Section B. BES Program

B1. BES Faculty Advisors
B2. BES Program Requirements

BES Honours Program (120 credits)
BES Bachelor’s Program (90 credits)

B3. BES Combined Programs
B4. BES Certificate Programs

Certificate Program in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) & Remote Sensing
Professional Certificate in Environmental Landscape Design
General Certificate in Refugee & Migration Studies

B5. BES Joint Programs

York-Sir Sandford Fleming College Joint Program in Ecosystem Management
York-Humber College Joint Program in International Project Management
York-Seneca Joint Program in Urban Sustainability

B6. BES Term Work, Tests & Examinations

Undergraduate Courses
Regulations for Special Enrolment Courses
Assessment of Students in BES Courses

B7. BES Student Records
B8. BES Program Monitoring

B1. BES FACULTY ADVISORS

B1.1 The Undergraduate Program Director, or a faculty member appointed by the Undergraduate Program Director, shall act as advisor to all BES students through their first term of study.

B1.2 A Faculty Advisor will be assigned by the Undergraduate Program Director to each BES student prior to the conclusion of the second term of study.

B1.3 Changes in assignment of Faculty Advisors may be made by the Undergraduate Program Director upon written request from the BES student or the Faculty Advisor, indicating that the matter has been discussed between them. The Undergraduate Program Director will normally seek comment from the present and prospective Faculty Advisors before deciding whether to make a new assignment.

B2. BES PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Amended by Faculty Council on June 4, 1998; approved by Senate on March 25, 1999

B2.1 BES Honours Program (120 credits)

B2.1.1 Program Credit Requirements

To graduate with the BES Specialized Honours Degree a student must pass courses worth 120 credits (equivalent to 20 full-year courses). At least 60 credits and a maximum of 90 credits shall be in Environmental Studies courses. To remain in the BES honours program, an overall grade point average (g.p.a.) of at least 5.0 (65-69%) must be maintained.

B2.1.2 Program Coherence Requirements

BES students are required to present the following non-credit requirements as part of their program towards the BES Degree:

(a) Program Statement: This is a concise statement of the theme concentration chosen by the student in conjunction with his/her advisor, and intended to guide second year course selection. It is submitted and approved normally at the end of the first year of study. Its purpose is to indicate the future program objectives, and to ensure that courses are chosen such that important options are not foreclosed. It is subject to the Faculty Advisor's recommendation and the Undergraduate Program Director's approval.

(b) Program Plan: This is a more extensive statement of the student's educational objectives and concomitant course selections to meet the theme concentration and other requirements of the BES Degree, to be submitted and approved normally at the end of the second year of study. The Plan will govern subsequent course selection. It may be changed in any term by the student, subject to the Faculty Advisor's recommendation and the Undergraduate Program Director's approval.

B2.1.3 Course Choice

Courses must be chosen according to the following requirements:

(a) General Education: Following York's philosophy of undergraduate education, study in humanities and the natural sciences is required of all BES students.

The BES humanities requirement can be satisfied by taking ENVS 1800 6.0 or a 1000 level course from the following classical studies: English; French studies; history; humanities; languages, literatures & linguistics; or philosophy.

The BES natural science requirement is met by taking ENVS 1500 6.0 Introduction to Science for Environmental Studies or a first year (6 credit) course from the Faculty of Pure and Applied Science (excluding natural science courses).

(b) Required Core Environmental Studies Courses (36 credits):

ENVS 1000 6.0 Approaches to Environmental Studies

ENVS 1200 6.0 BES Workshop

ENVS 2000 3.0 Paradigms in Environmental Studies

ENVS 2010 6.0 Methods in Environmental Studies I

ENVS 2500 6.0 Applied Environmental Sciences

ENVS 3000 3.0 Environmental Ethics

ENVS 3011 3.0 Methods in Environmental Studies II

ENVS 4000 6.0 Senior Honours Work

ENVS 2100 3.0 Foundations of Nature, Technology and Society

ENVS 2200 3.0 Foundations of Human Settlements

ENVS 2300 3.0 Foundations of Global Development, Peace and Justice

ENVS 2400 3.0 Foundations of Environmental Policy and Action

(d) Depth Requirement: 18 credits of Environmental Studies courses at the 3000- or 4000-level (in addition to (b) and (c) above) shall be selected; of these, at least 6 credits must be from 4000-level ENVS courses.

(e) Breadth Requirement: At least 24 credits, in addition to the General Education requirements, must be taken as electives outside of the Faculty.

(f) Free Elective Courses: Up to 21 credits taken from any undergraduate Faculty (including FES).

(g) Theme Concentration Requirement: In meeting Theme Foundation, Depth, and Breadth Requirements, students must include at least 27 credits in courses inside or outside of FES (beyond the “core” and "foundation" courses that are relevant to the student's chosen theme concentration). Relevance is established through approval of each student’s individualized Program Plan [see B2.1.2(b) above].

(h) 4000-Level Requirement: at least 18 credits at the 4000-level, of which at least 12 must be ENVS credits, including:

ENVS 4000 6.0 Senior Honours Work

6 credits in ENVS courses at the 4000-level.

B2.2 BES Bachelor’s Program Requirements (90 credits)

Approved by Faculty Council on October 4, 2001; approved by Senate on November 22, 2001

B2.2.1 Program Credit Requirements

To graduate with a BES degree, students must successfully complete 90 credits (equivalent to 15 full-year courses).

