The procedure for course registration is dependant on your program. Some programs are pre-set meaning the Registrar's Office will complete your registration and send your scheudle in the mail. Other programs may require you to select courses, make a conflict-free timetable, and register either in-person, or by using the RDC automated web registration system. You will receive further instructions about registration procedures from the college after you have been accepted. Also, more information about registration can be found on-line at Registration Information for Continuing and New Students.

2. What does transfer mean?

The term "transfer" has several meanings. It may be used in reference to a single course, or used in reference to a block of multiple courses, or for a completed program of study. Generally, transfer refers to the ability to complete course work at one institution that will be accepted as equivalent work at another institution. Further, detailed, information is available from the Alberta Transfer Guide.

3. What do junior level (*JR) and senior level (*SR) mean in reference to courses?

The terminology of "junior credit" and "senior credit" are related to how the course may be received by another institution. Generally, junior level courses are introductory and senior level courses are advanced. Senior level courses often require other post-secondary courses as a prerequisite. Many university programs have a restriction on the number of junior level courses that can be completed for credit.

Course numbering systems vary by institution. For example, at the University of Alberta courses numbered from 100 to 199 are classified as junior level; any course numbered 200 or higher is a senior level course. However, at the University of Calgary, courses numbered from 200 to 299 are considered junior level while senior level courses start at 300. Further, detailed, information is available from the Alberta Transfer Guide.

4. I need someone else to get information about me/my registration. What do I need to provide to have someone else act on my behalf?

Any personal information you provide is managed in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPP) Act of Alberta. Therefore, for the college to release any personal information, you must provide a letter stating that you are designating someone to act on your behalf, enabling them to access to your personal information. Within this statement, it is a good idea to indicate the period of time this person is allowed to access information, or act on your behalf.

5. How will I know which courses to take?

Students in University Transfer programs will receive some form of orientation about your program before you select courses for registration; this may occur as a one-on-one contact, or group advising. Students should consult the appropriate Academic Planning Guide for information about course selection. Academic Advisors are also available to assist with course planning throughout the academic year. Students in Diploma and Certificate programs will follow the graduation requirements for their program as outlined in the RDC Academic Calendar or consut with the Chairperson of your program.

6. What are options, why do I need to take them and how do I choose them?

Many programs have options as part of their overall graduation requirements. Generally, an "option" is your opportunity to take a course of interest, or to become more knowledgeable in a particular area, or discipline. There may be some restrictions on the option courses a student may select. Often program regulations include a list of possible course choices, others may only require the course selected to be of an appropriate level. Please see How to Choose Options.

7. What should I do if I don't have the pre-requisite for a course I'd really like to take?

Caution! Taking a course without the proper prerequisite is at your own risk! If, after this warning, you still want to enroll in the course, then, you must obtain a prerequisite waiver from the course instructor. Failing to obtain the appropriate permission may have serious consequences.

8. I've already started a program but now want to take a different one. What should I do?

This process might be as simple as completing a Change of Program or Program Major Form, and submitting it for processing to the Office of the Registrar. However, there may be some consequences related to a program change. Make sure you meet the new programs admission requirements and consider consulting an Academic Advisor before you make any final decision.

9. How many times can I take the same course?

RDC does not have a policy on the number of times a course may be repeated. However, many institutions have strict policy on the repetition of courses and whether or not a repeated course will be accepted for credit. A good guideline might be to consider that a course may only be repeated once and this includes grades of "Withdraw" and "F".

10. What do I need to consider before dropping or withdrawing from a course?

First, "Dropping" and 'Withdraw" are entirely different procedures. "Dropping" is the process of changing your course registration without any formal academic record of your attendance in the course. "Withdraw", is a grade that is assigned to your academic record indicating that you have attempted the course, but for whatever reason you chose to withdraw. Both of these procedures have strict deadlines for their completion. Refer to the Academic Schedule for the appropriate dates. Late "Drop" and "Withdraw" are normally not considered without documentation proving extenuating circumstance.

11. I'm not doing very well in a course and I'm scared I'm going to fail. What should I do?

Depending on the time of year you may still be able to withdraw from your course - see the Academic Schedule. Failing a course can have many different impacts such as affecting your academic standing, admission to another institution, or eligibility to graduate. An academic advisor can help identify how a failure might impact your individual academic plan and also suggest other student services that may be useful such as Counselling and Learning Support Services where you can access peer tutoring, a learning strategist, information on study and time management skills and personal counselling.

12. What is meant by major and minor? When do I have to decide?

Within a program, a major is an academic discipline area chosen as an area of specialization. A minor is also an area of specialization and would contain less coursework than a major area of study. If you are in a diploma program, your major must usually be decided by the second year of study. Students in university transfer programs must usually declare their major by their third year of study, but appropriate course planning may need to take place earlier than the third year. Please see an academic advisor for information about specific program planning.

13. Can I take as many courses as I want?

A student attending full-time would normally be registered in a minimum of 3 courses and 9 academic credits to a maximum of 5 courses and 15 academic credits in each term of study. There are some programs that are an exception. Students balancing other activities such as work, family commitments or athletics with their academic studies might want to consider taking less than the maximum course load. Taking more than the maximum course load is not prohibited but is not recommended for academic success.

14. My friend is a year ahead of me in the same program and told me which courses I need to take. Do I need to see an academic advisor?

Program requirements and graduation requirements may change from year to year and each student may present unique circumstances that can affect academic planning. It is important to use the most current information available when making decisions about course planning. If you are in a university transfer program, academic advisors will provide you with tools that have the most up to date information available for RDC programs.

