Academic Regulations – Journalism

Students registered at the University of King’s College as candidates for BJH and BJ degrees are subject to the Academic Regulations of the School of Journalism, and not to the Academic Regulations of the College of Arts & Science. However, students taking any courses in the College of Arts & Science (including the King’s Foundation Year Program and courses offered in the Contemporary Studies Program, Early Modern Studies Program, or the History of Science and Technology Program) must conform to the Academic Regulations of the College of Arts & Science with regard to those courses; likewise for courses taken with permission of the Director of the School of Journalism in Faculties and Schools other than Arts, Social Sciences and Science at Dalhousie University.

Students registered at the University of King’s College as candidates for the Master of Journalism and Master of Fine Arts in Creative Nonfiction are subject to the Academic Regulations of the Dalhousie Faculty of Graduate Studies as outlined in the Dalhousie University Graduate Studies Calendar.

Changes in the Academic Regulations of the School of Journalism normally become effective upon publication in the Calendar. Journalism students are subject to changes in regulations and courses made after their first registration unless specifically excused by the School of Journalism. All enquiries about the regulations hereunder should be made to the Registrar. Students suffering any hardship as a result of the application of any of the regulations may appeal through the Registrar to the Journalism Studies Committee.

Journalism Studies Committee 

Membership:

• Vice-President (ex officio Chair)
• Director of the School of Journalism
• Registrar (or designate)

Meetings:

At the call of any member of the Committee

Role:

To consider matters affecting students’ Journalism studies, including: course and degree requirements; forced withdrawal consequent on unsatisfactory performance; course overloads; credits from other universities; limited enrolment courses; course change procedures and permission; grades (including appeals against grades); instructors (including complaints against instructors); repetition of courses; withdrawals; and other such matters as the Director refers to the Committee.

Authority:

This Committee is authorized to make decisions affecting students’ Journalism studies, including any of the above matters. It reports to Faculty once a year, or more often, as required.

Appeals:

As noted above, academic appeals in connection with graduate Journalism courses delivered by King’s will be heard in the first instance by the Journalism Studies Committee, with a right of appeal to the Dalhousie Faculty of Graduate Studies Appeal Committee and then to the Dalhousie Senate Appeals Committee in accordance with Dalhousie regulations and policies. Academic appeals in connection with courses delivered by Dalhousie will first follow existing procedures in that faculty, with a subsequent right of appeal to the Dalhousie Faculty of Graduate Studies Appeals committee and finally to the Dalhousie Senate Appeals Committee, in accordance with Dalhousie regulations and policies.

Undergraduate appeals from decisions of the Journalism Studies Committee may be made to the Journalism Appeals Committee but only on the limited grounds defined under “Function” of a Journalism Appeals Committee. See “Journalism Appeals Committee”. Decisions of the Journalism Appeals Committee are final and binding on all parties. At the time of filing the appeal a student must specifically indicate the facts and allegations that will form the basis of the appeal. An appeal will be limited to matters so alleged. The deadline for appeal of a decision of a Journalism Studies Committee will be 30 days from the date of the letter which notifies the person of the Committee’s decision. Appeals shall be directed to the Chair of Faculty, who will cause an appeal committee to be struck.

1. Course Selection

1.1 Numbering of courses

Courses are numbered to indicate their general level. Those in the 1000 series are introductory courses; courses in the 2000, 3000 and 4000 series are usually first available to BJH students in the second, third and fourth years respectively, and those in the 5000 series to BJ students. Courses in the 6000 and 7000 level are available to Master of Journalism and Master of Creative Nonfiction students.

Every course number also has a decimal designation which refers to the credit hour value of the course: .03 signifies a 3 credit-hour (half credit) course, .06 a 6 credit-hour (full credit) course, .09 a 9 credit hour (credit and a half) course, and so on.

An example of a course identifier follows:

JOUR 1002.03:
JOUR subject code
1002 course number & level
.03 credit hours

Courses with numbers below 1000 normally do not carry credit.

1.2 Academic Advice – BJH

Students in the BJH degree program are required to submit, at the end of their first year, a proposal for a program of study to be followed in completing their degree. The Undergraduate Coordinator will advise each student on their proposed program, and the Director will approve, with changes where necessary, each student’s plan.

