1. Activate your Mac ID – Upon enrolling, you will receive an email with information to activate your Mac ID. Be sure to make note of your Mac ID and password; you’ll use this to log into everything you’ll need.

2. Order your textbooks – you can do this through the Campus Store website as soon as your term listings are available.

3. Have a look around the Mosaic Student Centre – this is where you’ll be able to see your grades, request a transcript or letter, drop a course, etc.

4. Have a look at Avenue to Learn (A2L) – if you’re taking an online course (with the exception of some online Addiction courses), this is where everything will be. A link for your course won’t be visible until 3 days prior to the official start date. You’ll use A2L to see your course outline, assignments, contact your instructor, etc.

If you’re taking an in-person course at 1 James St. North, you will be able to view your specific classroom location on the TV screens when you arrive.

If you’ve done all the above, you’re ready! Just sit tight until your course start date.

All students must enrol for CCE programs using our course selection tool on our website by selecting "enrol today".

Watch the video below for a walk-through.

If you are a current student or have ever been a McMaster student or employee, the easiest way to login is to use your MacID (e.g. smithj) and password.

If you do not know your MacID, you can use your student or employee number, and after providing additional information you can access the system.

If you have never been a student or employee you can create a new account.

For more information on this process, watch this short video:

Students must enrol in online (O) and online self-study (OSS) academic courses prior to the start date of the course. Students must enrol in in-person academic courses prior to the night of the third class.

These deadlines may vary for professional development courses and condensed/fast-track courses.

Once enrolment closes, or courses are full, no further enrolments will be accepted.

Classes are held at One James North, (1 James St. North, Hamilton, Ontario) unless otherwise stated. Classrooms are located on the 1st and 2nd floors of the building. You can enter your classroom 30 minutes before start of class.

Note: Some programs, such as Lean Six Sigma and Clinical Research Associate are delivered in alternative locations. This information will be listed in our Course Selection Tool. Information on location can be found on our Maps and Directions page

Course materials may be purchased at the Campus Store (main campus) or order textbooks online and have them shipped. 

In March 2015, to coincide with the change in McMaster's enrolment system, Mosaic, all course codes have changed from a six digit numeric code to an easier-to-use alpha/numeric code ("ACC 928"). Every offering of a particular course now uses the same code whether you enrol in the in-person format or the online format. A list of new and previous course codes is available here. Course titles and content have not changed.

Mosaic is McMaster's new administrative information system (as of 2015), which includes finance, human resources and student administration components. The student administration components encompass Student Admissions, Academic Advisement, and some Registrar's Office Services. Mosaic will available to students beginning on March 23, 2015. Highlights of options/services available in the Mosaic Student Center:

• - grade report;
• - personal timetable;
• - academic information;
• - degree audit reporting (now called "Academic Advisement");
• - personal and academic records;
• - tax certificates T2202A;
• - personal information;
• - mailing addresses;
• - email addresses;
• - emergency contact information.
  
  

Login using your MAC ID and password.

 

MAC ID is a unique, common identifier enabling single sign-on for a number of McMaster systems and applications (including registering online for Centre for Continuing Education courses). Your MAC ID is not your McMaster employee or student number. It often looks like a combination of your last name and first initial (e.g. smithj) and is normally the username part of your McMaster email address.

To activate your MAC ID, you will need your student number, barcode and date of birth. First time students will receive their barcode number and student number via email from the University immediately upon enrolling in their first course.

Follow the step by step instructions below outlined in the email and be certain to make sure your password meets the designated criteria. If you have questions, please call Centre for Continuing Education at (905) 525-9140 ext. 24321.

Student cards will be issued to new CCE students on a request basis only – they will not be automatically mailed to new CCE students.  If you wish to receive a student card, please e-mail the request to records@mcmaster.ca. Be sure to include your student number and complete mailing address.

Term validation stickers will no longer be issued. Questions? Contact the Registrar’s Office at 905.525.9140  ext. 24796

Student cards can be used at McMaster libraries.

Occasionally an individual class session may be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g. weather, instructor illness). CCE will make every effort to notify affected students of any class cancellations.

