FAQs for Current Computer Science Students

❓ Who should I contact if I have questions about my program?

A: Your first point of contact is our administrative assistant, Sazia Barodawala (admin.compsci@lakeheadu.ca). Depending on your program and campus, you may also reach out to:

• Thunder Bay Undergraduate Students:
  Contact Dr. Alkhateeb (aalkhate@lakeheadu.ca), Undergraduate Program Coordinator.
• Thunder Bay Graduate Students:
  Contact Dr. Bajwa (garima.bajwa@lakeheadu.ca), Graduate Coordinator, and Dr. Wang (grad.compsci@lakeheadu.ca), Graduate Program Facilitator.
• Orillia/Barrie Students:
  Contact Dr. Wei (rwei@lakeheadu.ca).

Additionally, Student Central and other university-level offices are excellent resources for general academic support.

📧 Tip: Email is the most efficient way to communicate. Always include your student ID number when contacting faculty—it helps us access your academic record quickly.

❓ How do I register for courses, and how many should I take?

A: Course registration is done through MyInfo.

• Fall/Winter Term:
  A standard course load is 2.5 FCE (typically 5 courses).
• Spring/Summer Term:
  A standard course load is 1.0 FCE (typically 2 courses).

If you wish to take more than the standard load, you must submit a special request through MyInfo. Note that only one extra course (0.5 FCE) is allowed per term.

📌 Important:
Before registering, review course prerequisites and follow the recommended course sequence. If prerequisites are not met, you may submit a special request—but approval is not guaranteed.

❓ What COMP course average do I need to stay in the program?

A:

• Pass mark for any course: 50%
• HBSc COMP Program: Must maintain a 70% average across all COMP courses
• BSc COMP Program: Must maintain a 60% average across all COMP courses
• MSc COMP Programs: Must maintain 80% average across all courses and no course mark should be below 60%.

You may retake a course, and the latest grade will be counted in your record. However, each course may be taken a maximum of three times.

❓ What business courses are required for the business focus?

A:

• Students starting in Fall 2025:
  Follow the current program calendar.
• Students who started in 2024 or earlier and completed BUSI 1511 & 1512:
  You must complete BUSI 3215, 3255, and 3013.
  ✅ Eligible to apply for the Entrepreneurship Certificate upon graduation.
• Students who completed BUSI 1511, 1512, 2514 & 2538:
  You must complete BUSI 3215 to meet business focus requirements.
  You may also take BUSI 3013 to qualify for the Entrepreneurship Certificate.

❓ When and how do I apply for co-op jobs?

A: Students in the co-op program typically begin their placements in third year, Winter Term, after achieving a 70% average or higher in COMP courses.

To apply:

1. Contact the university’s co-op office for job opportunities.
2. For department-specific support, reach out to Dr. MacNeil, our Co-op Officer.