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Resources and FAQ for New Undergraduate Students
Welcome to the Department of Geography at Æ»¹ûÒùÔº.ÌýOn this page you will find a number of helpful resources and Q&A toÌýhelp get you ready forÌýthis new academic journey. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our advising and support staff for guidance. We look forward to working with you!
Events For New Students in Geography Programs
Department of Geography Undergraduate Student Orientation:
Tuesday August 27th from 10:30 to noon in Burnside Hall room 306.
Join us to meet the Department Chair, Program Directors, Undergraduate Advisor, and Student Association executives! Learn more about Advising Services, the spaces and services available via the Geographic Information Centre and the Æ»¹ûÒùÔº Libraries, Student Services, and opportunities available to students in our programs with the Field Studies and Internship Offices.
Missed the Department Orientation? Don't panic! Access the Department slide deck and the
MUGS slide deck, and contact our Undergraduate Advisor Michelle Maillet should you have any questions. You will find her contact details in the section below.
Undergraduate Advising, Student Associations, and Program Directors
Geography Undergraduate Advising Office
Ms. Michelle MailletÌý
advisor.geog [at] mcgill.ca
Undergraduate Program Advisor
Michelle's office is located inÌýBurnside Hall, room 322.ÌýShe is available to answer your questionsÌý²ú²âÌýadvisor.geog [at] mcgill.ca (email),Ìýby virtual appointment, or by drop-in office hours Mondays and Wednesdays from 1-4pm in Burnside hall room 322.
Michelle is responsible forÌýall undergraduate programs that fall under the Department of GeographyÌý(including majors, minors, honours, joint honours, and Interfaculty programs). She holds a wealth of knowledge about navigating the Æ»¹ûÒùÔº bureaucracy and can help you be strategic with your undergraduate studies. She even holds a BA degreeÌýandÌýMA degree in Geography from Æ»¹ûÒùÔº herself!ÌýDo not hesitate to contact her for any Geography-related or general questions that you may have. If she is not the right person to resolve your issue, she can connect you with the appropriate person/service/office.
For more information on the role of the advisor, how they may be of service, and what they expect of the students they advise, see the Fall 2024 Advising Syllabus.
Student Associations
Æ»¹ûÒùÔº Undergraduate Geography Society (MUGS)
The Æ»¹ûÒùÔº Undergraduate Geography Society, also known as MUGS, is active in a range of academic and social activities, including the annual publication of Fieldnotes, a journal of undergraduate research. All students in Geography, Urban Studies & Sustainability, Science and Society programs are members of this association.
Access theÌýÌýMUGS Degree Planning GuideÌýfor helpful degree planning information and examples of course plans from graduated students.
Keep up with all things MUGS-related with the , and . You may also reach the executive team at mcgillgeography [at] gmail.com.
Students in the SSS program have their own student association, in addition to being part of both MUGS and MESS, the Æ»¹ûÒùÔº Environmental Students' Society. For more information on SASSS, the Student Association of Sustainability, Science & Society, please refer to the SSS program website here.
Keep up with all things SASSS-related with the , , , and . You may also reach the executive team at internal.sasss [at] mcgillasus.com.
Program Directors
Prof. Sarah Moser
sarah.moser [at] mcgill.ca
Geography Undergraduate Affairs Committee Chair
Prof. Moser is the current Chair of the Undergraduate Affairs Committee (UAC). This committee addresses matters involving our undergraduate students and our bachelor’s programs, and has both faculty and student members. Its routine duties involve consideration of new courses and programs (or significant changes to them), and discussing any problems raised by MUGS or other student organizations. In all cases, it acts as an advisory body to the department as a whole. As UAC Chair, Prof. Moser is also available to students who wish to discuss individual problems or concerns. She has taught at Æ»¹ûÒùÔº since 2013.
Prof. Kevin Manaugh
kevin.manaugh [at] mcgill.ca
Urban Studies Program Director
Prof. Manaugh is the Director of the Urban Studies Program, an interdisciplinary program based in the Department of Geography. As Director, Prof. Manaugh oversees program changes and updates, and co-organizes urban-related activities and events with students. Prof. Manaugh is happy to speak with students about the program, about post-Urban Studies plans, and about co-organizing urban activities.Ìý
Prof. Brian Robinson
brian.e.robinson [at] mcgill.ca
Sustainability, Science and Society Program Director
SSS Program website
As the Director of the Sustainability, Science and Society (SSS) program, Prof. Robinson oversees the continued development and evolution of the program, which is nearing its 12th anniversary. Contact him if you have questions about how to make the most out of your SSS degree and experience in the program, including regarding undergraduate research opportunities. Working closely with the Program Advisor, Prof Robinson is also happy to help address issues that may arise regarding course planning.
