Fall 2023-Winter 2024 UTSC Registrar's Guide

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Hello UTSC!

As we look forward to welcoming you on campus, please know that our office is here as one of many resources available for you as you work toward your academic goals. This guide is a great starting point as you seek information and services on course registration, payment deadlines, financial support and core information on academic requirements. However, this may not be an all-encompassing resource that answers every question you may have so if you require clarification on any of this information, or have additional questions, all you need to do is ask! Our goal is to help you succeed in your academic pursuits but sometimes in order to do that, we need to know what you need help with so please do not be shy with your questions.

We wish you all the best for a successful year.

All the best,
Dallas Boyer
Associate Registrar & Director of Student Services

 

Academic Information

A course code is a combination of letters and numbers assigned to every course offering. This code allows you to add a course on ACORN and provides information such as; the area of study the course belongs to, level of the course, the U of T campus the course is located, and more. See the example below for ENGA18H3 F: 

ENGA18H3 F

The first three characters indicate the program that the course belongs to. In this case, it is English. 

ENGA18H3 F

The fourth character will always be one of four letters: A, B, C, or D. A-level courses are designed to introduce you to a topic. D-level classes are the most advanced undergraduate classes offered at UTSC. 

ENGA18H3 F

​Each course has a unique number that is used to identify it on ACORN. It makes all the difference between taking “Poetry and Popular Culture” instead of “Introduction to 20th Century Literature.” 

ENGA18H3 F

The seventh character indicates the credit value of the course; the majority of UTSC courses are half credits. H = 0.5 credit Y = 1.0 credit 

ENGA18H3 F

​U of T is a tri-campus university. The last number indicates which campus offers the course (between the Scarborough, Mississauga and St.George campuses)

Campus Corresponding Number
UTSC 3
UTM 5
FAS (St.George) 1
ENGA18H3 F
The last letter appears as F, S, or Y. It identifies the session in which a course is offered, and the academic duration of the session. 

 

Summer Session Fall/Winter Session Corresponding letter
May - June September - December  F
June - August January - April  S
May - August September - April  Y

 

 

Section Code

Summer: 

  • Y - May to August 
  • F - May to June 
  • S - June to August 

Fall/Winter 

  • F - September to December
  • Y - September to April
  • S - January to April

Meeting Section

  • LEC - Lecture
  • TUT - Tutorial
  • PRA - Practical

Delivery Mode Description:

Please refer to the timetable to understand the 3 different delivery modes. 

  • In-Person
  • Online Synchronous
  • Online Asynchronous

Lectures

Course listings on the Course Timetable will provide information regarding a course meeting section. A meeting section is the method the course will be taught in (e.g. day or evening, in person or online). There are a variety of meeting sections.
Lectures (in-person): U of T faculty bring course material to life. These are the traditional lectures that take place in person, typically starting 10 minutes after the hour. Some lectures meet multiple times a week. The Course Timetable will tell you when and where each class is held.

Online: Online lectures are intended to provide you with flexibility in how you learn, and grant you the independence to determine when you will learn by watching your lectures online.

Tutorials & Practicals
These mandatory meeting sections provide an opportunity to work outside of lectures in smaller groups, ask questions, have in depth discussions with your classmates, and get hands on experience. Tutorials and practicals typically begin the week after the first lecture, and your professor will provide details once classes begin. Additional info can also be posted on the course timetable website.

Section Code

Summer: 

  • Y - May to August 
  • F - May to June 
  • S - June to August 

Fall/Winter 

  • F - September to December
  • Y - September to April
  • S - January to April

Meeting Section

  • LEC - Lecture
  • TUT - Tutorial
  • PRA - Practical

Delivery Mode Description:

Please refer to the timetable to understand the 3 different delivery modes. 

  • In-Person
  • Online Synchronous
  • Online Asynchronous

Lectures

Course listings on the Course Timetable will provide information regarding a course meeting section. A meeting section is the method the course will be taught in (e.g. day or evening, in person or online). There are a variety of meeting sections.
Lectures (in-person): U of T faculty bring course material to life. These are the traditional lectures that take place in person, typically starting 10 minutes after the hour. Some lectures meet multiple times a week. The Course Timetable will tell you when and where each class is held.

