FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do you have questions about:

• Coming to Dal?
• Your academic record?
• Managing money?
• Your classes and program?
• Graduation?

Then read on. If you cannot find the answer to your question on this page, call us at (902) 494-2450 or e-mail Admissions@Dal.Ca.

Coming to Dal

Q: Where can I get more information about Dal before applying?
A: Discover.dal.ca is the main prospective student resource. You'll find information about all aspects of Dalhousie - programs that interest you, recruiting events in your area, admission requirements, housing, on-campus jobs. If you sign up for an account, you can receive even more detailed information.

Q: When will I know if I've been accepted?
A: We process applications as quickly as possible and will inform you as soon as possible. When a decision is made on your application, you will receive an official letter. We will also notify you if any documentation is missing or outstanding.

Q: Can I book a campus tour?
A: Campus tours are a great way to learn first-hand about Dalhousie and our facilities. Sign up for a campus tour, or browse our Dalhousie virtual tour or residence virtual tour.

Q: What's Halifax like?
A: Halifax is a young, vibrant city with many interesting cultural and educational centres, public and academic libraries, unique eateries, shops, and entertainment venues. For more information, visit Halifax Visitor Information.

Q: Will I receive credit for classes taken at other schools
A: We accept transfer students from universities across Canada and around the world and many colleges too. We give transfer credit for a wide range of classes. If you've completed an Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) program at high school, you may also be eligible for transfer credit. Your official assessment occurs after you have been admitted to Dalhousie, however, the Transfer Credit Equivalencies web site can be used as a reference.

Q: How can an admissions officer help me?
A: Admissions officers can counsel you about gaining admission to Dalhousie and class selection. They can offer suggestions and answer questions about beginning your studies at Dalhousie, and provide information on what to expect during your time here. To meet with an admissions officer, please phone: (902) 494-5115.

Q: What can an academic advisor do for me?
A: Academic advisors in Student Services, located on the main floor of the Killam Library, can help you define your educational goals, choose your program, plan your degree and help with academic challenges. They can also discuss whether your current program suits your aptitudes and interests. Call 494-3077 for an appointment.

Q: How do I choose classes for my first year?
A: We've set up a website just for you: First-Year Advising. You'll learn how to select the right classes for your program and future goals; register for classes online; and, understand university requirements and policies.

Q: How do I find a place to live?
A: Dalhousie offers many living choices. Visit the Residence and Housing website. Accommodations are as varied and unique as the students who live in them. Whether you move into one of our traditional residences, university-owned apartments or share an off-campus apartment with other students, your new home will be an important part of your Dalhousie experience. A spot in residence is guaranteed for new students.

Your academic record

Q: How do I view my marks online?
A: Dal Online provides access to final grades, personal information, student accounts information and online registration. To access Dal Online services, you'll need your Student ID number and Personal Identification Number (PIN). Set up your initial PIN by clicking the "Create PIN" link and following instructions.

Q: Will my marks be mailed to me at the end of term?
A: Grade reports are no longer mailed. Final grades are available for viewing through Dal Online, as soon as they have been submitted by your instructors.

Q: How do I order a transcript?
A: You can print an unofficial transcript or order an official transcript through Dal Online. You can also order transcripts by sending us a fax or letter. Refer to our transcripts page for details.

Q: How do I get my parchment?
A: If you're not able to attend the Convocation ceremony, please notify us as soon as possible by completing the Notice of Graduating In Absentia form (PDF). We encourage students living locally to pick up parchments in person. You can designate another person to pick up your parchment as long as they have written authorization signed by you. Your parchment can be also be mailed.

To replace a lost parchment, please forward the $50 fee and a letter from a lawyer or a notary public to verify that the parchment has been lost. We do not provide duplicate parchments. For more information, please contact the Parchment Coordinator at (902) 494-6777.

Q: What do I do when I move?
A: Let us know. It's important that we maintain a current address for you so that you will receive your registration, graduation and alumni materials on time. Please change your address through Dal Online or contact us in writing.

Managing money

Q: How much will university cost?
A: It depends on what program you're in, but first-year undergraduate tuition for Canadian students is about $6,000, incidental fees come to $800, books total $1,000 and residence with a meal plan is $7,680. For more detail, check Tuition, Fees and Cost in the Money Matters website.

