McGill.CA / Student Life and Learning / Our Role / Task Force

Resources for Students: Funding and Space

The Principal’s Task Force made the following central recommendations regarding financial support and space for students:

  • McGill University should develop a base level of funding for graduate research students in all departments that is competitive with that offered by our peers, both Canadian and international.
  • The University should take measures to secure the resources necessary to offer sufficient assistance to undergraduate and professional students over the course of their program so that no candidate offered admission to McGill need turn down that offer for lack of financial assistance.
  • The University should provide adequate and safe laboratory and office work space on campus for all graduate students.
  • Informal meeting space available for students’ use should be distributed across the campus.

1.  Ensure adequate financial and physical resources for all students

Promote relevant public-policy initiatives to support University goals

The University, through the Office of Public Affairs, promotes relevant public-policy initiatives, which, in part, should support our goal of increasing funding for undergraduate and graduate students.

  • Timeline: Ongoing
  • Unit: Office of Public Affairs
  • Actions taken:
    • The Office of Public Affairs takes a leadership role in advocating for government programs, e.g., substantial and sustained reinvestment by the Quebec government in Quebec universities; the unfreezing of tuition fees; the government program of matching donations to Quebec universities in order to encourage growth in philanthropy; and a reduction of fees for international graduate students to the levels paid by Quebec graduate students.

Review cost of living and caps applied to student funding

Caps on levels of support are adjusted and eligible expenses are reconsidered on a regular basis, as is the link between University and government support.

  • Timeline: Ongoing
  • Unit: Scholarships and Student Aid, Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
  • Actions taken:
    • Bursary spending continues to grow as 30% of new revenue derived from tuition increases is reinvested in Student Aid.

Multi-year plan for providing adequate space for graduate students

The White Paper articulated commitments regarding space for graduate students: to improve the quality of office space made available to them, to ensure the quality of the equipment and surroundings in their laboratories, and to establish spaces for students in different fields to meet informally. Budgets for new space and renovating existing spaces are extremely constrained, nonetheless some preliminary steps have been taken.

  • Timeline: Ongoing
  • Unit: Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Planning and Institutional Analysis, Teaching and Learning Services, Faculties
  • Actions taken:
    • The 2008-09 University Budget indicated that future revenue increases resulting from increases in graduate enrolment will be dedicated to specific priorities, including space enhancements.
    • Winter 2008: Survey completed - dealt with three types of non-research and non-teaching space (personal; group learning; consultation)
    • Winter 2008: Catalogued and prioritized space needs, assessed resources.
    • Teaching and Learning Services undertook a graduate space audit.
    • In the past few years, enhancements to space especially for graduate students have been completed, e.g. Ferrier Building, Peterson Hall, 3610 McTavish, and New Chancellor Day Hall
  • Ongoing:
    • Assess and determine the type of space that will best serve students’ needs.
  • Upcoming:
    • Desautels Faculty of Management has plans to add office space in the Bronfman building for PhD students.

Undergraduate Laboratory upgrade

The initial upgrades, undertaken in Faculty of Science laboratories, were the first in a series of capital improvements to undergraduate teaching labs. Timeline: Phase I 2007-08; Phase II 2008-10

  • Timeline: Phase I 2007-08; Phase II 2008-09
  • Unit: University Teaching Lab working group, Planning and Institutional Analysis
  • Actions taken:
    • 2008-09: Allocations were made to complete the renovation programs for the Faculties of Law and Education, a continuation of the classroom upgrade program, and a new multi-year program to upgrade and improve the Universities teaching labs.
    • Phase I in Science is well underway and future needs in Science are being identified in Phase II.
    • Phase II is underway. A University-wide working group was established in 2008-09 to prioritize the upgrade of teaching laboratories in the faculties.

Teaching and learning physical space development

The vision for teaching and learning physical space development is under the purview of the Teaching and Learning Spaces Working Group (TLSWG) which identifies teaching and learning space needs, investigates new teaching and learning technologies, sets priorities and recommends funding for the creation and upgrade of new and existing teaching and learning spaces at McGill.

  • Timeline: Ongoing
  • Units: Teaching and Learning Services, Campus and Space Planning, Information Technology Services, Faculties.
  • Actions taken:
    • 2008-09: Two Active Learning Classrooms were created during Summer, 2009, based upon the research, planning, and extensive input from the McGill community. These two classrooms draw from SCALE‐UP (Student‐Centered Active Learning Environment for Undergraduate Programs) principles and classrooms established at over 40 universities across North America.
    • 2007-08: Enhancements to Bronfman, Leacock, Arts, Ferrier; redesign of Stewart Biology N2/2, Leacock 26, Trottier 3120, Burnside 708; 120-seat innovative lecture hall in the Stewart Biology Building created, as a result of collaboration between the Faculty of Science, the Departments of Biology and Psychology, and Teaching and Learning Services.
    • 2007: The TLSWG developed a set of principles for designing teaching and learning spaces based on the NSSE benchmarks. Since 2007, the TLSWG has worked incrementally to make renovations that promote student‐faculty interaction (SFI) and active and collaborative learning (ACL).
  • Upcoming:
    • The use of two Active Learning Classrooms will be analyzed and documented.

