Policy 170(b): Graduate Status, Enrolment, and Evaluation

1. Purpose

To establish student status, outline the minimum standard of academic performance, establish evaluation of degree and diploma requirements, and provide for determining students’ eligibility to graduate.

2. Application and Scope

This policy is to be followed by all students enrolled in graduate programs and courses at Toronto Metropolitan University and the faculty, staff, and administrators involved in the delivery of these programs and courses.

3. Definitions

Key terms, abbreviations, and acronyms can be found in Appendix 1.

3.1.  Plan of Study

An initial Plan of Study establishes the plan and timeline for courses and/or non-course requirements that a student is expected to follow in order to complete their degree requirements and is normally completed within the first four weeks of the program (see section 17 of Procedures).

3.2.  Plan of Study Review

A review of the Plan of Study that results in a performance designation, to be completed each term once non-course program requirements for the student’s degree have begun, as indicated on the initial Plan of Study (see Procedures section 17).

3.3.  Progress Review

A review by the student and their Supervisor, to be completed once a year at a minimum, that is used to provide feedback, support, and review of a student’s progress toward fulfilling non-course program requirements. This does not result in a performance designation (see Procedures section 18).

4. Goals, Values, and Principles

The values stipulated in the University’s Senate Policy Framework are applicable and fundamental to this policy.

Program delivery and assessment is intended to be clear, transparent, consistent, and timely with all parties accountable for their outlined responsibilities.

5. Categories of Students

5.1.  Program students
Program students are registered in full-time or part-time studies in a graduate program (Master’s, Doctoral or Professional Master’s Diploma) at the University.  They are continuously enrolled in their program until they graduate. See Procedures, Section 5.

5.1.1 Full-time graduate student
Students are full-time graduate students if they:

5.1.1.1. are enrolled in a full-time graduate program;

5.1.1.2. pursue graduate studies as a full-time commitment;

5.1.1.3. regularly interact with faculty members and utilize University resources either virtually or in-person; and

5.1.1.4. progress at a satisfactory pace as defined by the requirements of their respective programs and determined by their Graduate Program Director (GPD).

5.1.2 Part-time graduate student
Students are part-time graduate students if they:

5.1.2.1. are enrolled in a part-time graduate program;

5.1.2.2. are pursuing a diploma or degree but do not meet the requirements of full-time status as defined in Section 5.1.1; and

5.1.2.3. are not registered in more than two courses each term unless an exception exists within their program. 

5.1.3 Joint-degree student
Students are joint-degree students if they:

5.1.3.1 are enrolled in a joint degree program;

5.1.3.2 meet the requirements of a full-time or part-time graduate student at Toronto Metropolitan University; and

5.1.3.3 meet the requirements of the joint program.

5.1.4 Dual-degree student
Students are dual-degree students if they:

5.1.4.1 are enrolled in a dual-degree program.

5.1.4.2 meet the requirements of a full-time or part-time graduate student at Toronto Metropolitan University; and

5.1.4.3. meet the requirements of the dual-degree program.

5.2.  Non-program students
Non-program students are permitted to take graduate courses or conduct research under the supervision of a faculty member without being registered in a graduate program leading to a Toronto Metropolitan University credential.

5.2.1  Special status students

Students are special status students if they:

5.2.1.1 are not enrolled in a graduate program at the University;

5.2.1.2 intend to enrol at the University in no more than two graduate courses within a graduate discipline as a special student and/or conduct research under the supervision of a faculty member who is a member of YSGPS; and

5.2.1.3 have approval from the GPD, and the instructor of the course(s) prior to being enrolled in the course.

5.2.2.  Exchange students
Students are exchange students if they:

5.2.2.1 are not enrolled in a graduate program at the University;

5.2.2.2 are enrolled in an Exchange Program;

5.2.2.3 intend to enrol in courses at the University and/or conduct research under the supervision of a faculty member who is a member of YSGPS; and

5.2.2.4 have approval from the GPD, research supervisor, and/or the instructor of the course(s) prior to being enrolled in the course and/or commencing research.

5.2.3  Ontario Visiting Graduate Students (OVGS)
Students are OVGS if they:

5.2.3.1 are graduate students registered at another Ontario university (the home university) and enrol in graduate courses at Toronto Metropolitan University (the host university) while remaining registered at the home university;

5.2.3.2 meet the criteria, and have been approved through the OVGS procedure as outlined by the Council of Ontario Universities;

5.2.3.3 have approval from their home university to complete one or more of their degree requirements at Toronto Metropolitan University; and

5.2.3.4 have approval from the instructor of the course(s), the GPD, and the Vice-Provost and Dean of YSGPS prior to enrolment in any course(s).

6. Academic Performance Evaluation

6.1.  Course requirements

6.1.1  Graduate students must complete courses and any non-course curricular requirements if applicable, in accordance with their program’s curriculum requirements.

6.1.2  All program requirements are included in the graduate calendar.

6.1.3  All courses and assigned grades are displayed on the student’s academic record and official transcript.

6.2. Evaluation of Course Requirements

6.2.1  Course requirements are applicable to all graduate level required courses and electives as well as directed study courses.

6.2.2  The course instructor assigns final course marks as letter grades or other performance designations, as appropriate.

6.2.3  Credit towards program requirements will only be granted for a course where a student achieves a minimum grade of:

6.2.3.1   B- at the Master’s level; or

6.2.3.2  B for the Doctoral level; or

6.2.3.3  Pass in Pass/Fail courses.

6.2.3.4  A course performance designation of AEG or CRT.

6.2.4  Graded course performance designation

6.2.4.1  Graduate grading scale and GPA scale conversion.

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6.2.4.2 Variance from graduate percentage conversion to letter grades;

Courses that use a different conversion scale than specified in Section 6.2.4.1 must clearly state the conversion process in the course outline.