At least 45 credits shall be in Environmental Studies courses. To remain in the BES program, an overall grade point average (g.p.a.) of at least 4.0 (60-64%) must be maintained.

B2.2.2 Course Choice

Courses must be chosen according to the following requirements:

(a) General Education: Following York's philosophy of undergraduate education, study in humanities and the natural sciences is required of all BES students.

The BES humanities requirement is normally satisfied by taking ENVS 1800 6.0 or a 1000 level course from the following classical studies: English; French studies; history; humanities; languages, literatures & linguistics; or philosophy.

(b) Required Core Environmental Studies Courses (30 credits):

ENVS 1000 6.0 Approaches to Environmental Studies

ENVS 1200 6.0 BES Workshop

ENVS 2000 3.0 Paradigms in Environmental Studies

ENVS 2010 6.0 Methods in Environmental Studies I

ENVS 2500 6.0 Applied Environmental Sciences

ENVS 3000 3.0 Environmental Ethics

one or more of:

ENVS 2100 3.0 Foundations of Nature, Technology and Society

ENVS 2200 3.0 Foundations of Human Settlements

ENVS 2300 3.0 Foundations of Global Development, Peace and Justice

ENVS 2400 3.0 Foundations of Environmental Policy and Action

(d) Depth Requirement: 18 credits at the 3000- or 4000-level, at least 12 credits of which must be Environ-mental Studies courses in addition to (b) and (c) above.

(e) Out-of-Faculty Elective Requirement: In addition to the General Education requirements, a minimum of 12 credits are taken as electives outside of the Faculty.

(f) Other Requirements: the remaining 15 credits of the 90-credit BES can be selected from courses in any undergraduate faculty at York including the Faculty of Environmental Studies.

NOTE: Students pursuing the 90-credit BES are not required to declare a theme concentration.

B3. BES COMBINED PROGRAMS

Amendments approved by FES Council on March 18, 1999; approved by Senate on April 22, 1999

B3.1 Program Options

A BES student may apply to pursue the following:

- a Double Major program or a Major/Minor program in the Faculty of Arts;

- a Major/Minor program in the Faculty of Fine Arts;

- a Major/Minor program in the Faculty of Pure and Applied Science.

Additional academic requirements arise from the requirements of the added program. The details of the requirements for each Double Major or Minor program in the Faculties of Arts, Fine Arts, and Pure and Applied Science are set by the program involved. Faculty of Environmental Studies students should consult the York University Undergraduate Calendar to ascertain the general requirements of the program in which they are interested. Further details can be obtained from that program's supplementary calendars or academic advisors.

B3.2 Program Requirements

Students in the Faculty of Environmental Studies or the Faculty of Arts may pursue an Honours Double Major program between the Faculties of Environmental Studies and Arts.

Students in the Faculty of Environmental Studies or the Faculties of Arts, Fine Arts, or Pure and Applied Science may wish to pursue anHonours Major/Minor program between the Faculties of Environmental Studies and Arts, Fine Arts, or Pure and Applied Science.

General Requirements

The following principles apply to both Honours Double Major and Honours Major/Minor students:

(a) All students will have a "home" Faculty: students enrolled in the Faculty of Environmental Studies will receive the BES degree upon successful completion of their program; students in the Faculty of Arts will receive the BA; students in the Faculty of Fine Arts will receive the BFA or BA; students in the Faculty of Pure and Applied Science will receive the BSc.

(b) All students in these programs must maintain Honours standing: for detailed information regarding maintaining academic standing, students should consult their home Faculty.

(d) Students must meet the General Education requirements of their home Faculty.

Degree Double Major Requirements

(e) For a Major in Environmental Studies, Arts students require:

42 credits in environmental studies, including ENVS 1000 6.0 Approaches to Environ-mental Studies; ENVS 2000 3.0 Paradigms in Environmental Studies; one half course (3 credits) in the Foundations series at the 2000 level (2100, 2200, 2300 or 2400); ENVS 2500 6.0 Applied Environmental Sciences; ENVS 3000 3.0 Environmental Ethics; 9 credits at the 3000 level; 12 credits at the 4000 level.
Arts students in the Science and Society linked interdisciplinary program are required to complete six full ENVS courses (36 credits).
Urban Studies students who declared environmental studies as their double major before 2002 are rquired to complete 36 credits in ENVS. Effective September 2002, students who declare Environmental Studies as a double major with Urban Studies are required to satisfy the 42-credit requirements listed above.

Degree Minor Requirements

(f) For a Minor in Environmental Studies, Arts, Fine Arts, and Pure and Applied Science, students are required to complete 30 credits in Environmental Studies, including ENVS 1000 6.0, ENVS 2000 3.0, one foundation course (ENVS 2100 3.0, 2200 3.0, 2300 3.0, or 2400 3.0), ENVS 3000 3.0, 9 additional credits at the 3000-level or higher, and 6 credits at the 4000-level.

Other Requirements

(g) Faculty of Environmental Studies students have to meet the established degree requirements of the Major or Minor program selected in the Faculty of Arts, Fine Arts, or Pure and Applied Science. A more detailed list of approved majors or minors is available in the Office of Student and Academic Services at FES.

