Academics

Can I see my students grades?

The University of Windsor cannot release specific information (e.g. grades, class attendance, academic progress) about your student to anyone, including supporters, due to FIPPA (Freedom of Information Protection and Privacy Act). We suggest that supporters and students work together to establish an effective means of communicating with regard to this information. If you have serious concerns about your student, you can contact the registrar’s office or the professional staff of the Assessment and Care team.

Email: act@uwindsor.ca, registrar@uwindsor.ca  

What if my student has not yet declared a major?

Many students come to the university without a specific major in mind and many of those that come with a preselected major, eventually change it. During the first year, students are encouraged to register in an array of courses that are of interest to them. There will be many opportunities for self-discovery and career exploration, students are encouraged to engage with these opportunities. Campus volunteer and work opportunities may assist them in making an informed decision about an appropriate major. 

Reasons why high-achieving students sometimes struggle

Lack of motivation  - motivation is the key to success. It keeps you moving forward despite obstacles

Poor time management – your student's ability to manage time effectively is crucial to balance multiple responsibilities, (i.e. school, work, leisure, relationship obligations, etc.). Students need to be cautious about becoming overly committed if they can't devote the necessary time to their studies. 

Lack of perseverance  - learning a new skill or new subject is challenging and requires time and mental energy.

University subjects require students to go beyond memorization. Students must adapt and apply concepts learned across many situations and subjects.  
Personal reflection is necessary to identify the areas in which your student might need to seek support.  
When faced with obstacles, high achieving students may experience a fear of failure. This is common among university students, and learning how to accept this fear will build resilience.  

Procrastination  - students may procrastinate when they feel overwhelmed by multiple tasks. Working on tasks a little bit at a time, such as reviewing class notes, keeping up with reading and getting started early on assignments, are helpful strategies for someone who may procrastinate.   

Dependency  - independent thought and action are keys to success at university. Students are expected to take responsibility for their own learning, cover the material required and seek out needed help and resources 

Information from this section adopted with permission from Wayne State University Advising Center

Academic Obstacles

The Rhythm of the Academic Year

UWindsor Lingo

Antirequisite: Courses that overlap sufficiently so that both cannot be taken for credit. 

Advisement Report: This is a degree audit report that displays a student’s progress toward graduation. The standard advisement report is accessible to students at any time via the Uwinsite Student Homepage.

Bachelor’s Degree: The first university degree (e.g. B.A. – Bachelor of arts; B.Sc. – Bachelor of Science). 

Course: The name for “Classes.”  

Cumulative Grade Average: a grade average based on all courses taken at the University of Windsor, including failed courses (unless repeated). 

Department: group of faculty members in the same academic discipline. 

Faculty: a collection of departments or individual professional programs such as education and law. Faculty is the term for all instructors (professors). 

Full Time: 4 or 5, 3.0 credit courses per semester. 

General Program: a three-year (30-semester courses) program which provides a moderate concentration (roughly 10-16 courses or about half the total) in one specific subject. 

Honours Program: a four-year (40-semester courses) program which is designed to emphasize greater concentration in one discipline (20-24 courses or half the total).

Combined Honours (or Double Major): a four-year (40-semester courses) program combining two majors (14-17 courses from each major.) 

Major: a specific concentration for courses within a subject area. 

Major Grade Average: Based on all the courses in the major, including failed attempts (unless repeated). 

Minor: 6 courses in an area other than the major. 

Certificate: 10 courses in an area other than the major (these courses can also count for your major if they overlap). 

Option: Courses outside the major field(s). 

​Part Time: fewer than three courses. 

Prerequisite: a course for which credit must have been earned prior to enrollment in another course (can be overridden by professor upon request). 

Program: a combination of courses in a subject area (or areas) that fulfills the requirements for a degree. 

Shopping Cart (Validation Appointment): A pre-enrolment process that students use to plan and store their courses for the upcoming term.  

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What if my student has a crisis?  

Residence life staff, faculty, advisors, university administrators, etc. are able to make recommendations and referrals to your student. In addition, all University of Windsor students have free access to the Student Counselling Centre, Student Health Services and Peer Support Centre. Talk to your student and remind them periodically about where they can go if obstacles arise. You can also contact the Assessment and Care Team through the Office of Student Experience if your student is experiencing major challenges (ACT@uwindsor.ca).

What Your First Year Students Might Be Worried About

• Making new friends

• University will be too difficult 

• Will have trouble understanding the professor 

• Won't be able to manage time and get everything done 

• Won't feel a sense of belonging 

• Will not be able to measure up to other students in class 

• Won't find a major area of study they like  

• Navigating academic settings with other students

• Finding their way around campus 

• Money management/ budgeting for the first time 

How Parents Can Respond Effectively

• Encourage your student to talk about decisions to be made, what they hope to accomplish by the decision.

• Allow your student to make mistakes but let them know that you will offer what support you can even if the result is not ideal 

• Try to take a "wait and see" attitude regarding a new venture 

• Help your student to view this time of life as a discovery phase, which is normal and exciting 

• Encourage your student to make contact and network with a variety of people at the University