6.2.4.3 Rounding of percentage grades;

The final numerical grade in a course will be rounded to the nearest integer using normal rounding rules before converting to a letter grade. For example, 69.5% would be rounded to 70% and 69.3% would be rounded to 69%.

6.2.5  Other course performance designations

6.3. Non-course program requirements 

Most non-course program requirements are related to SRC. These can include, but are not limited to, graduate seminars, theses, major research papers, major research projects, comprehensive/candidacy examinations, dissertations, and required certifications. Programs may have additional non-course requirements.

6.3.1  Graduate students in research-based master’s programs must complete an MRP, creative work or a thesis in accordance with their program requirements. Refer to Sections 20 and 21 of Procedures.

6.3.2  Graduate students in doctoral programs must complete the prepatory requirements of the program and a dissertation, creative work and/or an oral exam in accordance with their program requirements. Refer to Sections 22 and 23 of Procedures.

6.3.3  Non-course degree requirement performance designations will display on the academic record and official transcript.

6.4.  Evaluation of Non-course program requirements

6.4.1  Once a student begins working on their non-course degree requirements, their supervisor/supervisory committee will assign a performance designation of:

6.4.1.1  INP (in progress) is granted for satisfactory progress;

6.4.1.2 UNS (unsatisfactory) is granted for unsatisfactory progress.

6.4.2.  Performance designations will be submitted each term as part of the review of the Plan of Study, in alignment with grade submission deadlines. Please see Procedures Sections 17.3 for more information on the Plan of Study review.

6.4.3  The final evaluation for a non-course requirement is assigned by the GPD, supervisor, or examining committee as appropriate.

6.4.4  Completion of SRC-specific requirements

6.4.4.1  An examining committee will assess the written and/or creative work as well as a student’s ability to defend it, where appropriate, by vote in accordance with the procedures.

6.4.4.2  Students will receive a final evaluation for each SRC requirement.

6.4.4.2.1   Pass is granted for work that meets the expectations of the examining committee; or

6.4.4.2.2  Fail is granted for work that does not meet the expectations of the examining committee.

6.4.4.3.  A final evaluation of Pass will result in a performance designation of Completed.

6.4.4.4  A final evaluation of Fail will result in a performance designation of Unsatisfactory.

6.4.5  Credit towards graduation requirements will only be granted where a final evaluation for a non-course program requirement is indicated as Completed. This will display on the academic record and official transcript.

6.5.  Progress Reviews

6.5.1 Students will be required to submit progress reviews in accordance with YSGPS, program and Faculty requirements.

6.6.  Plan of Study

6.6.1   Students and supervisors/supervisory committees/advisors will be required to complete and submit to their GDP a plan of study that outlines what courses the student will enroll in and the non-course expectations for each term in their program.

6.6.2  The timelines for the completion of the initial Plan of Study and the ongoing review of and amendments to the Plan of Study are outlined in Procedures Section 17.

7. Academic Standing

7.1. Clear

7.1.1 Clear standing is assigned when students have:

7.1.1.1 a minimum passing grade in each graduate course; and

7.1.1.2 INP on the Plan of Study review, where applicable.

7.1.2 Students with a clear standing may continue in their program of study.

7.2. Provisional

7.2.1 Provisional standing is assigned when students have:

7.2.1.1. one UNS on a Plan of Study review but no failed grades; or

7.2.1.2. one failed grade but no UNS on the Plan of Study review; or 

7.2.1.3. failed to meet a specific program requirement.

7.2.2 Students with Provisional standing may not continue their program of study until a specific provisional plan to correct academic deficiencies has been authorized in writing by their supervisor and GPD, signed by the student, and recorded with the Office of the Registrar. Normally the deficiencies must be addressed within a maximum of one year. Students who are substituting a different course for a failed course must request, before the last day to add courses, that the substituted course be used in place of the failed course for GPA calculation and graduation requirements.

7.2.3 Students who fail to have a provisional plan approved prior to the official last date to add a course in the term following the application of the Provisional status, may have their enrolment cancelled for that term, or be withdrawn from the program.

7.3. Withdrawn

7.3.1. Withdrawn status is assigned when students have:

7.3.1.1   Two UNS performance designations in the review of the Plan of Study; or

7.3.1.2  Two failed grades; or

7.3.1.3  One failed grade and one UNS performance designation in the review of the Plan of Study; or

7.3.1.4  Failure to meet the requirements of a provisional plan; or

7.3.1.5  Failure to meet the program’s preparatory phase requirements; or

7.3.1.6  A final evaluation of Fail for a thesis, major project/paper or dissertation; or

7.3.1.7  Failure to complete the graduate program within the maximum allowable time to completion as defined in the procedures.  Extensions to the maximum time to completion may be requested as described in Procedures section 8.

7.3.2. Students who have been withdrawn from a program due to these reasons are not eligible for readmission into that program without the approval of the Vice-Provost and Dean, YSGPS. Note: The Vice-Provost and Dean, YSGPS cannot override any decision made by the Senate Appeals Committee on academic standing.

7.4.  Open 

Open status is assigned when there is an INP or INC designation in a course during the term. Students with an open standing may continue in their program of study.

8.  Administrative Withdrawal 

A student who has not participated in, nor paid fees for their program, or has not responded to program correspondence for a term, will be withdrawn from the program.

9.  Disciplinary Withdrawal 

Disciplinary withdrawal may be assigned as a penalty in response to violations of TMU Senate Policy 60: Academic Integrity and/or as a sanction per Senate Policy 61: Toronto Metropolitan Student Code of Non-Academic Conduct . (Non-Academic Disciplinary Withdrawal).

10. Graduation

10.1. Students are eligible to graduate from a graduate program when they have:

10.1.1  Been formally admitted to and registered in the program;

10.1.2 successfully completed all graduate program requirements; and

10.1.3 have formally applied to graduate.

11. Interpretation and Application

The interpretation and application of this policy is the responsibility of The Vice-Provost and Dean, YSGPS, who also makes final decisions, where required, under this policy.

