May 19, 2024  
Draft: 2024-2025 Academic Calendar Mount Royal University 
    
Draft: 2024-2025 Academic Calendar Mount Royal University

First-Year Advising Guide - University Entrance Option


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Welcome to University Entrance Option (UEO) at Mount Royal University!

As a student at Mount Royal, you will be able to open doors to a wide range of learning and career opportunities.

The information in this guide is a useful resource as you learn about your Mount Royal program. During your time in University Entrance Option, you will be able to work with your Academic Advisor to discuss your plan for admission to your desired program. Please see the Academic advising section of this guide for information on how to contact your Academic Advisor.

You will not be able to register for courses until you have connected with Academic Advising.

Planning for a future program


Successful admission to Mount Royal programs involves meeting the general and specific minimum admission requirements and presenting a competitive average for admission to that program.

Meet Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Every MRU program has general and specific minimum admission requirements. The requirements for each program can be found on the Mount Royal website.

  • If you are missing a minimum admission requirement, meeting it is a top priority. You have until June 30, 2025, to complete any necessary upgrading courses for admission to a program for Fall 2025. We recommend completing any necessary upgrading courses in the winter and/or spring semesters so you can focus on achieving the highest possible competitive average in the fall semester.

Meet Competitive Average

  • The number of credit courses you complete by December 31, 2024, your competitive average, and the date on which you apply for your desired program will determine your admission category into a program for Fall 2025. Your admission category determines whether your fall, winter, or both grades are used to calculate your competitive average.

The following tables explain how we determine your admission category and competitive average.

Admission Categories

U1 U21 UO2

Applies on or before February 1, 2025

AND

Completes four or more 3-credit courses by December 31, 2024 (including transfer credit)

Applies on or before February 1, 2025

AND

Completes four or more 3-credit courses by April 30, 2025 (including transfer credit)

AND

Does not meet the required competitive average for admission to their desired program under the U1 admission category

Applies after February 1, 2025

AND

Completes four or more 3-credit courses by December 31, 2024 (including transfer credit)

 

Competitive Average Calculation

U1 U21 UO2

Competitive average will be based on your four most recently completed and transferable 3-credit courses completed by December 31, 2024

For eligible programs3, the required competitive average will be based on the Fall 2024 competitive average for the program minus a 0.3 GPA reduction

Competitive average will be based on your four most recently completed and transferable 3-credit courses completed by April 30, 2025

For eligible programs1, if you do not achieve the required competitive average for your desired program based on your four most recently completed and transferable 3-credit courses completed by December 31, 2024, or if you have not completed four 3-credit courses by December 31, 2024, but have completed four 3-credit courses by April 30, 2025, you will be reassessed for admission with a competitive average based on your four most recently completed and transferable 3-credit courses completed by April 30, 2025

The required competitive average will be based on the actual Fall 2024 competitive average for the program. There is no GPA reduction

Competitive average will be based on your four most recently completed and transferable 3-credit courses completed by December 31, 2024

For eligible programs2, if you apply for admission after February 1, 2025, the required competitive average will be based on the actual Fall 2025 competitive average for the program. There is no GPA reduction

 

Final Average Calculation

U1 U21 UO2

Final average will be based on your eight most recently completed and transferable 3-credit courses completed by June 30, 2025

If you have not completed at least eight transferable 3-credit courses by June 30, 2025, your final average will be based on as many transferable 3-credit courses as you have completed by June 30, 2025. At least four transferable 3-credit courses must be completed by June 30, 2025, to calculate a final average and meet the final average requirement

For eligible programs4, the required final average is 2.0 GPA

Final average will be based on your eight most recently completed and transferable 3-credit courses completed by June 30, 2025

If you have not completed at least eight transferable 3-credit courses by June 30, 2025, your final average will be based on as many transferable 3-credit courses as you have completed by June 30, 2025. At least four transferable 3-credit courses must be completed by June 30, 2025, to calculate a final average and meet the final average requirement

For eligible programs4, the required final average is 2.0 GPA

Final average will be based on your eight most recently completed and transferable 3-credit courses completed by June 30, 2025

If you have not completed at least eight transferable 3-credit courses by June 30, 2025, your final average will be based on as many transferable 3-credit courses as you have completed by June 30, 2025. At least four transferable 3-credit courses must be completed by June 30, 2025, to calculate a final average and meet the final average requirement

For eligible programs4, the required final average is 2.0 GPA

1The following programs do not have a U2 admission category: Bachelor of Health and Physical Education - Athletic Therapy, Bachelor of Interior Design, Bachelor of Midwifery, Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Social Work, and Social Work Diploma.