(h) Students should be aware that in order to complete the requirements for Honours Double Major or Honours Major/Minor programs it may be necessary in some cases to complete more than 120 credits. Students should consult individual departments for program requirements.

B4. BES CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

(a) As defined by Senate, an “Undergraduate Certificate” is the term applied to a program of studies attesting to a level of competence or skills in a particular area or field. It is distinct from a defined undergraduate degree program stream, specialization or informal concentration. A certificate recognizes a specific grouping of courses that i) are cross-disciplinary but with a thematic coherence, ii) form a coherent yet distinctive complement to the major of a degree program, or iii) lead to the acquisition of specific skills or professional expertise that may meet requirments of outside accrediting bodies.

(b) At a minimum, a certificate will consist of 4 full courses (24 credits), 3 of which would normally be at the 2000 level or above.

(c) Only "special" or "degree" students are eligible for admission to certificate programs where a certificate is based on a University program of studies. Any exception to this policy would have to be approved by the Senate Committee on Admissions, Recruitment, and Student Assistance (SCARSA).

(d) There is no advanced standing in certificate programs; in order to be eligible for the certificate, students must have completed all requirements at York.

B4.1 Certificate Program in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing

Approved by Senate on March 25, 1999; amended March 16, 2000

B4.1.1 Program Description

(a) The Certificate Program in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing is a four-course (24-credit) program for undergraduate students in the Faculty of Environmental Studies; the Department of Geography, Faculty of Arts; or the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Science (EATS), Faculty of Pure and Applied Science.

(b) The purpose of the certificate program is to provide undergraduate students with applied skills in statistical techniques, computer cartography, GIS, and remote sensing and image processing, in order to improve their options for employment upon graduation.

B4.1.2 Program Requirements

(a) The requirements for the certificate are as follows:

one required full course at the 1000 level in Environmental Studies, Geography, or EATS;
an introductory 2000-level half course in methods/statistics (note that in the BES program, this requirement will normally be fulfilled by the full course ENVS 2010 6.0);
an introductory 3000-level half course in GIS;
an introductory 3000-level half course in remote sensing;
an advanced 4000-level half course in GIS;
an advanced 4000-level half course in remote sensing and image processing;
an additional specialized elective half-course.

(b) For Environmental Studies students, the requirements for the certificate are as follows:

ENVS 1000 6.0 Approaches to Environmental Studies
ENVS 2010 6.0 Methods in Environmental Studies I
ENVS 3520 3.0 Geographical Information Systems
ENVS 3521 3.0 Environmental Remote Sensing
ENVS 4520 3.0 GIS Applica-tions in Environmental Studies
ENVS 4521 3.0 Remote Sensing and Image Processing for Geographical Analysis and Environmental Monitoring

(b) Elective Courses:

EATS 4220 3.0 Remote Sensing of the Earth’s Surface
EATS 4230 3.0 Remote Sensing of the Atmosphere
ENVS 3011 3.0 Methods in Environmental Studies II
GEOG 2130 3.0 Fundamentals of Map Design and Interpretation
GEOG 3140 3.0 Retailing, Shopping, Society and Space
GEOG 3421 3.0 Intermediate Statistics Methods in Geography
GEOG 4240 3.0 The Planning of Urban Public Facilities

Students working towards this certificate must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 6.0 (B) in the required courses and achieve a cumulative g.p.a. of 5.0 (C+) in all courses; and register in the program after completing 24 credits.

Students who have been exempted from any of the required courses or Special Students who have successfully completed the equivalent of any of the required courses must substitute additional credits from the certificate program elective list, for an overall total of 24 credits in the certificate program.

B4.1.3 Application Procedures

(a) BES students wishing to enter the Certificate Program in GIS and Remote Sensing may apply through the FES Office of Student and Academic Services no later than their third year in the BES program.

(b) Students in the Department of Geography, Faculty of Arts, and students in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Science, Faculty of Pure and Applied Science, should inquire at their department for more information during their first year of studies.

B4.2 Professional Certificate in Environmental Landscape Design

Amended by Faculty Council on October 18, 2001; approved by Senate on March 21, 2002.

B4.2.1 Program Description

BES students may earn a professional Certificate in environmental landscape design (ELD) as part of their degree program. The certificate emphasizes environmental design as an innovative and interactive practice to critically intervene in the social and environmental reclamation of urban landscapes, places, sites and ecologies. Lecture courses, studio workshops and site visits examine the social, experiential, political, ecological, artistic and technological aspects of ELD.

B4.2.2 Program Requirements

(a) BES Core Courses (30 credits):

ENVS 1000 6.0 Approaches to Environmental Studies
ENVS 1200 6.0 BES Workshop
ENVS 2000 3.0 Paradigms in Environmental Studies
ENVS 2010 6.0 Methods in Environmental Studies I
ENVS 2200 3.0 Foundation of Human Settlements
ENVS 3000 3.0 Environmental Ethics
one additional 3-credits theme Foundations course

(b) ELD Required Courses

GEOG 2500 3.0 Vegetation and Soils
GEOG 2700 3.0 Geomorphology
VISA 2081 3.0 Drawing
ENVS 3120 3.0 Environmental History
ENVS 3220 3.0 Urban Sustainability
ENVS 3230 3.0 Ecological Landscape Restoration
ENVS 3520 3.0 GIS in Environmental Studies
ENVS 3700 6.0 Introductory Design Studio
ENVS 3720 3.0 Computer Applications for ELD
ENVS 3730 3.0 ELD Process and Practice
ENVS 3740 3.0 Urban Natural Processes
ENVS 3760 3.0 Native Plants Ecosystems
ENVS 3770 3.0 Ornamental Plants and Design
ENVS 4700 12.0 Advanced Design Studio
ENVS 4750 3.0 Landscape Theory, History and Criticism
ENVS 4760 3.0 Landscape Materials and Applications
ENVS 4770 3.0 Landscape Design Construction

Electives (15 credits) must be taken outside of FES.