In stormy weather, students are responsible for checking McMaster's main website or call the University switchboard at (905) 525-9140. Review the University's Storm Closure Policy for details.

Absolutely. McMaster’s Student Accessibility Services (SAS) supports students who have been diagnosed with a disability or disorder, such as a learning disability, ADHD, mental health diagnosis, chronic medical condition, sensory, neurological or mobility limitation. Students in need of accommodations are required to register with SAS before commencing a program or course.

Questions about accommodations can be directed to the SAS office at 905-525-9140 x 28652 or sas@mcmaster.ca.

Avenue to Learn (A2L) is McMaster's online learning management system. This is where online courses take place. The system is also used by some in-person classes for readings and assignments. Visit http://avenue.mcmaster.ca/ to log in with your MacID. A shortcut to this link is found on the McMaster CCE home page as well.

McMaster CCE has created a series of short video tutorials to orient students to the features of the Avenue to Learn platform:

• Toolbar
• Home Pages 
• Course Content
• Discussions
• Emailing
• Assignments          
• Taking quizzes 
• Viewing grades 

Yes, the application fee is applied to all applications received by the Centre for Continuing Education. There are no refunds for the application fee.

Depending on when the application is received, applicants can expect to receive a response within 2-3 weeks. Please visit the specific program admission requirements & application procedure pages for application due dates.

No, program staff will only review the documents submitted as part of an application package.

Addiction Education

Completed post-secondary education is not a prerequisite for this program.

Case Management

Yes, students who do not have a college/university degree or diploma may apply to the program.  Included with your application form is a letter of intent in which you can highlight your professional experience as a case manager. Contact the program manager regarding your eligibility for the program.

Health Informatics/Health Information Management

You may apply as a mature student.  You must submit you application form, and relevant documentation that supports any of the admission requirements. Your application will be reviewed and the program manager will contact you if additional requirements are needed for admission. 

Definitely! We encourage all students to seek out volunteer experience from a broad variety of areas such as shelters, correctional facilities, outpatient centres, and relapse prevention programs.

Can I be exempt from one or both of the prerequisite courses, or can I apply for a transfer credit?

The two pre-requisite courses are open enrolment courses and are not eligible for transfer credit application. If you have taken a similar course at another institution, then there is no need to enrol in these courses as you meet that requirement for admission. There are no exemptions from the pre-requisites.

The program manager will review your full application and supporting documentation.  Based on the review of your academic and work history, you will be notified if you meet the requirements for the program by an offer of admission.  If additional documentation is required (i.e. A reference letter from an employer), you will be notified directly. Documentation will only be reviewed as part of your full application submission package.  Individual documents will not be reviewed. Please refer to the Health Information Management Admission Requirements or the Health Informatics Admission Requirements for further information. 

Do I have to complete the two prerequisite courses to apply to Health Informatics?

The Biomedical Sciences pre-requisite course is designed for individuals who did not complete an anatomy/physiology course in their undergraduate degree or college diploma program. If you successfully completed such a course, then you do not require this pre-requisite. If you have never taken an anatomy/physiology course as part of your academic history, then you will need to complete a course in this area.

The Understanding the Canadian Healthcare course is designed for individuals with no academic background in a health care program, or no work experience in a Canadian healthcare setting. Both courses are offered online at McMaster’s Centre for Continuing Education.

I am taking a prerequisite course. If I do not finish before July 15, can I still apply?

Absolutely.  Please indicate in your letter of intent that you are enrolled in a class, or include a copy of your course registration as supporting documentation.  Your application will be reviewed and you may be offered a conditional acceptance pending successful completion of the pre-requisite courses.  You will be asked to submit a transcript of your completed grade to remove the conditional acceptance to full acceptance. 

I missed the prerequisite courses offered at McMaster. Can I take similar courses somewhere else?

Yes, we have put together a list of some possible options for you.  This is not an exhaustive list as there may be other courses available for you that are not on this list. 

Do I need computer programming experience?

For the Health Informatics program, you should have completed some introductory to intermediate level programming courses.  You may not require them to start the program, but it may be necessary to complete these before you move into the Health Informatics electives.

I have experience with computer programs such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Is this sufficient?