2The following programs do not have a UO admission category: Bachelor of Education - Elementary, Bachelor of Health and Physical Education - Athletic Therapy, Bachelor of Interior Design, Bachelor of Midwifery, Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Social Work, Social Work Diploma, and any program which has closed for application.

3The following programs do not have a 0.3 GPA reduction for their competitive average calculation: Bachelor of Health and Physical Education - Athletic Therapy, Bachelor of Interior Design, Bachelor of Midwifery, Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Social Work, Social Work Diploma, and any program where a 0.3 GPA reduction would result in a required competitive average below 2.0 GPA.

4The following programs require a final average of 2.5 GPA: Bachelor of Education - Elementary, Bachelor of Midwifery, and Bachelor of Nursing.

Apply for your New Program

To be eligible for UEO admission to a new program for Fall 2025 at Mount Royal, we strongly recommend that you apply during Early Admission (October 1, 2024 - February 1, 2025) and you must have completed at least four 3-credit courses by April 30, 2025.

Applicants may apply to up to two programs with the same application fee. You are strongly encouraged to apply to a backup program. If you are unsure of the best backup program, please connect with your Academic Advisor.

Choosing courses strategically


  • You can take a maximum of 30 credits (generally ten 3-credit courses) in University Entrance Option1. Credit courses are university-level courses. Using your 30 credits wisely involves purposeful planning to increase your chances of future admission to a program.

  • Full-time student status requires you to be registered in a minimum of three courses or 9 credits per fall and winter semester.

  • If you are missing minimum or general admission requirements, register for those upgrading or post-secondary equivalent courses in your winter and/or spring semesters so you can focus on achieving the highest possible competitive average in the fall semester.

  • Upgrading courses are non-credit and can be taken in addition to any credit courses. They do not count toward the 30-credit maximum.

1This limit is shared between Open Studies and University Entrance Option.

Choosing your classes


As a UEO student, you should take relevant post-secondary courses in the fall semester that will help you achieve a competitive average for your desired program. You should take the courses in the fall semester that you feel you can do well in so you can achieve the highest possible competitive average for your goal program.

You may find it helpful to take an Undergraduate Studies (UGST) course in your first year, particularly your first semester. UGST 1001 - Effective Learning in the Undergraduate Context  and UGST 1002 - Change, Challenge and Choice: The University Context and Beyond  are courses designed to build skills that will be useful in university and can be used as an elective for most programs.

Every degree at Mount Royal includes General Education (Gen Ed) courses. As a UEO student, you may wish to take foundation and/or tier 2 (if applicable) General Education courses that will count towards your degree.

You may also be able to take core courses that will count towards your degree. You may wish to take a look at the program advising guide for your desired program. These guides include a list of courses that a first-year student in that program would take.

In the winter semester, it is recommended that you take any upgrading or post-secondary equivalent courses you require to meet the minimum requirements for your desired program. Additionally, you can take credit courses that will count towards your intended program, such as remaining foundation General Education courses, tier 2 General Education courses, electives, or core courses from your desired program (if available).

For course descriptions, please review the Academic Calendar.

General Education courses


What are General Education courses?

A great education doesn’t just make you an expert in one area - it gives you a well-rounded knowledge base in a variety of areas. This is why all of Mount Royal’s baccalaureate degree and diploma programs include General Education, a collection of courses in various subjects that will complement studies in your chosen field.

Use the list of approved General Education courses in the General Education section of the Academic Calendar to assist with course selection for the tiers and clusters outlined below. Be sure to follow the suggested pattern for your General Education requirements as outlined in your desired program.

It is your responsibility to register for your courses and ensure that the courses you select meet your desired program and graduation requirements.

Foundation

Throughout your degree, you’ll take a total of four General Education foundation courses. Most students complete these four courses within their first 45 credits. Choose one from each cluster.