(d) Other Requirements:

A minimum grade of 5.0 (C+) in each course credited to the ELD Certificate and a cumulative g.p.a. of 6.0 (B).

B4.2.3 Application Procedures

(a) Students wishing to opt for the ELD certificate should declare their intentions at the end of the first year of the BES program in order to facilitate advising and planning and will normally apply for entry towards the end of their second year. Successful entry guarantees space in the required 3rd and 4th year courses.

(b) With the exception of the design workshops, new ENVS courses offered as part of the Environmental Landscape Design certificate are open to all BES students although enrolment may be capped in certain courses.

B4.3 General Certificate In Refugee And Migration Studies

Approved by Senate on June 23, 1994

B4.3.1 Program Description

Faculty of Environmental Studies students may earn a General Certificate in refugee and migration studies while, and in addition to, fulfilling the requirements for the BES program.

To qualify for the General Certificate, students must complete AS/SOSC 1130 9.0 (International Migration) or AK/SOSC 2000 6.0 (Introduction to Refugee Studies) and three full (or equivalent) courses from a list of approved courses (as listed in the University calendar) of which at least two will be at the 3000- or 4000-level. The cumulative g.p.a. in these courses must be 5.0 or higher and FES’s degree requirements must be met.

FES students must submit a study plan to the education coordinator at the Center for Refugee Studies (CRS), to ensure that all certificate requirements have been considered. Further information is available from the education coordinator, Center for Refugee Studies, or his academically accredited designate.

B4.3.2 Program Requirements

(a) Required Courses:

AS/SOSC 1130 9.0 International Migration, OR
AK/SOSC 2000 6.0 Introduction to Refugee and Migration Studies;
Three full (or equivalent) appropriate courses.

A list of pre-approved ENVS courses follows. Other relevant courses may be selected and submitted for approval with the student’s study plan, which must be reviewed by the education coordinator, Center for Refugee Studies, or his/her designate.

ENVS Courses for the Refugee and Migration Studies Certificate:

ENVS 2200 3.0 Foundations of Human Settlements
ENVS 2300 3.0 Foundations of Global Development, Peace and Justice
ENVS 3310 3.0 Environment and Development
ENVS 4210 3.0 World Population Issues and Problems
ENVS 4220 3.0 Urbanization in Developing Countries
ENVS 4311 3.0 Global Justice and the Environment

Other courses are listed in Arts, Glendon, and Atkinson calendars.

B5. BES JOINT PROGRAMS

B5.1 York-Sir Sandford Fleming College Joint Program in Ecosystem Management

Approved by FES Council on March 18, 1999; approved by Senate on May 25, 2000

B5.1.1 Program Description

York University students in the BES honours program may apply to the Joint Program in ecosystem management (JPEM) at Sir Sandford Fleming (SSFC) during their third year of studies, and must maintain a minimum g.p.a. of 5.0. After successfully completing the JPEM, students will receive their BES honours degree and their ecosystem management technologist diploma. Students enrolled in the joint program will take part in a joint colloquium.

B5.1.2 Degree Requirements for Students First Enrolling in the BES Program at York

(a) Year 1 – (30 credits):

ENVS 1000 6.0 Approaches to Environmental Studies
ENVS 1200 6.0 BES Workshop
ENVS 1500 6.0 Introduction to Science in Environmental Studies (students may take BIOL 1010 6.0 or GEOG 1400 6.0 instead if they have OACs or equivalents in both chemistry and biology)
humanities (6 credits)
electives (6 credits: COSC 1520 3.0 & 1540 3.0 recommended)

(b) Year 2 – (30 credits):

ENVS 2500 6.0 Applied Environmental Sciences
ENVS 2000 3.0 Paradigms in Environmental Studies
ENVS 2010 6.0 Methods in Environmental Studies I
ENVS 2100 3.0 Foundations in Nature, Technology and Society
ENVS 2400 3.0 Foundations in Environmental Policy and Action
BIOL 2050 3.0 Ecology
electives (6 credits)

ENVS 3000 3.0 Environmental Ethics
9 credits at the 3000-level
18 credits of BES courses at the 4000-level

(d) Years 4 and 5 – (at SSFC):

Course selections will be deter-mined by the Sir Sandford Fleming program coordinator during an individual advising appointment.

B5.1.3 York Degree Credit Exclusions for SSFC

York students who have taken ENVS 3520 and ENVS 3521 while in the BES program will be exempted from the introductory course in GIS at SSFC, and will take an elective course instead.

