Glossary

2SLGBTQI+: The acronym used by the Government of Canada to refer to the Canadian community. 2S: at the front, recognizes Two-Spirit people as the first 2SLGBTQI+ communities; L: Lesbian; G: Gay; B: Bisexual; T: Transgender; Q: Queer; I: Intersex, considers sex characteristics beyond sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression; +: is inclusive of people who identify as part of sexual and gender diverse communities, who use additional terminologies.

Aboriginal:The term "Aboriginal" refers to the first inhabitants of Canada, and includes First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. This term came into popular usage in Canadian contexts after 1982 when the Constitution Act was passed. However, while a step in the right direction, the use of the word was met with resistance from some groups. For more information, refer to our Indigenous Student Success Strategy.

Aboriginal vs. Indigenous: Indigenous is a word developed by First Nation, Métis and Inuit people for First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples and is considered to be more inclusive than Aboriginal. The term Aboriginal was not chosen by any group it refers to. Sask Polytech uses the term Indigenous in everything it does, from the classroom to the administration offices. For more information, refer to our Indigenous Student Success Strategy.

Academic Authorities Grid: In Academic Authorities Grid policy (pdf), the grid outlines the required level at which recommendation, endorsement, approval and notification occur for Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. It ensures that new programs, changes to existing programs and courses, and program suspensions and deletions are subject to an approved, consistent and effective process.

Academic Probation: Probation involves a set of restrictions, expectations, performance indicators, and timelines placed on a student (including degree undeclared). For more information, refer to our Academic Progress policy and Student Conduct policy (pdf).

Academic Year: The academic year at Saskatchewan Polytechnic is July 1 of one year to June 30 of the next year.

Adult Basic Education: Adult Basic Education describes a range of educational opportunities that includes provincially-accredited Grade 10 (Adult 10) and Grade 12 (Adult 12) secondary programs, as well as a variety of literacy, language and transitional non-credit training options.

Advanced Certificate: This credential involves a range of credit units from 24 to 45 and between 360 and 675 hours of training. For additional information about our credentials, see Sask Polytech Policy 114 (pdf).

Advanced Diploma: This credential involves a range of credit units from 140 to 160 and between 2100 and 2400 hours of training. For additional information about our credentials, see Sask Polytech Policy 114 (pdf).

Alternative Admission: A method of admission whereby students who do not possess the academic
qualifications for a program are admitted if evidence of probable success is established through an
alternative admission assessment.

Applicant - Qualified: Applicants who have met or conditionally met the admission requirements to a program. This category includes applicants who qualified for admission prior to the application being withdrawn.

Applicant - Unqualified: Applicants who have not met or conditionally met the admission requirements for a program. This category includes applicants who did not qualify for admission prior to the application being withdrawn.

Applicant - Qualification Unknown: Applicants who have not yet been assessed or for whom there are outstanding requirements or documents.

Applied Certificate: This credential involves a range of credit units from 16 to 40 and between 240 and 600 hours of training. For more information about our credentials, see Sask Polytech Policy 114 (pdf).

Applied research: Real-world, commercial and practice-related research principally based on industry and community-driven needs. Applied research is primarily a collaborative process influenced by our partners, who seek help to develop products, processes, advance commercialization readiness, and prototype development as well as to provide evidence-based solutions for productivity, service and other challenges.

Applied research centres: Centres that support applied research and innovation, scholarly activity, and the learner experience by fostering collaboration that facilitates applied research that delivers a solution to our partners. They strengthen, coordinate and facilitate applied research and scholarly activities not readily undertaken within Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s program and school structures, and are intended to offer new areas of activity consistent with the strategic direction and priorities.

Bachelor (Baccalaureate) Degree: This credential involves a range of credit units from 120 to 130 and typically 8 semesters (4 years) of training. For additional information about our credentials, see Sask Polytech Policy 114 (pdf).

Base Programs: Base programs are administered by program heads and delivered on a regular basis, usually at a Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus. They may be contracted, core funded, or revenue generating.

Billing Unit: An expression of the tuition rate for Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs and courses. Where credit units are applied to courses, one credit unit is equal to one billing unit. (See also Credit Unit.)

Blended Learning: This describes a learning method that purposefully combines face-to-face and online learning.

Brokered Programs: Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs that are delivered by a partner institution, using Saskatchewan Polytechnic curriculum, and where Saskatchewan Polytechnic is the accrediting institution.

Campus: Saskatchewan Polytechnic has locations in four Saskatchewan cities: Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon.