You will be using these programs during your course of study. However, you will require some training working with a database system.  If you have used a database system in your work experience, please note this on your resume and letter of intent.

Do I need to have taken a statistics course?

It is strongly encouraged that you complete an introductory or level 1 course in statistics before or during the program. 

Please see the English Language Proficiency Requirements.

McMaster’s Student Accessibility Services (SAS) supports students who have been diagnosed with a disability or disorder, such as a learning disability, ADHD, mental health diagnosis, chronic medical condition, sensory, neurological or mobility limitation. Students in need of accommodations are required to register with SAS before commencing a program or course.

Questions about accommodations can be directed to the SAS office at 905-525-9140 x 28652 or sas@mcmaster.ca

Diplomas require 24 units of study, which include core compulsory courses. The certificate requires 15 units of study. Some programs require completion of a group of core courses, but other programs allow certificate students to select their courses from any on the list to meet their specific learning needs.

Note: Not every program has a certificate and diploma stream.
If your program has different stream options, it is possible to switch between the two programs. If you have already completed the Certificate, you will need to choose the diploma program when you enrol in your next course. If the Certificate is not yet complete, you can request a program transfer from the Program Manager. All credits earned under the Certificate will be transferred to the Diploma program, but if you have taken more than the required electives, only those needed for the Diploma will count towards the program requirements.

This is an individual decision. Some students enrol in one class per term, some enrol in more. Regardless of a student’s coursework load, the program is defined as a part-time program of study.

Addiction Education
Students may create their own schedule and take as many courses as they feel they can handle. It is highly recommended that students begin with just one course in the Addiction Education program. Once you have an idea of the time commitment required, you can add on more courses. If you register for too many courses at the start, you may be subject to cancellation penalties or late penalties on assignments.

Cohort programs:

Students in a cohort begin their studies at the same time and progress
through the program together following a prescribed order and schedule
of classes, normally one per term. The following programs use a cohort format:

- Health Informatics (September start)
- Health Information Management (September start)
- Metallurgy (September start + January start)

Accounting Program

No. Students are required to meet course prerequisites, at the time of registration. Enrolment in any of the accounting courses is open to students who have satisfied any/all posted course prerequisites or equivalencies. Students are not permitted to register/start a course that has a prerequisite, without first completing all course activities, assignments and sitting the final examination of any/all posted prerequisites courses. Students who do not meet the prerequisites will be required to withdraw. In such cases, CCE’s withdrawal/refund policies will apply.

This applies to in-person offerings only
Registration in 2 or more in-class courses that are scheduled simultaneously (i.e. same day/time) is prohibited.

For most programs, there is no requirement to complete the program once started. Students may take select courses that fulfill their individual needs or interests.

Health Informatics Health Information Management
We suggest you send an email to the program account (himgmt@mcmaster.ca, or hinform@mcmaster.ca) and indicate which courses you are interested in completing.  You may be asked to pay the application fee or new student fee if permission is granted.

All programs offered by McMaster University Centre for Continuing Education are part-time programs, which means the workload and scheduling is designed for you to meet your professional, personal and academic obligations.  On average, we suggest you budget between 6-10 hours per week for your coursework.  Of course, this varies depending on the amount of content presented, or when assignments are due.  It is important to remember that the courses are valued at a university undergraduate level; Therefore, the workload expectations will correspond to a university level of study. 

All of our programs are considered part-time. For cohort programs, students progress through the courses at a set pace. For non-cohort programs, students can complete courses at their own pace, subject to course availability and so long as any posted prerequisites are satisfied.

The time frames provided are only estimates. Individuals should gauge other time commitments to determine a realistic completion target.

Accounting: There is no specified time frame within which students pursuing the Diploma in Accounting or the Certificate in Accounting must complete the requirements; however, on average, students typically complete the program requirements within 2 to 4 years. A fast-track option is available to finish within 12 months (September start, Hamilton location).

Addiction Education: Students who work on several courses each semester tend to finish the diploma within 14 – 18 months.  Other students choose to work on the program at a more relaxed pace, and may even take a year off at some points. There is no time limit on the completion of either program (Diploma or Certificate).

Business Administration: It is possible to complete the Certificate in less than eight months, but some students prefer to take more time. It is possible to complete the Diploma in less than a year, but some students prefer to take more time.

