What does it take to be a successful student at Fanshawe? The following FAQ list has been designed to
help you answer this very complex question. There are two parts to this list; the first is focused on
academics and the second looks at all of the other aspects of student life.
Student Success FAQ’s (Academics)
Academic
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What is a Student Success Advisor?
What is a Program Coordinator?
Where do I go for Math help?
Where do I go for Chemistry or Physics help?
Where do I go for English help?
Where do I go for help if English is not my first language?
Where can I go for general help if I am struggling academically?
Can I re-take a course?
Can I upgrade a course?
How do I get a tutor?
What is a grade point?
What is a GPA?
How do I calculate my GPA?
What is a course information sheet?
When are exams held?
What do I need to do to get accommodations for an exam?
I am in a Fanshawe Prep program (Pre-Health Science, Pre-Technology, Human Services
Foundations, General Arts and Sciences); what are my chances of getting into my program of
choice?
I am a “Second Career” student, what services are available to me at Fanshawe?
Changes to my program/course load
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How do I apply for a course credit?
How do I make a timetable change?
When can I withdraw from my program and still get my money back?
How do I withdraw from my program?
How do I withdraw from a course?
How will withdrawing affect my GPA?
How will withdrawing affect my OSAP?
How do I change my program?
Technology and being a student
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Is it okay to use my cell phone/ipod/computer/tape recorder in class?
Where on campus can I get wireless access?
Where are the computer labs on campus?
What is Fanshawe Online (FOL)?
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What is Web Advisor?
I am not comfortable with computers. Where can I get help?
Registrar’s Office
Student Success FAQ’s (Student Life)
Athletics and Recreation
Before your first class
Books
Career direction and job searching
Dates and Deadlines
Disabilities, Students with
Finances and OSAP
Food
Health services
International students
Library
Lockers
Residence
Safety and Security
Student life
Parking
Student Success FAQ’s (Academics)
Academic
 What is a Student Success Advisor?
Each school at Fanshawe provides a student success advisor (SSA) to help you reach your full academic
potential. A list of all of the SSAs is located here. Some of the ways your SSA can assist you include:
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Accessing other college services;
Assessing your current learning methods and developing effective strategies in the areas of time
management, study skills, getting the most out of lectures, learning styles and more.
Developing academic plans to promote success in the event of failed subjects or a low grade
point average (GPA);
Facilitating changes to your program (withdrawals); and
Offering advice in areas such as full and part-time studies, apprenticeships/adult
training/continuing education/upgrading, academic policies or deadlines; attendance; GPA
Calculation; internal or external credits; academic standing; changing programs; course options
and electives; motivation; and program fit.
 What is a Program Coordinator?
Each program at Fanshawe has one faculty member who not only teaches in the program but also
coordinates all activities of the program. Your program coordinator can answer many of your questions
or connect you with someone who can help you if they can’t. To find out who your program coordinator
is, do the following.
1. Go to Fanshawe Programs list
2. Choose your area of interest (an academic school like Business or Health Sciences)
3. Once on the school page, click on “Contact Program Coordinators” which is on the left side of
the page.
 Where do I go for Math help?
The Learning Centre at Fanshawe, located in A 2019, has math technologists who can help you with your
questions on a drop-in basis. For Learning Centre hours and further information, click here.
 Where do I go for Chemistry or Physics help?
The Learning Centre at Fanshawe, located in A 2019, has science technologists who can help you with
your questions on a drop-in basis. For Learning Centre hours and further information, click here.
 Where do I go for English help?
The Learning Centre at Fanshawe, located in A 2019, has English technologists who can help you with
your questions on if you make an appointment. For Learning Centre hours and further information, click
here.
 Where do I go for help if English is not my first language?
The Learning Centre at Fanshawe, located in A 2019, has a variety of language and writing services. If
English is your second language, and you feel you need individual assistance with your writing skills or
assignments, please contact Beverly Haggerty at bhaggerty@fanshawec.ca or call 519-452-4265 to book
an appointment.
 Where can I go for general help if I am struggling academically?