Capacity: There are three measures of capacity in a Saskatchewan Polytechnic program: a budgeted capacity, which reflects the projected number of students in a program for an academic year; intake capacity, which reflects the approved number of seats in a single intake of a program; and program capacity (which reflects the approved number of seats for all intakes and all years of a program, within a single academic year).

Certificate: This credential involves a range of credit units from 41 to 72 and between 615 and 1080 hours of training. For additional information about credentials, see Sask Polytech Policy 114 (pdf).

Certificate of Achievement: This credential involves a range of credit units from 3 to 15 and between 45 and 225 hours of training. For additional information about credentials, see Sask Polytech Policy 114 (pdf).

Citizenship: For reporting purposes, Saskatchewan Polytechnic students are defined as belonging to one of four citizenship groups: Canadian (including Canadian citizens living abroad), landed immigrants (permanent resident status), refugee claimants, or citizens of other countries (including international overseas students and those with student visas). (See also International Student).

Classroom: A method of training delivery that involves a group setting, and that is often complemented by labs, clinical experiences, practicums and/or work experiences.

Clinical Experience (CLIN courses): A method of unpaid training that takes place in a clinical setting in the field of study in which students are orientated, typically in health-care programs. Clinicals are taught, monitored and evaluated by Saskatchewan Polytechnic instructors or preceptors based on established learning outcomes. Fifteen hours of clinical experience is equal to one credit unit

Students receive a pass or fail grade
Credits are awarded and clinical experiences are required to graduate
Tuition is assessed in accordance with current Tuition and Fees policy (pdf)

Clinical (Preceptored): This method of training, offered as part of some home-study programs and courses, involves students working on a one-to-one basis with guidance from an experienced instructor (preceptor). Depending on the course or program, the preceptor is either a volunteer nurse or physician. This clinical experience may or may not be scheduled in or near the student's community. Students are not paid during the clinical and require time off from work.

Clinical (Supervised): This method of training, offered as part of some distance-learning programs and courses, involves students working as a group with an experienced supervisor. This clinical experience may or may not be scheduled in or near the student's community. Students are not paid during the clinical and require time off from work.

Cohort: A cohort is a group of students who enrol for the first time in a program, in the same academic year, at the same location.

Co-operative Education Work Terms (COOP courses): A method of training that combines classroom learning with paid on-the-job work experience monitored by Saskatchewan Polytechnic faculty. To increase career growth potential, training alternates between academic semesters and co-op work terms. Co-op work terms are either mandatory or optional, depending on the program. For more information, see Co-operative Education. (See also Work Experience).

Students receive a pass or fail grade
No credits are awarded but co-operative education is most often required to graduate (i.e., mandatory)
Each co-op work term is approximately four months long
Tuition is assessed in accordance with current Tuition and Fees policy (pdf)

Co-requisite Courses: Two or more courses that must be taken at the same time.

Competitive Admissions Process: This process is used for programs where the number of qualified
applicants regularly exceeds the number of spaces available. In these competitive programs higher
admission requirements and/or additional selection criteria may be required. See Admission Processes.

Contact Hour: One hour of scheduled learning activity (per student).

Continuing Education Programs: Continuing education programs are credit programs administered by continuing education consultants, and are often delivered off-campus. They are generally revenue generating (including contracted, sponsored, etc.).

Continuous Entry: A method by which applicants are accepted into Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs continuously or at various intervals throughout the academic year.

Contract Training: Programming that is delivered on a contractual basis, with government, business, industry or a funding organization, to address specific client-identified training needs.

Core Funding: A method of funding that involves the provision of a government grant to deliver a Saskatchewan Polytechnic credit program (all courses must be credit courses).

Course Code: A unique identifier that is attached to, and displayed with, each course. It is composed of a two-to-four character subject code and a two-to-four character course number.

Course Registrations: A student's registration in a course that is credit or non-credit.

Courses: A course is a defined set of learning outcomes, related learning activities and assessment. For individual courses or a group of courses that do not qualify as a recognized Saskatchewan Polytechnic program, a transcript, a statement of achievement, or a statement of attendance is issued. See also Statement of Achievement and Statement of Attendance.

Credential: A completion document that provides formal recognition from Saskatchewan Polytechnic that the learner has completed all the requirements of a specific program, as defined in Policy #114 Credentials (pdf).

Credit Course: Planned training that has a defined set of learning outcomes and evaluation processes. Credit courses are part of certificate, diploma and degree programs, apprenticeship and licensure requirements.

