GDPA Progression and Graduation
Progression Requirements
To remain registered and to graduate, GDPA students must maintain an overall average of at least 70 percent and receive no grade lower than 60 percent in each course. A final course grade lower than 60 percent is grounds for withdrawal from the program, but the final decision is at the discretion of the Program Director.
Typically, a student who receives one final course grade lower than 60 percent is given the opportunity to repeat the course once. However, if a student receives multiple final course grades below 60 percent or a grade lower than 60 percent when they repeat a course, they will normally be withdrawn from the program for failure to meet progression requirements.
Time to Completion
The maximum time to complete for GDPA students is four calendar years from initial registration.
A student will normally be withdrawn at the end of their maximum registration time limit unless the Vice-Provost (Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies) has approved an extension.
Any withdrawn GDPA student wishing to return to the program must reapply and be accepted into the program. Admission is competitive and not guaranteed. Normally, applications from students who have been withdrawn for two or more years will not be considered.
Graduation Requirements
Students must receive four credits in order to graduate (PA9901, PA9902, PA9903, PA9904).
How to Apply to Graduate
Once students are in their last term of study, and know that they will meet the above requirements to graduate, they must apply to graduate via the School of Graduate Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS) online. SGPS approves the application and forwards the potential graduate names onto the convocation office. During the application to graduate, students will be asked to verify their name as they would like it to appear on their diploma.
Convocation
Convocation is managed by Western's Office of the Registrar, please refer to their convocation website and Convocation FAQs for all your questions regarding dates, the ceremony, tickets, your diploma, etc...