Case Management: Students may complete the certificate in one full year. This requires taking multiple courses in each term. Students can consult with the program manager to prepare a study plan for their program. Students are asked to complete the program within a 5-year time frame.

Clinical Research Associate: It is possible to  complete the program in less than a year, but some students prefer to take more time. 

Health Informatics, Health Information Management: These programs take approximately 2 years to complete. 

Health Information Systems: This program takes approximately 9 months to complete.

Human Resources Management: It is possible to complete the diploma in less than a year, but some students prefer to take more time.

Marketing Diploma: It is possible to complete the diploma in less than a year, but some students prefer to take more time. 

Metallurgy of Iron and Steel: This program takes approximately 2 years to complete. 

Web Design Certificate: It is possible to complete the certificate in less than a year, but some students prefer to take more time. A typical student will take five terms, or 20 months, to complete.

Upon notification of your request to stop your studies, or to take a break from the cohort schedule, the program manager will contact you with options.  You may be permitted to rejoin your cohort and pick up the missed class with the next cohort group (pending course pre-requisites).  Grades from a completed course will remain on your official academic transcript and you will not need to retake a successfully completed course in the next cohort offering.  You may be asked to retake a previously completed course if the content of the course has changed since the time of your course completion.  

If all program requirements are offered in the online or online self-study format, there is no need to come to McMaster at any time, with the possible exception of exams.

If the course includes an exam, and you live within 40 kilometers of Hamilton, you will be required to come to McMaster to write the exam. If you live outside of that range, you can arrange to have a proctored exam written in a pre-approved location.

Students are responsible for any proctoring/mailing fees that the offsite testing centre may charge.

Units define the number of credits associated with a course. Units are assigned by the University based on course content and hours of instruction. Centre for Continuing Education courses range from one to three units. 3 units is equivalent to a half-year undergraduate course.

In accordance to McMaster University’s General Academic Regulations, “it is imperative that students make every effort to meet the originally scheduled course requirements and it is a student’s responsibility to write examinations as scheduled.” Therefore, all students are expected to attend and complete the specific course requirements (i.e. attendance, assignments, and tests/exams) listed in the course outline on or by the date specified.

Students who need to arrange for coursework accommodation, as a result of medical, personal or family reasons, must contact the course instructor within 48 hours of the originally scheduled due date.

It is the student’s responsibility to contact the Program Manager/Program Associate to discuss accommodations and procedures related to deferred tests and/or examinations within 48 hours of the originally scheduled test/exam, as per policy. A deferred exam fee of $50 will be charged. The student must contact CCE to arrange payment. 

Failure to contact the course instructor, in the case of missed coursework, or the Program Manager/Program Associate, in the case of a missed test/examination, within the specified 48 hours window will result in a grade of zero (0) on the coursework/exam and no further consideration will be granted.

*Note: Supporting documentation will be required but will not ensure approval of accommodation(s).

Every course is unique –typically a final grade is achieved through a combination of assignments, presentations, exams and participation. Students are expected to prepare assignments at a university undergraduate level using word processing software.

Some courses may have tests, take home case studies, online web-based research, role plays, self-assessment, group assignments and presentations, research within your local community and a variety of written reports. Academic writing style and full referencing are expected.

In most cases, individuals who complete assignments will receive basic feedback from the instructor with regards to their course assignment. The feedback will be transmitted via email. Assignments will not necessarily be returned to participants.

Grade information is disseminated by CCE only, or an individual may access their record of learning by logging into the Mosaic Student Center and viewing their grades.

You can track your progress for the Essentials programs (and all McMaster courses) through Mosaic. To do so, sign in to the McMaster Mosaic Student Center.

All grades need to be viewed online through the Mosaic. When logged in to the system, select the Student Center tab. To access Mosaic, you need your Mac ID and password.

For more information, watch the video below:

Mark (%) Grade
90-100 A+
85-89 A
80-84 A-
77-79 B+
73-76 B
70-72 B-
67-69 C+
63-66 C
60-62 C-
57-59 D+
53-56 D
50-52 D-
0-49 F
A passing grade is 50% (D-) or above.

