Academic Advisors

Academic advising is a key component of academic success. Your academic advisors are here to guide you from the time of your admission to your graduation. They offer guidance in matters related to your program requirements, help you design an academic pathway that aligns with your personal and career goals, help you with course selection, and program planning. They can also help you navigate challenges, and refer you to other campus resources as needed.   

We advise. You decide. BU. 

Academic Advising Services  

Our Academic Advisors are here to offer you guidance in the following areas: 

  • Information about academic programs structure and requirements 
  • Information and clarification about academic policies, procedures, and regulations 
  • Guidance and support with academic planning, course selection and registration (adding/dropping courses) 
  • If you are struggling with a course and you are not sure what to do 
  • Questions about withdrawing from a course (WP procedure, implications, etc.) 
  • If you are considering changing your academic program (changing your major, your concentration, adding a minor, etc.) 
  • Review your academic progression and timeline for completion of your degree 
  • Review graduation requirements for your program 
  • General guidance about the international exchange program 
  • Referrals to other student support services on-campus as needed 

You can also contact the Departmental Chairperson for specific information on your academic program and degree requirements. Contact the Chair of your department or program of study.  

Contact your Academic Advisor 

We encourage you to reach out to your advisor as early as possible for guidance relating to your academic pathway. 

School of Education

Kimberlee Maheu

Kimberlee Maheu

Academic Advisor – Education
eduadvisor@ubishops.ca

Make an appointment with Kimberlee if you are studying Education.

Williams School of Business

Berenice Rodriguez

Berenice Rodriguez

Academic Advisor – Business
WSBadvisor@ubishops.ca

Make an appointment with Berenice if you are studying in any of the Business programs.

Arts

Justina Browne

Justina Browne

Academic Advisor – Arts
artsadvisor@ubishops.ca

Make an appointment with Justina if you are studying in the Faculty of Humanities or Faculty of Social Sciences (Politics & International Studies, Sociology, and Sports Studies).

Science

Laura Rezlescu

Laura Rezlescu

Academic Advisor – Science
scienceadvisor@ubishops.ca

Make an appointment with Laura if you are studying in the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics or Faculty of Social Sciences (Economics, Environment, Agriculture and Geography, and Psychology).

Before meeting with your academic advisor:

  • Make a list of specific questions you hope to ask your advisor.
  • Consult the sections of the Academic Calendar pertaining to your program and/or your situation.
  • Be aware of important dates outlined in the Academic Calendar such as course add/drop dates, WP deadline, etc.

Key Academic Resources

The Academic Calendar contains all the relevant information for all academic programs at the university (academic policies, procedures, regulations, program requirements, course descriptions, pre-requisites, etc.) 

Review the sessional dates to know all important dates, including start of classes, add/drop period, WP deadline, final exams period, and more. 

Find all information about course registration, dates, instructions and resources available. 

See course offerings per semester on the Timetable page. 

For more details about going on exchange, please visit Student Exchange and Study Abroad Program.  

Visit this page for all details about Graduation and Convocation (procedures, timeline, and more). 

Visit the Student Services page to find support services available to you.

FAQ – Understanding Your Program Options

What does an Academic Advisor do?

Academic advisors provide advising support through regular contact with students. They can help you:

  • Navigate and understand the Academic Calendar
  • Investigate different programs, concentrations, certificates
  • Follow the correct procedure to add, drop or withdraw from a course
  • Understand the requirements for admission, transfer, or graduation
  • Get help from other services on campus to meet your individual needs.

When should I meet with an Academic Advisor?

You can meet with your Academic Advisor anytime. However, it is recommended you meet with your advisor prior to the course registration period. During the registration period, advisors are very busy which can create extended waiting times. Meeting with your advisor during non-registration times has the advantage that you can talk about classes for the upcoming semester and also discuss an education plan or other academic matters that concern you. Ideally, you should meet with your advisor at least once a year.

What is a normal course load?

An average course load is five courses per semester for a total of 15 credits. Students need to take a minimum of 12 credits per semester (four courses) to be considered full-time. Less than 12 credits is considered part-time status, and it may have implications on loans and bursaries, scholarship applications, visa status, etc. Unless they have special permission from the Dean, students are not allowed to take more than 18 credits (lab credits not included) per semester.

How many credits are required to graduate?

A minimum of 120 lecture credits (lab credits not included) are required to graduate. Occasionally, students may exceed 120 credits, if the degree requirements are not yet met.

What is an elective course?

An elective is a course taken in a degree program which is not applicable to the Honours / Major requirements, but which counts towards the total requirements for the degree.

What is an exemption?

A student may be exempted from an introductory course at the University when comparable non-university course works has been completed elsewhere. No credit will be granted for the exemption.

What does corequisite mean?

A course in which a student must be registered concurrently (at the same time) in order to receive credit in the desired course.

What is an Honours?

An Honours program requires a high level of concentration in one area of study, normally about half of the total courses taken for a degree. It is recommended especially for students who intend to pursue graduate studies. A thesis is often required.

What is a Major?

A Major in any subject consists of slightly fewer than half of the total courses taken for a degree (normally about 48 credits excluding labs).

What is a Minor? Do I need to declare a Minor in addition to my Major?

A Minor in any subject consists of about one-third of the total courses taken for a degree (normally 24 or 30 credits, excluding labs). It is not mandatory to declare a Minor, however, it is advisable that a Major in an academic discipline be combined with a Minor in a second discipline.

How do I add a Minor?

If you consider adding a Minor, consult with your academic advisor to explore your options. The academic advisor can then assist you in completing the Degree/Program Change form which must be approved by the Chair of the department in which you wish to add the Minor.

Can I change my academic program?

Yes. Students must normally have completed a minimum of one semester at the University before requesting a transfer.

In the event of an academic program change, the student must notify the Registrar’s Office by completing and returning the Degree/Program Change form with the appropriate signatures.

It is recommended that you meet with an Academic Advisor to make sure you understand the process and its implications.