Legal notes and regulations
Athabasca University offers students high quality, post-secondary education using online and print-based course materials. Course instruction centers on resources developed by a team of subject matter experts and enhanced by qualified tutors in a supportive distance learning environment.
At the heart of the University’s philosophy is excellence, openness, flexibility, and innovation. Flexible learning means our students can start courses throughout the year, and study at home, work, or wherever they find themselves. Most of our students study year round. Athabasca University also has transfer arrangements with universities across Canada. This enables visiting students to transfer courses from Athabasca University to their home institution.
By the act of applying to Athabasca University and registering in a course or a course of study, each student at Athabasca University agrees to observe and be bound by the terms of this notice, and the terms, conditions, academic standards, rules, regulations, policies, and codes of behaviour contained or referenced in this Calendar. Therefore, it is the student's responsibility to be aware of the contents of the Calendar.
The Calendar sets forth the intention of the University at the time the Calendar was prepared. While Athabasca University makes reasonable efforts to ensure that the content in the Calendar is accurate, Athabasca University reserves the right to make additions, deletions, changes, or modifications to its policies, practice, procedures, tuition fees, course availability, delivery mode, schedules, or program requirements at any time without prior notice.
Athabasca University no longer produces a print Calendar, but does produce PDF versions of the online Calendar. In the event of any discrepancies between the PDF version and this official online version, the online version will apply.
The publication of information in the Calendar does not bind the University to the provision of courses, programs, services, or facilities as listed herein. Students are responsible for informing themselves of the University’s procedures and policies and the specific requirements associated with the degree, diploma, or certificate sought.
Every student accepted for registration with Athabasca University shall be deemed to have agreed to be bound by the regulations and policies of the University and of the program in which that student is enrolled. Athabasca University specifically reserves the right to exercise its sole, absolute, and unfettered discretion in admitting individuals to the University, its programs, or courses.
Athabasca University shall incur no liability for loss or damage suffered or incurred by any student or third party as a result of delay, alteration, or termination of services, courses, programs, tuition, or fees by reason of: acts of nature, fire, strikes, lock–outs, damage to University property, inability to procure or produce materials, civil unrest or disobedience, financial exigency, or any other cause of any kind.
Athabasca University is not responsible for content found on external websites.
Athabasca University’s online Calendar is the official Calendar, and is effective September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025, unless the specific regulation page says otherwise. Athabasca University no longer produces the print version of the Calendar—2014/2015 was the last year. If you require a PDF of the current Calendar or would like to see any past years' versions, they are stored in our archives.
Athabasca University has achieved the highest possible award each year for the Province of Alberta Performance Funding. Recently, the University received the Commonwealth of Learning Award of Excellence for Institutional Achievement.
Most recently, the International Council for Open and Distance Education recognized Athabasca University as one of the world’s outstanding distance and open learning institutions.
AU is also recognized by the Government of British Columbia.
AU was awarded the 2010 Canadian Recognizing Learning Award by the Canadian Association for Prior Learning Assessment (CAPLA) in Ottawa on November 8, 2010.
1.3.2 Accreditation
Athabasca University is a publicly funded institution of the Province of Alberta that reports to the government through the Minister of Advanced Education. Pursuant to the Post-secondary Learning Act, SA 2003, Chapter P-19.5, and the Athabasca University Regulation, AR 50/2004, the government authorizes the Governors of Athabasca University (the Board) to govern its own affairs. Public members of the Board are appointed under orders-in-council of the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta.
Athabasca University is the first Canadian university to be accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (3624 Market Street, 2nd Floor West, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, 267.284.5000). The Commission is one of six regional accrediting agencies in the U.S. recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Membership
Athabasca University is also a full member of the following organizations:
- Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer
- Association of Commonwealth Universities
- Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada
- BC Council on Admissions and Transfer*
- Canadian Association for Distance Education
- Canadian Association for Graduate Studies
- Canadian Virtual University
- Circumpolar Universities Association
- Inter-American Distance Education Consortium
- International Council for Open and Distance Education
* The term "University" is used under the written consent of the Minister of Advanced Education effective April 4, 2011 having undergone a quality assessment process and been found to meet the criteria established by the minister. (Reconfirmed March 27, 2014)
Athabasca University Students' Union: The Athabasca University Students’ Union (AUSU) is an independent, student-run society representing the undergraduate students of Athabasca University. They serve over 35,000 members annually in home-study locations across Canada and internationally. In any given month, their membership is about 26,000 active students.
Athabasca University Ombuds Office: When other University channels can't provide the help you need, contact the Ombuds Office. If you are not sure where to turn, Ombuds staff can help by answering your questions or referring you to the appropriate area.
Athabasca University Alumni and Friends: Your AU journey continues after graduation and our commitment to you is access to your global network, lifelong learning opportunities, and benefits that support your professional and personal pursuits.
Athabasca University collects and maintains personal information for the purposes of admissions, registrations, and other activities related to being a member of the Athabasca University community and attending a public post-secondary institution of the Province of Alberta.
You are advised that the information you provide, and any other information placed into your student record, will be protected and used in compliance with Alberta’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. For more information, please refer to our website.
Once you have completed and submitted the Undergraduate General Application, you have agreed to abide by the rules and regulations of Athabasca University. Your knowledge and acceptance of Athabasca University’s academic regulations, policies, and procedures is your contract with the University, particularly the Student Code of Conduct and Right to Appeal Regulations.
Just as we expect your acceptance of our regulations, you may expect Athabasca University to provide you with a successful university experience. We maintain a Service Standards webpage that notes the timeframes you should expect from us.
We’re here to help. If you have difficulty accessing information or if you require clarification on any subject or regulation, please contact the University and your query will be forwarded to the appropriate department.
The conduct of applicants and students of Athabasca University is governed by the following three policies:
Student Academic Misconduct PolicyNon-Academic Misconduct PolicyStudent Appeals PolicyNursing practicum students must also follow the Clinical Placement Misconduct Policy:
Clinical Placement Misconduct PolicyUpdated December 13, 2024 by Office of the Registrar (calendar@athabascau.ca)