Computer Programming: What do I need to do to stay in this program?

Beyond the usual steps you need to take each term to ensure you are registered (for example, paying/deferring your fees), there are some important academic considerations you should also be aware of, in this program.  

Students who do not meet certain conditions may be placed on a Learning Contract or removed from the program. This may sound intimidating, but please know that there are plenty of resources available to help you if you need support! 

Requirements to continue in the Computer Programming (CP) program fall under three categories, outlined in the sections below.

GPA Above 1.7 

• You must achieve a GPA of at least 1.7 each term. 
• If your GPA falls below 1.7, you’ll be placed on academic probation and given a Learning Contract for the following term. 
• You’ll have one term to improve your GPA. If you do not do so within that time, you will be permanently removed from the program. 

Completion of Indicator Courses 

(Not sure what an Indicator Course is? There’s an FAQ for that!) 

The indicator courses for CP are listed below : 

• CST8116 – Introduction to Computer Programming (Level 01) 
• MAT8001C – Technical Math for Computer Science (Level 01) 
• CST8132 – Object Oriented Programming: Java (Level 02)

If you fail or withdraw from any of these: 

• You’ll be placed on a Learning Contract and given one more chance to pass the course. 
• If you fail or withdraw from the course again, you will be permanently removed from the program. 

In addition, note that Level 01 students who fail or withdraw from any two of the following courses will be removed from the program and required to re-apply through the appropriate process if they wish to continue:

• CST8116 – Introduction to Computer Programming 
• MAT8001C – Technical Math for Computer Science
• CST8118 – Computer Essentials  
• CST8215 – Introduction to Database

If you return, you will be placed on a Learning Contract and will need to meet the conditions specified or be permanently removed from the program. 

Completion of Other Courses 

• For all other courses in the program, you’re allowed two more attempts to pass after a course failure or withdrawal. After those two attempts, you will be permanently removed from the program. 

Important Note

Once on a Learning Contract, all categories must be met for you to continue in the program. For example, if you were removed from the program in Level 01 for failing 2 indicator courses; returned, were placed on a Learning Contract, and passed but still had a GPA below 1.7, you would unfortunately still be permanently removed despite a successful second attempt at the indicator courses.  

If you have questions about any of the above, please reach out to your Student Success Specialist. If you are currently on a Learning Contract and have questions about its terms or conditions, please reach out to your Academic Advisor. 

For more information on steps to take if you are removed from the program, please check out the College Initiated Withdrawal webpage.