Undergraduate science academic advising
Welcome to the Faculty of Science undergraduate academic advising page. We are excited to help you make the most out of your academic journey. Take advantage of the valuable resources provided on this page and thoroughly review them before seeking guidance from advisors, ensuring you're well-prepared for a productive discussion.
The Faculty of Science Advising Office is now located at 55 Chancellors Circle (formerly Fitzgerald), room 404.
Start here
Resources and important information
- Learn more about us (Who we are and what we can help with)
- New students
- Program planning
- Assessments
- Final exams and academic integrity
Science Advising Navigator
Find what you need! If you have a specific question or request after having reviewed the resources on this page, please select one of the following options and go through the steps.
Contact us
If you could not find what you were looking for from the previously mentioned resources, you may call our office during office hours.
Faculty of Science Advising Office
55 Chancellors Circle (formerly Fitzgerald), room 404
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2M3 Canada
204-474-8256
Mon. to Fri. (except Thurs.), 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Please note that most registration-related inquiries do not require an appointment. If you are unsure, please call our Office.
Get an appointment, July 7 to August 29, 2025
You can pre-book in-person or virtual appointments on Waitwell or drop in to see an advisor, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (first-come, first-served).
Limited virtual appointments are also available from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Learn more about us
Who we are
The Faculty of Science Advising Team is here to help you navigate your educational journey. We are experts in the programs offered by the Faculty of Science and are knowledgeable about opportunities and resources available to help students be successful.
What we can help with
- Program planning
- Course selection
- Registration assistance
- Explaining university policies and procedures
- Support and success strategies
- Supporting you if you experience difficulties that affect your studies
- Referrals to helpful campus resources
- Understanding academic assessment regulations
Help us help you!
- Follow through on any referrals that we are recommending – we are suggesting them for your benefit!
- Read all communications sent to you by the Faculty of Science – not everything will apply to you and your program, but you don’t want to miss out on important information.
- Understand that there may be limits to the options available to you based on your academic situation. We will do our best to help you, but we are also required to follow the rules and regulations of the Faculty of Science and the University of Manitoba.
- Be aware of, and follow, the University of Manitoba’s Respectful Workplace and Learning Environment Policy. Treating the Advising staff with respect and courtesy is expected, as we will do the same for you.
New students
Whether you are coming straight from high school or from another faculty or institution, we are happy you have decided to join the largest faculty on the University's campus.
First-year students (direct entry from high school)
- The First Year Centre has all of the best information for all first-year students.
- The First Year Planning Guide is your number-one resource for all program planning and course selection.
- The registration and program planning tutorials will get you acquainted with the university systems and guide you on how to take the steps toward registration.
- The Academic Calendar includes details on each program at the university, all of the degree requirements and regulations.
- Attend New Student Orientation for your official welcome to the University of Manitoba and important information to get you started.
How to succeed in science Fall 2024
Advanced-entry students (transit from U1, transfer from another faculty or institution)
- The Academic Calendar includes details on each program at the University of Manitoba, all of the degree requirements and regulations.
- UM Achieve is the degree audit system used for all degree planning at the University. Run your declared program audit or run a "What If" audit for a program you are working towards.
- To learn more, you can view the following two UM Achieve tutorials:
Second-degree students
- Students seeking a second degree are required to complete at least a brand new 60 credit hours at the University of Manitoba.
- As each student’s first degree and future studies are different, a specific plan must be made with the assistance of an advisor to ensure that all requirements and regulations are being met.
- Please make sure to also review the "Transfer credit information" on the University's website.
UM Achieve cannot be used to track second degrees in the Faculty of Science.
Program planning
There are 3 degree options in the Faculty of Science: Honours, Major, General. There are over 50 program options within those degrees spread across the departments within the Faculty of Science.
There are many tools at your disposal to help you plan your degree:
- First-Year Planning Guide
- Academic Calendar virtual tour video
- Career Services
- Departments at the Faculty of Science
- Meet with an academic advisor! (Choose "Current students" and follow the prompts)
- UM Achieve video tutorials
How to run a Faculty of Science degree audit (General BSc)
How to run a Faculty of Science degree audit (Major/Honours)
Assessments
Each student in the Faculty of Science who has completed a minimum of 12 credit hours will have their academic performance assessed at the end of each term in which they receive a final grade in a minimum of 1 credit hour.