1.3 Workload
30 credit hours (or 33 in some years) shall be regarded as constituting a normal year’s work for a BJH student, and 39 credit hours for a BJ student. See “Degree Requirements – Journalism”.

Applications from students who have strong reason for wishing to take an overload will be considered by the Director. Such permission will not normally be granted to any student in their first year of the BJH program, or to any student who, in the preceding academic year, has failed any course or had two or more grades below B-. Normally the workload will not exceed six courses per term.

1.4 Duration of Studies
Students in the Bachelor of Journalism (Honours) program will normally complete their studies within four years of first registration. All requirements for the BJH degree must be completed within ten years of first registration.

Students in the Bachelor of Journalism program normally will complete their studies within one calendar year of first registration. All requirements for the BJ degree must be completed within five years of first registration.

Students in the graduate programs will normally complete their studies within two years. All requirements for the degree must be completed within five years of registration.

1.5 Registration
Registration occurs for returning undergraduate students in March of each year. Registration materials will be provided to all eligible new students, normally by the end of June. Students are strongly encouraged to register early.

The final step in registration is obtaining an ID card from the DalCard Office, or validating an existing ID. Students registering at the University for the first time may obtain an ID card at the DalCard Office.

ID cards are mandatory and must be presented to write an officially scheduled examination. In addition, some services such as the issuance of bursary or scholarship cheques, library privileges and Dalplex require the presentation of a valid King’s ID.

2. Course Changes and Withdrawal

2.1 Course Changes
The last dates for adding and deleting courses are published in the schedule of Academic Course Add/Drop Dates in this calendar. Courses can be added and dropped on the Dalhousie website “DalOnline” at dal.ca/online.

2.2 Withdrawal
Non-attendance does not, in itself, constitute withdrawal. Withdrawal is not effective until a student withdraws from their courses or until notification is received by the Office of the Registrar. A student should not discontinue attendance of any course until their withdrawal has been actioned or approved.

A student proposing withdrawal should discuss their situation with the Director of the School of Journalism, with the Registrar at the University of King’s College and, where appropriate, with the Director of the Foundation Year Program.

Students who are registered are responsible for fees. Those who withdraw from the Bachelor of Journalism program, the Master of Journalism program, the Master of Fine Arts program should refer to the Student Accounts Office for refund information.

3. Credit

3.1 Gaining Credit
Credit may be obtained for university-level studies:
(a) in courses offered by the School of Journalism at King’s or in the College of Arts & Science at King’s/Dalhousie;

(b) by transfer from other universities attended prior to entrance to the University of King’s College;

(c) in Faculties of Dalhousie other than the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences or the Faculty of Science;

(d) at institutions other than King’s or Dalhousie while registered at King’s

A Letter of Permission is required if a student wishes to obtain credits at an institution other than Dalhousie or King’s. See “9.1 Letter of Permission”.

3.2 Credit Contingent on Settling Debts to the University
To gain credit a student must settle all financial obligations to the University with respect to tuition and residence fees, bookstore debts, library fines, etc. These debts must be settled no later than April 30 for graduation at May Encaenia.

4. Assessment

4.1 Method of Assessment
In determining pass lists, the standings attained in prescribed course exercises, field work, and workshops, and in various examinations may be taken into consideration by an instructor. Each instructor must ensure that students are informed of the method of evaluation to be used in a course at the first meeting of the course. Within four weeks after the beginning of each term, course outlines will be placed on file in the School of Journalism.

4.2 Examinations and Tests
Periods of approximately three weeks in the spring and one and one-half weeks in December are set aside for the scheduling by the Dalhousie Registrar of formal written examinations. Instructors wishing to have an examination scheduled by the Registrar for a course must so inform the Registrar at the beginning of the first week of courses in the fall and winter terms.

Instructors may also a range their own examinations at times and places of their choosing during the formal examination periods, but with the understanding that in cases of conflict of examinations for an individual student, the Registrar’s examination schedule takes priority.

BJH students taking courses in the College of Arts & Science should consult Regulation 16.2 Examinations and Tests in “College of Arts & Science – Academic Regulations”. For such students, no tests or examinations in a Journalism course shall be held during the period between the end of courses and the beginning of the official examination period.

