Post-secondary Program Progression and Graduation Procedure

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Policy Number: ACAD 202Procedure Title: Post-secondary Program Progression and Graduation
Supersedes Existing Procedure: YesPolicy Sponsor: Senior Vice President, Academic
Associated Policy: YesPolicy Owner: Registrar
Related Documents and LinksDate Last Approved by the CET: May 13, 2026

1. Purpose

To ensure progression and graduation processes are applied consistently and equitably for all students.

2. Application

This procedure applies to all programs leading to an Ontario College credential.

3. Program Progression

Following release of final grades, the Registrar’s Office reviews student academic performance and verifies progression eligibility at the end of each term.

Program progression outcomes are final and are not eligible for the formal academic appeal process. Students who have been withdrawn based on unsuccessful successive terms may request that the College waive the registration hold for two academic terms if the student can demonstrate compelling exceptional circumstances. Students can request a review by sending an email with all relevant information to info@loyalistcollege.com. The Registrar, in consultation with the Academic Schools and other departments as needed, will review and adjudicate all requests and uphold, adjust, or remove the hold based on the circumstances. Requests which are incomplete, unsupported, or not timely may be dismissed. The following communications will be sent by the Registrar’s Office to students in standard post-secondary programs:

  • Students with Probationary Academic Standing will receive an email confirming that they cannot progress to the next semester and inviting them to meet with their Academic Advisor to develop a progression plan.
  • Students who are subject to Compulsory Withdrawal – Unsuccessful Term (semester 1) will receive an email confirming the program withdrawal and with information related to applying for the same program or a different program in a future term.
  • Students who are subject to Compulsory Withdrawal – Unsuccessful Term (upper semester) will receive an email confirming the program withdrawal and with information related to academic advising.
  • Students who are subject to Compulsory Withdrawal – Unsuccessful Successive Terms will receive an email confirming the program withdrawal and the registration hold for two academic terms, along with information related to academic advising.

4. Dean’s List

Following release of fiFollowing release of final grades, the Dean’s Office reviews academic performance for students in standard post-secondary programs and determines eligibility for Dean’s List.

  • Full-time student status
  • Term GPA greater than or equal to 80%

Students on the Dean’s List will receive a letter from the Dean after each term to acknowledge their academic achievement.

5. Graduation

Students are responsible for meeting all program requirements for graduation.

Students with a program GPA greater than or equal to 80% will have an Honours distinction noted on their official transcript.

The names of all confirmed graduates are published by the College as part of annual convocation ceremonies.

  • 5.1. Standard Post-secondary Programs
    • Students in standard post-secondary programs follow a prescribed delivery sequence. When a student is registered in their final semester, the Registrar’s Office completes a preliminary audit of their academic record and if all remaining courses required for graduation are in-progress, the student is assigned a Potential Graduate (PG) status in the student information system. Following release of final grades, a graduate validation audit is completed. If all requirements have been satisfied, the student is assigned an Awarded (AW) status in the student information system and all applicable graduation documentation is prepared. If all requirements have not been satisfied, the student will remain in a Potential Graduate (PG) status until all remaining requirements have been satisfied.
  • 5.2. Non-standard Post-secondary Programs
    • Students in non-standard post-secondary programs register on a course-by-course basis and are expected to manage their own progression. When a student has completed all program requirements, they complete an Application to Graduate form and submit it to the Registrar’s Office. A graduate validation audit is completed. If all requirements have been satisfied, the student is assigned an Awarded (AW) status in the student information system and all applicable graduation documentation is prepared. If all requirements have not been satisfied, the student is advised which requirements have not been met and directed to complete a new Application to Graduate once the remaining requirements have been satisfied.
  • 5.3. Apprenticeship Programs
    • Students in apprenticeship programs are registered in accordance with Ministry requirements and eligibility. The Ministry determines and issues apprenticeship qualifications. Additionally, some apprenticeship programs may lead to an Ontario College credential. In these cases, the applicable graduation processes are followed.