Learner Engagement for Academic Purposes (LEAP)
What is LEAP?
Making a successful transition to university doesn't happen by accident. To be a successful student, you will need to learn a variety of academic and life-management skills. Expectations for how you apply these skills can be much higher than you experienced in high school. LEAP is a highly interactive in-person course, specifically designed to provide you with the skills needed to ensure a successful transition into the Ontario Tech university community and beyond.
- LEAP is a for-credit course which is eligible for OSAP. If you successfully complete LEAP, you will earn academic credit toward your degree (for eligible programs*).
What will I learn in LEAP?
The course combines in-class lectures and hands-on activities with experiential learning opportunities, guest speakers, individual mentoring, and academic advising and support.
Students who successfully complete LEAP will be able to:
- Apply design thinking to identify barriers to successful progression through the post-secondary program.
- Create a framework for personal, career, and academic development.
- Develop a series of personally-relevant tools that can be used to overcome barriers.
- Apply best practices for learning and personal development to discipline-specific scenarios.
- Take a look at an example assignment to see what types of activities you can expect in LEAP.
Who should take LEAP?
All Ontario Tech students can benefit from taking the LEAP course. However, we specifically recommend LEAP for:
- First year students from eligible programs*.
- Students on academic probation (GPA below 2.0 for one semester), to work on strategies to improve their standing.
- Students with other circumstances and academic standings, based on recommendations by their Faculty or academic advisors.
Taking LEAP is required for students facing certain circumstances, including:
- Students who are facing academic suspension (GPA below 2.0 for more than one semester) are required to take LEAP if they would like to reduce the term of their suspension to a single term.
- Students who must complete and pass LEAP as part of their academic appeal conditions.
- students who were admitted to a program with a condition of enrolment to register in LEAP.
Students facing suspension who complete the course with a C grade (60 per cent) or higher will be eligible to re-integrate into their program of study in fall 2025. Students who receive a lesser passing grade will earn the credit but will still be required to serve the remainder of their suspension period.
How do I register for LEAP?
Students from eligible programs*
If you're interested in taking LEAP, you can register for the course as an elective if you are from one of the eligible programs*. All university fees, policies, and procedures apply when taking LEAP.
- Register for LEAP the same way you would register for any other course.
Students facing academic suspension
If you are facing academic suspension, you will receive an email from the Office of the Registrar with information about how to register for LEAP. The email will be sent to your OntarioTechU.Net email. Do not share the registration email with any other students.
If you are appealing your academic standing and you receive the email from the Office of the Registrar, you should still sign up for the course. You can leave the course if your academic appeal is approved.
- If you are facing suspension or are appealing your standing, look out for the email from the Office of the Registrar, or talk with your academic advisor.
International students
If you are an international student, please contact your international student advisor on next steps so they can provide you with information on how to maintain compliance with your study permit conditions.
*Eligible Programs: Students from the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science are not eligible to use LEAP as a 1000-level credit towards their degree program. Students in other Faculties and programs are permitted to use LEAP as a 1000-level elective credit.
Please consult with your academic advisor to determine if LEAP fits into your first-year program map. Eligible students may elect to take LEAP as a 1000-level elective at any time during their studies, providing it fits in their schedule.
What is the cost of LEAP?
The tuition for LEAP is based on your degree program, year level and residency status plus applicable ancillary fees. For more information, please visit ontariotechu.ca/fees.
Frequently asked questions
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What is the cost of LEAP?
The tuition for LEAP is based on your degree program, year level and residency status plus applicable ancillary fees. For more information, please visit ontariotechu.ca/fees.
- When is LEAP held?
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Can I attend LEAP remotely?
No, LEAP is an in-person course. Part of your grade is based on attendance and participation.
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I am an international student. What do I need to know about maintaining my status as a student in Canada? What are my next steps?
Contact your International Student Advisor immediately regardless if you decide to take LEAP or not. You can find their contact information on the International Office website.
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Am I allowed to take courses in the spring/summer semester if I have been suspended and am enrolled in LEAP?
Students taking LEAP as an elective credit should register for their usual number of courses. LEAP counts as one course.
Students on suspension may be eligible to take additional courses during the upcoming semester. That said, there are restrictions/limitations.
Your most recent term GPA (TGPA) will determine the number of additional courses permitted*:
- Students with a TGPA of 1.50 to 1.99 may take up to an additional two (2) courses.
- Students with a TGPA of 1.25 to 1.49 may take up to one (1) additional course.
- Students with a TGPA of less than 1.25 may not take additional courses.
*This applies to all faculties except for the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science.
- Engineering students with a TGPA of 1.50 to 1.99 may take up to one (1) additional course.
- Engineering students with a TGPA of 1.00 to 1.49 may not take additional courses.
All course selections must be done in consultation with your Academic Advisor.
Students who take undergraduate courses concurrently with LEAP acknowledge that their academic performance in these courses may impact their academic standing for the given term regardless of their performance in LEAP. Furthermore, as LEAP is a credit-bearing course, your performance in this course will have direct implications on your grade point average as well as your academic standing.
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I have been offered a spot in LEAP. What happens if I decide not to enrol?
Your status will continue as per your academic standing letter.
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What if I did not receive an email inviting me to participate in LEAP?
If you have not been invited to the LEAP program, your term GPA was either too low to be considered, or you are on record as having taken the program in the past. Follow up with your Academic Advisor to discuss your available options.