In order to qualify for a KPU credential, a student must successfully complete the curricular requirements for the program as published in the University Calendar current at the time the student was admitted. If the requirements change while the student is enrolled, the student may request a program declaration in order to be evaluated against the curricular requirements as published in the University Calendar from a later academic year.

Along with the specific curricular requirements stipulated for each program in the University Calendar, there are general graduation requirements pertaining to credit totals, transfer courses, use of credits from previously granted credentials, time limits, and grade point averages.

For further information, see Policy AC14, KPU Credential Framework, as well as the University Calendar.

Fulfillment of Requirements for Graduation

In addition to completing courses at KPU, a student may apply transfer credits for courses or modules taken at other post-secondary institutions, as well as credits obtained through prior learning assessment, toward the fulfillment of program requirements. In some instances, a student does not have formal course work that is equivalent to courses taught at KPU, but does have a combination of education and experience that would permit her or him to be granted an exemption from an introductory or prerequisite course. A student who is granted an exemption must still complete the required number of credits for a particular credential. A student who has been granted exemption from a course may not subsequently enroll in that course for credit. In exceptional circumstances, substitutions for courses prescribed in the program requirements may be approved by the appropriate Dean. All such assessments must be completed prior to submitting an application for graduation. For further information, see kpu.ca/transfercredit and kpu.ca/graduation. 

Departments may set distinct time limits for the acceptance of transfer courses or the period of time to complete program requirements in those academic areas where the requisite knowledge and skills are subject to rapid change. Time limits for program completion are outlined in Policy AC14, KPU Credential Framework. For programs with time limits that differ from those in the policy, the required time limit is identified on the program page of the University Calendar.

Residency Requirements

The following residency requirements must be fulfilled in order to graduate:

• A KPU baccalaureate degree requires the completion at KPU of upper-level course requirements that comprise a minimum of 25% of the total credits required for the credential being sought at KPU.
• A KPU associate degree, diploma, certificate or citation requires the completion at KPU of course requirements that comprise a minimum of 50% of the total credits required for the credential being sought at KPU.
• A KPU graduate degree, diploma, or certificate requires the completion at KPU of course requirements that comprise a minimum of 75% of the total credits required for the credential being sought at KPU.
• Individual programs may establish residency requirements that are higher. Such requirements must be approved by Senate and published in the University Calendar. 

Multiple Credentials

Multiple credentials occur when a student receives more than one credential at the University.

• Multiple credentials require satisfactory completion of all requirements of each of the individual credentials.
• Multiple credentials may be completed either concurrently or sequentially.
• Where multiple credentials are sought, earned credits from one credential may fulfill up to 50% of the requirements of an additional credential.
• Where program laddering results in a preceding credential fulfilling a pre-defined and standardized portion of the requirements of the subsequently sought credential, earned credits from the preceding credential may fulfill up to 75% of the requirements of the subsequently sought credential. All uses of the 75% threshold must be approved by Senate and noted in the University Calendar. 

Application for Graduation

Each candidate for a KPU credential is required to submit an application for graduation. For further information, see kpu.ca/graduation.

Students are responsible for ensuring they will fulfill the requirements for graduation prior to submitting an application for graduation.

Student obligations relating to fees, library books, rental or borrowed equipment or other materials must be met before a credential will be awarded.

Graduation with Distinction

Students who graduate with a minimum Program Grade Point Average (Program GPA) of 3.75 from a program which utilizes letter grades will be considered to have graduated with distinction. Students who graduate with outstanding achievement (as determined by program faculty) from a program which does not utilize letter grades will be considered to have graduated with distinction. The phrase “With Distinction” will appear on the student’s transcript and credential. 

For further details, see Policy AR7, Graduation with Distinction.

Convocation Ceremony

Students who successfully complete a Senate-approved program at KPU are eligible to participate in the Convocation Ceremony and have their credential conferred by the University Chancellor.

An application to participate in Convocation may be made as part of the application for graduation. For further information, including the dates and deadlines for applications, see kpu.ca/graduation and kpu.ca/convocation.