities or social sciences, or whether it is an arts course or a science course. It is expected that such courses as human geography and most psychology courses would be designated as arts courses. Please refer to the Table of Subject Areas or consult with the Associate of Arts advisor to determine whether a course is in humanities (and the creative/performing arts), social sciences or sciences at UCFV.

c) A course in an “other” area is defined to be any course in a subject area for which there is a bachelor’s degree other than in Arts, Science, or Applied Science at SFU, UBC, UNBC, or UVic.

2. A first-year course is defined as a course that has assigned or unassigned transfer credit at the 100 level at SFU, UBC, UNBC, or UVic.

3. A second-year course is defined as a course that has assigned or unassigned transfer credit at the 200 level or higher at SFU, UBC, UNBC, or UVic.

4. A laboratory science course is one in which a substantial component of student instruction involves the study of natural phenomena, either in the laboratory or in the field. Each institution granting the associate degree will determine which of its courses satisfy this requirement.

Standing required for continuance
Associate of Arts students must maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (CGPA).

Academic warning
Students whose grades fall below a 2.0 CGPA will be placed on Academic Warning for the next semester. A student on Academic Warning may not register in a course overload. Students who achieve a semester grade point average of 2.0 will continue on Academic Warning until the CGPA equals or exceeds 2.0.

Required to withdraw
Students who do not achieve a minimum semester grade point average of 2.0 while on Academic Warning will be withdrawn from the Associate of Arts program. A student who has been required to withdraw may continue to take courses as a General Studies student.

Readmission to the program
To be readmitted to the Associate of Arts program, you must complete nine university-level credits (can be duplicate courses), with a minimum 2.0 CGPA. Once these criteria are met, you may apply for readmission at the Admissions and Records office. When readmitted, you will remain on Academic Warning until your overall CGPA is 2.0.

Graduation
It is the student’s responsibility to ensure all program requirements are met. This should be done by regular consultation with the Associate of Arts advisor. Associate of Arts degree (Theatre option) students should consult with the Theatre department head.
    Degree candidates who qualify to receive a UCFV Associate of Arts degree must be approved by the UCFV Arts division and the University College Board.
    Students must apply for graduation by completing a request to graduate form available at the Admissions and Records office. We recommend this be done in the first month of the final semester. The final deadline for students who wish to attend the graduation ceremony is April 1, with all program requirements completed by April 30.
 

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