Online: Online lectures are intended to provide you with flexibility in how you learn, and grant you the independence to determine when you will learn by watching your lectures online.

Tutorials & Practicals
These mandatory meeting sections provide an opportunity to work outside of lectures in smaller groups, ask questions, have in depth discussions with your classmates, and get hands on experience. Tutorials and practicals typically begin the week after the first lecture, and your professor will provide details once classes begin. Additional info can also be posted on the course timetable website.

 

Before Exams Begin

    • Check the final exam schedule for up to date information regarding UTSC exams. 
    • Report scheduling issues by the deadline to our office via eService if you need an accommodation. 
    • Read the code of conduct for examinations on the Office of the Registrar’s website. 
    • Utilize campus resources, like the Academic Advising and Career Centre or the Writing Centre, if you need extra help preparing for exams or assistance building smart study strategies and managing your time effectively. Be mindful of your stress levels and be sure to take care of yourself in the midst of studying. Health and Wellness offers workshops to improve learning skills, stress management and time management. 
    • Familiarize yourself with the steps to take if you experience technology issues during an online exam.

    On the Day of Your Exam(s)

    • Ensure you have your TCard/have activated your UTORid prior to your exam
    • Be on time! If you are more than 15 minutes late to a final exam, you may not be permitted to write the exam (and will need to petition for a deferred exam). 
    • If you bring valuables to an in-person exam room (cell phones, smart watches, tablets, laptop computers, etc.) they must be placed in the re-sealable plastic bag provided in the exam room. You may place the bag with your items, closed, on the floor underneath your chair.
    • “Stop writing” means stop writing.
    • Listen to instructions from your professor and exam invigilators carefully. 
    • Alert your instructor or the invigilator if you have questions or need help.
    • Know what to do if you face technology issues during an online exam.

    Before Exams Begin

      • Check the final exam schedule for up to date information regarding UTSC exams. 
      • Report scheduling issues by the deadline to our office via eService if you need an accommodation. 
      • Read the code of conduct for examinations on the Office of the Registrar’s website. 
      • Utilize campus resources, like the Academic Advising and Career Centre or the Writing Centre, if you need extra help preparing for exams or assistance building smart study strategies and managing your time effectively. Be mindful of your stress levels and be sure to take care of yourself in the midst of studying. Health and Wellness offers workshops to improve learning skills, stress management and time management. 
      • Familiarize yourself with the steps to take if you experience technology issues during an online exam.

      On the Day of Your Exam(s)

      • Ensure you have your TCard/have activated your UTORid prior to your exam
      • Be on time! If you are more than 15 minutes late to a final exam, you may not be permitted to write the exam (and will need to petition for a deferred exam). 
      • If you bring valuables to an in-person exam room (cell phones, smart watches, tablets, laptop computers, etc.) they must be placed in the re-sealable plastic bag provided in the exam room. You may place the bag with your items, closed, on the floor underneath your chair.
      • “Stop writing” means stop writing.
      • Listen to instructions from your professor and exam invigilators carefully. 
      • Alert your instructor or the invigilator if you have questions or need help.
      • Know what to do if you face technology issues during an online exam.

       

      Ancillary Fees: are associated with your program of study and related academic activities such as lab fees.
      Breadth Requirements: UTSC students are required to complete 0.5 credit in each of the 5 breadth requirement categories. Its purpose is designed to keep you engaged in disciplines that give you numeracy and literacy skills that can help you develop your knowledge within a range of fields.

      Conflict: your personal timetable on ACORN will display your weekly schedule once you have enrolled in courses. If meeting sections overlap, you are expected to resolve the conflict by making a section or course change. Classes begin 10 minutes past the hour to give you time to get to your next class.

      Corequisite: is a course that must be taken alongside another or have already passed.

      Course Code: an identifying set of letters and numbers that provides course information such as: to which area of study it belongs, what level the course is, which U of T campus offers the course, in which semester it takes place, and more. 

      Direct Deposit: the quickest way to receive any eligible refunds from U of T! Add your bank information on ACORN to opt in.