?

Academic Probation

A student who receives a failing grade in 3 consecutive courses (typically 9 units of academic credit) may be placed on academic probation. In these cases, the student may be limited to taking 3 unit maximum per session until further notice. A minimum grade of C- required in at least 6 units of credit may be required before probationary status is reviewed.

Program Dismissal

Should the student continue to perform poorly and fail additional courses during the probationary period, they are required to withdraw from the program.

When students feel they have completed the necessary requirements for their program, they should apply to graduate.

Using Mosaic, access the Student Centre, and the Academics section within the portal.
From the drop-down list, select "Apply to Graduate".

Students can then select which program they would like to submit their graduation request for.

The 2016 Graduation Ceremony will be held during the evening of November 10, 2016.

CCE program staff will review your record in approximately eight weeks to confirm you have met all of the program requirements. You will receive your diploma by mail or at the graduation ceremony.

Watch the video below for more information on how to apply to graduate

Unofficial transcript: quick and easy access to view and print on demand: My Academics – Unofficial Transcript.

Official transcripts - may be required for: applications to other academic institutions; applications for scholarships/bursaries; or if an employer requires a copy. My Academics – Request Official Transcript

Options include: in-person pick-up (Gilmour Hall Room 108) or mail. For rush, courier or fax requests, processing charges apply.

Students can request to have their transcript sent immediately with their current grades, after grades are released or upon having a degree conferred. Please wait until you see all grades posted on MOSAIC before requesting an official transcript. Processing times vary depending on the time of year. Please allow 5-7 business days for processing.

For more information, watch the video below:

There are several options available if you require assistance in funding your studies: 

• The McMaster Association of Part-Time Students (MAPS) offers a limited number of bursaries for students who can demonstrate financial need.

Students need to apply through Mosaic. Click on the Student Centre tab. Under Finances, click on the "Apply for Financial Aid" link.

For up-to-date application deadline dates for each term, please check the Office of Student Financial Aid Scholarships and Scholarships website.

Students need to pay for courses in full at the time of enrolment. If selected for the bursary, the money will be applied to the student's account afterwards. Once the money is applied to your student account, a refund cheque will be issued by Student Accounts and Cashiers. It may take 1-3 weeks to receive the refund cheque. If direct deposit has been set up in Mosaic prior to receiving the Bursary, the refund will be issued via direct deposit.

To view your account: Log into Mosaic. Navigate to the Student Centre section. Under Finances, use the dropdown box to select Account Activity. In your account, you will see if you have received the Bursary, the amount of the Bursary and the date the Bursary was refunded to you once the refund has been processed.

 _________________________________

• Many employers offer tuition assistance programs.  Ask your manager or HR department if your company offers a program.
• 
  Most banks offer student loans that have attractive interest rates and require you to pay interest only, until after the completion of your program.
  
  
• If you are studying on a full-time basis, the Lifelong Learning Plan allows you to withdraw from your RRSP to pay for your program.
  
  
• For Canadian students interested in government funding or subsidized training options (e.g. Second Career, Canada-Ontario Job Grant) please contact your local Employment Service Centre.

Continuing Education programs are not eligible for OSAP.

Course Receipt:

Upon registration of each course, students receive an email payment confirmation. If you wish to view your account activity on your MOSAIC student centre and do not have access to view this information, please contact University Technology Services at uts@mcmaster.ca or 905-525-9140 x24357.

Tax Receipt:

T2202A/T4A receipts for tax purposes will be available by the end of February each year.

Students can access their tax receipts through the online Student Centre, Mosaic.  You will need your MacID login information. Your MacID is usually the first half of your McMaster email address (jsmith3@McMaster.ca - would be jsmith3).

1. Login to Mosaic
2. Click the Student Centre tab
3. Scroll down to the Finance section
4. Use the drop down menu in the Finance section to select “view/print T2202A/T4A”
5. Use drop down to select appropriate calendar year and click “view”
   
   

To ensure the tax certificate displays, please allow pop-ups (disable pop-up blocker) on your browser for this website. For best performance, use Chrome.

If your student login has expired or if you are experiencing other difficulties accessing the Mosaic system, please visit this support page.