Registration dates and other important deadlines
Fall 2024
- Deadline to register for at least one courseÌýto avoid registration penalties:ÌýWednesday, August 14
- Classes begin:ÌýWednesday, AugustÌý28Ìý
- Add/Drop deadline:ÌýTuesday, September 10
- Course or University Withdrawal with refund deadline:ÌýTuesday, September 17
- Course or University Withdrawal WITHOUT REFUND deadline:ÌýTuesday, October 29
Winter 2025
- Classes begin:ÌýMonday, January 6
- Add/Drop deadline:ÌýTuesday, January 14
- Course or University Withdrawal with refund deadline:ÌýTuesday, January 21
- Course or University Withdrawal WITHOUT REFUND deadline:ÌýTuesday, February 25
For more information about key academic dates & other important dates for the fall 2024 and winter 2025 terms, see the complete details posted here.
Q & A to help get you started
Registration andÌýminerva waitlists
Detailed instructions on how to useÌýthe minerva registration menu and how to operate minerva waitlists can be found on the Courses and Programs website.
Q: What courses should I register for in my first year at Æ»¹ûÒùÔº?
A: U0 students should register for courses to complete their Foundation year program requirements.ÌýIn BSc and BA&Sc degrees, this program is managed by your assigned Faculty advisor. In , the program is managed by the Foundation year/U0 advisor at OASIS. U1 students can start working on their major(s) and minor(s). U1 students can take 200-level courses and some 300-level courses that do not have prerequisites, whether they be required, complementary or elective courses. First year is a good time to explore disciplines, especially if you are unsure what program(s) you wish to complete during your studies.
Q: A course I want to register for is full, what should I do?
A:ÌýRegistration as a first year student can be stressful as many courses may already be full once you gain access to the registration menu, but keep in mind you will have until the end of the add/drop period for each semester to finalize your courseÌýschedule. As there is a large amount of turnover in enrollment numbers for first year courses during this period, you may still have good chances of getting a seat in the course if you keep a close eye on minerva over the summer months, and as courses begin in September, and in January. In the meantime, try to find something else to take that may still have room for you to register, so you have something else to fall back on just in case. It is not a problem to focus more heavily on your other program(s) in your first year, and then on your Geography program in subsequent years if you have to. Each year, you will have an earlier pick at registration, so it does get easier as you progress with the degree!
Q: How do I register for a course that has an active minerva waitlist?
A: If a course has an active minerva waitlist, you will not be able to register for the course directly; you will first need to add yourself to the minerva waitlist once a space becomes available on the waitlist section in order to be invited to register once spaces free up in the course. Once you add yourself to a waitlist, monitor your Æ»¹ûÒùÔº email daily so as not to miss the invitation to register as you will only have a day or less to register. If you do not respond by the deadline indicated in the invitation to register, you will be bumped off the waitlist and the spot will be offered to the next person in line. If this is the case, you will need to start over from the back of the queue and hope for the best. For detailed instructions on how the waitlist systems functions, click here.
Q: When do I register for courses for the winter term?
A: You should be registering for both the fall and winter terms at the same time.Ìý
Q: Where can I find up to date program information and course lists?
A: You can find up to date program information in the year's eCalendar, or see our Department website for the complete list of programs we offer by degree type.
Q: I have questions about registration for GEOG courses, or degree planning questions about my Geography program. Who can I talk to for assistance?
A:ÌýWhen in doubt, email your questions to the Geography Program Advisor Ms Michelle Maillet at advisor.geog [at] mcgill.ca, drop by her office during office hours or with her to go over your questions together. Michelle is responsible for all undergraduate programs that fall under the Department of Geography (including majors, minors, honours, joint honours, and Interfaculty programs). She holds a wealth of knowledge about navigating the Æ»¹ûÒùÔº bureaucracy and can help you beÌýstrategic with your undergraduate studies. Do not hesitate to contact her for any Geography-related or general questions that youÌýmay have.ÌýIf she is not the right person to answer your question, she can connect you with the appropriate people/office.Ìý
For general registration issues, you may also contact our Undergraduate CoordinatorÌýat undergrad.geog [at] mcgill.ca for assistance.