In extreme or unusual circumstances, The Vice-Provost and Dean, YSGPS, may authorize exceptions to this policy on medical, compassionate, procedural or humanitarian grounds. Note: The Vice-Provost and Dean, YSGPS cannot override any decision made by the Senate Appeals Committee on grades or academic standing.

 

Related Procedures:

Procedures: Graduate Status, Enrolment and Evaluation

Related Policies:

Senate Policy 60: Academic Integrity

Senate Policy 61: Toronto Metropolitan Student Code of Non-Academic Conduct

Senate Policy 163: Graduate Admissions

Related Documents:

YSGPS Graduate Calendar

 

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Appendix 1 Acronyms and Key Terms

Appendix 2: Course Designations

AEG: (Aegrotat) - credit granted by the Vice-Provost and Dean, YSGPS, in consultation with the instructor, only under exceptional circumstances when there has been acceptable performance in a course and some course work remains to be completed.

AUD: (Audit) - course attended as auditor only.

CNC: (Course not for credit) - course not for credit in the current program, this designation is recorded on the transcript as information supplementary to the grade earned in the course.

CRT: (Credit) - transfer credit achieved through an acceptable grade in an equivalent graduate course which has been completed at Toronto Metropolitan University or in a graduate program at another institution and which is deemed equivalent to a course in the student’s graduate program. Equivalency is determined by the GPD or faculty member who is responsible for teaching the course in the student’s graduate program. Such credit should be granted as a part of the admission process.

For a student already registered in the Program, this type of credit will normally require a Letter of Permission from the student’s GPD prior to registering in the course.

Transfer credits will count toward the student’s graduation requirements but will not be used in grade point average calculation. Students may not receive transfer credits for more than 50% of their current Program course requirements.

DEF: (Deferred) - an interim grade assigned during the investigation of academic misconduct (as described in Policy 60: Academic Integrity). The DEF grade will be replaced by an official course grade upon resolution of the matter.

FNA: (Failure, Non-Attendance) - awarded by the instructor when the student has been absent from the majority of course meetings and/or has submitted no work for evaluation. This grade will be assigned when a student abandons a course without completing a formal withdrawal prior to established deadline dates. This grade is counted as a failure in the calculations of GPA and academic standing.

GNR: (Grade not recorded) – grades have not been submitted for an entire class. The student should immediately initiate an inquiry with the faculty member and/or graduate program.

INC: (Incomplete) - incomplete coursework or a missed final examination due to documented health or compassionate grounds. An INC can be awarded only when some work remains to be completed and when the completion of the outstanding work or an alternate examination may result in a passing final grade. The outstanding work or alternate examination must be completed by a specified date not later than the grade submission deadline unless alternate arrangements have been made. The INC will be replaced by an official course grade when the work is completed, or with an “F” if not completed. An INC is not included in GPA calculation, nor as a credit or failed course.

INP: (In Progress) – indicates coursework in progress with at least one more term of formal course enrolment and study required for completion (e.g. extended absence requires repeating the course is still in progress). An INP is not included in GPA calculation, nor as a credit or failed course.

PSD: (Passed) - acceptable performance in a course graded only pass or fail, as predefined in the Graduate Calendar

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Procedures:

1. Purpose of Procedures

The Graduate Status, Enrolment, and Evaluation Procedures (“Procedures”) outline the procedures to be followed throughout the graduate student cycle from enrolment to graduation at Toronto Metropolitan University (the “University”) and identify the roles and responsibilities of those involved in processes.

2. Residency

In order to earn a Toronto Metropolitan University graduate degree or diploma, all students are required to complete a minimum of 50% of their program’s course requirements and all non-course program requirements while enrolled in the program from which they are graduating at Toronto Metropolitan University.

3. Minimum Residency

3.1.  All graduate programs must specify a minimum length in terms, which is normally the shortest period of time a student must be registered in a program in order to qualify for the degree or diploma.

3.2. The minimum residency for a program normally predetermines the minimum total academic fees that the student must pay prior to graduation.

3.3. In cases where a minimum residency is not indicated by the program, the following apply:

3.3.1  PMDip: 2 full-time terms or equivalent

3.3.2  Master’s: 3 full-time terms or equivalent

3.3.3  Doctoral: 8 full-time terms or equivalent

4. First Enrolment

Students beginning their graduate programs will register for the first time at the start of the academic term indicated in their letter of admission.

5. Continuous Enrolment

Students admitted to graduate programs are required to maintain continuous enrolment, including payment of applicable fees, in every fall, winter, and spring/summer term their program until all requirements of their program have been met, unless they have been granted a leave of absence or have withdrawn from the program.

6. Simultaneous Registration

6.1.  Simultaneous registration in two programs (including at other universities), where at least one of which is a graduate program at Toronto Metropolitan University, whether part-time or full-time, requires the consent of both programs concerned and the Vice-Provost and Dean, YSGPS.

6.2. Students are normally responsible for fees charged for both programs.

6.3.  When the two programs are both Graduate programs at Toronto Metropolitan University, the outcome of a student's performance in all courses for each term will be included in a single GPA calculation each term.

7. Transfer Credits

7.1. A graduate level course completed prior to enrolment in a student’s current program may be assessed for use towards program requirements if:

7.1.1 no more than 50% of their program requirements are fulfilled with transfer credits;

7.1.2 no degree has been conferred using the course;

7.1.3 the student provides proof that they have withdrawn from any other programs;

7.1.4 the course was not used towards the basis for admission to the current program; and

7.1.5 the Graduate Program Director (GPD) grants approval.

7.2. A graduate level course completed at another institution while students are enrolled in a program at Toronto Metropolitan University may be assessed and used toward program requirements if:

7.2.1 it is formally approved on a Letter of Permission (LOP) prior to enrolment;

7.2.2 no more than 50% of their program requirements are fulfilled with transfer credits; and

7.2.3 the GPD grants approval.