Notations will appear on a student’s transcripts based on their performance. The five categories are Minimum Met, Academic Warning, On Probation, On Suspension, and Required to Withdraw.
Academic assessment for each term is based on attempted credit hours and Degree GPA (DGPA).
| Credit hours completed | DGPA | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 12 credit hours | All GPA | Less than Minimum |
| 12 credit hours and above | ≥ 2.0 | Faculty Minimum Met |
| 12 – 23 credit hours | < 2.0 | Academic Warning |
| 24+ credit hours | < 2.0 | On Probation |
Questions regarding assessments
Disclaimer: In the event of a discrepancy between the following assessment information and the Academic Calendar, the Academic Calendar shall prevail.
What should a student do if they have questions about their assessment?
Students are encouraged to seek out the many UM supports available to improve their academic skills or to manage life challenges. Science advisors are available to meet with students to discuss additional resources, develop or adjust an academic plan, and answer questions regarding assessment. Advisors cannot change a student’s academic assessment.
Where can students view their academic assessment?
A few weeks after the end of each term, students’ academic standing will be updated in their Aurora web transcript. The assessment will be listed beside the academic standing heading.
Where can students view their Degree GPA (DGPA)?
DPGA includes all courses applied to a student’s science degree, courses cannot be excluded from a DGPA due to an unwanted grade. If a student has transfer credit from another institution, it is also included in their DGPA.
A student’s DGPA is viewable in their web transcript in Aurora. Students can locate their ‘Sought’ degree near the top of their transcript to see their current DGPA.
The GPA listed in UM Achieve is NOT the GPA used for assessments.
What does "Faculty Minimum Met" mean?
Students are assessed as Faculty Minimum Met once they have attempted 12 credit hours or more and have a DGPA of 2.0 or above. Students in this category are in good academic standing.
What does "Academic Warning" mean?
Students are assessed as on Academic Warning if they have attempted 12-23 credit hours and have a DGPA of less than 2.0.
It is normal for students to take some time to adjust to the expectations of the University. The science advising team will reach out to students on Academic Warning and invite them to watch the steps to success - academic warning video on managing some of these common issues. This early alert of academic difficulties allows students the opportunity to use their experiences to improve their grades and reach out for support.
There are no registration restrictions on students assessed as on Academic Warning.
What does "On Probation" mean?
Students are assessed as on probation if they have attempted 24 credit hours or more and have a DGPA of less than 2.0.
Students on probation will be contacted by the advising team each term, regarding their assessment. During their first term on probation, a student will have a hold preventing future registration until the completion of an online program in UMLearn that covers study skills, time management and managing personal issues. The hold will be removed upon completion of this program which takes approximately 25 to 30 minutes for students to complete.
Students assessed as on probation must obtain a Term GPA (TGPA) of 2.0 or higher, in future terms. This means that while On Probation, a student must obtain a GPA in each term of 2.0 or higher.
Can students take classes while “on probation”?
While a student is on probation they may register or remain registered in courses (as long as they have completed the mandatory UMLearn course). They will be allowed to keep registering as long as they maintain a TGPA of 2.0 or higher each term while they are on probation. Their DGPA does not have to be above 2.0 as long as their TGPA is 2.0 or higher each term.
Over time, a student’s DGPA may reach 2.0 or higher with continued success each term while On Probation. At that time, the student will clear probation and be assessed as "minimum met".
What if a student does not obtain a TGPA of 2.0 while on probation?
Students assessed as on probation who do not achieve a minimum Term GPA (TGPA) of 2.0, upon subsequent registrations, will be assessed as on suspension and will be suspended from the Faculty of Science and not permitted to register for courses. The duration of the suspension, along with the notation on the transcript, will depend on whether this is a first or a second suspension. Students in this situation are encouraged to meet with an advisor. Start here, choose "Current students" and follow the prompts.
What is a "Suspension for 1 Year"?
Students who were assessed as On Probation and did not achieve a minimum TGPA of 2.0 will be assessed as on Suspension for 1 Year (if they have not been previously suspended). Students with a suspension status are not permitted to register for classes for 1 calendar year. While on suspension from the Faculty of Science, students are not permitted to register for courses at UM and may not complete transferable university or college courses elsewhere.
Students assessed as Suspension for 1 year are encouraged to meet with an advisor to discuss options for their time away from school.