Credit exemptions
A credit exemption may be granted if you have completed a course at another institution that is equivalent to a Æ»¹ûÒùÔº course. Pre-admission advanced standing creditÌýexemptions that are not completed at a University however cannot be counted towards honours, majors or minors. Students who receive credit exemptions fromÌýCEGEP, Advanced Placement, A-levels, International Bacc, or French Bacc are required to replace these requirements in their programs with other classes taken at a university.ÌýYour advisor.geog [at] mcgill.ca (program advisor) can help identify suitable alternatives.
For general information on transfer credit and advance standing, click here.
Q: I am a newly admitted studentÌýwith CEGEP, AP, A-levels, IB, or French Bacc. How do I know if I have credit exemptions and when will these be added to my Æ»¹ûÒùÔº record?
A:ÌýThe Æ»¹ûÒùÔº office will record your transfer credits on your Æ»¹ûÒùÔº transcript by October, though in most cases the information will be showing on your record during the summer and prior to starting classes where the following five conditions are met:
- you have confirmed your offer in a program at Æ»¹ûÒùÔº
- your CEGEP, university or exam board has provided us proof of official results (often not until July or August)
- the course is listed on one of the sub-pages of the "Prospective and newly admitted students" page of this website, and is pre-approved for credit (subject to change)
- the course is counted towards your degree or program
- you passed the course with the required minimum grade or better (see individual pages for details)
You can see your transfer credit(s)Ìýon your unofficial transcript inÌýMinerva, under the "Student Records" menu.
Note:ÌýIn general, students can claim up to 30 credits worth of exemptions.
Q: I completed courses at another university prior to admission at Æ»¹ûÒùÔº. Can I receive transfer credits and use some of these courses towards my program requirements?
A: Up to 1/3 of program requirements can be fulfilled using university transfer credit (i.e. courses competed at another University). You must be awarded a specific course credit at the 200-level or above, and verify with your advisor.geog [at] mcgill.ca (program advisor) to be sure thatÌýthe course can be integrated in your program. The advisor can also help you figure out if additional steps are needed so that theÌýtransfer credit exemptions are added to yourÌýÆ»¹ûÒùÔº record.Ìý
Note: To qualify for a Æ»¹ûÒùÔº degree, a minimum of 60 credits must normally be completed at Æ»¹ûÒùÔº.
Course overlap
Program overlap & Faculty-specific regulations on double counting of courses between programs
You may notice that certain courses appear in multiple programs across the Faculties of Arts and Science. However, as double counting of courses between programs is not permitted in BA and BA&SC degrees, if this is the case, you will need to consult your program advisors to determine which program will use the course, and what course substitution will be done in the other to ensure there is no overlap. Program advisors can help you find suitable alternatives to complete your program and degree requirements. In BSc degrees, double counting may be permitted, but only in a few minor programs. Double counting of courses between majors is not permitted.ÌýIf you are in doubt, do not hesitate to contact your ProgramÌýand Faculty advisors for case-specific guidance.
Statistics CourseÌýOverlap
Credit for statistics courses will be given with the following stipulations:
Credit will be given forÌýonly oneÌýof the following introductory statistics courses:ÌýAEMA 310,ÌýBIOL 373,ÌýECON 227D1/D2,ÌýECON 257D1/D2,ÌýGEOG 202,ÌýMATH 203,ÌýMGCR 271,ÌýMGCR 273,ÌýPOTH 204,ÌýPSYC 204,ÌýSOCI 350.
Credit will be given forÌýonly oneÌýof the following intermediate statistics courses:ÌýAEMA 411,ÌýECON 227D1/D2,ÌýECON 257D1/D2,ÌýGEOG 351,ÌýMATH 204,ÌýPSYC 305,ÌýSOCI 461, with the exception that you may receive credit for bothÌýPSYC 305ÌýandÌýECON 227D1/D2ÌýorÌýECON 257D1/D2.
Pre-Admission Statistics Credit ExemptionsÌý
If you have received a credit exemption for MATH 203 or PSYC 204Ìýfrom CEGEP other non-university advanced standing credit, you will be waived from having to complete the introductory statistics course requirement for your Geography major or Honours program as credit has already been awarded. Do not take one of the other introductory statistics equivalent classes listed above as you will receive 0 credit for the repeated course. You will however need to replace these credits in your program with a university-level course. See theÌýcredit exemptions section above for more information. If you have a doubt or are unsure whether this may apply to you, don't hesitate to check in with your advisor.geog [at] mcgill.ca (Program Advisor).