Cluster 1: Numeracy and Scientific Literacy

Take one of GNED 1101 - Scientific and Mathematical Literacy for the Modern World , GNED 1102 - Controversies in Science , or GNED 1103 - Innovation 

Cluster 2: Values, Beliefs and Identity

Take one of GNED 1201 - Aesthetic Experience and Ideas , GNED 1202 - Texts and Ideas , or GNED 1203 - Nature and Ideas 

Cluster 3: Community and Society

Take one of GNED 1301 - Citizenship Without Borders , GNED 1303 - Conflict and the Social Context , or GNED 1304 - Communities and Societies 

Cluster 4: Communication

Take one of GNED 1401 - Writing for Academic Success , GNED 1403 - Writing in a Digital Context: Language, Media, Culture , or GNED 1404 - Writing about Images 

Tier 2

As you progress through your degree, depending on your desired program, you may need to take tier 2 courses. 

Tier 3

As you progress through your degree, depending on your desired program, you may need to take tier 3 courses.

Registering for courses


It is your responsibility to register for your courses and ensure that the courses you select meet your desired program and graduation requirements.

Use the Academic Calendar to explore possible courses of interest and to check that you meet prerequisites. You will register for courses using the registration system found in the MyMRU Register & Pay tab.

Visit our Tutorials page for useful videos to guide you on using MyMRU, using our degree audit system (mruGradU8), and how to register for your courses.

We also have an online tool to help you plan your courses for the year: My Schedule Builder. View schedule options and create a timetable that works best for you. Access My Schedule Builder through your MyMRU account under the Register & Pay in the My Schedule Builder section.

Academic advising


New Student Registration

Please consider attending our New Student Registration event for advanced access to registration.

You will not be able to register for courses until you have connected with Academic Advising.

Your Advisors have carefully prepared your advising information and are eager to begin working with you on your Mount Royal experience. After reading through this information carefully, you should have the information required to register for both your fall and winter semesters. Should you have questions, you may contact the University Entrance Option Academic Advisors by email at advising@mtroyal.ca or by phone at 403.440.6222. Please ensure you include your name, MRU ID number, and any relevant program goals with your email.

You can also read through your Welcome Guide which contains great information about transitioning to MRU and the available support services.

 

Frequently asked questions


Please find a list of frequently asked questions below.

Do I need to submit my UEO Advising Guide?

No. The guide is a tool to keep track of your own progress. The guide is not an official application or evaluation.


How will my plan and admission be affected if I have/require accommodations?

If you have not already, please get in touch with our Access and Inclusion Services department to set up your official accommodations at MRU.

Students who receive ACUE accommodations from Access and Inclusion may be evaluated differently. If you receive this accommodation, it’s important that you connect with advising@mtroyal.ca to understand how your course planning and admissions evaluation may be impacted.


My end goal is to transfer to another school - which UEO Advising Guide should I follow?

MRU Advisors know MRU’s admissions requirements and curriculum. Due to differences in policies and curriculum amongst institutions, we are not able to advise students on admissions or course transferability to other institutions. Students looking to transfer to another post-secondary institution should contact their recruitment/prospective student department.


How can I check if the courses I’m registered in will count towards my goal program?

To view how your current courses will work towards a future program, we suggest running a “What If” scenario in mruGradU8. You can watch a tutorial on how to do this here.


I need help with registration (ie. using the registration system, changing my schedule, dropping a class, etc.).

Please see this website for details and videos on how to use the registration system. You can also click here to read about how a Registration Peer (MRU student and employed staff member) may be available to meet with you to help you register.


It is the middle of the semester and I am not doing well in one or more of my courses. I’m considering withdrawing. Is this a good idea?

Withdrawing from a course (or several) is a useful tool that students can use when they are not doing well in their courses. Withdrawing can have significant impacts on a student’s admission into their goal program. We recommend that you email advising@mtroyal.ca if you are considering withdrawing from one or more courses to discuss the implications. Note the withdrawal deadlines here.


How do I apply to get into my goal program for Fall 2025 and when will I hear back?