      Electives: are required courses as part of your U of T degree. These are courses that are entirely outside of your program(s) of study. You may take part in other disciplines, as long as you meet the course requirements (prerequisites, corequisites) and enrolment controls indicated on the timetable. 
      Exclusions: some courses offered at U of T have content that is similar. If you notice that there is an exclusion to a course that you are taking, you are not permitted to take the excluded course for credit. If an excluded course is taken and successfully completed, only your first course will be counted for degree credit. The excluded course will be considered as an extra and is not included in your GPA or as part of your degree requirements.  
      Financially Cancelled (FINCA): a status on ACORN as a result of missing the deadline to pay or not deferring your fees successfully. This results in the removal from all current courses. An academic suspension will result in this status on ACORN as well. Students who were on academic probation in a previous session should review their complete academic history on ACORN.

      Incidental Fees: mandatory fees that support a multitude of student services that are available to you as a U of T student.

      Invited: 1) your registration status on ACORN to indicate that you are eligible to enrol in the upcoming session, or have enrolled in courses. It is essential that your status changes from invited to registered once fees are paid or deferred to avoid removal from courses. 2) if you applied to a limited enrolment program, successful applicants will see this program status on ACORN. 

      Limited Program: programs require that you meet the criteria and apply by the appropriate request period. Students must also accept an offer by a specific deadline. Apply to a limited enrolment program on ACORN using the program code. Check the program section of the Calendar for any additional steps. 

      Prerequisite: a required course that must be successfully completed in order to take a more advanced course. It provides foundational knowledge to introduce students to the topic or discipline.

      Probation: students are placed on academic probation when they have attempted 3.0 credits and have a CGPA of less than 1.60. Academic status is assessed at the end of each session. Course load restriction of 2.0 credits in the next semester comes into effect.

      Program Requirement: a course that you must complete for your UTSC program.

      Proof of Payment: a payment receipt or online confirmation message that you receive from your financial institution. It is used to show the university that you have made a tuition payment.

      Registered: this is a confirmation of your registration status by U of T. It means that you have enrolled in courses, and your tuition payment was received or request for a fee deferral was successful.

      Enrolment Controls & Information: the course timetable on the Office of the Registrar website has these headings to provide you with information regarding enrolment controls that are established by an academic department. 

      Specialized Program Fee beginning in Year 2: are specific to students who are enrolled in Computer Science (except the Minor) or Management programs. Students who are considering switching into either of these programs should carefully consider the financial implications of higher fees in their upper years (year 2 and up). 

      Start Time: each degree student is assigned a date and time for when they can begin enrolling in courses on ACORN. Course enrolment privileges are blocked until your start time begins. 

      Suspension: is a period of time you are prohibited from taking any U of T courses. If a student is unable to achieve a sessional GPA of at least 1.6 while on academic probation, a suspension will occur. The first suspension is carried out for a 4-month term; a second suspension is carried out for 12-months; a third suspension results in a 36-month suspension. Students may be refused further registration if they are unable to meet the sessional GPA of 1.6 after a third suspension. A suspension will also result in a financially cancelled status on ACORN.
      Unlimited Program: programs that do not require specific application criteria. Enrol on ACORN at any time.
      Ancillary Fees: are associated with your program of study and related academic activities such as lab fees.
      Breadth Requirements: UTSC students are required to complete 0.5 credit in each of the 5 breadth requirement categories. Its purpose is designed to keep you engaged in disciplines that give you numeracy and literacy skills that can help you develop your knowledge within a range of fields.

      Conflict: your personal timetable on ACORN will display your weekly schedule once you have enrolled in courses. If meeting sections overlap, you are expected to resolve the conflict by making a section or course change. Classes begin 10 minutes past the hour to give you time to get to your next class.

      Corequisite: is a course that must be taken alongside another or have already passed.

      Course Code: an identifying set of letters and numbers that provides course information such as: to which area of study it belongs, what level the course is, which U of T campus offers the course, in which semester it takes place, and more. 

      Direct Deposit: the quickest way to receive any eligible refunds from U of T! Add your bank information on ACORN to opt in.

