Sections of the CGSR policies and procedures manual that are most relevant to current graduate students are summarized/paraphrased below. The CGSR Policies and Procedures manual remains the authoritative document for these rules and regulations.

1. Advisory Committees (CGSR Policies and Procedures Manual, section 5.1.1)  As soon as possible following a student's first registration in his/her program, an Advisory Committee, including research supervisor, should be named. Responsibility for naming the members of a student’s Advisory Committee lies with the academic unit Head or Graduate Chair, or designate, in a formal meeting with the academic unit’s Graduate Affairs Committee. It is the responsibility of the Advisory Committee to assist in course selection and definition of research area, provide support and advice, regularly evaluate the student's progress by meeting at least once yearly, to take appropriate and timely action in view of this progress, and to keep records of this evaluation and all actions taken.  

   An M.Sc. advisory committee must consist of:

   1. the graduate chair or designate, as advisory committee chair;
   2. the supervisor(s); and
   3. at least one additional member.

   A Ph.D. advisory committee must consist of:

   1. the graduate chair or designate, as advisory committee chair;
   2. the supervisor(s);
   3. a cognate member (faculty member from outside the student's home department); and
   4. at least two additional members.

       

2. Program of Studies (CGSR Policies and Procedures Manual, section 5.1.3) Within the first year of a student's registration in a graduate degree program, the Advisory Committee is charged with the responsibility of developing an individualized program of studies on behalf of the student. When signed by the Graduate Chair and approved by the CGSR, the Program of Studies forms a contract between the University and the student such that successful completion of the noted courses and other requirements, passing required examinations and defence of the thesis/exhibition (if applicable) will result in the conferring of the Postgraduate Diploma or degree.


3. Permission to Submit Thesis for Defence (CGSR Policies and Procedures Manual, section 5.3.4.1) It is expected the student will follow the advice of the Supervisor and the Advisory Committee in establishing when the thesis is ready for examination. A meeting of the advisory committee must take place in order to approve the thesis for defence.