4.3 Submission of Grades
On completion of a course, instructors in the School of Journalism are required to submit grades to the Registrar, such grades to be based on the instructor’s evaluation of the academic performance of the students in the course in question.

4.4 Incomplete
Each student is expected to complete course work by the prescribed deadlines. Only in special circumstances (e.g., the death of a close relative) may an instructor extend such deadlines. Incomplete work in a course must be completed by February 1 for Fall term courses and June 1 for Winter term or full-year courses.

The Registrar’s Office will not accept a late clearance of INC or late grade changes other than those due to errors. If there are exceptional circumstances, an appeal may be made through the Registrar to the Journalism Committee on Studies. Unless the INC is changed, it counts in the GPA as 0.00; it is a failing grade.

4.5 Correction of Errors in Recorded Grades
Students must request correction in the calculation or recording of final grades by February 1 for Fall term grades and June 1 for Winter term grades or grades in full-year courses.

4.6 Reassessment of a Final Grade
Students who have questions about final grades that have been assigned are encouraged to discuss them with the course instructor. In addition, students may consult the Director of the School of Journalism. If their concerns cannot be resolved, students may also use the following formal process for the reassessment of a final grade.

Once a final course grade has been submitted to the Registrar, a student who wishes to have a final grade reassessed should make a written request to the Registrar and pay the reassessment fee of $50. The request must identify the specific component which the student wishes reassessed and the grounds for the request.

The Registrar will direct the request to the Director of the School of Journalism, who will ensure that the reassessment is carried out and reported to the Registrar. The student will be notified by the Registrar of the outcome of the reassessment. If the reassessment results in the assignment of a grade that is different (higher or lower) from the original one, the new grade will replace the original one, and the $50 reassessment fee will be refunded.

Requests for reassessment of courses must be submitted no later than five (5) working days following the due date for grades as outlined in the grade submission guidelines for Faculty. Reassessments will be completed prior to the first Friday in May to enable a student to apply the course to their degree for graduation. Assessment which cannot be completed within this time frame will result in delay of graduation until the following year.

4.7 Special Arrangements for Examinations, Tests and Assignments
At the discretion of the instructor, alternate arrangements for examinations, tests, or the completion of assignments may be made for students who are ill, or in other exceptional circumstances.

Students are encouraged to submit a Student Declaration of Absence (Journalism) form for a short-term absence of no longer than 3 consecutive calendar days. An absence can be for short-term physical or mental health conditions, or other extenuating circumstances that may affect their ability to attend required classes, tests, exams or submit other coursework.

For longer-term illnesses or an illness requiring absence from a final exam, a certificate from the student’s physician will be required. This certificate should indicate the dates and duration of the illness, where possible should describe the impact it had on the student’s ability to fulfil academic requirements, and should include any other information the physician considers relevant and appropriate. Students should contact their physician at the time they are ill and should submit the medical certificate to their instructor as soon thereafter as possible. Such certificates will not normally be accepted after a lapse of more than one week from the examination or assignment completion date. For exceptional circumstances other than illness, appropriate documentation, depending on the situation, will be required. Requests for alternate arrangements should be made to the instructor in all cases. The deadline for changing a grade of ILL is February 1 for Fall term courses and June 1 for Winter term and full-year courses. Requests to change grades after these deadlines must be submitted in writing through the Registrar to the Journalism Academic Appeals Committee. If the grade of ILL is unchanged, it remains on the record as neutral.

5. Academic Standing

The academic standing of students in the School of Journalism program is normally assessed at the end of each academic term.

5.1 Grade Definitions
A letter-grade system is used to evaluate performance. Grades in the ranges of A, B, C, D and P are passing grades in the undergraduate programs. A grade lower than a B- is a failing grade in the graduate program. F indicates failure. The grade of INC (incomplete) is a failing grade. The grade of W (withdrawal after deadline) is neutral. The grade of ILL (assigned for compassionate reasons or illness) is neutral. Appropriate documentation is required for a student to be awarded a grade of ILL. See “4.7 Special Arrangements for Examinations, Tests and Assignments”.

