+Help! I didn’t get into campus housing and am not from Vancouver – what can I do?
UBC Housing works on a lottery system that generally ends up screwing you over at some point or another. However, there are a few things you can try. You can write a letter of appeal, stating why you should be allowed into housing (this works for some people). Alternatively, you could sign up for Marine Drive year round housing. This is only a good option if you know you will be in Vancouver next summer (and if you can afford the rent). The third option is to find a place off campus. There are a few websites to help you look for places. Try www.amsrentsline.com and Craig’s List (http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/apa/). Don’t wait or you will be without a place come September!
+What are these snazzy red jackets that I keep seeing around?
They are the aptly-named Red! They are purchased from Red Sales in the Cheeze, and as a first year or transfer student, your Red is heavily discounted! The Engineers are the only undergraduate society to still have their faculty jackets worn on a regular basis. Reds can be left plain, but most people personalize their Red with patches and pins from the various activities they do around campus.
+Can transfer students attend the Frosh Retreat?
Yes! Frosh Retreat is a great way to learn more about the EUS and how you can get involved. Look for posters during Frosh Week to see how to register for this awesome event.
+How can I fail a term?
To fail a term you must have a credit-weighted average of less than 55% or pass less than 65% of your credits.
What happens then?
You are then put into academic probation and must have a credit-weighted average of at least 60% to be put back into good standing. Faculty will have plenty of contact with you through this process and you there may be mandatory lectures on time management and such.
What happens if I don’t get that?
You are then put onto the ‘Dean’s Vacation’ and must take a one year leave from UBC before you are allowed to appeal for readmission.
+I want to extend my degree, how should I plan it out?
As all engineering departments have quite heavy course loads, is not uncommon for students to extend their degree by a term or two. By taking a lighter course load, you can leave room for a minor, campus involvement, work or many other non classroom activities. You can extend your degree by talking to your academic advisor. Send an email their way and they will be happy to set a date to help you plan out your years.
+How many years can I take to finish my degree?
You can take seven years to finish your degree without any fuss.
After seven years it is advised you talk to your departmental academic advisor to prevent any possible troubles that may arise.
+Can I take courses at another institute during a term when I am away from UBC?
There are scenarios in which you are able to take an equivalent course at another institute or online, but it must be cleared by your department. Talk to your departmental academic advisor as soon as possible.
+How do I know if I’ve passed my current year?
You are promoted to the next year level if you pass at least 80% of the credits needed for your current year level.
+What is the deal with Second Year Placement?
Second Year Placement means the program you are placed into in second year. It is solely based upon the marks you receive in first year. A Second Year Placement form is filled out at the beginning of the summer after first year and you find out in the middle of the summer what program you got into, just in time for registration.
+Are there certain mark cut-offs for each program?
No. There are no mark cut-offs, because the entrance averages naturally vary from year to year. The APSC department does their best to put everyone into their first choice program, but sometimes this is not possible. In these cases, you will be placed into your other program choices, in descending order. You may write a letter of appeal to the Associate Dean of Applied Science based on factors beyond your first year average.
+Is there any way to be guaranteed my first choice program?
Yes. If you received the President’s Entrance Scholarship at the $2000 OR $4000 level, you are guaranteed your first choice program, provided you keep a 65% average in first year. For more information on Second Year Placement visit http://www.engineering.ubc.ca/current_students/undergraduate/second_year_plus/index.php#faq!
My question isn’t answered here. What should I do?
No problem, just e-mail voice@ubcengineers.ca and we will get back to you within a day.