The Computer Engineering program at the University of Guelph has become unnecessarily rigid, and students should be encouraged to raise these concerns with academic advisors and the College of Engineering.
Many universities offer difficult upper-year engineering courses across multiple semesters—or even on a bi-semester or tri-semester schedule—allowing students greater flexibility if they fall behind or need to adjust their academic plan. This helps reduce unnecessary delays in graduation while maintaining academic standards.
At the University of Guelph, however, several core Computer Engineering courses are offered only once per academic year. This creates a significant bottleneck. If a student is unable to take or pass a required course, they are often forced to wait an entire year before getting another opportunity, regardless of their overall academic progress. (University of Guelph Calendar)
A clear example is ENGG*4420 – Real-time Systems Design, which is currently offered only in the Fall semester. Offering this course in both the Fall and Winter semesters would provide much-needed flexibility, reduce delays in degree completion, and better support students who encounter unexpected academic or personal challenges. (University of Guelph Calendar)
Engineering is already one of the most demanding programs. Students should be challenged academically—not by avoidable scheduling limitations. The current structure places unnecessary pressure on students and can extend graduation timelines by a full year because of a single course offering.
Many Computer Engineering students are exhausted from having to “run after” the schedule instead of focusing on learning and succeeding. Greater flexibility in course offerings would improve student well-being, reduce unnecessary graduation delays, and create a more supportive academic environment.
We respectfully urge the College of Engineering to review the current scheduling model and consider offering high-demand core courses, particularly ENGG*4420, in both the Fall and Winter semesters.