  1. Log into MyMRU
  2. Go to the “My Program” tab
  3. In the admission box, select “Apply for admission”
  4. Select “credit”
  5. Select “current MRU Student” (NOT program change)
  6. Select the appropriate semester (ie. Fall 20XX)
  7. Fill out the information on the checklist; we strongly recommend that you apply to two programs
  8. If you are currently upgrading or are planning to upgrade (including post-secondary equivalents) mark these on the high school grades form; if not, leave this form blank
  9. Click application is complete and pay $100

Generally, applicants who apply for admission during Early Admission (October 1 to February 1) can expect a decision or update on their status by May but could hear back as late as mid-September.


I heard back from my second choice but have not yet heard back from my first choice. What should I do?

MRU evaluates both programs on your application separately and equally. If you are admitted into your second choice, you can accept the offer, and, if/when you get into your first choice, you can move your tuition deposit over by following the steps below:

  1. Log in to MyMRU
  2. Select the Applicant tab at the top left-hand side of the MyMRU homepage
  3. Click on Accept Your Offer (Number 2 under the Now What? section)
  4. An alternative to accepting your second choice may be staying in UEO; consult an advisor as to which choice would be best for you


I forgot to apply by February 1st. What do I do now?

You may still be eligible for admission, but you may be significantly disadvantaged. Apply as soon as possible if your program is still open and simultaneously get in touch with Advising.


Can I apply for my goal program with my high school grades instead of my university grades?

No. Students who are admitted into UEO will be evaluated solely on their post-secondary grades. This includes the last four transferable post-secondary courses completed by Dec. 31 for the U1 target and the last four transferable post-secondary courses completed by April 30th for the U2 (if applicable).


I want to learn more, in greater detail, about the content and/or career opportunities related to a specific program at MRU.

The Academic Advisors in our office are familiar with the various programs that MRU offers, but we are not content experts or Career Counsellors. To learn more about the content of a program, we recommend reviewing the program curriculum in detail. If you have further questions, you can contact the program department directly. For career-related questions, please reach out to Career Services.


How do I check the status of my application?

You will be able to view your application status on your Future Student Portal.


I have previous post-secondary experience and I am wondering if my completed courses will fill requirements in my intended/future program.

First, we recommend that you check mruGradU8. Your transfer credit will show up here after your transcript is evaluated. Follow these steps to do so:

  1. Log into MyMRU
  2. Go to the “My Program” tab
  3. Click on the mruGradU8 graduation hat icon
  4. Select “What if”
  5. From the drop-down menus, select your catalog year, intended program (degree/diploma), and major (some programs need concentrations/minors; select if necessary - otherwise leave these blank)
  6. Leave the remaining fields blank
  7. Click Process

If you have further questions regarding transfer equivalencies (from another post-secondary), please view the Transfer Credit webpage and/or contact transfercredit@mtroyal.ca


Do I have to do four courses in the fall semester?

There are some instances where a student may not need to do four courses in the fall. Typically, these include students who have previously completed post-secondary courses with grades that allow them to be competitive, students with ACUE accommodations, or students that do not have the schedule or financial ability to do four courses in the fall and will aim for the U2 target (if available with their program).

In most cases, it is in your best interest to take four courses in the fall as this provides many students with a lower competitive average GPA target.


Which courses should I choose for the fall and winter from the course recommendations list?

Place the courses in the fall that you think you can achieve the highest grades in.
 

What should I do if I don’t achieve the U1 (fall) GPA?

We suggest emailing advising@mtroyal.ca to strategize for your winter semester and plan to meet the U2 target if your program has one.


I am having trouble accessing my email or MyMRU account.

Please contact the IT Service Desk.


I have questions about student loans, scholarships/awards/bursaries, and/or tuition/fees.

Please view the Financing Your Education webpage for more information and contact details.


I need confirmation of my enrolment/registration at Mount Royal (for example, for RESPs).

A Confirmation of Enrollment can be received via your MyCreds account. More information about forms available on your MyCreds can be viewed on this webpage. If you have any further questions regarding your Confirmation of Enrolment, please direct them to financialaid@mtroyal.ca.


When can I register for courses?

Full-year registration for continuing students opens in March, and new students can start registering in mid-April. 


Where can I find a list of important dates and deadlines (ex. Campus closures, holidays, exam periods, withdrawal deadlines, etc.)?

For a comprehensive list of critical dates and deadlines, please visit this website.


Where can I find out more information about campus services (parking, book list, campus card, etc.)?

This information can all be found on your MyMRU account by using the search function in the top right corner of mtroyal.ca.

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