Note: For BJH students, a grade of “C” or better is required for Journalism courses

Grade Definitions for Undergraduate Degrees

Grade Definitions for Master Degrees

5.2 Grade Point Average (GPA)
The Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated by summing the values obtained by multiplying the credit points obtained in each course in accordance with the scale in Table 5.1, above, by the number of credit hours of each course, then dividing that sum by the total credit hours attempted.

A Term GPA includes only those courses attempted in a single term; the Cumulative GPA includes all courses attempted while registered in a particular level of study.

5.3 Grade Points on Admission
Transfer credits granted on admission count as credits without grade points; i.e., they are neutral in the calculation of the GPA.

5.4 Grade Points on Letter of Permission
For courses taken on a Letter of Permission at a Canadian university where a letter grade system is used, the appropriate School of Journalism letter grade and corresponding grade points are assigned. For institutions not using letter grades, the grade will be translated into a School of Journalism grade and the corresponding grade points assigned.

For institutions outside of Canada, a grade of P (Pass) or F (Fail), as appropriate, will be recorded.

5.5 Repeating Courses
Space permitting, a student may repeat any course. The original grade will nevertheless remain on the transcript and a second entry will be recorded with the new grade and the notation “repeated course.” No additional credit will be given for such a repeated course, and only the highest grade will be included in the calculation of the GPA.

5.6 Credit/No Credit Grading Option
Credit-No Credit (CR/NCR) grading option is designed to provide a GPA-neutral grade for students experiencing exceptional extenuating circumstances when other solutions are not appropriate. To be considered an extenuating circumstance, the situation must be unforeseen or unpredictable, and result in a significant personal crisis for the student, demonstrably impacting their academic performance. Students wishing to appeal for this grading option must apply for an ‘Academic Waiver’ through the Journalism Waiver form. The arguments and expectations of the petitioner must be clearly stated.

6. Good Standing

Students who meet the required GPA are considered to be in good academic standing. In the Bachelor of Journalism (Honours) program a cumulative GPA of 2.70 is required.

7. Probationary Rules – BJH Program

7.1 Probation

7.1.1 Students with a cumulative GPA of less than 2.70 and greater than or equal to 2.30 who have completed at least 24 credit hours (four full credits) will be placed on academic probation.

7.1.2 Students on probation are allowed to continue to register on probation provided their term GPA is at least 2.50. Students will be returned to “good standing” when they achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.70. Students on probation who do not achieve a term GPA of at least 2.50 will be academically dismissed for a 12-month period.

Students on probation, registered in single semester courses only will be assessed at the end of each academic term (December, April and August). Students must achieve a term GPA of 2.50 or better in both fall and winter terms to continue on probation.

7.1.3 Students who are returning from a 12-month period of academic dismissal are allowed to register on probation. They are allowed to continue to register on probation provided their term GPA is at least 2.50. Students will be returned to “good standing” when they achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.70. Students who do not achieve a term GPA of at least 2.50 will be academically dismissed or, if dismissed for the second time, for a 36-month period.

7.1.4 A cumulative GPA of 2.70 is required to graduate. Therefore, no one will be allowed to graduate while on probation.

7.2 Academic Dismissal

7.2.1 Students with a cumulative GPA of less than 2.30 who have completed at least 24 credit hours (four full credits) will be academically dismissed for a 12-month period.

7.2.2 Students on probation who do not achieve a term GPA of 2.50 or greater will be academically dismissed for a 12-month period.

7.2.3 Students who have been academically dismissed for the first time may re-register on probation after a 12-month period. It is the student’s responsibility to apply for re-admission.

7.2.4 Students who have been academically dismissed for the second time will not be allowed to apply for re-admission for at least three calendar years. Students may, however, petition the Journalism Studies Committee for re-admission after two years provided they have met with the Registrar, who may recommend they apply for readmission after two calendar years or who may refer the matter to the Journalism Studies Committee.

7.3 BJ Program
Students in the BJ program must achieve a sessional GPA of 2.70 or better at the end of the Fall term in order to be assured of maintaining their place in the Winter term.