No one, including the Faculty of Science dean, associate deans or advisors, can change your academic assessment. Academic assessments are Senate-approved regulations that must be adhered to by all students in the Faculty. Assessments are based on degree GPA and Term GPA and cannot be changed, adjusted or appealed.
How does a student return to the UM after "Suspension for 1 Year"?
Students returning from suspension should meet with an advisor prior to the start of the registration period so they can register in a timely fashion.
- Fall or Winter registration begins in July or August.
- Summer registration begins in late March or early April.
| Term suspended | Term eligible to return | The earliest time to meet about returning |
| After Fall Term | Winter Term following 1-year suspension | May or June prior to Winter Term registration |
| After Winter Term | Summer Term following 1-year suspension | February prior to Summer Term registration |
| After Summer Term | Fall Term following 1-year suspension | May or June prior to Fall Term registration |
If a student completes post-secondary courses elsewhere while on suspension and wishes to return to the Faculty of Science, they will be required to reapply for admission to the University of Manitoba, meet admission requirements and provide evidence that they have served their suspension (That is evidence that they have spent a full year away from studies).
To return to the Faculty of Science after suspension, there are two steps students are required to complete.
- Complete the Returning from One Year Academic Suspension in the Faculty of Science form.
- Meet with an advisor (prescheduled in-person or virtual appointments only, no phone or drop-in appointments are available.)
After a student meets with an advisor, their account will be reactivated which is an overnight process that may take up to 2 business days. After their account is reactivated, they may register for classes, if registration is open and space permits. Students should allow for enough time after their appointment to be reactivated and register for classes.
Students who return from suspension and subsequently achieve a minimum met assessment will be assessed as if they had not been previously suspended. Please note that previous academic assessments will remain on the transcript as part of the official academic record.
What is "Required to Withdraw"?
Students who were assessed as On Probation, but had previously been on Suspension for 1 Year, and do not achieve a minimum Term GPA (TGPA) of 2.0 will be assessed as Required to Withdraw. Students who are "Required to Withdraw" will not be permitted to register as a Faculty of Science student at the University of Manitoba, or in Faculty of Science courses at the University of Manitoba, for five calendar years.
Students assessed as "Required to Withdraw" are encouraged to meet with a science academic advisor to discuss options for their time away from school.
Students with a "Required to Withdraw" assessment may be eligible to apply for other programs at the UM. Applicants must meet all admission requirements and application deadlines and consult an advisor in their desired program before applying. Please note that if a student is admitted to another program at UM, they will not be permitted to register in any Faculty of Science courses.
No one, including the Faculty of Science dean, associate deans or advisors, can change your academic assessment. Academic assessments are Senate-approved regulations that must be adhered to by all students in the Faculty. Assessments are based on degree GPA and Term GPA and cannot be changed, adjusted or appealed.
How does a student return to UM after Required to Withdraw?
Before returning to studies after being Required to Withdraw, students will need to meet with an advisor. Please contact our office for further information.
Final exams and academic integrity
Final exams
There is a final exam period at the end of each term. Students are expected to remain available for the entire exam period, as their exams can be scheduled at any time during the period.
Check out the final exam information on the Registrar's Office website.
Students unable to write a final examination because of illness, disability or for compassionate reasons, must file an application for a deferred examination.
File an application for a deferred exam
- Start here, choose "Current students" and follow the prompts.
- The application must be filed within 48 hours of the missed examination.
- Appropriate documentation must be provided that verifies that the incapacity existed at the time the examination was to be written.
More information can be found in the Academic Calendar.
Academic misconduct
Statement on academic misconduct
The Faculty of Science and The University of Manitoba regard acts of academic misconduct in quizzes, tests, examinations, laboratory reports, or assignments as serious offences and may assess a variety of penalties depending on the nature of the offence. Acts of academic misconduct include, but are not limited to bringing unauthorized materials into a test or exam, copying from another individual, using answers provided by tutors, plagiarism, and examination personation. Note: Cell phones, smart watches, PDAs, MP3 units, or electronic translators are explicitly listed as unauthorized materials and must not be present during tests or examinations. Penalties that may apply, as provided for under the University of Manitoba’s Student Discipline By-Law, range from a grade of zero for the assignment or examination or failure in the course to expulsion from the university.
Learn more about Academic integrity.