Credit Program: A credit program is a Saskatchewan Polytechnic-approved occupation-specific education or training endeavour that includes evaluating, documenting and formally recording student achievement in the student's permanent record. Every credit program is endowed with a specific title, length, admission requirements, curriculum outline, credit courses, specified learning outcomes, credit units, completion requirements and a completion document.

Credit Unit: An expression of course value whereby 15 training hours is equal to one credit unit. Some program requirements, such as Work Experience, do not have associated credit units. Where credit units are applied to courses, one credit unit is equal to one billing unit. (See also Billing Unit.)

Degree: See Bachelor (Baccalaureate) Degree.

Dean's Honour List: A method of recognizing excellence in academic achievement. For more information, see Student Excellence in Academic Achievement and Dean's Honour List policy (pdf).

Diploma: This credential involves a range of credit units from 100 to 135 and between 1500 and 2025 hours of training. For additional information about our credentials, see Sask Polytech Policy 114 (pdf).

Disability: A permanent or ongoing condition that might interfere with successful studies such as:

Attention deficit disorder
Hearing impairment
Intellectual disability
Learning disability
Psychiatric or mental health disability
Physical/medical disability (including fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, brain injury and chronic health conditions)
Temporary disability
Visual impairment

Saskatchewan Polytechnic accepts the Human Rights definition of disability, refer to the Sask Human Rights Code, Section 2 (d.1) (pdf). See also Accessibility Services.

Discontinuation: A status that involves a student who voluntarily discontinues from the program by providing written notification of withdrawal to Enrolment Services. (See also Required to Discontinue and Withdrawal.)

Distance Education: Distance education denotes training that is delivered remotely, through home study, televised or online delivery.

Distinction/Great Distinction: Saskatchewan Polytechnic credentials are issued With Distinction or With Great Distinction to students who achieve a specific cumulative grade average. For more information, see Student Excellence in Academic Achievement and Dean's Honour List (pdf) policy.

Elder: In Indigenous cultures, Elders play a prominent, vital and respected role as custodians for traditional knowledge and ways of teaching and learning. They are leaders, teachers, role models, and mentors in their respective communities. For more information, refer to our Indigenous Student Success Strategy.

English language learners: For some Indigenous students, the language spoken in their homes may not be English and some of their formative school years may have been in their first language. The way mainstream curriculum is currently delivered does not completely reflect Indigenous ways of knowing and does not take cultural and linguistic differences of Indigenous ELL students into account. The Indigenous English Language Learner procedure allows ELL students to approach the curriculum in a way that reflects their Indigenous ways of knowing. Academic accommodations can be made in partnership between students and support staff at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. For more information, refer to our Indigenous Student Success Strategy.

Enrolment: Enrolment represents the number of students registered in a Saskatchewan Polytechnic course or enrolled in a Saskatchewan Polytechnic program at a specified point in time.

Equity Status: As defined in the Employment Equity Act of Canada and the Federal Contractor's Program on the basis of census data, Saskatchewan Polytechnic designates women, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities and Aboriginal persons as having equity status. Individuals with equity status must self-declare in order for Saskatchewan Polytechnic to collect, act on and report this information. See Education Equity.

Equivalent Course Credit: Saskatchewan Polytechnic may grant credit for a specific Saskatchewan Polytechnic course(s) on the basis of credit previously obtained through another Saskatchewan Polytechnic course(s). Equivalent course credit is not reciprocal unless it is specifically declared.

Expulsion: A student status that permanently excludes the student from Saskatchewan Polytechnic, and is executed under the authority of the Saskatchewan Polytechnic president. For more information, refer to our Student Conduct policy (pdf).

First Nations: The term First Nations came into common use in the 1970s to replace the offensive and inappropriate term, "Indian." While no legal definition is available, many communities have also replaced "band" with "First Nation" in their names. For more information, refer to our Indigenous Student Success Strategy.

First Qualified/First Admitted: The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) admission process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When Saskatchewan Polytechnic determines that students meet the program's admission requirements, they are offered admission based on the date they fully qualify for the program. The earlier students provide the required documents and information for admission to the next intake of the program, the earlier they might begin their studies. For more information, see Admission Processes.

Full Load Equivalent (FLE): Full Load Equivalent is a formulaic method of counting students based on the concept that an FLE learner completes enough courses to equal one year of study in a program, as would normally be organized for a full-time learner.