B5.1.4 Degree Requirements for Students Enrolling at York After Completing their SSFC Technologist Program

(a) Year 1 – (Fall/Winter):

ENVS 1000 6.0 Approaches to Environmental Studies
ENVS 2000 3.0 Paradigms in Environmental Studies
humanities (6 credits)
ENVS 2100 3.0 Foundations of Nature, Technology and Society OR ENVS 2300 3.0 Foundations of Global Development, Peace and Justice
electives (9 to 12 credits depending on whether Foundations courses are taken)

(b) Year 2 – (Fall):

ENVS 3000 3.0 Environmental Ethics
ENVS 2200 3.0 Foundations of Human Settlements and Population OR ENVS 2400 3.0 Foundations of Environmental Policy and Action
9 to 12 credits in FES at the 3000- or 4000-level, depending on whether Foundations courses are taken

(b) Year 2 – (Winter):

15 credits in FES at the 3000- and 4000-level [Note: At least 18 credits (6 half-courses) are required at the 4000-level].

B5.1.5 Degree Credit Exclusions for SSFC Technologist Students

Students entering the Joint Program in environmental studies from SSFC will be exempted from the following courses: ENVS 1500 6.0, ENVS 2010 6.0, ENVS 2500 6.0, ENVS 1200. Degree credit exclusions may apply to ENVS 3520 3.0 (GIS), ENVS 3521 3.0 (Remote Sensing), ENVS 4442 3.0 (Environ-mental Monitoring), ENVS 4520 3.0 (GIS Applications), depending on what courses students have taken at SSFC.

B5.2 York-Humber College Joint Program in International Project Management

Approved by FES Council on December 9, 1999; Approved by Senate on May 25, 2000

B5.2.1 Program Description

York University students in the BES program may apply to the Joint Program in International Project Management at Humber College at the beginning of their third year of studies. Upon successful completionof the joint program, students receive a BES honours degree and a post-diploma certificate in international project management.

B5.2.2 Degree Requirements for Students First Enrolling at York

(a) Year 1 – 30 credits:

ENVS 1000 6.0 Approaches to Environmental Studies
ENVS 1200 6.0 BES Workshop
ENVS 1500 6.0 Introduction to Science for Environmental Studies
humanities (6 credits)
electives (6 credits)

(b) Year 2 — (30 credits):

ENVS 2500 6.0 Applied Environmental Sciences
ENVS 2000 3.0 Paradigms in Environmental Studies
ENVS 2010 6.0 Methods in Environmental Studies I
ENVS 2300 3.0 Foundations of Global Development, Peace and Justice (required)
ENVS 2400 3.0 Foundations in Environmental Policy and Action
ANTH 1110 6.0 Introduction to Social Anthropology (recommended)
electives (3 credits)

ENVS 3000 3.0 Environmental Ethics
ENVS 3310 3.0 Environment and Development
ENVS 3340 3.0 Global Environmental Politics
ENVS 3430 3.0 Environmental Assessment
18 credits at the 4000-level

(d) Year 4 — At Humber College:

Course selections will be determined by the Humber College program coordinator during an individual advising appointment.

B5.3 York-Seneca Joint Program in Urban Sustainability

Approved by FES Council April 29, 1999; Approved by Senate May 25, 2000

B5.3.1 Program Description

York University students in the BES honours program may apply to the Joint Program in urban sustainability (JPUS) at Seneca College during their third year of studies, and must maintain a minimum g.p.a of 5.0. After successfully completing the JPUS, students will receive their Bachelor in environmental studies honours degree and their civil engineering technology diploma. Students enrolled in the joint program will take part in a joint colloquium.

B5.3.2 Degree Requirements for Students First Enrolling in the BES Program at York

(a) Year 1 – Five full courses (30 credits):

ENVS 1000 6.0 Approaches to Environmental Studies
ENVS 1200 6.0 BES Workshop
ENVS 1500 6.0 Introduction to Science for Environmental Studies
Note: students may take BIOL 1010 6.0 or GEOG.1400 6.0 instead if they have OACs or equivalents in both chemistry and biology
Humanities (6 credits)
Electives (6 credits, recommend SOSC 1730 6.0 Urbanization: A World Perspective)

(b) Year 2 – Five full courses (30 credits):

ENVS 2000 3.0 Paradigms in Environmental Studies
ENVS 2010 6.0 Methods in Environmental Studies I
ENVS 2200 3.0 Foundations in Human Settlements and Population (recommended)
ENVS 2400 3.0 Foundations in Environmental Policy and Action (recommended)
ENVS 2500 6.0 Applied Environmental Sciences
AS/SOSC 2710 6.0 City Lives and City Forms: An Introduction to Urban Studies or AS/SOSC 2730 6.0 The Culture of Cities: Visual Journeys Through Time and Space
Electives (3 credits)

ENVS 3000 3.0 Environmental Ethics
9 credits at the 3000-level (ENVS 3220 3.0 reccommended)
18 credits at the 4000-level

(d) Years 4 and 5 – at Seneca College

Course selections will be determined with the Seneca program coordinator during an individual advising appointment.