8. Time to Completion

All graduate students are expected to complete their programs in the timeline outlined by the graduate program.

8.1. Maximum time to completion

8.1.1  In some circumstances, students may require more time than specified by their program to complete the program requirements. In these circumstances, students must still meet all requirements within the maximum allowable time to completion: 

8.1.1.2 Master’s program (full-time): three years (nine semesters) 

8.1.1.3 Master’s program (part-time): five years (fifteen semesters) 

8.1.1.4 Doctoral program (part-or full-time): six years (eithteen semesters) 

8.1.2  Students who are granted a change in status from part-time to full-time or from full-time to part-time will have their time to completion adjusted for completion included in their approval.

8.2. Extension of time to completion

If students cannot complete program requirements before the maximum time to completion as stipulated in Procedure 8.1, they must apply for an extension.

8.2.1 Under extenuating circumstances, the GPD, in consultation with the student’s supervisor, can grant a one term extension to the time to completion.

8.2.2 An application for an extension of more than one term or any subsequent petition must be granted final approval from the Vice-Provost and Dean, YSGPS.

8.2.3 Students who do not apply for extension by the last date to add a course for the term, or if the petition is not approved, may be withdrawn from the program.

8.2.4 Students who are withdrawn from their program must apply for readmission to the program and apply for an extension.

9. Leave of Absence (LOA)

9.1. Parental LOA

9.1.1  Students will be granted a parental LOA at any time during their pregnancy or within twelve months of the date of birth or custody of a child. 

9.1.2  Approval of a parental LOA will only be granted with the application that outlines their plan for a successful return to their program and appropriate supporting documentation.

9.1.3. The GPD can grant a student’s parental LOA for a maximum of five terms . Any parental LOA beyond five terms requires approval of the Vice-Provost and Dean. 

9.2. Health, Financial or Compassionate LOA 

9.2.1 In rare circumstances, where students are unable to meet the requirement of continuous enrolment, a LOA may be granted.

9.2.2 A student may apply for a LOA where there are serious or significant health, financial or compassionate situations.

9.2.3 Approval of a LOA will only be granted with the application that outlines their plan, with appropriate supporting documentation, for a successful return to their program.

9.2.4 The GPD can grant a student’s first LOA for a maximum of one term.

9.2.5 The Vice-Provost and Dean, YSGPS must grant final approval for LOAs of more than one term.  Normally an LOA should not exceed three terms.

9.2.6 Under extraordinary circumstances, an extended LOA or a subsequent LOA may be approved by the Vice-Provost and Dean, YSGPS.

9.3. Terms of a LOA

9.3.1 Students who are granted a LOA will not:

9.3.1.1 be required to pay fees during the leave;

9.3.1.2 have that term of the leave included in the calculation of time to completion for the degree;

9.3.1.3 be entitled to use the services of the University or the program during the leave except for Toronto Metropolitan University counselling services if needed;

9.3.1.4 have access to supervisors or supervision; 

9.3.1.5 have access to labs or research facilities; and

9.3.1.6 be working towards the completion of program requirements while on leave.

9.3.2 A LOA will not be granted for students in the first term of a program as indicated in their letter of admission without the approval of the Vice-Provost and Dean, YSGPS.

9.3.3 Students who are granted a LOA will normally have their funding paused during the leave. The ability to resume funding upon their return from the leave should be discussed in a timely way.

9.3.4 Students who are returning from a LOA must: 

9.3.4.1 have a plan for completion of program requirements upon their return that has been approved by their faculty advisor/supervisor, GPD, and Vice-Provost and Dean, YSGPS where appropriate; and

9.3.4.2 register for a minimum of one term before completion of the program.

9.3.5  Students who fail to return from a LOA on the expected date may be withdrawn from their program.

10. Change of Program Degree or Status

Students who want to change graduate programs must apply to the new program through the standard admissions procedures.

10.1. Transfer from Master’s to Doctoral degree within the same program

10.1.1 In some graduate programs, a graduate student may transfer from a Master’s degree to a Doctoral degree without completing the Master’s degree.

10.1.2 YSGPS requirements for this type of transfer include:

10.1.2.1 completion of all course requirements for the Master’s degree with a minimum 3.67 GPA;

10.1.2.2 demonstrated strong research potential; and

10.1.2.3 GPD and supervisor or Supervisory Committee’s permission.

10.1.3 Program specific requirements for this type of transfer can be found on the YSGPS or graduate program website.

10.1.4 A student who transfers from a Master’s degee to a Doctoral degree may not transfer back to the Master’s degree nor receive a Master’s degree in that program without the approval of the Vice-Provost and Dean, YSGPS.

10.2. Transfer from Doctoral to Master’s degree within the same program

10.2.1 In some graduate programs, a graduate student may transfer from a Doctoral degree to a Master’s degree.

10.2.2 The specific conditions for this type of transfer, including additional requirements and number of terms allowed to complete requirements, will be outlined by the program.

10.2.3 A student who transfers from a Doctoral degree to a Master’s degree may not transfer back to the Doctoral degree except with the approval of the Vice-Provost and Dean, YSGPS.

10.3.  Change from one degree to another at the same level and program

10.3.1 In some graduate programs, a student may transfer from one degree to another, at the same level (example: MEng to MSc) subject to consultation with and the approval of the GPD.

10.3.2 The specific conditions for this type of transfer including additional requirements and number of terms allowed to complete requirements will be stipulated by the program.

10.4.  Change of status between part-time and full-time

10.4.1 In some circumstances, a student may change status from full-time to part-time or part-time to full-time subject to consultation with and the approval of the program GPD.

10.4.2 Normally, a student may not transfer from full-time to part-time when the only remaining program requirement is a thesis, MRP or dissertation.

11. Enrolment Fees

11.1 Students are required to pay applicable fees from initial enrolment in a program through to the term in which they complete all program requirements or officially withdraw.