There are many places you can go for help. You can make an appointment with your Student Success
Advisor who can assess your current learning methods and help you develop effective strategies in the
areas of time management, study skills, getting the most out of lectures, learning styles and more. The
Learning Centre at Fanshawe has a learning specialist who can work with you either on an individual
basis or at group workshops. Sometimes, students who are struggling academically have an underlying
issue that is not related to their studies. Fanshawe’s Counselling and Accessibility Services is an
excellent FREE resource for all students. Students can access this service for assistance with personal,
financial, career issues or the service can help students who may have an undiagnosed learning
disability.
 Can I re-take a course?
If you fail a course you can take the course again. If you pass a course, but wish to re-take it in order to
achieve a better mark, you can. The last grade achieved is the grade used to calculate your overall
(cumulative) GPA. Students wishing to take a course for a second time will need to pay for the course a
second time. Students should go to their divisional (Faculty, School or Program) office to seek
permission to take the course and become registered.
 Can I upgrade a course?
If you fail a test, assignment, or course, there MAY be opportunities to upgrade, meaning improve your
mark. This could mean doing an extra assignment or re-taking a test. There are numerous limitations
and restrictions regarding course upgrades. Most often, an upgrade opportunity will NOT be available.
Each course has information about course upgrades on the Course Information Sheet. You will also be
given information about upgrading opportunities in your program policy manual handed out on the first
day of class. If you have questions, speak directly to your professor for the course.
 How do I get a tutor?
Fanshawe has a system of finding peer tutors for students. A peer tutor is a current Fanshawe student
who is excelling in the subject area that she or he is offering tutoring services in. For more information,
click here.
 What is a grade point?
A grade point is a number assigned to a course that is used to determine a Grade Point Average.
Grade
A+
A
B+
B
C+
C
D+
D
F
P
Range (%)
90-100
80-89
75-79
70-74
65-69
60-64
55-59
50-54
0-49
greater than 50*
Grade Point
4.2
4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.0
n/a
I
n/a
n/a
N
n/a
n/a
W
n/a
n/a
X
n/a
n/a
*in some areas, 60% is the passing mark
 What is a GPA?
GPA stands for Grade Point Average. A final grade for each course is recorded on your transcript. The
GPA is cumulative (adds up) over all semesters of a program. This means that the results of each new
course are averaged with the results of all courses previously completed. For a detailed explanation of
what a GPA is, click here.
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How do I calculate my GPA?
Example of a Grade Point Average (GPA) calculation
Here is an example of a student in the Pre-Health Science Program.
Course
Grade Grade Points
Credit Units
Total Grade Points
(Grade Points x Credit Units)
ANAT-1002
D
1
3
3
BIOL-1003
C+
2.5
3
7.5
CHEM-1004
B
3
3
9
HLTH-1032
B+
3.5
3
11
MATH-1024
B
3
3
9
PHYS-1005
C+
2.5
3
7.5
18
47
Total
GPA = total grade points divided by total credit
units
(47 divided by 18 = 2.61 GPA)
 What is a course information sheet?
Also known as a syllabus, a course information sheet (CIS) is your legal contract with Fanshawe for each
course you take here. The CIS will have the following information on it:
- course pre-requisites and co-requisites
- course description
- learning outcomes
- which textbooks are required (you must buy) and which textbooks are optional
- how you will be evaluated (what each test/quiz/assignment/etc. is worth)
- what steps you need to take if you miss an evaluation
- detailed content (what topics will be covered each week, when midterms are, when projects are
due, etc.)
 When are exams held?
Mid-term exams can be scheduled at various times in the semester. You may have two sets of mid
terms, the first being one third through the semester, and the second at two thirds of the way through
the semester. You may have one set of mid-terms half way through the semester. Your course
information sheet given by the instructor on the first day of class will tell you when your mid-terms are.
Final exams are scheduled usually for a one week period at the end of each semester. Dates can be
found on the website under our Academic Calendars. This information is also available in your student
planner under 'Dates to Remember'.
 What do I need to do to get accommodations for an exam?