B5.3.3 Degree Requirements for Students Enrolling at York After Completing their Technologist Program at Seneca College

(a) Year 1 – (30 credits):

ENVS 1000 6.0 Approaches to Environmental Studies
ENVS 2000 3.0 Paradigms in Environmental Studies
Humanities requirement (6 credits)
two of the following three Foundations courses:
- ENVS 2100 3.0 Foundations in Nature Technology and Society
- ENVS 2200 3.0 Foundations in Human Settlements and Population
- ENVS 2400 3.0 Foundations in Environmental Policy and Action (reccommended)
Electives (9 credits)

(b) Year 2 – (30 Credits):

ENVS 3000 3.0 Environmental Ethics
9 credits in FES at the 3000-level (ENVS 3220 3.0 reccommended)
18 credits in FES at the 4000-level (including the Joint Program Colloquium)

B5.3.4 Degree Credit Exclusions for Seneca Technologist Students at York

Students entering the Joint Program in environmental studies from Seneca College will be exempted from the following courses: ENVS 1200 6.0, ENVS 1500 6.0, ENVS 2500 6.0.

B6. BES TERM WORK, TESTS AND EXAMINATIONS

B6.1 Term Work

Term work includes reports, assignments, essays, tests, and other written and oral presentation work assigned in a course, with the exception of final examinations outlined in the approved Course Syllabus. Deadlines for submission of term work are set by the Course Director with the proviso that all term work must be submitted by the last day of classes of the term in which the course ends. Term work submitted after the last day of classes of the term in which the course ends will not be accepted for grading. Not withstanding that term work will not be accepted after the last day of classes of the term in which the course ends, assignments received later than the due date will be penalized one-half grade point per day that they are late. Exceptions to the lateness policy for valid reasons such as illness, compassionate grounds, etc. will be entertained by the Course Director only when supported by written documentation (e.g., a doctor's letter).

B6.2 Examinations

Examinations may be held in any BES course in a form and manner as decided by the Course Director and as described in the approved Course Syllabus. Examinations are an essential part of the learning and the evaluation process. They must be conducted under fair conditions which allow students to analyze, synthesize, and demonstrate what they have learned. Disruptions or attempts to obtain an unfair advantage are offenses against due academic process and carry severe penalties.

B6.3 General Regulations for Tests and Examinations

(a) Identification: Students who are being tested or examined are required to present their sessional identification card or an acceptable form of photographic identification when asked to do so by an instructor or invigilator. Acceptable forms of photographic identification include a valid driver's licence with photograph attached, a valid passport or other certificate of citizenship with photograph attached.

(b) Answer Booklets: Test papers, examination booklets, and other answer forms remain the property of the University unless they are released by an instructor; students may not remove them from the test or examination room; nor may they possess blank examination booklets.

B6.4 Tests and Examinations During the Term

(a) Restriction at End of Term: The total value of any test(s) or examina-tion(s) given during the last two weeks of classes in a term must carry a combined weighting of no more that 20 percent of the final mark for the course.

(b) Scheduling of Tests: Except where testing is conducted during individual appointments which accommodate the schedules of students (for example, individually scheduled make-up tests), tests or examinations given during the term must be held within the hours regularly scheduled for the course in question.

(c) Students' Rights of Refusal: Students who are asked to write tests or examinations in contravention of the preceding two regulations may refuse to do so without academic penalty; they also have the right to raise the matter with the Undergraduate Program Director.

B6.5 Formally Scheduled Examinations

(a) Final Examination Period: There is a final examination period at the end of each term, as published in the York University Undergraduate Calendar.

(b) Examination Schedules: The dates, times and places of formally scheduled examinations are published each term on the Registrar’s Office website. Examinations may last two or three hours. It is the responsibility of students to make themselves aware of the appropriate examination details.

(c) Missed Examinations: A student who misses an examination shall contact the Office of Student and Academic Services within 48 hours of the examination. A student who wishes to write a make-up examination must petition for deferred standing in the course.

(d) Rewriting of Examinations: There shall be no rewriting of a final examination to improve a mark.

B6.6 Breach of Academic Honesty

The rules embodied in the Senate Policy on Academic Dishonesty apply to all BES students (see Appendix One). (See Appendix Two for procedures governing breach of academic honesty.)

B7. UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

B7.1 The List of BES courses to be offered in each academic session shall be determined by the BES Curriculum Subcommittee, subject to approval by the FES Committee of Instruction, not later than 12 months before the beginning of the session. The committees jointly have the right to make subsequent changes to the course list.

B7.2 Responsibility for each BES course shall be assigned by the Dean to one or more faculty members as course instructors, of whom one shall be given principal responsibility as course director.

B7.3 The course director of each BES course shall provide to the Undergraduate Program Director a detailed course syllabus by a date prior to the beginning of the academic session as set by the Dean. Course syllabi are subject to approval by Undergraduate Program Director.

B7.4 Normal prerequisites, degree credit exclusions, and credit value are established for each BES course as indicated in the course syllabus.

B7.5 Subject to the approval of the Dean, the BES Program and Admissions Subcommittee may establish minimum and maximum numbers of students who may be enroled in any BES course.

B7.6 Enrolment in BES courses is effected through the York Enrolment System.

B7.7 Direct costs to the student of carrying out the work of courses shall be borne by the student.

B7.8 Regular sessions of all FES undergraduate courses shall be offered in a university academic space/location normally on campus.