General Educational Development (GED) Test: A measure of the academic skills and knowledge expected of high school graduates. It provides students with the opportunity to obtain an equivalency certificate at the Grade 12 level. For more information, see Government of Saskatchewan GED Testing Program.

Geographic Origin: This is generally an applicant's or student's permanent address at the time of application to a program or course registration.

Grade Point Average [GPA] (see also Weighted Average): An expression of the general quality of academic achievement. It is calculated by multiplying the grade earned in each course by the credit unit, resulting in grade points. Total grade points for all courses is then divided by the total credit units attempted, resulting in the grade point average (also called weighted average).

Graduate: To graduate is to successfully complete all courses and requirements for a program. When graduated, a student receives a credential from Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

Homeland of the Metis: The Homeland of the Métis includes the three prairie provinces (Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta), northwest Ontario, northeast British Columbia, Montana, North Dakota and the Northwest Territories. Saskatchewan Polytechnic campuses are on the Homeland of the Métis. For more information, refer to our Indigenous Student Success Strategy.

Independent Study (also referred to as Home Study): This method of training allows students to progress through course materials independently. Access to an instructor is provided. Students write exams for independent study courses at testing sites in or near their communities. Independent study may be complemented by laboratory, clinical or practicum requirements.

Indigenization: The act of incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing, teaching and learning into the everyday life of an organization or community. It serves to recognize and validate Indigenous worldviews and perspectives and identified opportunities for Indigenous culture to be expressed. For more information, refer to our Indigenous Student Success Strategy.

Indigenous: A collective noun for First Nations, Métis and Inuit people of Canada. For more information, refer to our Indigenous Student Success Strategy.

International Student: For reporting purposes, an international Saskatchewan Polytechnic student is a citizen of another country (who is not a Canadian citizen or a Canadian permanent resident) who is legally permitted to study in Canada, or who is taking Saskatchewan Polytechnic training in his home country.

Knowledge Keeper: Knowledge Keepers play a role in Indigenous cultures similar to an Elder and often a Knowledge Keeper is an Elder. Knowledge Keepers have and share knowledge regarding traditional ways of teaching, learning, healing and customs. Knowledge Keepers also keep and share Indigenous history. For more information, refer to our Indigenous Student Success Strategy.

Lab: A lab is a course or a component of a course that takes place at Saskatchewan Polytechnic or other specified laboratory facilities where students learn, practice and demonstrate critical competencies. Students are monitored and evaluated by Saskatchewan Polytechnic instructors based on established learning outcomes. Students receive a percentage grade. See Sask Polytech Policy 114 (pdf).

Learning Outcomes: Statements that specify what learners will know or be able to do as a result of a learning activity in a course. Outcomes are generally expressed in terms of knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

Level (Program): Saskatchewan Polytechnic has four program levels that broadly group program types: Basic Education, Certificate/Diploma, Degree and Apprenticeship.

Métis: The Métis are a specific and distinct Indigenous nation with historical roots in Western Canada. Descending from the fur trade, the emergence of the Métis began in the historic Northwest in the 18 and 19 centuries. They settled in what is currently known as the Homeland of the Métis. For more information, refer to our Indigenous Student Success Strategy.

Micro-credential: A form of non-credit, short-duration learning offered by Saskatchewan Polytechnic that may be stacked, with assessment, to form for-credit learning equivalent to a post-secondary course, some of which might be part of a program.

Non-Credit Courses: Courses that are designed to improve career opportunities or personal skills. These courses are not part of a credit program; therefore, they do not lead to the award of a Saskatchewan Polytechnic credential or meet requirements for licensure. Non-credit course codes include a four-digit number.

Non-status: People who consider themselves as Indigenous or as a member of a First Nation, but are not registered under the Indian Act. For more information, refer to our Indigenous Student Success Strategy.

Online - Asynchronous: An online course is one where all teaching and learning occurs via the Internet. No face-to-face sessions are required. This is a method of training that allows students to access course materials online by logging into the course at any time it is convenient for them. Students can, for example, work for half an hour or several hours at a time depending on their personal needs and preferences.

Students have email and telephone access to an instructor and can communicate with the instructor and other students through collaboration tools such as chat groups and discussion rooms.

As part of this learning method, students might also be required to participate in psychomotor skill labs and/or clinical experiences where they apply newly acquired knowledge and skills.

