Auditing a Course

The term “audit” comes from Latin audire, translating as 'to hear'.  Auditing a course allows a student to attend a course without being required to participate in the academic component of the course such as; completing course work or writing examinations.  There is no benefit of a grade or credit for an audited course and audited courses do not contribute towards program requirements.  A student may want to audit a course for interest, self-enrichment or academic exploration. 

 

Can I Audit any Course?

Auditing a course is dependent upon class size and other factors that the instructor and the department establish:

  • Only undergraduate level courses may be considered for auditing purposes and courses with laboratory or practicum components may not be audited
  • Departments reserve the right to decline an audit request for any reason relevant to their departmental situation/needs

 

How Do I Audit a Course?

  1. Student must complete a request to Audit A Course form including permission (signatures) of the Instructor of the course and the Chair/Director of the department. 
  2. Completed form must be submitted by the student to Registrarial Services (email: processing.aarr@lakeheadu.ca or drop off at Student Central)
  3. Course set-up (registration) will be completed by Registrarial Services and fees will be assessed once the student is registered in the audit course.
  4. It is the student's responsibility to pay all required fees. For additional information about fees / how to make a payment: please connect with the Accounts Office.

 

How do I find a Course to Audit?

  • If you are a current or previous Lakehead Student: you can search for available courses and sections in your myServices registration portal
  • If you are not a current or previous Lakehead student (or do not have access to the student portals): you can  search for courses via the course timetable

 

How do I find / contact the Instructor and Program Chair (to request permission)?

  • The instructor's name should be listed on the course section in the course timetable and/or registration portal where you can then look them up in the staff directory
  • The program Chair can be found in the directory by searching by department (you may wish to copy and administrative assistant as well if connecting via email)

 

Does an Audited Course show on a Transcript?

  • A grade of "AU" will appear on a student’s official transcript. It will not contribute towards program requirements or average calculations
  • Audited courses may NOT be converted to credit regardless of the participation/work completed

 

Deadlines and Enrolment Status

  • Regular course registration and drop deadlines apply to audit courses. Registration deadlines can be found in the Academic Calendar under the Important Deadlines heading.
  • Auditing a course does not contribute towards enrolment load and are not considered in calculating full-time or part-time status.