 

 

2.  Offer funding packages for undergraduates at the time that students are deciding on offers of admission.

Entrance Bursary Program

The Entrance Bursary Program, established in 2006, provides bursary assistance to students entering McGill, granted on the basis of academic standing, community service, and demonstrated financial need.

  • Timeline: Ongoing
  • Unit:
  • Actions taken:
    • 2008-09: Continued priority given to the Entrance Busrsary program in the 2008-09 University Budget

 

3.  Improve need-based financial assistance while enhancing the number of merit-based scholarships.

Financial aid is a priority in Campaign McGill

Undergraduate financial support, in the form of merit- and need-based awards, is a major priority in fundraising for Campaign McGill.
www.mcgill.ca/campaign/goalsandpriorities

  • Timeline: Beginning Fall 2007
  • Units: DAR, Faculties
  • Actions taken:
    • Campaign McGill was launched October 2007. The Campaign has set a goal of $75 million for scholarships and bursaries to attract and support top undergraduate students.

30% of net increases to tuition allocated to student aid

The unfreezing of tuition is tied to a commitment that 30% of the net revenues from tuition increases will be dedicated to need-based student aid.

  • Timeline: Ongoing
  • Units:Scholarships and Student Aid
  • Actions taken:
    • Funds set aside annually to provide financial assistance are provided to students in need. Banner Student Aid for Canada will help us to better understand unmet need and plan accordingly.

 

4.  Combinations of bursaries, fellowships, research and teaching assistantships would be considered to make up funding packages.

McGill International Doctoral Awards (MIDAs)

From 2010-11 to 2011-12, a new enrolment based funding model will see an increase of approximately $2M of central university funds made available to graduate students. With the goal of increasing graduate support, the new model will allow for the development of funding programs at the Faculty level. This will allow Faculties to be more competitive in attracting the best and brightest in their research areas.

  • Timeline: 2011-12; ongoing
  • Units: GPS, Faculties
  • Actions taken:
    • GPS funding allocations to Faculties made earlier in the funding cycle allowing earlier offers to go out to top applicants
    • GPS providing support to Faculties in a flexible, straightforward way which incentivizes enrolment growth
    • Faculties developing and implementing new funding strategies to attract and retain high caliber students.

Formalize goal of guaranteed minimum of graduate student support

  • Timeline: Plan 2008-09
  • Units: GPS, Faculties
  • Actions taken:
    • Phase One of the Graduate Enrolment and Recruitment Initiative (GERI) took effect in Winter 2008. Fellowships are available for recruitment of PhD and Research Master’s students who will be registering at McGill in September 2008, January 2009, and May 2009.
  • Upcoming:
    • The second phase is under discussion. It is projected to take effect 2009/10– 2010/11. It involves consultation with all stakeholders to produce a strategic university-wide enrolment plan for graduate studies.

 

5.  Encourage/support faculty members applying for all external funding that might enhance graduate student financial support.

Faculty-based research grant infrastructure support is being increased and central research grant support is being improved

Investments to facilitate efforts by our professoriate to obtain more research funding will result in additional direct and indirect help for students.

  • Timeline: Ongoing
  • Units: Office of the Vice Principal (Research and International Relations), Faculties
  • Actions taken:
    • Reorganization of Vice-Principal (Research and International Relations) services to enhance support for faculty to increase research funding.

 

6.  The University should increase resources available to fund graduate students over time.

Promote relevant public-policy initiatives to support university goals

The University, through the Office of Public Affairs promotes relevant public-policy initiatives, which, in part, should support our goal of increasing funding for graduate students. In addition, through the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (GPS), McGill is strengthening its presence in this competition by increasing the numbers of student fellowships, exploring new avenues for student support, and making it easier to disburse existing funds.

  • Timeline: Ongoing
  • Unit: Office of Public Affairs
  • Actions taken:
    • 2009-10: The University’s commitment to increasing resources for graduate students was re-iterated in the 2009-10 University Budget
  • Ongoing
    • The Office of Public Affairs takes a leadership role in advocating for government programs, e.g., substantial and sustained reinvestment by the Quebec government in Quebec universities; the unfreezing of tuition fees; the government program of matching donations to Quebec universities in order to encourage growth in philanthropy; and a reduction of fees for international graduate students to the levels paid by Quebec graduate students.
    • Funding will be frontloaded to facilitate graduate recruitment against a resulting increase in MELS grant.
    • Increased funding is available for graduate students through initiatives such as the following: 
the MIDAs program, the graduate student enhancement program, the Principal’s Graduate Fellowship, along with various donor-directed and endowed funds.