11.2 Students who are granted a LOA will not be required to pay fees during the leave.

12. Minimum Degree Fees

The minimum degree fee for all programs (part-time and full-time) is based on the minimum time to completion for a full-time student in the program, as stated on the YSGPS website.

12.1.  If students complete their program without paying the minimum degree fee, a “Balance of Degree Fee” will be assessed just prior to graduation.

12.2. The fee is based on tuition fees only, as published on the fees schedule in effect at the time of graduation.

13. Voluntary Withdrawal

13.1 A student who chooses not to continue in a program must officially withdraw from the program. Withdrawn students will not be entitled to use the services of the University or the program.

13.2 A student who voluntarily withdraws from their program must apply for readmission through the Graduate Admissions Office to re-enter the program. Readmission is not guaranteed and may be subject to conditions including but not limited to additional courses or other academic work to align with any curriculum changes.

14. Administrative Withdrawal

14.1 A student who has not participated in, nor paid fees for their program, or has not responded to program correspondence for a term, will be withdrawn from the program. Withdrawn students will not be entitled to use the services of the University or the program.

14.2 A student who is administratively withdrawn from their program must apply for readmission through the Graduate Admissions Office to re-enter the program. Readmission is not guaranteed and may be subject to conditions including but not limited to additional courses or other academic work to align with any curriculum changes.

15. Course Related Procedures

15.1. Add/Drop Courses

All graduate course additions and drops must be processed by the dates listed on the Significant Dates in the Graduate Calendar.

15.2. Course Audit

15.2.1 To audit a course, students must have written approval from their supervisor and from the course instructor using the approved Course Audit Form before the last day to add a course. Any requirements of the auditor must be stipulated in writing by the instructor at the time of authorization.

15.2.2 A graduate student, while paying program fees, may audit the equivalent of two one-credit courses in any graduate or undergraduate program at the University without additional fees.

15.2.3 Courses taken for audit will not count for credit toward the student’s program, but will appear on the student’s transcript with the designation “AUD” in lieu of a grade. 

15.2.4 Failure of the auditor to fulfil the requirements will result in withdrawal from the course.

15.3. Course Substitution

Students may use an appropriate non-program graduate level course to fulfil a program requirement or elective with authorization from the student’s supervisor/advisor and GPD.

15.4. Grade Substitution

15.4.1 For the purpose of improving GPA/CGPA, students may substitute a different course for a previously taken elective course regardless of the mark received, with authorization from the student’s supervisor/advisor and GPD.

15.4.2 Students are required to submit a GPA Adjustment Form to the Registrar's office no later than the final date to add a course for the term.

15.5 Course Repeat

15.5.1 Students may be allowed to repeat a course once, with approval from their GPD. Any subsequent repeats of the course will require approval of the Vice-Provost and Dean, YSGPS.

15.5.2 The original grade will continue to appear on the student’s academic record, but only the last grade achieved for a repeated course (whether higher or lower) will count in the GPA and CGPA.

16. Supervision

16.1. Advisor or supervisor arrangement

16.1.1 Graduate students require a faculty advisor or supervisor who is a YSGPS member from the student’s program who is approved by the GPD.

16.1.2 When a faculty advisor is initially paired with a student in a program where research is involved, a supervisor will be determined once the student’s research area is identified.

16.2. Supervisory relationship

16.2.1 Graduate students and faculty supervisors must adhere to all University policies and all expectations outlined by the YSGPS.

16.2.2 Graduate students and faculty supervisors must adhere to all expectations outlined within their graduate program. 

16.2.3 The role of the faculty advisor or supervisor is to provide academic advising and monitor the student’s progress toward the completion of the program.

16.2.4 Where a dissertation, thesis or MRP is part of a student’s curriculum, the student’s supervisor shall:

16.2.4.1 meet regularly with the student;

16.2.4.2 review the student’s proposal and recommend its approval to the GPD normally not less than one to two terms (depending on the length of the program) prior to the expected date of program completion;

16.2.4.3 review the student’s Plan of Study each term and assign a performance designation for non-course program requirements (see Procedures, Section 17)

16.2.4.4 complete the supervisor’s portion of the student’s annual Progress Review (see Procedures, Section 18)

16.2.4.5 evaluate the readiness of the MRP, thesis or dissertation (and the paper or project if required) to be examined orally, and make a recommendation to the GPD regarding a date for the defence and the composition of the Examining Committee;

16.2.4.6 ensure that a copy of the student’s work is sent to each member of the student’s Examining Committee when required; and

16.2.4.7 uphold any graduate program specific expectations of supervisors.

16.3. Supervisory Committee for Doctoral students

16.3.1 The membership of a student’s Supervisory Committee:

16.3.1.1 is composed of the student’s supervisor(s), one faculty member from the student’s program who is a member of YSGPS, and up to two additional YSGPS members. The members should remain on the committee throughout the student’s research.

16.3.1.2 may include an expert in the field of research or a Toronto Metropolitan University faculty member who is not a member of YSGPS; and

16.3.1.3 is recommended by a student’s supervisor to the GPD for approval.

16.3.2 The GPD shall forward to the Vice-Provost and Dean, YSGPS the recommendations for committee appointments in accordance with program expectations no later than the beginning of the third year of study. 

The Supervisory Committee shall:

16.3.2.1 be chaired by the student’s supervisor;

16.3.2.2 at minimum, meet once annually with the student;

16.3.2.3 review the student's preparedness and establish a timeline of expected progress;

16.3.2.4 update the GPD when the student successfully completes a non-course program component and has set a research topic;

16.3.2.5 update the GPD when the student is unsuccessful in completing a non-course program component and provide detailed reasons for the decision to the GPD, Vice-Provost and Dean, YSGPS, and the student within two weeks of the failed attempt;

16.3.2.6 formally approve the dissertation proposal;

16.3.2.7 complete any requirements as indicated by the graduate program; and

16.3.2.8 evaluate the readiness of the dissertation to be examined and, with majority agreement, make a recommendation to the GPD regarding the formation of the Examining Committee.

