Credit Limit Policy

Introduction
The Credit Limit Policy outlines the minimum and maximum credit loads, as well as provisions for exceptions based on academic standing.

General Provisions for Full-Time Enrollment

  • The academic year is divided into three semesters: Fall, Spring, and Summer.
  • Students are required to enroll in a minimum of 6 credits during each semester.
  • To maintain full-time status, students must complete at least six 3-credit courses per year (18 credits annually).
  • Students in their final term of study are permitted to take fewer than the required minimum number of credits in order to complete their program.
  • International students on a study permit must maintain full-time status as defined above to comply with study permit regulations.

Specific Program Provisions

Cybersecurity program:

  • In each of the Spring and Fall semesters students may enrol in a maximum of 9 credits (3 courses).
  • The maximum credit limit during the Summer semester is 6 (2 courses).
  • In certain circumstances, students may apply to their program dean for an exception to take one additional course per semester. Students must be in good academic and financial standing to qualify.

Energy Management program:

  • In each of the Spring and Fall semesters students may enrol in a maximum of 12 credits (4 courses).
  • The maximum credit limit during the Summer semester is 6 (2 courses).
  • In certain circumstances, students may apply to their program dean for an exception to take one additional course per semester. Students must be in good academic and financial standing to qualify.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) program:

  • In each of the Spring and Fall semesters students may enrol in a maximum of 9 credits (3 courses).
  • The maximum credit limit during the Summer semester is 6 (2 courses).
  • In certain circumstances, students may apply to their program dean for an exception to take one additional course per semester. Students must be in good academic and financial standing to qualify.

CO-OP Semester

  • Co-op students are deemed to have full-time status upon enrollment in their program’s co-op course (ex. ETCS 670), a 1-credit course.
  • Co-op students may register for up to 3 credits of coursework concurrent with their co-op term, pending employer approval.

Exceptional Circumstances

Procedure for Requesting Credit Limit Exceptions

  1. Advising Consultation: The student must consult with their program dean to discuss the feasibility and implications of taking additional credits.
  2. Application: If advised to proceed, the student must submit the Increased Credit Request form (located here).
  3. Documentation: The student's academic record will be reviewed, and additional documentation of academic plans and/or performance may be required.
  4. Approval: The Associate Dean will consider the request and communicate the decision to the Registrar’s Office. The decision will be based on the student’s academic record, program requirements, and the rationale provided. Decisions by the Associate Dean are final. If an application is rejected, the student will be notified.
  5. Registration: Upon approval, the student will be notified by the Office of the Registrar via email and be allowed to register for additional credits as specified by the exception. Tuition payment requirements must be met upon registration. The student will also be notified if their application is rejected.

Compliance

  • All students are expected to comply with the Credit Limit Policy.
  • Failure to adhere to full-time status requirements may affect international students' study permit status and could result in penalties or deportation.

Amendments
This policy is subject to review and amendment by New York Tech Vancouver administration as necessary to ensure it meets the educational needs of students and complies with institutional and regulatory standards.

Effective Date
The policy as stated herein is effective from the date of publication and supersedes any previous credit limit policy.

For further information or clarification regarding this Credit Limit Policy, students are encouraged to contact their Associate Dean.

This policy document is intended to provide clear guidelines and ensure that students at New York Tech Vancouver understand the credit load requirements and the process for requesting exceptions. It is in the interest of maintaining academic integrity, scheduling, and supporting student success.