 

7.  Ensure that McGill offers to graduate students are competitive.

McGill International Doctoral Awards (MIDAs)

New funding, approximately $2.25M, available through the MIDAS program enables full-time international doctoral students to pay the same tuition rate as Quebec doctoral students. Other funding sources for graduate students are available and offered along with their offer of admission.

  • Timeline: 2007-08
  • Units: Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Faculties
  • Actions taken:
    • The MIDAs program was launched in Fall 2007.
  • Ongoing
    • Eligible international doctoral student registered full-time at McGill have been awarded approximately $9,000 per year through the MIDAs program.
    • Research-based graduate students receive a personalized funding package with their offer of admission. Your funding package may include support from these sources: teaching assistantship; research assistantship; graduate fellowships; departmental and faculty awards; and stipends from McGill faculty members’ research grants or research contracts. Funding packages are confirmed once students have accepted the offer of admission.

Campaign McGill

The goal is to raise $750-million toward the University’s top academic priorities as outlined in the Provost’s strategic planning paper and determined by the University’s leadership in consultation with the McGill community.
www.mcgill.ca/campaign

  • Timeline: Launch Fall 2007
  • Unit:
  • Actions taken:
    • Campaign launched October 2007. Campaign McGill has set a goal of $115 million in fellowships to attract and support top graduate students.

 

8.   Advise prospective graduate students in recruitment materials to apply for external support.

Helping prospective graduate students find funding sources

The Recruitment and Retention team is forging new partnerships and engaging in graduate-focused communications initiatives with Career and Placement Services Post Graduate Students' Society, the First Year Office, Student Services, Public Affairs, and others.

Funding sources that come from outside of McGill University may include fellowships and awards allocated by government departments and agencies, foundations and private companies. In 2007, Federal and Quebec government agencies granted over 20 million dollars in direct awards to students pursuing graduate studies at McGill. The value of external awards can vary from $17,500 to $50,000.

  • Timeline: Ongoing
  • Units: Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Office
  • Actions taken:
    • 2008-09: Tasks and processes that are undertaken by the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies were catalogued and provided to the Dean. This inventory will facilitate and guide decisions on the extent of participation in the Integrated Services initiative.
    • December 2008:As part of ongoing efforts to improve the graduate student experience at McGill and to make sure GPS policies and procedures are aligned with fundamental academic concerns, the Thesis Submission Fee for both Doctoral and Master’s students has been eliminated. Fees charged as of September, 2008 have been reimbursed.
  • Ongoing:
    • Analyze the communications needs of graduate students and developing, as part of the Recruitment and Retention strategic plan, initiatives to fulfill Graduate students' needs. Projects may include an Ambassador Program, Mentor Program, Comprehensive Skills Program, streamlined communications channels for graduate students, and more.
    • Strategic and encompassing planning about improved processes and procedures, including further consultation and discussion with relevant stakeholders.
    • The website lists external funding sources (http://www.mcgill.ca/gps/) and links to graduate resources http://www.mcgill.ca/gps/students/resources/, including a link to GradShare (an online research community).
    • Workshops, seminars and events on finding funding sources

 

9.   Establish target enrolments consultatively.

Strategic Enrolment Management

Strategic Enrolment Management at McGill will ensure that McGill’s strengths and goals are consistent with the mission, values and culture of the University as well as its unique position in Quebec, the rest of Canada and internationally, and are aligned with changing markets. We will adopt a multifaceted approach that focuses on administrative processes, academic programs, student support, and marketing perspectives.

  • Timeline: 2008-09
  • Units: Office of the Deputy Provost (Student Life and Learning), Enrolment Services, Planning and Institutional Analysis, Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Faculties
  • Actions taken:
    • An enrolment tool was created by Campus and Space Planning to track student movement, at the degree level, from term to term to look at patterns in the student population with regards to continuation, attrition, graduation, and transfers to other programs.
    • The Strategic Enrolment Management Advisory Workgroup was formed in Winter 2007 and meets regularly.
  • Upcoming:
    • A forecasting model is in development
  • Ongoing:
    • The Strategic Enrolment Management Advisory meets on a regular basis and is working with faculties.

