Open Studies & Program Switch

Fall Advising

Academic Advising Services is conducting online/distance advising for all students at this time. To make things as easy as possible we've created this online guide for you to review before and after connecting with an advisor. This step-by-step worksheet will help you to get registered even before you're able to speak with us. When you check in with your advisor they will be able to see the courses you've chosen and suggest changes as necessary. We can make changes all the way into September, but the longer you wait to register the more difficult it will become to find courses. Get started today!

  1. Save this page to your bookmarks.

  2. Work through this webpage and register.

  3. Check your plan with an advisor with a Confirmation & Connect Request!

Step 1.

5 Minutes

Prepare.

  • You will need approximately 2 hours to completely work through this webpage and register in classes.

  • Our REGISTRATION VIDEO TUTORIALS are a great resource and will help you navigate our registration system. This will add time to your preparation and planning process.

  • Get a pen/pencil and a piece of paper. Create a table on your paper like this image.

Step 2

30 Minutes

Review your Advising Guide and information on General Education (GEN ED).

  • Open Studies Online Advising Guide: This page will teach you how MRU evaluates you when you apply to switch programs. This is the most important information for you to learn.

  • Pay close attention to the different applicant categories: Post-Secondary, High School/Mature. You will need to decide/recognize which applicant category best fits your situation.

            • Post-secondary applicants will need to complete four (4) credit-level courses in the Fall semester, and four (4) courses in the Winter semester.

            • High school/mature applicants must not have completed more than seven (7) credit-level courses in the Fall, Winter, and Spring semesters combined, or prior.

  • General Education: In addition to upgrading, most Open Studies students start by taking Tier 2 GNED courses.

Step 3

10 Minutes


Plan your upgrading

Regardless of your applicant category, you may need to complete upgrading courses.

If you have decided to plan your year and qualify as a high school/mature applicant you will put your strongest upgrading courses in the fall semester. Place up to 2 upgrading courses under fall semester on your paper.


Mount Royal University Upgrading Course and Corresponding Alberta High School Course

Here is the full list of MRU upgrading courses.

You may also need to upgrade to meet minimum requirements; these can be found on each program's webpage under Admission Requirements and Costs. Advisors usually suggest these for the winter semester and can help you to determine these if you are unsure.

Step 4

20+ Minutes

Plan your credit/university level courses

  • Tier 2 general education courses are suitable for Open Studies students and for students intending on switching programs. It does not matter if the course(s) you choose are directly related to your intended program. (Full Tier 2 General Education available here)

  • Use MRUgradU8 to see if your courses count as credits in your desired Degree/Program. (Watch for the WHAT IF AUDIT specifically)

  • We also strongly suggest students take one of UGST 1001, 1002 or 1004 at some point during their academic year.

  • You will need three (3) credit-level courses per semester in order to be considered a full-time student. Full-time status is needed to access loans, RESP funding, awards, health benefits, residence, and other services.

  • Pick three courses to take alongside your upgrading in fall.

  • Choose three courses for winter

Step 5

+/- 1 Hour

Register in your Fall and Winter courses, and Orientation

  • You now have all of the information you need to register in classes. The time needed to register is highly variable depending on the fill rates of classes. Plan on giving yourself at least an hour to register. Here is our video tutorials page where you can find information on how to register, how to use MRUgradU8, and more!

  • Registration is not set in stone until the add/drop deadline in September/January.

  • Similar to an online shopping cart, we are asking you to fill your Fall and Winter cart now, so we can see if that will be your final set of classes in September/January.

  • We want you to hold onto the best schedule you think you'll want, as soon as you have access to registration, and then connect with us.

  • We recommend setting up your FULL year of Fall and Winter courses, knowing your Confirmation & Connect Request (see below) will give your Advisor what they need to offer feedback for your Admission Category and Course Registration.

  • We highly recommend registering for New Student Orientation as soon as possible, as there is already programming/chats/webinars/support available to prepare for the Fall semester.


Your academic year at a glance


The information below provides possible pathways for students to plan their year in Open Studies. No matter which applicant category you may fall into, we recommend that you investigate Undergraduate Studies courses (UGST 1001, UGST 1002, UGST 1003, UGST 1004 ) as possible course options for this year.

High School & Mature Applicant Admission Plan

Fall semester

  • Upgrade two strongest Group A subjects

  • May add credit-level courses (would need 9 credits or 3, 3-credit courses to be full-time)

Winter & Spring semesters

  • Complete outstanding high school admission requirements

  • Continue completing additional credit-level courses as desired (would need 9 credits or 3, 3-credit courses to be full-time)


Post-Secondary Applicant Admission Plan

Fall semester

  • Complete four credit-level courses, focussing on courses in your strongest subject areas

Winter & Spring semesters

  • Complete an additional four credit-level courses

  • Complete any outstanding admission requirements


Step 6

You're ready for your Confirmation & Connect Request!

Confirmation & Connect Request

How to Confirm your Registration & Connect with your Advisor

An advisor is happy to confirm your registration and admission plan with you by email. You should be registered in your courses before submitting this google form. Even if you are not quite sure if you are choosing the right courses, your advisor can check your registration and make sure that you are on the right track. Changes can be made so go ahead and register.

Please submit your questions using this google form and your advisor will be able to support you.

Confirmation & Connect Form