B7.9 Regulations for Special Enrolment Courses

ENVS 3900 3.0 (or 3900 6.0) Directed Reading, and ENVS 4900 3.0 (or 4900 6.0) Directed Study courses are intended for enrolment by BES major students who wish to pursue intensive individual work with a particular faculty member on a specific topic of study. Normally, an application for such enrolment shall be entertained only for a topic that is not offered in a particular academic session. Such courses are subject to the following guidelines:

(a) After four full course equivalents: Students may request enrolment in such courses only after having completed four full course equivalents (24 credits) in the Faculty of Environmental Studies.

(b) Maximum number: Normally, the maximum permissible number of such courses included in a BES Honours program shall be three full course equivalents (18 credits).

(c) Final five courses: Normally, within the last five full course equivalents, students may apply to take a maximum of two such full course equivalents (12 credits).

(d) Courses with the same faculty member: Normally, students may apply to take a maximum of two full course equivalents (12 credits) with the same faculty member.

(e) Course contract: The student and faculty member at the time of enrolment in the course, shall submit to the Undergraduate Program Director for approval on the required form (obtainable from the Office of Student and Academic Services) a written description of the course, its objectives, its content, the expected learning outcome, the form and frequency of contact between the student and the faculty member, and the form of its evaluation. An application shall be deposited with the Office of Student and Academic Services; a copy of the form shall be returned indicating the decision of the Undergraduate Program Director as to approval.

Note: Students at the senior level of the BES program may apply to take BES Directed Study courses (ENVS 4900 3.0/6.0) and, in exceptional circumstances, FES graduate courses at the ENVS 5000 level. The written recommendation of the course director and the approval of the Undergraduate Program Director is required in all cases, and the BES regulations on Special Enrolment Courses apply (see above). For graduate courses, the written permission of the Graduate Program Director is also required.

B7.10 Assessment of Students in BES Courses

(a) Assessment of students enrolled in each BES course shall be made by the course director in light of the requirements set at the beginning of the course, and shall be based on a combination of tests or formal examination(s), participation in classes, term work submitted, and other evidence as determined by the course director.

(b) Marking scheme:

Announcement in class: The means of determining the final grade in a course shall be announced in writing in each course within the first two weeks of classes. Such information must include the kinds of assignments, essays, examinations, and other components which make up the grade; their relative weights; and any other procedures which enter into the determination of the final grade.
Subsequent changes: In exceptional circumstances, a previously announced marking scheme for a course may be changed, but only with the consent of all students and the approval of the Undergraduate Program Director; the new marking scheme must be distributed in written form.
Feedback during course: Instructors are obligated to provide a mechanism by which students can be apprised of their progress in a course; in particular, students must be able to make an informed decision on whether to withdraw from a course by the University’s official deadline. This will normally mean that students will receive some graded feedback on work worth at least 10% of the course grade before the deadline for withdrawing from that course. Instructors are urged to provide more feedback where possible.

(c) Grading scale: The Faculty of Environmental Studies follows the common York University undergraduate grading scheme which awards letter grades ranging from A+ to F and assigns a point value from 9 to 0 to each letter grade. The definitions of the various grades that may be awarded in satisfying the requirements of a BES course or assignment are as follows:

Grading in the BES Program
Grade	Point Value	%	Definition
A+	9	90%+	Exceptional: thorough knowledge of concepts and/or techniques and exceptional skills or great originality in their use.
A	8	80-89%	Excellent: thorough knowledge of concepts and/or techniques and a high degree of skill and/or some elements of originality.
B+	7	75-79%	Very Good: thorough knowledge of concepts and/or techniques and a fairly high degree of skill in their use.
B	6	70-74%	Good: good level of knowledge of concepts and/or techniques and considerable skill in their use.
C+	5	65-69%	Competent: acceptable level of knowledge of concepts and/or techniques and reasonable skill in their use.
C	4	60-64%	Fairly Competent: acceptable level of knowledge of concepts and/or techniques and some ability in their use.
D+	3	55-59%	Passing: slightly better than minimal knowledge of concepts and/or techniques and some ability in their use.
D	2	50-54%	Barely Passing: minimum knowledge of concepts and/or techniques needed to satisfy course requirements.
E	1	40-49%	Marginally failing.
F	0	0-39%	Failing.

(d) Pass/Fail Option: A Pass/Fail (ungraded) option is available for BES students after completion of 24 credits in the program. Students may apply for this option for up to 12 credits of their Honours program, and 6 credits in the Bachelor’s program. This option is NOT available for courses taken to satisfy major, minor, general education, certificate, or 1000-level science courses. For application forms or further information, students should contact the Office of Student and Academic Services.

(e) Reporting and changes in final course grades: Final course grades as reported by the course director may subsequently be changed by the course director only with the approval of the BES Program and Admissions Subcommittee. Applications for changes in grades shall be accompanied by a written explanation from the course director.

(f) Reappraisal of grades other than final course grades: If a student is not satisfied with any grade, other than a final course grade, received from an Instructor or teaching assistant, the student is expected to discuss the matter, normally within two weeks, with the person from whom the student received the grade, and may request a reappraisal. A reappraisal may result in a lower, higher, or the same grade. If the student is not satisfied with the result of the reappraisal, the Instructor or teaching assistant where appropriate shall discuss the matter with the course director. The course director shall decide whether or not to reappraise the student's work; the decision of the course director is final for all such grades.