      Electives: are required courses as part of your U of T degree. These are courses that are entirely outside of your program(s) of study. You may take part in other disciplines, as long as you meet the course requirements (prerequisites, corequisites) and enrolment controls indicated on the timetable. 
      Exclusions: some courses offered at U of T have content that is similar. If you notice that there is an exclusion to a course that you are taking, you are not permitted to take the excluded course for credit. If an excluded course is taken and successfully completed, only your first course will be counted for degree credit. The excluded course will be considered as an extra and is not included in your GPA or as part of your degree requirements.  
      Financially Cancelled (FINCA): a status on ACORN as a result of missing the deadline to pay or not deferring your fees successfully. This results in the removal from all current courses. An academic suspension will result in this status on ACORN as well. Students who were on academic probation in a previous session should review their complete academic history on ACORN.

      Incidental Fees: mandatory fees that support a multitude of student services that are available to you as a U of T student.

      Invited: 1) your registration status on ACORN to indicate that you are eligible to enrol in the upcoming session, or have enrolled in courses. It is essential that your status changes from invited to registered once fees are paid or deferred to avoid removal from courses. 2) if you applied to a limited enrolment program, successful applicants will see this program status on ACORN. 

      Limited Program: programs require that you meet the criteria and apply by the appropriate request period. Students must also accept an offer by a specific deadline. Apply to a limited enrolment program on ACORN using the program code. Check the program section of the Calendar for any additional steps. 

      Prerequisite: a required course that must be successfully completed in order to take a more advanced course. It provides foundational knowledge to introduce students to the topic or discipline.

      Probation: students are placed on academic probation when they have attempted 3.0 credits and have a CGPA of less than 1.60. Academic status is assessed at the end of each session. Course load restriction of 2.0 credits in the next semester comes into effect.

      Program Requirement: a course that you must complete for your UTSC program.

      Proof of Payment: a payment receipt or online confirmation message that you receive from your financial institution. It is used to show the university that you have made a tuition payment.

      Registered: this is a confirmation of your registration status by U of T. It means that you have enrolled in courses, and your tuition payment was received or request for a fee deferral was successful.

      Enrolment Controls & Information: the course timetable on the Office of the Registrar website has these headings to provide you with information regarding enrolment controls that are established by an academic department. 

      Specialized Program Fee beginning in Year 2: are specific to students who are enrolled in Computer Science (except the Minor) or Management programs. Students who are considering switching into either of these programs should carefully consider the financial implications of higher fees in their upper years (year 2 and up). 

      Start Time: each degree student is assigned a date and time for when they can begin enrolling in courses on ACORN. Course enrolment privileges are blocked until your start time begins. 

      Suspension: is a period of time you are prohibited from taking any U of T courses. If a student is unable to achieve a sessional GPA of at least 1.6 while on academic probation, a suspension will occur. The first suspension is carried out for a 4-month term; a second suspension is carried out for 12-months; a third suspension results in a 36-month suspension. Students may be refused further registration if they are unable to meet the sessional GPA of 1.6 after a third suspension. A suspension will also result in a financially cancelled status on ACORN.
      Unlimited Program: programs that do not require specific application criteria. Enrol on ACORN at any time.

       

      Campus Resources

      Academic Advising & Career Centre at UTSC offers academic advising and career and employment support. Take advantage of appointment based support; workshops to help you develop strong academic and employment skills; assistance with your academic and career plans; self-development resources; employment and job shadowing programs; special events and more. 
      AccessAbility Services and the University aim to create a community that is inclusive of all persons by fostering a climate of understanding and mutual respect for the dignity and worth of all persons. They work to eliminate or minimize any barriers – physical, attitudinal, technological, and environmental – so that all members have equal access, and the opportunity to participate in all aspects of academic and social life at UTSC. Personal assessments and accommodations to support student learning are available by utilizing technology, note taking services, test and examination accommodations, and more.

      Athletics & Recreation offers opportunities throughout the year to stay healthy by promoting and encouraging activity. Take advantage of virtual classes,  fitness classes, group activities, sports, and gym facilities to work up a sweat year-round! 

