General Studies diploma

The General Studies diploma allows students to meet a variety of needs while earning a diploma. Students can explore all disciplines, or take courses to fulfill the first- or second-year requirements for professional programs or to ladder into degree programs.

Entrance requirements

B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent or minimum of 19 years of age before the first day of classes.

Applicants must satisfy the English language proficiency requirement. For details on how this requirement may be met, see English language proficiency requirement in the Admissions section of the calendar.

When to apply

Applications are accepted for entrance to the Fall, Winter, and Summer semesters. For application deadlines, see Specific intake application process.

How to apply

1. Submit the application fee along with your UFV application for admission form to the Admissions and Records (A&R) office. You can apply online or download an application form at ufv.ca/ar/admissions/apply. Application forms are also available from any A&R or Student Services office.

Additional documents required for a complete application:
• Proof of graduation (an official high school transcript) if you are under 19 and no longer in school.
• A transcript is recommended for students over 19.

No documents need to be submitted by students currently in Grade 12, until final grades are available at the beginning of August.

If a UFV Placement Test or Upgrading and University Preparation (UUP) assessment score is required, please make arrangements to write the assessments early in the year.

2. Upon admission to UFV, students will be provided with registration information. Please contact a Student Services educational advisor for assistance in choosing courses and organizing timetables.

3. For students under 19 years of age, admission is conditional upon B.C. secondary school graduation. Proof of graduation is due at the end of the first week in August for the Fall semester. B.C. Grade 12 students can arrange at their schools to have transcripts sent directly to UFV.

Note: It is essential to provide your Provincial Education Number (PEN) on the application form.

Basis for admission decision

Applicants who meet the entrance requirements will be admitted in order of their application date. This date is set when an application, all required documentation, and the application fee have been submitted.

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section.

Program requirements

The General Studies diploma requires:

• A minimum of 60 credits in courses numbered at the 100-level or higher.
• A minimum of 18 credits in courses numbered at the 200-level or higher.
• No more than 45 credits from any one department.
• At least three credits of any ENGL course numbered at the 100-level or higher or any CMNS course numbered 115 or higher.
• At least three credits in one of the following courses which foster skills in “information management: LIBT 145 or 280; MACS 130 or 240; MATH 104, 106, 108, or 214; CMNS 251; SOC 255/ANTH 255/MACS 255; CRIM 220; PSYC 110; CIS 230; COMP 251.

Student Services educational advisors can assist students in developing individual educational plans. An advising appointment can help students refine their goals and objectives, understand available choices, and select courses which will apply to the intended program. Please contact Student Services at 604-854-4528 (Abbotsford), 604-795-2808 (Chilliwack), or 604-557-7603 (Mission).

Note: Students may enrol in courses for which they meet the prerequisites. Some courses may be more difficult to gain access to as seats are reserved for students admitted to a particular program. General Studies students may be able to enrol in these courses if there are vacancies in courses after program students have registered. Refer to the course descriptions for prerequisite information.

Continuance

Failure to maintain a 2.0 GPA will result in loss of registration priority for subsequent courses.

Residency

At least 15 credits (25% of the total) must be completed at UFV.

Graduation

A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher on all courses that count toward the diploma is required for graduation.

Students must submit a Request for Graduation form and the graduation fee to the Admissions and Records office by April 1 to be eligible to participate in convocation ceremonies in June. Students can graduate from the program at any time if the diploma requirements have been completed; the April 1 deadline is only important for June convocation.

Changing programs

Educational advisors in Student Services can assist students with transitioning from one program to another.

Contact Student Services in Abbotsford at 604-854-4528 or Chilliwack at 604-795-2808.