 

10.  Determine the amount of the unmet financial need of our undergraduate and professional students.

Banner Student Aid for Canada system

Banner Student Aid for Canada (BSAC) is a student aid product developed as a partnership between Sungard Higher Education and a consortium of five institutions of higher education, including McGill: University of Manitoba, University of Saskatchewan, Dalhousie University, University of Victoria. www.mcgill.ca/pmo/projects/bsac

  • Timeline: BSAC will be fully developed by 2009-10.
    www.mcgill.ca/pmo/projects/bsac/timeline/
  • Units: Scholarships and Student Aid, Information Technology Services
  • Actions taken:
    • June 2009: A new development from the BSAC enables faculties and departments to submit their undergraduate and graduate awards directly from a Minerva form, which means less form to fill out for students, and less processing time.
    • November 2008: The first phase of implementation introduced enhancements in the area of student awards fund management which allows for better monitoring and control of budgets and spending with features like real-time insertion of payments to Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable and the ability to set spending cap controls on aid funds to prevent over allocation of funds. Staff will also enjoy easy access to current fund balances and spending and disbursal information. The new system will allow for better tracking of award types and their purposes so that the university has complete information for this important portfolio.
    • Students access the new functionality via the Financial Aid Menu in Minerva. Building on the existing capability to apply for and view the status of some types of aid, the Student Aid module will now allow students to view details of the awards for which they have applied as well as those that have been assigned to them. In addition to the seeing the amount of the award, they will be able to accept or decline bursaries, scholarships or McGill loan offers and, in the case of loans, they can even electronically “e-sign” and print their loan contracts. Students will be notified by e-mail as soon as an award has been disbursed to them.
    • View the full list of accomplishments here: www.mcgill.ca/pmo/projects/bsac/accomplishments/
  • Upcoming:
    • An easy-to-use web tool with which students can define their financial need. This tool will be designed in such a way that staff can systematically assess need and make appropriate decisions. www.mcgill.ca/pmo/projects/bsac/goals/
  • Ongoing:
    • Project team work

 

11. Streamline procedures and decision processes for the reservation of University space by student organizations wherever possible.

Events booking website

A web-based application is used to reserve University space for both academic and extra curricular activities.
http://events.campus.mcgill.ca/

  • Timeline: Summer 2007
  • Units: Ancillary Services
  • Actions taken:
    • Launched Winter 2008

Class-Scheduling Project

The Class Scheduling Project, which began in Fall 2005, aims to: achieve better classroom usage; and, ensure that course sections are more evenly distributed across the day and across the week, thus making more course sections available to students during the week.

  • Timeline: Ongoing
  • Units: Enrolment Services, Office of the Deputy Provost (Student Life and Learning), Information Technology Services, Teaching and Learning Services, Ancillary Services, Academic Management, Faculties
  • Actions Taken:
  • Ongoing: The Class Scheduling Project Workgroup meets on a regular basis.

 

12.  Review the principles and underlying balance of fee structures and cost recoveries associated with the use of University facilities.

Review of funding models

University Services has reviewed the self-funding model for events on campus.

  • Timeline: Completed in 2008-09
  • Units: University Services
  • Actions taken:
    • 2008-09: University Services conducted an extensive review, including with stakeholders, as to whether or not the self-funding model for events is appropriate for the overall benefit of the McGill community. The current 'user pay' model was reviewed and the recommendation was to maintain this model. It was viewed to be the most appropriate to meet the needs of all parties. Funding received from the Ministry of Education is not sufficient to meet the expenses of operating at current levels of service and cover the costs for extended hours of operation. In this context anyone wishing to use the University facilities outside the normal timetable must assume the cost.

 

13.  In assessing the adequacy of work space for students, the University should take into account the special role the University Libraries can play in supporting individual and group working space, as well as informal social space.

CyberThèque

A new multi-use study space in Redpath-McLennan complex providing computer access, group and private study space, lounge space, and production areas.

  • Timeline: Fall 2007
  • Units: Library, CIO
  • Actions taken:
    • Completed in Fall 2007

Macdonald Campus Library

Informal student space was added to the Macdonald Library.

  • Timeline: 2007-08
  • Units: Library
  • Actions taken:
    • Completed in 2007

 

14.  The University should take measures to ensure that access to virtual space, as well as multi-purpose space, is easier for all students, and to develop and publish this information.

Computer Lab Virtual Map

A map of computer labs across campus that will allow students to check on-line in real time where there are available computers in labs across campus.


http://webforms.mcgill.ca/labs/
  • Timeline: 2007-08
  • Units: CIO
  • Actions taken:
    • Launched Fall 2007

Enhancements to virtual space

A number of IT projects are being worked on to enhance McGill's virtual space, including the portal, and e-mail environment to share information more effectively within the University community.

  • Timeline: Ongoing
  • Units: Office of the Chief Information Officer, Enrolment Services
  • Actions taken:

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