7.4 Readmission after Academic Dismissal
Students applying for readmission after an academic dismissal are required to submit a completed application form, samples of journalism work done since academic dismissal from the School of Journalism, as well as official transcripts of any academic work undertaken since the academic dismissal from the School of Journalism.

7.5 Right of Appeal
Students who fail to meet the requirements for continuing in Journalism programs will be so notified by the Director of the School of Journalism or the Registrar, who will also inform them of their right of appeal. Such appeals are made through the Registrar to the Journalism Studies Committee, which considers written appeals by students.

Students in the BJ program will be notified by the Director by December 10 each year if they are not eligible to continue in the Winter term. The deadline for submission of appeals is December 15. Students will be informed of the results of the appeal no later than the end of the first week of the Winter term.

Students in the BJH program will be notified by the end of May each year if they are being put on probation or academically dismissed. The deadline for submission of appeals is June 15, and students will be informed as soon as possible of the results, normally by July 1.

8. Graduation Standing

In order to obtain a first degree or diploma, at least half of the credit hours, including at least half in the field of concentration, major or minor, must normally be taken at King’s/Dalhousie.

8.1.1 BJH (Single Honours)
A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.70 over the courses taken towards the BJH degree is required for the awarding of the degree. Students must achieve a ‘C’ or better in all Journalism courses in order to count those courses toward their degree. If a student receives a grade lower than ‘C’ in a required Journalism course, the student must repeat that course or (with the permission of the School of Journalism) take another Journalism course in order to make up the total credits required for the degree.

In order to graduate with first-class honours from the BJH degree program, a student must obtain a GPA of at least 3.70 in courses taken towards that degree beyond the first 30 credit hours. All courses, including repeated courses and courses for which non-passing grades were obtained, are included.

8.1.2 BJH (Combined Honours)
A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.70 over the courses taken towards the BJH (Combined Honours) degree is required for the awarding of the degree. Students must achieve a ‘C’ or better in all Journalism courses and in the second honours subject in order to count those courses toward their degree. If a student receives a grade lower than ‘C’ in a required Journalism course, the student must repeat that course or (with the permission of the School of Journalism) take another Journalism course in order to make up the total credits required for the degree.

In order to graduate with first-class honours from a BJH combined honours degree program, a student must obtain a GPA of at least 3.70 in courses taken beyond the first 30 credit hours in the two honours subjects. All courses, including repeated courses and courses for which non-passing grades were obtained, are included.

8.1.3 BJ (One Year)
A minimum GPA of 2.30 is required for the awarding of the BJ degree.

In order to graduate from the BJ program with distinction, a student must obtain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.70. All courses taken, including repeated courses and courses for which non-passing grades were obtained, are included.

9. Courses Taken at Other Universities

9.1 Letter of Permission
A student who wishes to take courses at another institution to be counted for credit towards a Journalism degree must obtain approval in advance on a letter of permission form available from the Registrar, and provide a full description of the courses offered at the other institution. A Letter of Permission will normally be provided if approval for the course or courses is given by the Director of the School of Journalism and the Registrar, and if the student is in good academic standing.

Normally students may count no more than six credit hours in Journalism courses at another institution toward the BJH or the BJ degree.

9.2 Summer Term
Students wishing to take courses at another university during a Summer term to be counted towards a Journalism degree must obtain a Letter of Permission in advance of registering for the courses. Up to 12 credit hours of electives in Summer term courses may be accepted towards the requirements for the BJH degree.

It is the student’s responsibility to make all necessary arrangements with the receiving university. Students are responsible for all fees associated with Summer Term courses.

9.3 Maximum Workload (Summer Term)
Students may normally take six credit hours (one full credit) in each of the May-June and July-August parts of term. No more than 12 credit hours (two full credits) can be obtained during the summer in any one academic year. Exceptions will normally be granted for credits obtained at a university which operates a trimester system or its equivalent.

10. Transfer Students

10.1 Transfer into BJH or BJ program

10.1.1 Transfer into BJH program
The School of Journalism welcomes applications for transfer into a BJH program. Provided that a student has successfully completed the Foundation Year Program (or a program at another university judged by the Journalism Admissions Committee to be equivalent to the Foundation Year Program) with a sufficiently high standing, they may apply to transfer into a BJH program. All such transfers are to be made only as space is available, as determined by the limited enrolment policy of the University.

