Academic Policies
FAQ - Registration & New Students
Useful resources to help you plan your degree:
Should I take all my core classes right away?
U0 Students: The BCom Office expects U0 students to prioritize electives and adapt to university life before fully entering the business core. Generally, U0 students are only eligible to take:
* MGCR 222
* MGCR 211
* MGCR 352
U1 Students: As a U1, you gain access to all core courses. Whether you take them immediately depends on your academic plan.
The MUS strongly encourages students to:
* Spread core courses across multiple years
* Prioritize foundational courses early
* Align course sequencing with your intended major or concentration
* Strongly look at corequisites and prerequisites when building your degree Strategic pacing often leads to stronger performance and better balance.
When should I register for courses?
Registration time slots are allocated based on the number of credits completed and your year of study. The BCom Office will communicate your registration time slot via email, and all key dates are published on the McGill website.
You should always register for both Fall and Winter courses as soon as your registration period opens.
Should I be afraid of 400-level classes?
Course numbering reflects level of specialization, not necessarily difficulty. Many students find that 300- and 400-level courses can feel more manageable than core courses because:
* They are tailored to smaller cohorts
* They focus on topics aligned with your interests
* They often involve deeper engagement rather than standardized core content Do not let the number intimidate you. To assess workload and rigor:
* Speak with peers * Review syllabi
* Consult course evaluation platforms Don’t be afraid of 400-level classes!
FAQ - Electives & Academic Planning
Is the curve dead?
Under PASL, faculties are not permitted to impose mandatory grading distributions. In other words, the curve is more or less dead. Because, the BCom Office does not impose target average. As of Winter 2026, the recommended upper bound average is 78.5%, But curving down can been seen as a violation of grading policies and you may refer to us If you believe grading policies violate PASL principles, you may contact the Office of the VP Academic Affairs.
What is “Feedback”?
Under PASL, professors must provide feedback before the Withdrawal Without Refund (W) deadline. While PASL does not rigidly define feedback, it should:
* Give you a meaningful sense of your standing in the course
* Help you understand your performance relative to expectations If adequate feedback is not provided, you may contact the Office of the VP Academic Affairs.
If I contest a grade, can it go down?
If you request clarification or discuss your grade informally with a professor, your grade cannot be lowered simply for asking. You can then you submit a formal regrade request:
* The exam is reassessed independently
* The grade may increase, decrease, or remain unchanged You have one year to submit a formal regrade request. But no, profs cannot lower your grade if you ask about it!
What if I don’t receive my grade?
Professors are required to disclose grades and provide feedback upon request (ideally proactively).
If grades are not disclosed or feedback is withheld without justification, you may contact the Office of the VP Academic Affairs.
What if the rubric is unclear?
Professors are required to provide clear grading criteria and evaluate according to those criteria.
If a rubric is missing or unclear and concerns are not addressed after discussion with the professor, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the VP Academic Affairs.
What if an exam is scheduled during Add/Drop?
If you were not registered in the course at the time of the assessment and the Add/Drop period is still ongoing, professors are responsible for accommodating you.
Can I miss an exam?
If you miss an exam worth less than 20%,your professor is responsible for accommodation.
If the exam is worth more than 20%, you must submit documentation to the BCom Office through this form:
Important to know: If you are sick for fewer than five days, medical documentation is not required.
Can I take a minor in another faculty?
Yes — and it can be an excellent decision. However, most minors outside Desautels require 18 credits. With the updated core curriculum and freshman requirements, many students may not have 18 credits available without careful planning.
Before committing:
* Verify credit requirements
* Map your full degree plan
* Consult an academic advisor if unsure When in doubt, ask there here to help. PASL & Exams
How many electives can I take?
As a general rule, U1 students completing a Desautels major and minor typically have room for one 3-credit elective. However, this varies case by case depending on:
* Freshman requirements
* Core curriculum structure
* Chosen major/minor combination We encourage students to use electives strategically:
* Explore another faculty
* Deepen intellectual curiosity
* Or, boost your GPA