The Students’ Union is incredibly disappointed that the university has failed to keep its promise to offer all undergraduates a Credit Granted (CG) option.
Over the summer, the SU was assured that all students would be able to make use of CG. We agreed at that time that faculties could impose reasonable restrictions on certain courses like core requirements or prerequisites.
Instead, the university has allowed the Faculty of Engineering to restrict CG out of existence for its students. Students will not be able to CG any courses in that faculty.
This is unacceptable. Students deserve an institution that follows through on its promises.
The University of Calgary administration has failed its students.
CG is vital for two reasons: First, it allows students to explore courses outside of their major without fear of academic consequence. Second, and most importantly, it can assist students who may be facing mental health challenges over the course of their degree.
Despite claiming to prioritize student mental health in documents like the Campus Mental Health Strategy, neither the university nor the Engineering faculty has addressed these concerns in their decision to disallow the CG option for Engineering students.
To qualify for a CG, students must receive at least a C- so students are receiving a passing grade that they then convert to a CG. CG will not cover-up a failing grade. Students can only use CG on up to three semester-long courses over their entire four-year program. Surely there are courses that Engineering students take where a CG can be used without affecting graduation or accreditation.
The bottom line is that the SU took the university at its word that it would implement the CG option, in some form, for all students. Going forward, the SU will be far more skeptical of promises made by the institution.
The SU will continue to call on the university to honour its word in this matter. We encourage the university and the Faculty of Engineering to reconsider its restrictive and ill-conceived approach to CG, and instead prioritize the mental health of students.