      Campus Safety are committed to delivering security services that are sensitive to the needs of our community through collaborative partnerships and teamwork. 
      Centre for Teaching & Learning provides students with the opportunity to participate in workshops, study groups and clinics in order to enhance their written and oral communication, critical reflection, and analysis. Resources include: Writing Centre; Math & Statistics Learning Centre; English Language Development; Service Learning and Outreach; Research Skills Instruction; Facilitated Study Groups; Summer Learning Institutes.
      Co-op provides support along your academic journey through the Arts and Science, International Development Studies and Management Co-op Offices. Check with your Co-op Office for services that are available based on your program of study. 
      Department of Student Life provides leadership opportunities, mentorship, global learning opportunities and the First Year Experience Program. They encourage students to develop habits to be lifetime learners, leaders, and agents of positive change. 
      Equity and Diversity Office (EDO) promotes an equitable and inclusive campus community, where working, teaching and learning environments are free of discrimination and harassment. The EDO advises students, staff and faculty on issues of equity, harassment and discrimination. The EDO provides training, events, and forums that highlight issues important to the campus community. 
      Health & Wellness Centre has trained health professionals to provide confidential medical, nursing, and counselling services to UTSC students. Student leadership opportunities within the Peer Wellness Programs promote healthy lifestyles through events and workshops.
      Information & Instructional Technology Services design and maintain core IT services including: campus computer network; systems and data storage platforms; campus-wide support to students, staff, and faculty; technological support that enhances the experience of electronic classrooms. Students can also find support with UTORid & UTmail+, computer labs, and more. 

      International Student Centre provides support for international, and internationally-minded students at UTSC. It’s an inclusive and positive space where students of all backgrounds can find a community, and expand their global network. Students who are new to Canada can benefit from orientation and transition services to help them settle into our community. Services include: The Transition and Intercultural Peer Support program (TIPS), immigration advising, conversational English support, intercultural events, and monthly workshops.

      Office of the Registrar offers students personalized support in person and online regarding course registration, program enrolment, financial aid, scholarships and awards, academic regulations, degree requirements, convocation, obtaining your TCard, petitions and more. 
      Positive Space Committee meets monthly to discuss emerging issues, respond to the needs of the campus, and network to support the Positive Space Campaign at UTSC. Their advocacy helps to make the learning and working environments more inclusive. Membership to the committee is open to all staff, students and faculty at the University. 
      Scarborough Campus Student Union is your elected student body that advocates on behalf of students on issues that are important to you. Services include: lockers; TTC metro passes; tax clinics; health & dental plan; graduation photos; orientation; and many social and cultural events to keep you engaged.
      Student Housing & Residence Life ensures that students adjust to a safe and comfortable living environment on campus. The residence experience offers a transition to independence in a community that supports academic achievement and personal growth. Student leaders and staff offer unique support for the residence community through events, services, and programming. Engaging and supportive residence life programs work to create an inclusive and positive space that embraces diversity. 
      UTSC Library offers quiet study space, group meeting spaces, and a large catalogue of resources that includes digital, print, maps, films, DVDs, and more. Students have access to library materials at other U of T libraries. The expert team of Liaison Librarians can assist you with your research and are available to meet for personalized support.
      Academic Advising & Career Centre at UTSC offers academic advising and career and employment support. Take advantage of appointment based support; workshops to help you develop strong academic and employment skills; assistance with your academic and career plans; self-development resources; employment and job shadowing programs; special events and more. 
      AccessAbility Services and the University aim to create a community that is inclusive of all persons by fostering a climate of understanding and mutual respect for the dignity and worth of all persons. They work to eliminate or minimize any barriers – physical, attitudinal, technological, and environmental – so that all members have equal access, and the opportunity to participate in all aspects of academic and social life at UTSC. Personal assessments and accommodations to support student learning are available by utilizing technology, note taking services, test and examination accommodations, and more.

      Athletics & Recreation offers opportunities throughout the year to stay healthy by promoting and encouraging activity. Take advantage of virtual classes,  fitness classes, group activities, sports, and gym facilities to work up a sweat year-round! 

