Frequently Asked Questions

Undergraduate Student Questions

  1. Can I take a course even if I don't have the pre-requisites?
  2. Can you suggest a course I can take next year?
  3. The course I need isn't being offered next semester.  What can I do?
  4. How can I meet with my prof?
  5. How can I make an appointment with the Department Head?

Graduate Student Questions

  1. What is the application deadline?
  2. I applied one month ago.  Why haven't I received a decision on my application yet?
  3. Do you provide funding for grad students?

  4. Undergraduate Student Questions

    Can I take a course even if I don't have the pre-requisites?

    In order for a course to be properly taught and understood, instructors depend on their students having and knowing the appropriate academic background.  The prerequisites for GEOG and ENST courses follow a pattern designed to provide this background.  Knowing what the prerequisites are before you enrol in your courses is your responsibility.  In unusual circumstances, the department may waive a course prerequisite.  Be aware that waivers do not apply to graduation requirements, nor do they generalize to other courses with the same prerequisite.  To obtain a waiver, you must obtain permission from the instructor and provide them with evidence of preparation indicating sufficient academic background to take the course without the stated prerequisite(s).  Consult the Department of Geography's Timetable page to ascertain the name of the Instructor.  If she/he agrees that you can take this course, then have them sign Section 4 of the Registration Permit/Override Form (48.3 KB)PDF and return it to the Geography & Environmental Studies Office.

    Can you suggest a course I can take next year?

    We have lots of suggestions!

    The course I need isn't being offered next semester.  What can I do?

    Have a look at our 3-year course plan to see when the course you need will be offered. If that doesn't help much then come and have a chat with the Department Head.  Although there isn't a lot of room to modify our schedule, we can sometimes make changes if there is enough student interest.  If you don't tell us that you want a course, then we don't know!

    How can I meet with my prof?

    Find out when their office hours are by referring back to your course outline (or finding it here).  You can also try sending them an e-mail.  Look up their e-mail address here.

    How can I make an appointment with the Department Head?

    The Department Head is frequently in the Geography office (CL 340) - just drop by to see if he/she has any free time.  Alternatively, send him/her an e-mail to request an appointment.

    Graduate Student Questions

    What is the application deadline?

    Please consult the deadline information at the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.

    I applied one month ago.  Why haven't I received a decision on my application yet?

    Due to the meeting schedules of the various committees that will review your application, it may take up to 3 months to process it properly.  If you have not received a decision on your application by 3 months from the date you submitted it, please contact the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.

    Do you provide funding for grad students?

    Some grad students are eligible to receive approximately $2500 per semester from the department to work as a teaching assistant.  Individual faculty members may have other funds that they may use to support graduate students.  Please ask the faculty member whose research interests are closest to yours.