Online - Synchronous: An online course is one where all teaching and learning occurs via the Internet. No face-to-face sessions are required. This is a method of training that allows students to sign onto a computer at a specific time to meet with the instructor and other students. Students can hear the instructor and see text, graphics and/or video streaming on the computer screen.

This learning method is somewhat similar to a traditional classroom or video conference setting because an instructor presents information, answers questions, and monitors discussions. As part of this method, students might also be required to participate in psychomotor skill labs and/or clinical experiences where they apply newly acquired knowledge and skills.

Open Access (Program): An open access program is one for which there are no specific academic admission requirements. However, applicants must submit official secondary and post-secondary transcripts upon application to a program.

Part-Time Program Enrolment: There are two types of part-time program enrolment: 1. Students enrolled in programs that have a part-time delivery option, who work through courses as they are offered; and 2. Students enrolled in full-time programs, who choose to work through their courses on a part-time basis.

Part-Time Student: A student who is enrolled in a Saskatchewan Polytechnic program and taking less than:

15 hours per week per semester (12 week period) - certificate, diploma and apprenticeship programs
9 hours per week per semester (12 week period) - degree programs
12 hours per week (less than 12 weeks) - Basic Education programs

Persister: A student who either continues in a program from the point of enrolment to graduation or withdrawal, or who withdraws and returns to the same program within five years.

Post-Graduate Certificate: This credential involves a range of credit units from 30 to 45 and between 450 and 675 hours of training. For additional information about our credentials, see Sask Polytech Policy 114 (pdf).

Practicum (PRAC courses): A method of unpaid training that takes place in a practice-based setting in the student's field of study. Students are monitored and evaluated by Saskatchewan Polytechnic instructors or preceptors based on established learning outcomes. Fifteen hours of practicum time is equal to one credit unit.

Students receive a pass or fail grade
Credits are awarded and practicums are required to graduate
Tuition is assessed in accordance with current Tuition and Fees policy (pdf)

Pre-requisite (Concurrent) Course: A course that must be either successfully completed prior to the course for which it is a pre-requisite, or taken at the same time.

Pre-requisite Course: A course that must be successfully completed prior to entering the course for which it is a pre-requisite.

Preclinical Seminars: A method of training, offered as part of some home-study programs and courses, that introduces students to new clinical intraoral skills through lectures and preclinical labs.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition: Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is a process of evaluating the knowledge and skills gained through experiential and non-formal learning for the purpose of obtaining credit in a Saskatchewan Polytechnic course. For more information, refer to our Recognition of Prior Learning page.

Probation, Performance or Learning Contracts: These contracts are generally associated with academic probation, and establish specific requirements, tasks or conditions that individual students must meet within a stipulated time period. See Academic Progress policy (pdf).

Program: A program is represented by a defined set of credit courses and other requirements leading to a graduation credential in a specific field of study.

Required to Discontinue: Students who do not meet the expected performance standards for the Saskatchewan Polytechnic program in which they are enrolled may be required to discontinue for a specified period of time. See Academic Progress policy (pdf).

Reasonable Accommodation: A reasonable accommodation is an economical, efficient and effective variation from an educational or employment rule, standard, policy or practice that enables an individual protected under The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code to enjoy equal opportunities with others. For more about reasonable accommodations, see Reasonable Accommodation policy (pdf).

School: An administrative unit comprised of similar academic programs.

Semester: A period of study with an approved set of weeks that is applicable to a program.

Sequential Student: A sequential student is one whose high school graduation date occurs in a calendar year that matches the Saskatchewan Polytechnic academic term in which the student's program begins. For example, the Saskatchewan Polytechnic academic terms for the year July 1, 2012, to June 30, 2013, range from 201202 to 201209. A sequential student may graduate from high school in June 2012 and begin a program in February 2013 (Saskatchewan Polytechnic academic term 201203).

Shop: This method of training involves the use of an on-campus shop to assist students in developing industry-related skills required for the course or program. Students are monitored and evaluated by Saskatchewan Polytechnic instructors based on established learning outcomes. Shop hours are considered the same as course hours (15 hours equals one credit unit), and may be integrated within the course. Students receive a percentage grade. See Sask Polytech Policy 114 (pdf).

Simulation: This method of training involves the use of an on-campus simulation centre to provide practice-based training related to a student's field of study. Students are monitored and evaluated by Saskatchewan Polytechnic instructors based on established learning outcomes. Fifteen hours of simulation time is equal to one credit unit. Students receive a percentage grade. See Sask Polytech Policy 114 (pdf).

