Chapter 2: You and Your Education
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Understanding the requirements and components of your chosen program at Seneca is an important step in your postsecondary experience. Taking the time to plan out which courses you will take and what grades you need to achieve in your program will ensure you aren’t surprised later on.
All programs will have different opportunities to take core (required), optional (choice amongst a list of courses) and elective courses. In order to graduate, students will need to satisfy a prescribed number of credits and complete all requirements. Have a good understanding of your program’s requirements from the start so you can check each term that you are meeting them. Don’t brush off those elective courses either; careful selection can let you earn an additional microcredential. Many students think these courses should be easier or they shouldn’t devote as much time to them as their core courses, but this can harm your grades or result in needing to take additional credits after your planned graduation date. Many students have found new career goals and passions from their elective courses!
Program Requirements
The program catalogue provides information on our programs and the courses you must complete to earn your Seneca credential. It’s a good idea to spend some time exploring your program’s website, course requirements, and most recent academic schedule. The academic schedule provides you with a list of the important dates in the term that you should be aware of, like the first and last day of classes, study week and the deadline to register or drop a course. Take a look at what last year’s dates looked like to gain a sense of what could be to come and more. Familiarizing yourself now with your academic schedule will be useful as you complete the rest of this chapter.
Considering Course Load
There are many reasons why a student may decide to adjust their course load.
However, there are some potential challenges if you do not follow the program of study set by Seneca. Be sure to speak to your co-ordinator or academic advisor to ensure the changes you want to make do not disqualify you from any financial assistance, student status (part/full time), potential to take courses in the future, etc.
Academic Advising
We encourage you to take advantage of your student advisors if you have questions or concerns about academic planning. Your academic advisor is ready to help you develop strategies for your academic success, find courses and programs that play to your strengths and interests and ensure that you are on the right track for completing your program based on your desired timeline.
Please see Seneca’s Student Advisor website for more information.
What can student advisors help with?
- program prerequisite and graduation requirements
- academic status, regulations and policies
- educational planning to help you reach your academic goals
- referrals to specific service areas on campus to help you succeed
- general program-related questions
