Overview - GPD role
Graduate Program Directors are responsible for overseeing their graduate programs and for advising students on academic matters.
The GPD must be willing to devote the necessary time and resources to ensure the overall academic quality of the graduate program. The GPD functions as the authority for all academic matters in the Doctoral and/or Master’s program in their unit.
GPD responsibilities
- Provides academic oversight for the graduate program and oversees the graduate affairs committee(s) of the unit
- Understands and applies university-wide and program-specific rules, regulations and procedures for graduate education
- Understands, interprets and communicates graduate policies, procedures and resources to students, including but not limited to thesis guidelines, academic integrity, and student support services
- Monitors and implements program design and practice, including modification of degree requirements, and creation and retirement of graduate courses
- Liaises with external accreditation/licensing bodies about curriculum content (where required)
- Works with GPS, the Faculty and the department to assess enrolment capacity and strategic enrolment management for the program
- Ensures that all thesis students have appropriate supervision and supervisory committees
- Encourages best practices for supervision and helps mediate student-supervisor conflicts
- Works with supervisors to monitor the progress of students throughout the graduate program. Ensures the preparation and filing of annual progress reports. When necessary, works with supervisors, students and GPS to address any problems or delays.
- Advises students about coursework and timing of courses and thesis. Approves transfer credits and student course selection.
- Understands and disseminates information on thesis requirements. Approves thesis submissions, examiner nominations and composition of thesis committees.
- Oversees allocation of GPS and Faculty financial support. Plans and manages the distribution of funds allocated by the Faculty for graduate student support.
- Provides academic oversight for selection and preparation of fellowship applications. Oversees the evaluation process for internal and external awards.
- Holds recruitment/information sessions for prospective students. Oversees student orientation for incoming students.
- Oversees graduate research events (e.g. annual research day)
- Collaborates with graduate student associations to foster a positive social and academic climate in the department
Appointment of the GPD
With the goal of aiding units in appointing GPDs or other academic leaders with responsibilities for overseeing graduate programs, the following should be kept in mind:
Qualifications
The GPD requires:
- A tenured academic position
- Some experience in all major areas of graduate activities commensurate with the program’s offerings (e.g., if the program is a thesis program, the GPD should have had supervisory experience, acted as pro-dean, examined theses, offered graduate courses, etc.)
Term and recognition
For the sake of consistency within the graduate program and in its dealings with GPS, it is important that:
- the appointment of the GPD be established for a length of time that allows them to broaden their expertise to supervise the graduate program activities but also to gain an understanding of the program’s and GPS’s changing needs and long-term plans (e.g., a common term for a GPD is three years)
- the GPD receive appropriate recognition and accommodation for their service as GPD
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