15. I can't find a course on the timetable that's listed in the calendar. Why?

The Course Description section of the RDC Academic Calendar lists courses that are normally offered, however, not all courses are offered every year or every term. The RDC Timetable is a listing of the specific courses offered in a given term. If the course is not listed in the timetable it is not offered in that term of study.

16. How do I know if I have completed all the courses I need from RDC so I can apply to university?

Admission and transfer information for RDC University transfer programs can be found on the applicable Academic Planning Guide for your program or see an Academic Advisor in the Information Center to discuss your courses. It is also recommended you seek information from the institution which you are planning to attend.

17. What is a collaborative degree program?

At RDC a collaborative degree program is one that is offered in partnership with another post-secondary institution to provide degree opportunities to students within the Red Deer community. Students intending to complete a degree program on RDC campus at some point must apply and be admitted to the Collaborative partner institution. For more information about collaborative degree programs, please see the information available about Degree Completion Programs.

18. Are admission requirements to RDC the same as at Universities?

Each institution has its own admission and graduation requirements; therefore RDC admission requirements may not be the same as the university at which you are planning on attending. You may require specific high school or post-secondary course requirements to be eligible for admission. Admission and transfer information for RDC university transfer programs can be found on the applicable Academic Planning Guide for your program or see an Academic Advisor in the Information Center.

19. What is a GPA and how is it calculated?

GPA is an acronym for Grade Point Average. It is the indicator of your academic performance and will provide information for decisions on eligibility for scholarships, continuance in a program of study, and acceptance into other institutions. There are different types of GPA's that may be calculated; for example Cumulative GPA, Term GPA, Admission GPA. Each institution will provide information on how a GPA is calculated. Information about GPA calculation at RDC can be found in Academic Policy. For information about GPA calculation at other post-secondary institutions, please see the appropriate section of their Calendar.

20. How can I find out if the courses I took at other post-secondary institutions can be used towards my RDC diploma or university degree?

Assessment Services will assess coursework and knowledge or competencies through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Students taking university transfer programs apply for RPL if coursework taken at another post-secondary institution could be the equivalent of a pre-requisite needed for a higher-level course or to assist in planning their remaining coursework. Please note that each post-secondary institution assesses courses for transfer credit and is not obliged to recognize transfer credit given by another post-secondary institution.

21. If I plan to attend a university in a different province or outside of Canada what courses should I take?

In this circumstance, it is a student's responsibility to contact his/her university of interest for admission and program information and information about the transferability of courses. Consult the university and faculty websites and speak to an academic advisor at that university concerning course selection for the program. Only the receiving institution can give official notification on courses accepted for credit from the sending institution.

22. Is there a minimum grade for course transfer?

Yes. Each university specifies a minimum grade accepted for transfer credit; not all receiving institutions accept minimal passing grades on transfer courses. In addition, a faculty may further specify a minimum grade accepted for specific courses in specific programs. Consult the Academic Planning Guide for your program and the university's calendar and website for admission, transfer and program information.

23. If the courses I'm taking are listed in the current Alberta Transfer Guide, is there any reason why I might not receive transfer credit?

The Alberta Transfer Guide indicates the minimum transfer credit which is available for post-secondary educational experience upon admission to a post-secondary institution. It is not a cumulative record of changes in courses or transfer credits and applies only to the year for which it is published. Students should consult the edition of the Transfer Guide for the year the course or program was completed.

Students should be aware that each program and each institution has regulations regarding program and graduation requirements. Although a course may be accepted at an institution for credit, it must also fit into the program requirements. Students must take into account regulations such as the maximum number of junior credits, residency requirements of an institution, and recency of course material when planning. The Academic Planning Guide for your program will assist you in course planning. Speak to an academic advisor if you have any questions about course transferability.

24. Will it make any difference if I change my mind about which university I am going to attend once I've started taking courses at RDC?

Yes. Each university has specific coursework required for their degree programs. Also, some courses transfer to one university but not another (i.e. CMPT 261), some transfer at a senior-level to one university but at a junior-level to another (i.e. FILM 201), and some courses transfer with 3 credits to one university and with 1.5 credits to another (i.e. KPAC 310). These differences in course transfer may change the number of credits you'll receive should you switch your destination university. Admission requirements and the manner in which the transfer GPA is calculated will vary among universities. Please contact an academic advisor if you are considering changing your university of choice.

25. How and when do I apply to a university?

Application forms are located on university websites. On-line applications for several Alberta universities and colleges may also be accessed at Apply On-Line for Post-Secondary Admission. Most universities prefer applications submitted electronically and some faculties accept on-line applications only. Be sure to note if the faculty to which you are applying is one of these. If you like, you may print a copy to fill out, then insert the information on-line and send the application electronically.

Universities have a first day for application, an application deadline and a document deadline. Some programs may have specific deadlines that differ from the general university deadline. These deadlines are noted in the university websites.

For further information please review Applying to University Fall 2011.

26. How many RDC credits can count towards my degree program?

Universities have a residency requirement that specifies how many credits must be earned through their coursework. Generally, students may transfer up to half the credit in a degree to a university. A four-year degree consists of *120 meaning that up to *60 may be taken at other post-secondary institutions. Check the appropriate Academic Planning Guide for your program.

27. What is the Alberta Transfer Guide?

The Alberta Transfer Guide is a guide to transfer credit at Alberta post-secondary institutions and is available on-line (updated throughout the year) or in book form (published in spring/summer). The guide is produced by the Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer and governs transferability of courses from Athabasca University and accredited colleges in Alberta to Alberta universities. When looking up a course, use the academic year in which you took the course.

28. What if a course isn't listed in the Alberta Transfer Guide?

Courses that do not transfer for credit to a university are not listed in the Alberta Transfer Guide (i.e. HOSP 228, MATH 096, ARTX 105).

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