Students who are mentally or physically challenged (Learning, Medical, Psychological, Deaf, Hard of
Hearing, Blind, Low Vision, Mobility, Physical, Brain Injury) can register with Counselling and Accessibility
Services to receive all of their services including test accommodations. Students must register early in
order to allow time for accommodations to be in place before school begins. More information is
available here.
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I am in a Fanshawe Prep program (Pre-Health Science, Pre-Technology, Human Services
Foundations, General Arts and Sciences); what are my chances of getting into my program of
choice?
Information on admission requirements can be found on theFanshawe College website here. You can
also make an appointment with the Pre-Admissions counselor. Your Student Success Advisor is also
familiar with the programs in their area and may be able to provide some information to you.
 I am a “Second Career” student, what services are available to me at Fanshawe?
Fanshawe has set up a website for second career students. You can find it here.
Changes to my program/course load
 How do I apply for a course credit?
If you would like to receive credit for courses you took either at Fanshawe but in a different program
from your current program (internal credit), or from another college or university (external credit),
you need to follow the application directions given here.
 How do I make a timetable change?
For the majority of programs at Fanshawe, you will be registered by the college and given your
schedule of classes. You can find your timetable on WebAdvisor or receive it during Orientation
Week and/or the first week of classes. Please contact your program division if you have any
questions or concerns about your timetable. Some programs allow students to switch timetable if
they can find another student to exchange with. Other programs do not allow changes.
 When can I withdraw from my program and still get my money back?
If you withdraw from your program in the first ten (10) days of classes, you will receive your tuition
and fees back less $100.00 plus any additional administrative charges and the courses you were
enrolled in will not appear on your transcript. Students considering withdrawal within the first ten
(10) days of classes must fill out an "Application for Student Withdrawal" form which is available in
the Office of the Registrar, Room E1012. More details and up to date information is located here.
Students who withdraw after the tenth day of classes will not receive any refund from the college.
The specific deadlines for withdrawing without financial penalty are located here.
 How do I withdraw from my program?
Students considering withdrawal within the first ten (10) days of classes must fill out an "Application
for Student Withdrawal" form which is available in the Office of the Registrar, Room E1012. After
the tenth day of classes, students must go to either their Student Success Advisor or Counselling
Services to fill out an "Application for Student Withdrawal" form. More details and up to date
information is located here.
 How do I withdraw from a course?
Students wishing to withdraw from a course must go see their Program Coordinator and sign the
Student Verification Form that they received on the first day of class. Each program will have its own
restrictions regarding course withdrawal. Students will need to make a meeting with their Program
Coordinator to discuss withdrawing from a class.
 How will withdrawing affect my GPA?
If you withdraw from your program or a course in the first ten (10) days of classes, the courses you
were enrolled in will not appear on your transcript and will not count towards your GPA. After the
tenth day of classes, and up until 70% of the course is complete, students receive a ‘W’ on their
transcript for each course. Their GPA will not be affected. Students who withdraw after 70% of the
course is complete will receive an ‘F’ on their transcript and this will significantly affect their GPA.
The specific deadlines for withdrawing without academic penalty are located here.
 How will withdrawing affect my OSAP?
(From the Financial Aid Website) You must keep your OSAP file current and up-to-date. Any change
in program of study, courses, course load, registration status, etc. must be reported to the Financial
Aid Office. If you stop attending all classes, you are considered to have withdrawn under current
OSAP regulations. If you stop attending classes, handing in assignments, writing tests, etc. for
progression through a course(s), your OSAP course load will be recalculated based on this
information and your eligibility for assistance may be affected.
 How do I change my program?
If you are considering changing programs, you should go see your Student Success Advisor or
Counselling Services in order to discuss your options and career direction. In order to change
programs, you will need to re-apply to Fanshawe. You can also make an appointment with the PreAdmissions counselor.
Technology and being a student
 Is it okay to use my cell phone/ipod/computer/tape recorder in class?
In most circumstances it is not. Exceptions may be made for students with an identified disability.
Out of respect for your instructor and classmates, you should turn off all electronics when you enter
the classroom. If you wish to take notes using your laptop, check with the instructor before you set
up. If you wish to record the lecture so you can hear it later, check with the instructor before you
start recording. Some programs have specific policies regarding technology in the classroom; you
will be given a copy of the program policies on the first day of class.