17. Plan of Study

The Plan of Study establishes the plan and timeline for courses and/or non-course requirements that a student is expected to follow in order to complete their program requirements.

17.1. In consultation with the student, the supervisor/advisor will recommend an initial Plan of Study including submitting it to the GPD for approval.

17.2. This should normally be completed within the first four weeks of the program.

17.3. The Plan of Study should be reviewed at a minimum of once each term, prior to course enrolment by the student for the following term, and any additions or changes should be discussed and approved between the student and the supervisor and submitted to the GPD.

17.4. Non-course program requirements should only be included in the Plan of Study during the term prior to when the student starts working on their non-course program requirements.

17.5. A copy of each student’s Plan of Study should be retained by the program for each term that is submitted for a minimum of 1-year after the student graduates.

17.6. Once a student has begun the non-course program requirements for their degree as indicated on their Plan of Study, they will be assigned a performance designation before the grade submission deadline of each term by their Supervisor or Supervisory Committee (as determined by the graduate program).

18. Progress Reviews

The Progress Review is used to provide feedback, support, and review of a student’s progress toward fulfilling non-course program requirements (e.g. progress in the MRP/thesis/creative work/dissertation), where appropriate, and a chance for students to record responses to this feedback.

18.1. Every student should submit Progress Review forms in accordance with their program requirements.

18.2. Programs may set individual requirements for progress review forms as long as the content meets YSGPS requirements and submission is required a minimum of once per academic year.

18.3. The student will initiate the process by completing the student portion of the review form and submitting to their supervisor.

18.4. The supervisor will complete the supervisor portion of the review.

18.5. In the event that the student does not present a completed Progress Review Form by the submission deadline, the supervisor will complete one and this may impact the student’s performance designation for the term it was due;

18.6. Following review of the supervisor’s comments, the student will submit the Progress Review Form for the GPD by the deadline set by the program who may add additional comments.

18.7. A copy of the final review form must be shared with the student and kept on file by the program.

19. Readiness for Examination

19.1 The supervisor(s) or supervisory committee, in consultation with the student, will determine if the student is ready for defence and will establish an Examining Committee and schedule the defence.

19.2 If consensus is not reached with regard to readiness, the student has the right to petition the GPD in order to proceed to their defence by establishing the Examining Committee, and scheduling the defence.

19.3 Where the GPD is the student’s supervisor, the student may petition the Vice-Provost and Dean, YSGPS.

20. Master’s MRP Requirements

If an oral examination is part of the MRP evaluation it may be held in-person, virtually, or a hybrid of in-person and virtual. The oral examination committee Chair will confirm the format of the examination in consultation with the student and the rest of the committee (subject to the availability of appropriate technology).

20.1. Readiness of Examination

Refer to Procedure 19 for the process.

20.2. Examining Committees

20.2.1 The Examining Committee will be appointed by the GPD when the student and supervisor agree the MRP is ready for assessment.

20.2.2 The Examining Committee is composed of a minimum of three members: the student’s supervisor(s), the GPD or designate, and one faculty member from the student’s program who is a member of YSGPS.

20.2.3 The Vice-Provost and Dean, YSGPS may approve the appointment of an expert professional in the field of the MRP, or a Toronto Metropolitan University faculty member who is not a member of the YSGPS, to serve as an additional member of the Examining Committee.

20.2.4 The committee will vote by simple majority on the assessment decision. 

20.2.5 The GPD, or designate, will serve as Chair and will only have a vote in the event that other votes result in a tie.

20.3. Evaluation of MRP

Evaluation of MRP is coordinated by a student’s supervisor in accordance with the graduate program’s procedures.

21. Master’s Thesis Requirements

Defences may be held in-person, virtually, or a hybrid of in-person and virtual. The defence committee Chair will confirm the format of the defence in consultation with the student and the rest of the committee (subject to the availability of appropriate technology).

21.1. Readiness for Examination

Refer to Procedure 19 for the process.

21.2. Examining Committee

21.2.1 Committee membership is recommended by the student’s supervisor and must be approved by the GPD.

21.2.2 The Examining Committee is composed of a minimum of four members: the student’s supervisor(s), the GPD or designate, one faculty member from the student’s program who is a member of YSGPS, and normally, one faculty member who is not involved in the student’s research and not part of the supervisory committee, and is a YSGPS member from any graduate program.

21.2.3 The Faculty Dean or the Vice-Provost and Dean, YSGPS may approve the appointment of an expert professional in the field of the thesis, or a Toronto Metropolitan University faculty member who is not a member of the YSGPS, to serve as an additional member of the Examining Committee.

21.2.4 The GPD, or designate, will serve as Chair.

21.3. Examination Date

The examination date is set by the student’s supervisor in consultation with the Examining Committee and student, only when the Examining Committee is formally appointed.

21.4. Circulation of Material

21.4.1 The student will provide the final document for examination to each committee member at least two weeks prior to the defence or as determined by the program. 

21.4.2 Committee members may request digital or hard copies as necessary.

21.5. Role of the Chair

21.5.1 The Chair is responsible for maintaining decorum during the examination, and ensuring that the student’s work is given a fair and equitable assessment.

21.5.2 The examination is public, but the Chair has the authority to exclude persons whose conduct disturbs the examination.

21.5.3 The Chair presides over the deliberations of the Examining Committee but only votes in the case of a tie.

21.6. Non-attendance

21.6.1 Member(s) of the committee who cannot attend the defence in-person or through video conferencing, must submit a written report to the Chair at least one week before the defence.

21.6.2 The Chair will appoint a delegate for the absent member, who cannot be an existing member of the committee, to present the report at the examination.

21.6.3 No more than two members may be absent from the defence. The supervisor(s) must attend the defence.

21.6.4 If any committee member is absent, and has not been replaced by a delegate, the examination may proceed only with the approval of the student and the Examining Committee Chair.