Statement of Achievement: This document may be issued upon completion of credit or non-credit courses typically delivered through continuing education, for which there is a formal assessment of learning.

Statement of Attendance: This document may be issued upon completion of non-credit courses typically delivered through continuing education, for which there is no formal assessment of learning.

Suspension: A disciplinary action issued against a student for unacceptable behavior. This action excludes the student from services, activities, courses, programs or Saskatchewan Polytechnic locations for a specified period of time. For more information, see Student Conduct policy (pdf).

Student awards: Refers to the collection of scholarships, bursaries and awards.

TBA: To be announced.

Technicians: Specialists who have expertise with, and precise knowledge of, technical equipment and practices. They install, service, calibrate and troubleshoot equipment. Technicians also provide support, monitor production control, define problems and generally use a "hands-on" approach in their work.

Technologists: Technical experts who use their knowledge and skills to solve problems using principles underlying their respective disciplines. Responsibilities may include supervision, designing equipment, processes or systems, project management and participating in short- and long-range planning.

Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL): A learner-centered environment that uses a variety of tools and technologies to enable increased interaction. Through the use of technology, virtual learning communities are developed. Environments such as email, chat rooms and discussion groups enrich and enhance learning whether students are training in a classroom or from a distance.

Term: A subdivision of a specific time of the academic year. In Banner, the term is a six-digit numeric value including the year (YYYY) and a two-digit value identifying the part of the academic year or course type offering.

Training Day: An expression of training time that is generally equivalent to six training hours. In Basic Education, a training day is equivalent to five training hours.

Training Location: The geographic location at which a student is physically located during training (i.e., a Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus, a city or town)

Training Region: The general region in which a student is physically located during training (i.e., Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus, Saskatchewan regional college, other location in Saskatchewan, other location in Canada, or international location (country).

Transcript (Official): A certified document that provides official evidence of courses and programs that a Saskatchewan Polytechnic student has taken, and the results obtained. For more information, refer to our How to Apply page.

Transfer Credit: Credit awarded by Saskatchewan Polytechnic for academic work completed at another institution. For more information, see Transfer Credit.

Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 territories: Between 1871 and 1907, First Nations in Saskatchewan signed a series of treaties with the Crown, known as the numbered treaties. Each of these treaties provided reserve land to be set apart by the Government of Canada for a First Nation. The size of reserve land was based on an Indigenous population and the per capita formula within the specific treaty. Saskatchewan Polytechnic campuses can be found on Treaty 4 and Treaty 6 territories, and Saskatchewan is home to a total of six treaty territories. For more information, refer to our Indigenous Student Success Strategy.

Unclassified Student: A status that refers to students who are registered in a Saskatchewan Polytechnic course (either credit or non-credit) but who are not currently admitted to a Saskatchewan Polytechnic program.

Weighted Average (see also Grade Point Average): An expression of the general quality of academic achievement. It is calculated by multiplying the grade earned in each course by the credit unit, resulting in grade points. Total grade points for all courses is then divided by the total credit units attempted, resulting in the weighted average (also called grade point average).

Withdrawal (Course): A student's status whereby he has voluntarily and formally withdrawn from a course, and has not completed the requirements of the course.

Withdrawal (Program): A student's status whereby he has either voluntarily and formally withdrawn from a program or has been required to discontinue by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, and has not completed the requirements of the program. (See also Discontinuation and Required to Discontinue.)

Work-Based Training: Learning that is linked to the work role and has three interrelated components: learning structured to the workplace, on-the-job, and off-the-job learning opportunities.

Work Experience: A method of delivery that involves unpaid on-the-job training. Students are supervised by employers and monitored by Saskatchewan Polytechnic faculty. See Sask Polytech Policy 114 (pdf).

Students receive a complete or not complete grade
Work experience is a requirement for graduating but no credits are awarded
Tuition is assessed in accordance with current Tuition and Fees policy (pdf).

Work Integrated Learning (WIL): A variety of activities that include authentic work experience and integrate learning from the classroom and the workplace through continued access to academic faculty during work placement, and an induction process before the placement.

Workplace Clinical Practicum: Some home-study programs and courses have workplace clinical practicum requirements. Students are required, for example, to be employed as a chair-side dental assistant in a dental office (either paid or as a volunteer worker) for a specific number of days per week. They work under the guidance of an experienced mentor to develop and refine the skills introduced in the preclinical seminars.

Year of Study: Identifies the year of the program that a student is in, or the level of study in apprenticeship training.