      Campus Safety are committed to delivering security services that are sensitive to the needs of our community through collaborative partnerships and teamwork. 
      Centre for Teaching & Learning provides students with the opportunity to participate in workshops, study groups and clinics in order to enhance their written and oral communication, critical reflection, and analysis. Resources include: Writing Centre; Math & Statistics Learning Centre; English Language Development; Service Learning and Outreach; Research Skills Instruction; Facilitated Study Groups; Summer Learning Institutes.
      Co-op provides support along your academic journey through the Arts and Science, International Development Studies and Management Co-op Offices. Check with your Co-op Office for services that are available based on your program of study. 
      Department of Student Life provides leadership opportunities, mentorship, global learning opportunities and the First Year Experience Program. They encourage students to develop habits to be lifetime learners, leaders, and agents of positive change. 
      Equity and Diversity Office (EDO) promotes an equitable and inclusive campus community, where working, teaching and learning environments are free of discrimination and harassment. The EDO advises students, staff and faculty on issues of equity, harassment and discrimination. The EDO provides training, events, and forums that highlight issues important to the campus community. 
      Health & Wellness Centre has trained health professionals to provide confidential medical, nursing, and counselling services to UTSC students. Student leadership opportunities within the Peer Wellness Programs promote healthy lifestyles through events and workshops.
      Information & Instructional Technology Services design and maintain core IT services including: campus computer network; systems and data storage platforms; campus-wide support to students, staff, and faculty; technological support that enhances the experience of electronic classrooms. Students can also find support with UTORid & UTmail+, computer labs, and more. 

      International Student Centre provides support for international, and internationally-minded students at UTSC. It’s an inclusive and positive space where students of all backgrounds can find a community, and expand their global network. Students who are new to Canada can benefit from orientation and transition services to help them settle into our community. Services include: The Transition and Intercultural Peer Support program (TIPS), immigration advising, conversational English support, intercultural events, and monthly workshops.

      Office of the Registrar offers students personalized support in person and online regarding course registration, program enrolment, financial aid, scholarships and awards, academic regulations, degree requirements, convocation, obtaining your TCard, petitions and more. 
      Positive Space Committee meets monthly to discuss emerging issues, respond to the needs of the campus, and network to support the Positive Space Campaign at UTSC. Their advocacy helps to make the learning and working environments more inclusive. Membership to the committee is open to all staff, students and faculty at the University. 
      Scarborough Campus Student Union is your elected student body that advocates on behalf of students on issues that are important to you. Services include: lockers; TTC metro passes; tax clinics; health & dental plan; graduation photos; orientation; and many social and cultural events to keep you engaged.
      Student Housing & Residence Life ensures that students adjust to a safe and comfortable living environment on campus. The residence experience offers a transition to independence in a community that supports academic achievement and personal growth. Student leaders and staff offer unique support for the residence community through events, services, and programming. Engaging and supportive residence life programs work to create an inclusive and positive space that embraces diversity. 
      UTSC Library offers quiet study space, group meeting spaces, and a large catalogue of resources that includes digital, print, maps, films, DVDs, and more. Students have access to library materials at other U of T libraries. The expert team of Liaison Librarians can assist you with your research and are available to meet for personalized support.

       

       

      Getting Your First TCard 

      All members of the University of Toronto are expected to have a valid TCard to access U of T services both in person and online. Part of the TCard process entails the activation of your UTORid which is a critical credential required to access the services you will need throughout your university career, such as; ACORN, library services, campus WiFi and your UToronto email.

      Newly admitted fall students will be able to obtain their UTORid remotely. Students can submit a photo online using the MyPhoto system. (This photo will be used for your TCard, when our on-campus office re-opens.) Once a photo is submitted, students can schedule an online appointment with a TCard staff to verify your identity and obtain your UTORid activation passwords using Microsoft Teams video conferencing

      To book an appointment, login to the CLNx (Career & Co-Curricular Learning Network) using the JOINid/UTORid and password provided to you at application/registration.  

      At The Appointment, You Will:

      • Be required to show your face via a webcam (for identity purposes).
      • Show your valid physical/hard copy government-issued photo identification/documentation (no photocopies or pictures of ID will be accepted).
      • Have your MyPhoto picture verified and approved.
      • Be provided with UTORid activation instructions for access to online resources, including U of T email, once the verification is completed.

      When the University re-opens, you will be required to visit our office in person to obtain your TCard and provide documentation to validate your legal status in Canada.