21.6.5 Delegates have the status of a committee member, and their vote substitutes for that of the absent member.

21.7. Presentation

21.7.1 The examination begins with an oral presentation by the student using whatever aids are required to make an effective presentation.

21.7.2 The focus of the presentation is the main contributions and conclusions of the work.

21.8. Questions

21.8.1 The Chair gives priority to questions from members of the committee.

21.8.2 Usually the questions by the supervisor are last.

21.8.3 The Chair must ascertain that all of the questions from an absent committee member have been adequately presented by the delegate who may also pose any additional questions deemed necessary.

21.8.4 At the discretion of the Chair, non-committee members in attendance may ask questions.

21.9. Deliberations

21.9.1 Only the Examining Committee, including delegates, will be present during deliberations.

21.9.2 Examining Committee members who are attending remotely are responsible for ensuring confidentiality.

21.10. Decisions

21.10.1 The decision of the Examining Committee shall be by vote and shall be based on the written and/or creative work and on the student’s ability to defend it.

21.10.2 The committee will vote by simple majority on the assessment decision.

21.10.3 Where there is a co-supervisor, one vote will be shared equally between them.

21.10.4 The Chair will only vote in the event that other votes result in a tie.

21.10.5 The Chair will record the decisions of all committee members including those who are attending remotely.

21.10.6 The student must pass both the oral examination and the written work.

21.10.7 The following decisions are open to the examining committee:

21.11. Oral Examination Decisions

21.11.1 Pass is granted for work that meets the expectations of the examining committee.

21.11.2 Decision deferred until major revisions on written/creative work are submitted and the committee has reconvened when necessary.

21.11.3 Fail is granted for work that does not meet the expectations of the examining committee.

21.12. Written and/or Creative Work Decisions

21.12.1 Pass is granted for work that may require minor revisions that do not radically modify the development/argument of the thesis. Expectations shall be clearly specified in writing to the student and the supervisor shall ensure that they are made. When the supervisor confirms that the changes have been made, the examination requirement has been met. 

21.12.2 Major Revision is granted for work that requires revisions ranging from rewriting a large part of a chapter to including additional work. Detailed reasons for referring the paper for major revision and expectations will be supplied in writing by the Chair of the Examining Committee to the Vice-Provost and Dean, YSGPS, the GPD, the supervisor and the student within one week following the oral examination.

21.12.3 The Examining Committee must give final approval to the major revisions by reconvening the examination or by consultation.

21.12.4 If the decision by consultation on the major revisions is unsatisfactory, the examination must be reconvened.

21.12.5 Upon reconvening, a final decision must be made.

21.12.6 Decisions are limited to Pass or Fail.

21.12.7 Fail is granted for work that does not meet the expectations of the committee. Detailed reasons for the decision will be supplied in writing by the Chair of the Examining Committee to the Vice-Provost and Dean, YSGPS, the GPD, and the student within one week following the oral examination.

22. Doctoral Preparatory Phase

22.1. Every Doctoral program requires the completion of one or more preparatory or foundation phases. This may take the form of one or more of the following examples:

22.1.1 comprehensive examination;

22.1.2 candidacy examination;

22.1.3 qualifying examination;

22.1.4 dissertation proposal; and/or

22.1.5 proposal defence.

22.2 Preparatory phase requirements must normally be completed successfully within two years, and no later than three years, from the date of program registration or a UNS may be assigned.

22.3 Individual programs may also require an internal preliminary examination before approval to go to formal presentation, which may include an external examination.

23. Doctoral Dissertation Phase

Defences may be held in-person, virtually, or a hybrid of in-person and virtual. The defence committee Chair will confirm the format of the defence in consultation with the student and the rest of the committee (subject to the availability of appropriate technology).

23.1. Readiness for Examination

Refer to Procedure 19 for the process.

23.2. Examining Committee

23.2.1 Committee membership is recommended to the GPD by the student’s supervisory committee in consultation with the student.

23.2.2 The Examining Committee will be composed of: the supervisor(s); two faculty members from the student’s program who are members of YSGPS; one faculty member from outside of the program who is a member of the YSGPS; one member external to the University, and a non-voting Chair who is not from the program, who is appointed by the Vice-Provost and Dean, YSGPS.

23.2.3 If appropriate, an additional member who is an expert professional in the field of the dissertation, or a Toronto Metropolitan University faculty member who is not a member of the YSGPS may be recommended.

23.2.4 GPDs shall forward their recommendation regarding the composition of the Examining Committee to the Vice-Provost and Dean, YSGPS for approval, appointment, and assignment of the Chair.

23.3. Examination Date

The examination date is set by the student’s supervisor in consultation with the Examining Committee and student, only when the Examining Committee is formally appointed.

23.4. Circulation of Material

23.4.1 The student will provide the final document for examination to the external committee member at least six weeks prior to the defence or as determined by the program.

23.4.2 The student will provide the same version of the final document for examination to the remaining committee members at least four weeks prior to the defence or as determined by the program.

23.4.3. Committee members may request digital or hard copies as necessary.

23.5. External Examiner

23.5.1 External examiners will normally: 

23.5.1.1 be an expert in the field of the dissertation;

23.5.1.2 have experience with doctoral level graduate studies;

23.5.1.3 be at arms’ length from the dissertation; and

23.5.1.4 normally not have served on a Toronto Metropolitan University examining committee in the previous three years.

23.5.2 The External Examiner’s Report must:

23.5.2.1 be sent to the GPD at least two weeks prior to the scheduled defence; and

23.5.2.2 will be circulated to the Examining Committee Chair, student, and their supervisor one week before the examination.

23.6. Role of the Chair

23.6.1 The Chair is responsible for maintaining decorum during the examination, and ensuring that the student’s work is given a fair and equitable assessment.

23.6.2 The examination is public, but the Chair has the authority to exclude persons whose conduct disturbs the examination.