Non-Journalism students of King’s or Dalhousie may register for “Foundations of Journalism,” JOUR 1002.03 + 1003.03 (or JOUR 1001X/Y.06) as an elective course, subject to annual enrolment limits established by the School of Journalism. Students who successfully complete JOUR 1002.03 + 1003.03 (or JOUR 1001X/Y.06) as an elective with a grade of at least B-, and then wish to transfer into the BJH program with advanced standing may apply to be considered as transfer students.

Successful completion of JOUR 1001X/Y.06 or JOUR 1002.03 + 1003.03 does not guarantee admission as a transfer student into the BJH degree program. Admission is limited by the number of spaces available in the program as determined by the Journalism Faculty. Students transferring into the second year (or into the third year) of a BJH program will generally have had some journalism education or experience equivalent to journalism instruction and experience provided in the first year (or, if transferring into the third year, in the first and second years) of the BJH program. Students transferring into the second year of the BJH program who have not completed a full-credit equivalent to JOUR 1002.03 and JOUR 1003.03 or JOUR 1001.06, “Foundations of Journalism,” will be required to complete JOUR 1002.03 and JOUR 1003.03 or JOUR 1001.06 during their first year at King’s.

Students in the BJH program must attend King’s as full-time students in their last two years, unless special permission to the contrary is obtained.

A student from another college or university who is not eligible for readmission to that college or university will not be admitted to the University of King’s College.

10.1.2 Transfer into BJ program
Transfer students are not admitted into the BJ program.

10.2 Transfer Credits
Transfer credits may be granted to BJH students for courses completed at a recognized university or equivalent institution of higher learning, which are judged to be comparable to courses offered at King’s/Dalhousie and to be appropriate to the student’s academic program in the School of Journalism. Transfer credits grant credit for a course and do not require substitution.

Transfer credits granted upon admission count as credits without grade points; i.e., they are neutral in the calculation of the GPA.

10.3 Exclusions
No transfer credit will be given for any work used as the basis for admission.

No transfer credit will be granted for any course in which a final mark of less than C (or the equivalent in King’s/Dalhousie terms) was obtained.

Credits that are more than ten (10) years old may not be used to fulfil degree requirements unless a waiver is granted.

No courses taken at another institution will be counted towards fulfilling the Journalism course requirements in the BJH degree program without specific approval from the Director of the School of Journalism.

No credit will be given for any courses taken at another university while a student is not in good standing at King’s/Dalhousie.

10.4 Procedures
Transfer applicants must submit an official transcript of final marks from their previous university. Students applying from universities outside Nova Scotia must also supply course descriptions; these may be photocopied from the appropriate university calendar. Upon receipt of the final transcript and course descriptions, the Registrar will advise transfer students who have been admitted to the School of Journalism of the number of credits which may be transferred into the BJH program.

Transfer credits awarded on admission appear on a King’s/ Dalhousie transcript as credits only; no marks are shown.

10.5 Advanced Standing
Students possessing advanced knowledge of a subject will be encouraged to begin their studies in that subject at a level appropriate to their knowledge, as determined by the School of Journalism. However, such students must substitute for the exempted courses an equal number of other courses, not necessarily in the same subjects (i.e., they must complete at the University the full number of credits required for a BJH or BJ degree). The program of studies of all transfer students will be subject to approval by the Director.

11. Exchange Programs

Students in the Bachelor of Journalism (Honours) program are eligible to participate in exchange programs. If you are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity, we strongly recommend that you consult the Director prior to the end of first year. For details and application forms, please contact the Registrar’s Office.

12. Applying to Graduate

In order to graduate students must submit an application to graduate through DalOnline by December 1. In cases where requests can be accommodated after the deadline, a $50 fee will be charged.

13. Reservists

Reservists are members of the Canadian Forces who usually serve on a part-time basis. The King’s School of Journalism recognizes that reservists will, in fulfillment of their duties, participate in formal training to advance their qualifications and skills. Reservists are encouraged to approach their faculty members and the Journalism Studies Committee to determine ways in which service can be facilitated while remaining registered as a full-time student.