Frequently asked questions
What is MINERVA?
The University record system that contains all information about a student’s program and progress in a degree.
Where can I find a description of undergraduate courses?
A list of undergraduate courses typically assigned to a graduate student can be found on the website: www.mcgill.ca/study (type in the course number in the Search box).
How do I add an undergraduate course to my record on MINERVA?
Fill in a Request for Registration/Course Change on the following website: www.mcgill.ca/students/records/forms.
Where do I find the timetable?
Timetable of courses can be found on Minerva under Class Schedule: www.mcgill.ca/minerva-students. Please note that 600-level courses and higher are under “Graduate Studies” and 500-level and lower are under “Schulich School of Music”.
I’m trying to register for a course and it gives me an error message. What do I do?
Minerva works by term. Please make sure to change terms when selecting your courses, otherwise you’ll get an error message or a wrong course number.
How many credits do I have to register for?
All Master’s students must register for at least 12 credits per term for the first year and for the first term of the second year. Sound Recording students must register for 12 credits per term for both years. We do not count credits at the doctoral level.
How do I calculate my tuition fees?
View the Admissions tuition tables for your program. Note that students are charged for any additional extra courses at the per credit fee for their citizenship status.
Can I register for courses in the additional session?
Students are not supposed to be registered for courses in additional sessions. They should use this time to complete research and/or work towards their recital.
Which courses are considered ‘extra courses’?
An extra course is any course that is not required for the completion of a degree, either specified in the course curriculum or as an additional required course. Students will be charged per credit fees for ensembles and courses that are not part of their degree requirements. Students in non-thesis courses and Sound Recording students are also charged for courses completed in a summer session. The Area Chair or Graduate Director may authorize a student to count a non-required course as part of their program if he/she decides that the course contributes directly to the student’s program. In such cases, the minimum requirement to pass as per regulations is B-.
If I withdraw from a course, does it show on my record?
Yes, it shows on your transcript with a mark notation of “W”, indicating Withdrawn. This does not count in your GPA. Too many Ws can impact how a scholarship is read and interpreted by Admission committees, scholarship competitions, and job reviews.
The deadline for withdrawing from an ensemble, vocal repertoire coaching, and practical lessons is the end of the second week of classes.
What happens if I have an injury mid-way through the semester that prevents me from playing?
You should notify your teacher, see your doctor immediately and make an appointment to see the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies in Music.
What happens if I forgot to withdraw after the deadline?
A ‘J’ will appear on your record and count as a failure.
The seminar I want to take is full. What should I do?
Contact the Professor/Instructor by email and asked to be placed on the waiting list should a place open. Be sure to attend the first class (in order to maintain your position on the priority list). Spots in the class will assigned as they become available on the basis of the order specified in the seminar descriptions.
How many students are in graduate seminars?
Registration in graduate seminars is usually limited to 12 students per class; 14 for Performance and Performance Practice seminars, unless otherwise noted.
What should I do with my audit form when I am finished registering?
Ensure that your teacher has signed it. Then store it in a safe place with your other important records for consultation next semester.
What if I want to change a course?
You may change a course, space providing, up until the last day of the course change period (https://www.mcgill.ca/importantdates/) at the beginning of each semester. Check the options; consult with the Instructor of the course; then have the choice approved by your advisor/supervisor. Then, make the change on Minerva.
What if I’ve lost my PIN?
On the Minerva login screen, enter only your McGill ID and click “Forgot PIN?” Follow the instructions.
Where do I get my ID card?
See the following website on how to obtain your ID card once you have registered: https://www.mcgill.ca/students/records/id/.
What do I do if I intend to graduate this year?
Students in the following programs planning to graduate must apply to graduate on Minerva:
- M.Mus. Performance (all options)
- D.Mus. Performance Studies
- M.A. (non-thesis) in Musicology, Music Education and Theory
- M.Mus. Sound Recording (non-thesis)
- Graduate Diploma in Professional Performance
Students who are in other options (thesis) than those listed above do not need to apply for graduation as your graduation status will be activated when you submit your thesis to the Thesis Office.
How to apply:
- Access Minerva
- Select the Student Menu Select the Student Records Menu
- Select Apply for Graduation for your Primary Curriculum (1st degree)
- Click on appropriate graduate date and submit
Deadlines: The official deadlines change from year to year, but I would suggest the following for our students. February 1 for Spring and Summer graduation and October 1st for Winter graduation.
I plan to graduate in the Fall. Do I need to enter in the Winter registration course number?
Yes. Once your graduation is approved, your Winter term registration will be automatically cancelled.