Professional Development participants

Please note, Professional Development courses do not qualify to receive tax receipts for course fees.

For more information, watch the video below:

Academic Activation Fee:

When you enrol in your first certificate or diploma course you will be charged a one-time, non-refundable CCE Academic Activation Fee of $39. This administrative fee does not apply to professional development programs.

You can access a proof of enrolment letter through Mosaic. To do so, follow the instructions below:

1. Sign in to the McMaster Mosaic Student Center.
2. In the Academics section, look for the drop down menu labelled “other academic”
3. From this menu, select Enrolment/Financial Letters and click the double arrows
4. Put in the corresponding information:

- Select Academic Career for this Letter:  Select Continuing Education.
- Select Academic Term for this Letter: Select the term in which you took the class.
- Select which letter you would like to request: Select Enrolment/Completion letter.
- Select your delivery option: Select PDF or email.

Please note: your grade will only appear once it has been uploaded by the administrative staff. This allows up to four weeks for grades to be submitted once the class has finished.

Course tuition fees vary by program. Please view the “Schedules & Fees” link on your program page for specific course fees. Fees are the same for Canadian and international students. Fees are subject to change.

McMaster Association of Part-time Students (MAPS) charges a fee of $7 per unit, included in the listed tuition fee.

When you enrol in your first certificate or diploma course you will be charged a one-time, non-refundable CCE Academic Activation Fee of $39. This administrative fee does not apply to professional development programs.

Students who are approved to transfer courses from an external institution (including McMaster  degree studies) into a CCE program will be charged a $99 administrative fee per course.

Students who are approved to transfer one or more CCE course(s) from one program to another within CCE will be charged a one-time administrative fee of $79

Students who are approved to write a deferred exam will be charged an administrative fee of $50.

Students will be charged a non-refundable assessment fee of $59 for any program requiring an application.

Students who request an additional credential will be charged a printing fee of $50.

13% HST must be added to Computer Training workshop costs.

HST is not applied to certificate and diploma or Essentials courses.

To be eligible, students need to be currently enrolled in the CCE program and submit a cover letter that maps out what you have completed, where and what course you would like the credit applied towards (i.e. Marketing 123 completed at University of Toronto, in place of MKT 819 Marketing), course outlines, and an official transcript with marks.

General Policy

• - Students must submit a course outline to ensure that the course content is at least 80% comparable to our Centre for Continuing Education course.
• - Only courses in which a minimum grade of C- has been achieved may be considered for a transfer of credit.
• - Courses must have been completed with the last 5 years to be considered.
• - There is a fee of $99 for each Transfer of Credit (TOC) (once approved by the Program Manager). The price is subject to change.
• - You may only apply external transfer of credit to one certificate or diploma program.

- Your McMaster transcript will NOT show the actual details of the TOC. Students will receive a letter from the Centre for Continuing Education confirming the TOC has been granted which the students should keep for their own personal records. TOC is not view-able for the students on Mosaic.

Exceptions

Accounting:

- Minimum 80% content match/overlap and similar number of classroom or contact hours;
- Courses must have been taken within the last five years;
- Minimum grade of “B-“ or better required for transfer consideration;
- Transfer credits approved but not applied/paid for within six (6) months of approval will be rescinded.
- Transfer credit fees apply.  The current transfer credit fee is $99 per course. 

Case Management: Due to the number of courses required for the certificate (5 courses), transferring credits from other post-secondary education programs is not permitted. Professional experience and workshops/conference attendance are not transferable for credit courses.

Canadian Payroll Management: Students pursuing the Certificate in Canadian Payroll Management program, who have completed Introduction to Payroll Management and/or Applied Payroll Management through the Canadian Payroll Association may be eligible to apply both courses to the McMaster Certificate in Canadian Payroll Management for a maximum of two transfer credits (6 units).

Health Informatics/Health Information Management Students may transfer up to two transfer credits into the program.

Leadership in Community Engagement: Due to the number of courses required for the certificate (5 courses), transferring credits from other post-secondary education programs is not permitted. Professional experience and workshops/conference attendance are not transferable for credit courses.