23.6.3 The Chair presides over the deliberations of the Examining Committee but only votes in the case of a tie.

23.7. Non-attendance

23.7.1 Member(s) of the committee who cannot attend the defence in-person or through video conferencing, must submit a written report to the Chair at least one week before the defence.

23.7.2 The Chair will appoint a delegate, who cannot be an existing member of the committee, for the absent member.

23.7.3 No more than two members may be absent from the defence. The supervisor(s) must attend the defence.

23.7.4 If any committee member is absent, and has not been replaced by a delegate, the examination may proceed only with the approval of the student and the Examining Committee Chair.

23.7.5 Delegates have the status of a committee member, and their vote substitutes for that of the absent member 

23.8. Presentation

23.8.1 The examination begins with an oral presentation of the dissertation by the student using whatever aids are required to make an effective presentation.

23.8.2 This focus of the presentation is the main contributions and conclusions of the work.

23.9. Questions

Following the presentation, questions may be asked.

23.9.1 The Chair gives priority to questions from members of the committee.

23.9.2 Usually the external examiner’s questions are presented first.

23.9.3 Usually the questions by the supervisor are last.

23.9.4 The Chair must ascertain that all of the questions from an absent committee member have been adequately presented by the delegate who may also pose any additional questions deemed necessary.

23.9.5 At the discretion of the Chair, non-committee members in attendance may ask questions.

23.10. Deliberations

23.10.1 Only the Examining Committee, including delegates, will be present during deliberations.

23.10.2 Examining committee members who are attending remotely are responsible for ensuring confidentiality.

23.10.3 If the external examiner is absent, the full external examiner’s report is shared with the committee.

23.11. Decisions

23.11.1 The decision of the Examining Committee shall be by vote and shall be based on the written and/or creative work and on the student’s ability to defend it.

23.11.2 The committee will vote by simple majority on the assessment decision.

23.11.3 The Chair will only have a vote in the event that other votes result in a tie. 

23.11.4 The Chair will record the decisions of all committee members including those who are attending remotely.

23.11.5 Where there is more than one supervisor, a vote will be shared equally between them.

23.11.6 The student must pass both the oral examination and the written work.

23.11.7 The following decisions are open to the Examining Committee:

23.12. Oral Examination Decisions

23.12.1. Pass is granted for work that meets the expectations of the Examining Committee.

23.12.2 Decision deferred until major revisions submitted and the committee has reconvened when necessary.

23.12.3 Fail is granted for work that does not meet the expectations of the Examining Committee.

23.13. Written and/or Creative Work

23.12.1 Pass is granted for work that may require minor revisions that do not radically modify the development/argument of the paper.

23.12.2 Expectations shall be clearly specified in writing to the student and the Supervisor shall ensure that they are made. When the Supervisor confirms that the changes have been made, the examination requirement has been met.

23.13.3 Major Revision is granted for work that requires revisions ranging from rewriting a large part of a chapter to including additional work.

23.13.4 Detailed reasons for referring the paper for major revision and expectations will be supplied in writing by the Chair of the Examining Committee to the Vice-Provost and Dean, YSGPS, the GPD, the supervisor and the student within one week following the oral examination.

23.13.5 The Examining Committee must give final approval to the major revisions by reconvening the examination or by consultation.

23.13.6 If the decision by consultation on the major revisions is unsatisfactory, the examination must be reconvened.

23.13.7 Upon reconvening, a final decision must be made.

23.13.8 Decisions are limited to Pass or Fail. Fail is granted for work that does not meet the expectations of the program. Detailed reasons for the decision will be supplied in writing by the Chair of the Examining Committee to the Vice-Provost and Dean, YSGPS, the GPD, and the student within one week following the oral examination. 

24. Submission and Deposit of Theses and Dissertations

24.1. Following a successful examination, the student must submit the final copy of the thesis or dissertation, and MRP where required by the program, along with verification by the student’s supervisor and the GPD, that all required corrections or revisions have been made, in accordance with the submission procedures found on the YSGPS website.

24.2. As a condition of engaging in a graduate program of the University, the author of a submitted MRP, thesis or dissertation grants certain licences and waivers with respect to the circulation and copying of the MRP, thesis or dissertation. These licences and waivers take effect upon the submission of the copies listed above, except in cases of research non-disclosure, where they will take effect following the period of withholding. The licences and waivers are as follows:

24.2.1 The University Library will be permitted to allow consultation of the MRP, thesis or dissertation as part of the library collection and the making of single copies for another library or similar institution or for an individual for private study and research; and

24.2.2 Submission of a thesis or dissertation to the Library and Archives Canada (LAC) will be made as agreed to by the student on the LAC Non-exclusive Licence to Reproduce Theses form. The LAC does not accept major research papers/projects.

25. Research Non-Disclosure

In cases where a student’s non-course program requirement contains confidential or proprietary information, the student may request the following:

25.1. attendance of oral examination limited to the examining committee;

25.2. non-disclosure agreements with all examining committee members; and/or

25.3. delayed circulation of the document for a period of no more than 12 months from the date of final examination.

26. Governor General Gold Medal Award (GGGM)

26.1. The GGGM is awarded annually to the graduate student(s) who achieve(s) the highest academic standing at the graduate level.

26.2. The recipient(s) must be enrolled in full-time studies and have completed their program within the normal time frame (as determined by YSGPS). 

26.3. The Chair of a student’s Examining Committee will determine at the time of defence if a student should be considered for the award.

26.4. The GGGM is awarded at the Fall convocation and all students who completed their studies in the past year may be considered.

26.5. The number of GGGMs available each academic year is determined by the Office of the Governor General of Canada.

Related Policy:

Graduate Status, Enrolment, and Evaluation 

Related Documents:

YSGPS Forms

Dissertation, Theses and Exams

 (PDF file) YSGPS Thesis MRP and Dissertation Guidelines

 

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