Foundational Minimum Pass (FMP)

In a professional program such as nursing, it is important to secure solid result in foundational studies as this is highly correlated with success in future clinical course. As a result, in September 2018, the Faculty of Nursing implemented a minimum pass grade (C+) in foundational courses. As per the University calendar Academic Performance 1b, "Students wishing to proceed in the Nursing program must achieve a grade of least a C+ in the foundational Nursing courses. A student who has not passed all foundational courses may not be able to progress".

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First Attempt FMP

In the first attempt, students not meeting the FMP in any of the required courses (per term) will not be permitted to progress in their program and will be required to repeat the FMP courses where the FMP requirement was not met. If this occurs, you will receive a decision letter at the end of the term outlining specific requirements.

Second Attempt FMP

As per the University Calendar Academic Performance 1b, "If a student receives a grade less than C+ in the second attempt of a foundational course, the student will normally be required to withdraw from the program".

In the second attempt, students not meeting the FMP in any of the required courses will be required to withdraw from the Faculty of Nursing and any registrations in upcoming terms will be deleted.

Withdrawing from FMP Courses

Students have the option of withdrawing from a Foundational Minimum Pass course by the final withdrawal deadline in the term. However, students should take into consideration several factors before choosing to do so and it is recommended you make an appointment with the Student Advisor to discuss these factors before making your decision.

Some of the factors that should be taken into consideration include:

  • Students who withdraw are still considered to have not met the foundational minimum pass and will not be permitted to progress in their program. Students would be required to repeat the FMP courses and it would be considered the second attempt at the course.
  • If you receive a passing grade of a D or higher, you will still receive University credit for the course if for any reason you decide to leave the Faculty of Nursing, regardless of whether or not you have met the FMP requirement for the nursing program.
  • The longer you remain in the course the more you are exposed to all the material covered which will help build on existing knowledge to improve outcomes when taking the course for a second time.
  • For students who continue in the course and receive a grade of C- or less, it can have a negative affect your Fall/Winter GPA. Students are required to achieve a 2.0 GPA to remain in good standing at the Faculty. Please refer to the University of Alberta calendar Academic Standing requirements.

NOTE: The withdrawal request must be submitted online by the withdrawal deadline and student should make an appointment with the Student Advisor, to discuss the withdrawal beforehand.

Student Support Services

The Faculty of Nursing recommends the following helpful resources to students to aide in academic success:

  1. Academic Success Centre provides professional support to help students strengthen their academic skills and achieve their academic goals. They offer a variety of courses and one-on-one sessions that can help strengthen skills.
    • The Faculty of Nursing highly recommends students complete the following sessions offered through the Student Success Centre to enhance study skills and support development of learning needs.
    • Time Management
    • Study Strategies
    • Final Exam Planning
  2. Centre for Writers offers free one-hour workshops and one-on-one writing support to students throughout the year on a variety of topics designed to improve the writing skills of native and non-native speakers of English.

Academic studies are challenging and everyday life is full of ups and downs. We expect you to use the appropriate support services to help you develop strategies for managing normal difficulties. Your instructors, faculty, staff or other members of the academic community can help you access these or review All U of A Student Services.