Frequently asked questions

How do I know if I need to take an elective?

Refer to your enrolment documents (program design) or your progress report in the Student Portal. Select the My Courses tab > View Progress Report. If you are still unsure, please contact your program coordinator. 

I took previous post-secondary courses. Will they count as electives?

Conestoga grants credit transfers to qualifying courses. Visit credit transfer to learn more about transferring credits. 

How do I register for my elective?

To make your course selections: 

  1. Log in to the Student Portal with your Student Network Login ID and password.
  2. Go to the My Courses tab.
  3. Click on Add Course/Choose Elective button (scroll down to view).
  4. Select the General Education (diploma) or Interdisciplinary (degree) elective course you wish to register in.
  5. View Availability to ensure the course is available and open.
  6. Click on ‘Add to Cart.’
  7. Find the course in your cart and click 'Checkout and Enroll'.
  8. Confirm Address > Click 'Save' on bottom of Contact Information page.
  9. Confirm Registration.
  10. Verify that you are enrolled in the course > My Courses > Check registration status in course list.
  11. Log out or continue to use other portal services.

Please contact the Registrar’s Office if you are having issues with the registration process. 

I didn't take an elective in a past term but need one to graduate. What do I do?

You may register for an in-class or online elective to get caught up. 

General Education electives via Continuing Education

If you have missed registering for a General Education elective for this term, but are hoping to take one, you can look through the list of Continuing Education electives

Courses related to your program area of study are not eligible. If you attempt to add an ineligible course to your cart, you will see a pop-up box listing your program. This means that you will have to select another course. 

You will be part-time for these courses, and payment is due at the time of registration. For questions about fees, please email studentfees@conestogac.on.ca

Can I take my elective in a later term?

It is highly recommended to take your elective in the term that it is scheduled for within your program design. Each program is designed with specific courses in certain terms to meet the best interest of students. Electives are factored into the course load/hours and fees for the specific term. It is recommended that you consult your program advisor before signing up for an elective at a different time. Taking your elective outside of its designated term may affect your fees, so it is also important to talk to Student Financial Services whenever making course changes. 

Can I switch my elective course or section?

Students can drop and add courses within the course registration period. Please refer to Academic dates for the deadline for adding a course. Ensure you check your Student Portal for course availability before dropping your enrolled course. 

How do I know if I have enough electives to graduate?

Check your progress report in the Student Portal (select the My Courses tab > View Progress Report), or consult your program advisor. 

Can I take an OntarioLearn General Education Elective?

OntarioLearn General Education electives are diploma level courses available to part-time students. Full-time students who take these electives must also pay the course fees.

Can I take my elective at a different institution?

Diploma students

Yes, you can take an elective course at a different institution. 

Degree students

Before enrolling in a course at another institution, you must submit a Letter of Permission. Please contact the Credit Transfer Office for assistance, if required. 

I still have questions. Who can I contact?

Many students have lots of questions about their studies and services at Conestoga College. Fortunately, Student Success Advisors (SSA) can help you get the answers you need. To connect with an SSA, log in to the Student Success Portal and use the Ask for Help form