Arts

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 UFV 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.

• General option
• International and Development Studies option
• Media and Communication Studies option
• Theatre option

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 UFV Associate of Arts program.

Because transfer credit and degree requirements vary widely, it is very important to consult with an Academic Advisor 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.

UFV, 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 UFV is contributing to this initiative can be viewed at ufv.ca/online. To learn more about this initiative, including a complete listing of all the online courses offered, go to bccampus.ca.

Entrance requirements

Option 1: High school (for students with high school graduation only)

1. B.C. Secondary school graduation or equivalent.
2. A minimum grade of C+ in English 12.
3. A minimum grade of C+ in one other Approved Grade 12 course.

Students will be considered on the basis of courses equivalent to Approved B.C. Grade 12 courses. See the Admissions section of the calendar for more information on equivalents to B.C. secondary school graduation.

Students who have B.C. secondary school graduation equivalency, meet the prerequisite for ENGL 105 or CMNS 155, and have completed an equivalent average of C+ (equated to the UFV grading system) in two academic Grade 12 subjects will be admissible.

Option 2: University entrance (for students who have attended some post-secondary school)

1. Minimum of nine university-level credits completed with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 based on all university-level credits attempted.
2. Applicants must meet the Degree/diploma level English language proficiency requirement. For details on how this requirement may be met, see the English language proficiency requirement section of the calendar.

Students who do not meet these requirements might consider Qualifying Studies.

When to apply

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

How to apply

• Apply online at ufv.ca/admissions/admissions/apply.

Additional documents required for a complete application:

• For university entrance, you must submit an official transcript from every post-secondary institution you have attended, whether or not you completed courses there. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to UFV from the originating institution; see the Transfer Credit section for details.
• For high school entrance, you must submit an official high school transcript if you have graduated. For students currently in Grade 12, final grades are required by August 3. To retain your original application date, order early so transcripts arrive within two weeks of the date your application is mailed or submitted.

You will be advised of an admission decision and provided with registration information. A deposit is required prior to registration (see the Fees and Other Costs section). This money will be applied toward your tuition fees. Final payment of all course fees is due the end of the second week of classes.

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.

Program definitions

Courses numbered 100 or 200-level at UFV 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: bctransferguide.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.

Course definitions

1. An arts course is defined to be any course in a subject area for which there is a Bachelor of Arts degree at SFU, UBC,UNBC, or UVic.
2. 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.
   1. Note: 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 an Advisor to determine whether a course is in humanities (and the creative/performing arts), social sciences or sciences at UFV.
3. 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.
4. 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.
   
5. 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.
6. 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

All students accepted into this program at UFV are expected to maintain acceptable standards of scholarship. Specifically, they are expected to maintain a minimum 2.0 CGPA on all courses.

Undergraduate continuance

Academic standing will be governed by UFV’s Undergraduate Continuance policy (92). Students enrolled in undergraduate courses (courses numbered 100 or above) must maintain an undergraduate Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 2.00 to remain enrolled in Good Academic Standing at UFV. Students in Good Academic Standing will have no registration limits placed on them. Failure to meet the minimum CGPA requirement will result in restrictions on registration and may eventually lead to academic suspension from undergraduate studies at UFV. Students on Academic Warning or Academic Probation are limited to registering in 10 credits.

The academic standing of all students covered under this policy for courses where letter grades are assigned will be determined at intervals of 9 credits at the start of a student’s academic career and then at the end of every term after 27 credits have been completed. Students will be assessed after every term enrolled, but Academic Standing will only change at the intervals noted above. Students’ academic standing will be permanently reflected on their student record and will appear on official and unofficial transcripts.

After each semester, students put on Academic Warning, Academic Probation, or Required to Withdraw status or who are continued on Warning or Probation will be notified by the Registrar.

For assistance, see an Advisor or contact advising@ufv.ca.

Required to withdraw

Students who have been Required to Withdraw from UFV under the Undergraduate Continuance policy (92) are subject to re-admission and continuance requirements as listed in the UFV academic calendar. Students are normally only readmitted once to the same program.

Graduation

It is the student's responsibility to ensure all program requirements are met. This should be done by regular consultation with an Advisor. Associate of Arts degree (Theatre option) students should consult with the Theatre department head.

Degree candidates who qualify to receive a UFV Associate of Arts degree must be approved by an Advisor and the Senate.

Students must apply for graduation by completing the Graduation Request form available at ufv.ca/admissions/forms or from the the Office of the Registrar. We recommend this be done in the first month of the final semester. The final deadline for students who wish to attend the June convocation ceremony is April 1 of each year, with all program requirements completed by April 30 of each year.