Learners, who have successfully completed a Centre for Continuing Education Certificate or Diploma, and wish to pursue undergraduate degree studies at McMaster University, may be eligible to receive advanced standing in the degree program, at the discretion of the Faculty to which they are applying.  The learner must be accepted into the Faculty in question before advanced standing will be granted
Degree + Diploma:
If you are currently a McMaster undergraduate student, you may be able to take a certificate and/or diploma program as elective credits towards your degree. CCE courses are not eligible for OSAP. Consult your Academic Advisor for details.

Only academic-credit courses taken at a post-secondary institution (college, university, continuing studies) that are listed on an official transcript with a grade are eligible for assessment. Courses must have an 80% overlap in content and a similar number of classroom hours.  They must also have been taken within the last five years

Note: CCE reserves the right to cancel a course due to low enrolment or other factors. Affected students will be notified of any course cancellations and refunded appropriately.

For purposes of refunds, the day refers to the calendar day, beginning at 12:00 am, regardless when the course starts.
1 day before ends at 11:59 pm on the calendar day before.
Class start date begins at 12:01 a.m. on day 0 no matter what time the class itself starts.

Processing times will vary depending on method of payment. Refunds will be delayed during peak enrolment times at the start of term.

If you paid online by credit card, any applicable refund will be processed back to your credit card (please allow 1 to 3 weeks for processing).

If you paid by cheque or debit, please visit the online Mosaic Student Center to input your bank information and correct mailing address to receive any applicable refund by online deposit. Without banking information, McMaster University will issue you a cheque by mail (please allow 4 to 6 weeks for processing).

Certificate/Diploma (In-Person, Online and Online Self-Study)

• For courses that run starting in Spring 2017
  (May 1, 2017 and beyond):

Up until 11:59pm on the day before class starts: 100% course fee refund and 100% MAPS fee refund
From 12:01am on start date to day 14: 70% course fee refund 0% MAPS fee refund
15 days after the start date: 0% course fee refund and 0% MAPS fee refund.

Accelerated Courses (block, 2x/week and 9 week online)

• 7 days or more before the start date: 100% course fee refund and 100% MAPS fee refund
• 1 to 6 days before the start date: 80% course fee refund and 100% MAPS fee refund
• 0-7 days from the start date: 50% course fee refund and 0% MAPS fee refund,
• 8 days after the start date: 0% course fee refund and 0% MAPS fee refund.

Professional Development Courses (Lean Six, PM, BA, Web Analytics)

• 20 days or more before the start date: 100% course fee refund
• 7-19 days before start date: 70% course fee refund
• 0-6 days before the start date: 0% course fee refund

Computer Training/Essentials

• (This includes McMaster employees)  
• 7 days or more before the start date: 100% course fee refund
• 1-6 days before start date: 80% course fee refund
• 0 days – 0%

Students may drop a course using the Mosaic system. If a student chooses to drop a course and not receive an academic penalty, they must formally drop before the deadline date (see below), even if it is past the point of receiving a refund.

Students who do not formally drop a course will receive a grade of “F” on their transcript.

The policies below outline how and when students can drop a course without academic penalty. The first day of class is day 0.

Certificate/Diploma (In-Person, In-Person Accelerated (excluding Addictions)

• 7 Days before the last scheduled class date

Certificate/Diploma (Online)

• 7 days before the course end date (or final examination date), whichever comes first

Certificate/Diploma (Online Self-Study, excluding Addictions)

• 7 days before the course end date (or final examination date), whichever comes first

Certificate/Diploma (Online Self-Study Addictions)

• 0 days before the course end date

Certificate/Diploma (In-Person Accelerated Addictions)

• 16 days after the class start date

Professional Development Courses/Programs

• 0 days before the last scheduled class

Students may drop a course using the Mosaic system.

If a student chooses to drop a course and not receive an academic penalty, they must formally drop before the deadline date (indicated in "If I drop a course, will I receive an academic penalty"), even if it is past the point of receiving a refund.

Students who do not formally drop a course will receive a grade of “F” on their transcript.

For information on this process, watch the video below:

No. Students must drop the course they no longer wish to take and then enrol in the course they wish to take.

Depending on the date of the drop as compared to the class start date, students may receive only a partial refund for the class they drop.