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Where on campus can I get wireless access?
Any student with a laptop and wireless card can get online. All cafeterias are covered and so are
most other locations where students gather. For maps with wireless access areas through to school
go to MyFanshawe>Documents>Maps. If you need help connecting, visit the HelpDesk located at
E2030 or check out their webpage.
 Where are the computer labs on campus?
Fanshawe has over 100 computer labs for students to use. Computer labs in Rooms F3005, F3010
and D3017 are available to all students and do not require a student card to gain entry. These labs
are open Monday to Thursday 8 am to 10 pm, Friday 8 am to 4 pm and Saturday & Sunday 9 am to 4
pm. There are three homework labs (B1049, F1000 and L2005) open 24 hours per day most of the
year. (After hours access requires a valid Fanshawe Student Card.) There is an AccessAbility
Computer Lab in Room F2015 which carries specialized equipment and software for students with
disabilities. If assistance in labs is required, students must contact the Control Centre (452-4400) and
a lab assistant will be paged.
 What is Fanshawe Online (FOL)?
Fanshawe Online (known as FOL) is the college’s learning management system. It is a web-based
application that allows students and employees to access to their courses, college-wide news and
events and other information and resources. Your instructors will post messages to you, important
notices for your classes, class notes, quizzes and so much more on FOL. Successful students at
Fanshawe check their FOL e-mail account and course home pages daily. You can go here for log in
help. Once you are logged in, click on “How to Use Fanshawe Online”. If you are having any
problems, please contact the Helpdesk staff in Room E2036, by phone at 519-452-4478 or by email
to FOL@fanshawec.ca.
 What is Web Advisor?
Web Advisor is the college’s student information management system. You can use Web Advisor to
register for Continuing Education courses and to view your grades, account information and fee
payments, and make address changes. You can go here for log in help. If you are having any
problems, please contact the Helpdesk staff in Room E2036, by phone at 519-452-4478 or by email
to FOL@fanshawec.ca.
 I am not comfortable with computers. Where can I get help?
You can sign up to have a peer tutor help you with computers (using word, excel, surfing the
internet, using FOL or WebAdvisor, etc). Information on peer tutors is here. In addition, there are
three homework labs (B1049, F1000 and L2005) where you can seek assistance from the staff during
certain hours. The staff at the HelpDesk can also be of assistance, Room E2036, by phone at 519452-4478 or by email to FOL@fanshawec.ca.
Registrar’s Office
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General Registrar’s Office Page
Links to information for current Fanshawe students
New student FAQ
Student Success FAQ’s (Student Life)
Athletics and Recreation
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Becoming a varsity athlete
Athletics website
Intramurals
Fitness Centre
Before your first class
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New Student Orientation
New student Cheat Sheet
Campus Card
Bus Pass
Student Handbook
Books
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Campus Book store
Fanshawe Students Union Buy and Sell Program
Career direction and job searching
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Jobs on Campus
Career Counselling (choosing the right career)
Job Search
Alumni Mentoring
Dates and Deadlines
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Dates you must know (link will change with year)
Finances and OSAP
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Financial Aid Office
Scholarships and Awards
How much is tuition? How do I pay? Getting refunds, Etc.
Food
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Meal plan information
Where to eat on campus
The Sharing Shop (on campus food bank)
Health services
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Fowler Kennedy Medical Clinic
FSU Health and Dental Plan
On-campus Pharmacy
International students
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International Services
Library
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Fanshawe’s library
Lockers
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How do I acquire a locker?
Residence
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Residence Homepage
Residence FAQs
Safety and Security
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Campus Security Services
Fanshawe Foot Patrol
Student life
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Fanshawe Students Union (Student Government)
Events on campus
Fanshawe student newspaper
Parking
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Parking
Pysically and Mentally Challeneged Students
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Counselling and Accessibility Services
Academic
Advice/help
Money
Stuff
• Student Success
Advisor
• The Learning Centre
• Counselling and
Accessibility Serivices
• Financial Aid
• Scholarships and
Awards
• Books
• Student Card
• Student Handbook