Q: Where can I get information about funding options?
A: Money Matters contains information on cost estimates and possible funding sources including scholarships, bursaries, government and bank loans. There's also advice on budgeting, affordable living and what to do in a financial emergency.

Q: Are there scholarships for students who aren't in first year?
A: Yes. Students attending Dalhousie are automatically assessed for scholarship renewal or for an in-course scholarship.

If you have a renewable scholarship, you're automatically assessed for scholarship renewal each summer and advised of your status by mail. In-course scholarships range from $500 to $3,000. You'll be notified of an in-course scholarship by mail in mid-September. Mature and transfer students are considered for scholarships following one year of full-time study at Dalhousie.

SGPA (Scholarship Grade Point Average) cutoffs and scholarship amounts vary from year to year. Meeting minimum requirements doesn't guarantee an award. The overall scholarship budget and performance of Dalhousie students are among the factors affecting the SGPA cutoff in a given year.

Q: What if I'm having financial challenges?
A: You can find advice on budgeting, affordable living and emergency assistance at the Money Matters website. Budgeting is important to money management. If you don't have a budget, the site will help you gain control of your finances.

Your classes and program

Q: What is Munro Day? Do I get the day off?
A: Munro Day is Dalhousie's own February holiday. A full list of academic dates, including add/drop deadlines, holidays and exam periods, is published in the calendar. You can also refer to the Dates & Deadlines page featuring direct links to administrative dates.

Q: How do I choose my classes?
A: Selecting classes involves knowing your degree requirements, making smart class choices and assembling your schedule. Visit the Classes: Select/Register site for step-by-step instructions.

Q: How do I register for classes?
A: Register for classes through Dal Online. Visit the Classes: Select/Register site for step-by-step instructions.

Q: How can I find out where and when my class is being held?
A: The timetable on Dal Online lists classes that are being offered in a particular semester. For each class, the timetable provides the class title, link to class descriptions, day and time of class, room location, enrolment numbers, instructor and Course Reference Number (CRN).

Q: Can I take classes at other universities?
A: You might be able to. You need a Letter of Permission. For instructions on the process, visit Classes: Select/Register.

Q: Can I take summer classes?
A: Summer is a great time to take a class at Dalhousie. Check the timetable for a complete list of summer classes.

Q: When do I have to choose a major (minor or concentration)?
A: If you're an arts student, you can continue to explore during second year. Look at the class requirements for the majors you're considering and plan to take the core second-year required classes. This will help you stay on track while deciding. If you already know your preferred major, you can declare after you've completed five full credits (30-credit hours).

If you're a science student, you should declare a major by the end of first year (that is, five-full credits or 30-credit hours). You won't be able to register in many core classes unless you've declared a major in that area.

For the Commerce Co-op Program, majors are declared in the final year of study.

Q: How do I apply for honours?
A: To apply to an honours program, you must be in the appropriate degree program. For example, if you are in a BA psychology program but want to complete a BSc psychology honours, you must complete an application for admission to the Faculty of Science.

Fill out the honours application form (PDF) if you are registered in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Science or Computer Science. Students in the Faculties of Health Professions, or Architecture and Planning, should contact their faculty for information on honours programs.

Q: When is my exam?
A: Examination periods are published in the calendar. The exam schedule is published online one month before exams begin. We recommend you review the schedule before making travel plans.

Graduation

Q: Do I really have to apply to graduate?
A: To be considered for graduation, students must Apply to Graduate through Dal Online. For May Convocation, you must apply in November and for October Convocation, the deadline is July. Please check the Convocation website for the exact date.

Q: What's Convocation?
A: Convocation is the graduation ceremony. You can find out more about Convocation (dates, tradition, special attire) through the Convocation website.

Q: How do I get my parchment?
A: If you're not able to attend the Convocation ceremony, please notify us as soon as possible by completing the Notice of Graduating In Absentia form (PDF). We encourage students living locally to pick up parchments in person. You can designate another person to pick up your parchment as long as they have written authorization signed by you. Your parchment can be also be mailed.

To replace a lost parchment, please forward the $50 fee and a letter from a lawyer or a notary public to verify that the parchment has been lost. We do not provide duplicate parchments. For more information, please contact the Parchment Coordinator at (902) 494-6777.