General Arts Program (GAP) – Frequently Asked Questions

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

GAP is a two-semester certificate program designed to help students who have been withdrawn from a program continue their education at Seneca Polytechnic. Some students may only need one semester to complete GAP. This program offers a second chance to start a new career pathway or return to your previous program, 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 only the Program Co-ordinator or Student Adviser from your previous program can confirm re-admission and its conditions. GAP might be necessary for this process. Some programs require GAP graduation for re-admission, while others may need just one semester. Each program has its own GPA requirements for GAP. Additionally, some may require specific professional courses from your previous program.

Re-admission through GAP is not guaranteed. These programs do not offer re-admittance:

  • Computer Engineering Technology (ECT)
  • Electronics Engineering Technician (EEN)
  • Electronics Engineering Technology (EET)
  • Flight Services (FLS)
  • Flight Services – Operations & Cabin Management (FSO)
  • Practical Nursing (PND)
  • Veterinary Assistant (VTA)
  • Veterinary Technician (VTE)

For other programs, we can help determine if re-admission is possible 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, confirmation via advising comments or an email 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 gives you time to consider your next steps and develop academic skills for success in any program. While graduating from GAP and adding this credential to your resumé is encouraged, it is not required before moving to a different program.

Psychology of Learning: Mindset and Resilience (PSY355), a required GAP course, will help you explore career options. We can also guide you to resources to find the best program for your interests and assist with the transfer process, including submitting a Program Transfer Request form when ready.

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 are 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 by using these credits. 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, Jan. 3, 2025. The earlier you accept your offer, the earlier we can ensure that you’re ready to go on the first day of classes.

If you would like to work your way back to your previous program through GAP, we will help you find out how many semesters you would need to spend in GAP and if there are any professional courses you would need to take. This may take some time and you should begin this process as soon as possible.

If you accept the offer to GAP, you can change your mind later and withdraw from the program before the first day of classes and the day 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 Summer 2025 term. You can indicate this on the online form available through the link included in your GAP offer email.

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.