(g) Reappraisal of final course grades: A student may, with sufficient grounds, request that a final course grade be reappraised. The Senate Appeals Committee's "Policy on Petitions, Grade Reappraisals and Appeals" applies. Such requests must be submitted to the Office of Student and Academic Services on the approved form within 21 calendar days of the release of the final grade in the course.

The course director shall personally do the reappraisal, or recommend to the Undergraduate Program Director a qualified person to do so, (e.g., a teaching assistant from the same course or a faculty member familiar with the course material).

(h) Further appeal for reappraisal of final course grade: If the student is not satisfied with a reappraised final course grade, the procedure shall be as follows:

The course director and the student shall discuss the matter with the Undergraduate Program Director, who may or may not arrange another reappraisal.
If the matter remains unresolved, the student may appeal the grade by petition to the BES Program and Admissions Subcommittee on the appropriate form provided by the Office of Student and Academic Services, clearly stating the grounds for appeal. The BES Program and Admissions Subcommittee shall consider the matter at its next meeting following receipt of the appeal. (Any member of the subcommittee who is an interested party to the matter shall not be party to a discussion of the matter or the decision.)
In dealing with the appeal, the BES Program and Admissions Subcommittee shall adopt whatever procedure it deems to be appropriate.
The decision of the BES Program and Admissions Subcommittee shall be final, and may be appealed to the FES Appeals Committee only on grounds of procedural irregularity.

(i) Final course grade profiles: Each term, the Undergraduate Program Director shall prepare a report profiling the final course grades submitted for BES courses by the end of the month following the termination of a course. The report shall be submitted for consideration and approval by the BES Program and Admissions Subcommittee and the Committee of Instruction.

(j) Deferred standing

In some cases, students may be eligible for deferred standing (an extension) to allow additional time to write a test or final examination or to complete an assignment after the Faculty's deadline for submission of term work.
The granting of deferred standing is the responsibility of the Course Director. Petitions for the granting of deferred standing should be submitted to the Undergraduate Program Director through the Office of Student and Academic Services within 48 hours of the examination in question or the Faculty deadline for submission of term work. Students are responsible for ensuring that full documentation (medical or other) is provided in support of petitions for deferred standing.

(k) Aegrotat Standing

Aegrotat standing (from the Latin for "s/he is ill") is substituted for a grade on a transcript in cases where a student cannot be expected to complete the work for a course. Aegrotat standing is seldom granted, and only in exceptional circumstances where deferred standing is inappropriate.

B8. BES STUDENT RECORDS

B8.1 Information regarding each BES student is kept by the Faculty of Environmental Studies Office of Student and Academic Services in a student file containing:

(a) supporting transcripts and advanced standing statements,

(b) correspondence and other documents,

(d) the proposal for Senior Honours Work and the evaluation of the work,

(e) any other material deemed appropriate.

B8.2 The student's file is available for consultation by the student in the Office of Student and Academic Services, with the exception of material which was solicited by the student and which the author has indicated that the student should not see. Other than the student, only faculty members and appropriate University officials may have access to the student's file. The file shall not be available to any person outside the University, but the substance of individual documents in the file may be divulged to such a person on the written instructions of the student.

B9. BES PROGRAM MONITORING

B9.1 Program Statement and Program Plan

(a) If the Program Statement has not been approved by the Undergraduate Program Director before the completion of the student's second term of study or 24 credits, whichever comes first, the student will be denied access to the York Enrolment System until authorized by the Undergraduate Program Director.

(b) If the Program Plan has not been approved by the Undergraduate Program Director before the student has accumulated 50 or more credits, the student will be denied access to the York Enrolment System until authorized by the Undergraduate Program Director.

B9.2 Breach of Academic Honesty

In every demonstrated case of academic dishonesty, the Course Director shall recommend to the Undergraduate Program Director an appropriate sanction and a statement of the circumstances included in the student's file. See Appendix One for Senate policy on academic honesty; see Appendix Two for procedures governing breach of academic honesty.

B9.3 Student Conduct

Students and instructors are expected to maintain a professional relationship characterised by courtesy and mutual respect and to refrain from actions disruptive to such a relationship. Moreover, it is the responsibility of the instructor to maintain an appropriate academic atmosphere in the classroom, and the responsibility of the student to cooperate in that endeavour. Further, the instructor is the best person to decide, in the first instance, whether such an atmosphere is present in the class. See Appendix Seven for the York University Policy and Procedures to Deal with Disruptive and/or Harassing Behaviour by Students in Academic Situations (April 1984).

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

B1. BES FACULTY ADVISORS

B2. BES PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

B3. BES COMBINED PROGRAMS

B4. BES CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

B5. BES JOINT PROGRAMS

B6. BES TERM WORK, TESTS AND EXAMINATIONS

B7. UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

B8. BES STUDENT RECORDS

B9. BES PROGRAM MONITORING

End of Section B

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Section B. BES Program

TABLE OF CONTENTS

B1. BES FACULTY ADVISORS

B2. BES PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

B3. BES COMBINED PROGRAMS

B4. BES CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

B5. BES JOINT PROGRAMS

B6. BES TERM WORK, TESTS AND EXAMINATIONS

B7. UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

B8. BES STUDENT RECORDS

B9. BES PROGRAM MONITORING

End of Section B