How to apply for a Gen Ed credit:
Do not assume your application will be approved! If you are scheduled to take a General Education elective, we encourage you to register and remain in your class until you are notified about the decision regarding your application. If approved, your course will be dropped on your behalf if you do not need the credits for your current academic program.
How do I apply for a credit in a General Education course?
To apply for a General Education course credit - either internal or external - students must complete the online form found at: https://forms.fanshawec.ca/course_credit_transfer.
For external credits, students must upload transcripts from official institutional sources in English. Detailed course outlines may be requested at a later date.
Once a student's application is processed by the Office of the Registrar and the request is received by the School of Language and Liberal studies, it may take up to 10 business days to review and process an application for credit in a General Education course.
There is no fee for processing credit applications.
How are General Education credit applications assessed?
General Education elective credit applications are assessed according to five criteria:
- Does the course content meet General Education criteria?*
Courses eligible for General Education elective transfer credit should be broad and theoretical in nature. Courses that are applied, practical, skills-based, or industry specific are not likely to qualify for transfer credit. - Is it a 3-credit course (i.e. 45 hours)?
- Did you receive a grade of C (60%) or better (for external credits)?
- Is the institution an "accredited" college or university?
- Is the course outside the student's vocational field of study?
*Please note: General Education mandatory credit applications require a minimum of 80% match (including such elements as learning outcomes, week-by-week content and assessment) between the course required as a General Education mandatory and the course(s) used as credit.
If the answer to all of these questions is a yes, then your application should be approved. However, the General Education Coordinator makes the final decision.
Are grades in "credit courses" calculated as part of my GPA (Grade Point Average)?
Speak with the School of Language and Liberal Studies in A2003 to find out if your internal credit will be calculated as part of your GPA. External Credits are not calculated as part of your GPA.
When do I have to submit my application?
Your application should be received before classes begin in order to be processed before the drop deadline.
How soon will my application be processed?
Your application is processed and sent to the assessing School by the Office of the Registrar. Timelines can vary depending on the time of year, however applications are normally assessed within 10 business days from the time the assessing School receives your paperwork. Applications cannot be assessed until a student is registered and all fees are paid. Applications cannot be made over the phone or by email.
Can I apply for multiple external credits at the same time?
Only a single application for General Education credit is required; it will be assessed to grant the maximum number of credits possible.
What kind of course is accepted for external credit?
Most courses in Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Studies are acceptable; many other courses may be.
Do I need to submit a course information sheet with my application?
For external applications, you may attach a detailed course description (syllabus) for courses you wish to use as credit but this is not typically necessary.
How are applications processed?
Applications are assessed by criteria; there are separate criteria for elective and mandatory General Education courses.
How will I know if my application was approved?
The SIS Designate in the School of Language and Liberal Studies, will contact you via e-mail. (Ensure your contact information on WebAdvisor is accurate). If approved, your course will be dropped on your behalf if you do not need the credits for your current academic program.
Credit procedure:
I) Elective General Education credits
General Education elective credit applications are assessed according to five criteria:
- Does the course content meet General Education criteria?
Courses eligible for General Education transfer credit should be broad and theoretical in nature. Courses that are applied, practical, skills-based, or industry specific are not likely to qualify for transfer credit. - Is it a 3-credit course (i.e. 45 hours)?
- Did you receive a grade of C (60%) or better (for external credits)?
- Is the institution an "accredited" college or university?
- Is the course outside the student's vocational field of study?
If the answer to all of these questions is a yes, then your application should be approved. However, the General Education Coordinator makes the final decision.
II) Mandatory General Education credits
General Education mandatory credit applications are assessed according to four criteria:
- Is there a min. 80% match (including such elements as learning outcomes, week-by-week content and assessment) between the course required as a General Education mandatory and the course(s) used as credit?
- Is it a 3-credit course (i.e. 45 hours)?
- Did you receive a grade of C (60%) or better? (For internal credits, some schools require a C grade, but the majority only require a D).
- Is the institution an "accredited" college or university?
If the answer to all of these questions is yes, then the application should be approved.
Please note: Credit for General Education mandatory courses is usually more difficult to obtain than credits for General Education elective courses. This is due principally to criterion #1.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email: gened@fanshawec.ca.