What is GAP? How long is it? What courses will I take?

GAP is a two-semester certificate program that is designed, in part, to help students who are withdrawn from a program continue their education at Seneca. However, students may only need one semester in GAP. GAP provides you with an opportunity for a second chance. By starting down a new career pathway or, in some cases, working your way back to your old program, you will be better prepared to succeed.

The courses you take while in GAP will transfer forward as your general education courses, which are required in all program areas. Plus, if you have not yet completed COM101 or COM111, you will complete your COM course while in GAP as well. There are required GAP courses you need to take as part of the GAP program. Check your academic requirements report or visit the program page for details.

The GAP program runs courses in all three semesters: winter, summer and fall.

I want to get back to my program. Can GAP help me with that? How?

It may be possible to get back to your program through GAP.

But it’s important to understand that only the Co-ordinator or Student Adviser from your previous program can let you know whether you may be re-admitted to your previous program and under what conditions. GAP may be a necessary step in this process.

For example, some programs will require that you graduate from GAP before you can be considered for re-admission. Others may require one semester only. Every program will have its own policy regarding what grade point average you would need to achieve in GAP. Further, some programs will ask that you take and succeed in professional courses from your previous program.

The GAP program does not guarantee you will be re-admitted to your previous program. Please note that the PND, VTA, VTE, EEN, EET, and ECT programs do not offer re-admittance. For all other programs, we can help you find out if it's possible to be re-admitted and under what conditions.

How do I find out more about getting back to my program? What will I need to do?

Please check your student record. There may be a comment in your record detailing what you would be required to achieve in GAP to be considered for re-admission. You may view your advising comments via Student Home (Academic Progress tile and Academic Records tile). If you can’t find this information, please contact the Student Adviser from your previous program.

If you’re told that you’re allowed or required to take professional courses from your previous program while in GAP, email confirmation from your previous program area is required before any professional courses will be added to your schedule. Please connect directly with your Student Adviser through The Service Hub portal for student support. Visit The Service Hub, ‘Log in’ in the top right corner and select ‘My Cases’ on your home screen. Here you will find a case detailing your GAP offer and providing a simple avenue for communication with your Student Adviser.

I didn't like my previous program and I want to choose something different. Can GAP help me with that? How?

Yes. GAP will allow you the time to think about your next steps. Moreover, it will help you develop academic skills that will improve your chances of success in any program. We encourage you to consider graduating from GAP and adding this credential to your resumé, but it is not necessary to graduate from GAP before moving on to a different program.

PSY 355, a required GAP course, will encourage you to think about possible career options. Further, we can direct you to resources that will help you decide which program might best suit your interests, and we can help you navigate the transfer process. For example, at the appropriate time, you will be encouraged to fill out and submit a Program Transfer Request form.

What if I'm not interested in GAP? What options do I have?

You may contact the experts from our domestic or international teams to explore other program options. Please connect directly with your Student Adviser through The Service Hub portal for student support. Visit The Service Hub, ‘Log in’ in the top right corner and select ‘My Cases’ on your home screen. Here you will find a case detailing your GAP offer and providing a simple avenue for communication with your Student Adviser.

Will my courses be online or in-person?

GAP courses in the Summer 2024 term will be offered online and in-person at Newnham and Seneca@York campuses.

Can I finish GAP in one semester? How?

If you have already earned at least five course credits at Seneca, it may be possible to complete GAP in one semester. For more information, please connect directly with your Student Adviser through The Service Hub portal for student support. Visit The Service Hub, ‘Log in’ in the top right corner and select ‘My Cases’ on your home screen. Here you will find a case detailing your GAP offer and providing a simple avenue for communication with your Student Adviser.

Do I need to decide now? What if I change my mind before classes begin?

The deadline to accept your offer of admission to GAP is Friday, May 3, 2024. The earlier you accept your offer, the earlier we can ensure that you’re ready to go on Monday, May 6 when classes begin.

As well, if you would like to work your way back to your previous program through GAP, you will need to find out how many semesters you would need to spend in GAP and if there are any professional courses you would need to take. We will help you with this, but it will take some time; therefore, you’re advised to begin this process as soon as possible.

If you accept the offer, it is possible to change your mind later and withdraw from the GAP program before Monday, May 6, which is the first day of classes and the day on which your tuition is due in full.

I'm interested in GAP but I don't want to start this term. Can I accept the offer for later?

You will need to request to defer your acceptance to the Fall 2024 term. You can indicate this on the online form available through the link included in your GAP offer email. The deadline to indicate your intent to defer your GAP offer for one semester is Friday, May 24, 2024.

How much will GAP cost?

Program costs for both domestic and international students can be found here.

What resources does Seneca provide that will help me do better in school?

We have many resources available to help you achieve your academic goals. The following are some of the departments/services available to support your learning outside of the classroom:

You may also book a virtual advising appointment with your Student Adviser. Visit The Service Hub, ‘Log in’ in the top right corner and select ‘My Cases’ on your home screen. Here you will find a case detailing your GAP offer and providing a simple avenue for communication with your Student Adviser.

I am collecting OSAP. What should I do to ensure that I can continue to collect OSAP if I accept this offer?

It’s important that you notify the Financial Aid Office of your program change as soon as possible. They will update your program information and provide further details. You can contact the Financial Aid Office through The Service Hub.

I am an international student. How will this affect my visa?

International students should consult with an international Student Adviser for questions related to their visas. Find out more about visas and permits.

I have more questions. Who can I contact?

If you would like more information about GAP or the transfer process, please connect directly with your Student Adviser through The Service Hub portal for student support. Visit The Service Hub, ‘Log in’ in the top right corner and select ‘My Cases’ on your home screen. Here you will find a case detailing your GAP offer and providing a simple avenue for communication with your Student Adviser.