Program Progress
Good Standing and Satisfactory Progress
All students are required to remain in “good standing” in their graduate program and to make “satisfactory progress” toward the completion of their degree requirements.
Good standing refers to the requirement of minimum grade performance in course work and the successful completion of written and oral examinations, among other degree requirements.
Satisfactory progress refers to the speed and timeliness of progression through degree requirements such as course work, examinations and research.
The progress of all doctoral students is reviewed annually by the Supervisory Committee. As a doctoral student, you are required to meet with your supervisory committee once a year, or more often if required by the committee. Your committee will assess your progress in the program and provide advice on future work. The committee provides you with a report detailing its observations and a copy will also be placed in your student file; if you wish, you can respond to the committee's report and attach a response.
For detailed information on the Good Academic Standing and Satisfactory Academic Progress policy, see the SGS Calendar and also consult with your graduate unit regarding the specific timelines of progression through your program.
Your eligibility for funding and registration in the program may be affected if you do not remain in good standing or if you do not make satisfactory progress, so it is important to meet with your advisor/supervisor regularly and ask for feedback on your progress and the level and quality of your work.
Candidacy
All doctoral students are subject to the requirements for Good Academic Standing, including candidacy. To achieve candidacy, you must complete all requirements for the degree exclusive of thesis research and courses such as ongoing research seminars that run continuously through the program. You must also have an approved thesis topic, supervisor and supervisory committee. Upon achieving candidacy, completion is noted on your transcript.
Candidacy is achieved as noted on the following chart:
|
Degree Program |
Candidacy Achieved |
|
PhD, four-year program |
End of 3rd year |
|
PhD, five-year program (Direct Entry) |
End of 4th year |
|
Flexible-time PhD program option |
End of 4th year |
|
Professional doctoral program, full-time |
End of 3rd year |
|
Professional doctoral program, part-time |
Within 4 years of initial registration |
Students who do not achieve candidacy by these deadlines will be denied further registration in their program and will have their eligibility terminated.
If you need an extension, complete the Extension to Achieve Candidacy form and submit it to your graduate unit for review. You must present to your graduate unit the causes for the delay and evidence that the remaining candidacy requirements will be completed within the period of the extension requested.
Time Limit
Every academic program at the School of Graduate Studies has a minimum period of registration and a maximum time limit. “Time to Degree” refers to the time taken to complete all degree requirements, from the point of admission to graduation. The “minimum period of registration” is the minimum time required to complete the program and this predetermines the minimum total academic fees that you pay prior to graduation. If you do not complete your degree within the “maximum time limit”, you will not be permitted further registration.
Consult your Graduate Administrator who will know the specific time limits for your degree or refer to the following chart (PDF). This chart contains both the minimum period of registration and maximum time limit for all degree programs, including combined degree programs, in years (each year contains three sessions).
Minimum period of registration varies from program to program and can be anywhere from 1 year for a doctoral program to 1 to 3.5 years for a master’s program. The maximum time limit for full-time doctoral programs is 6 years (7 years for direct-entry), 6 to 8 years for flexible-time PhD programs, 5 to 6 years for professional doctoral programs, 3 years for full-time master’s programs (except for the MArch: 4 years), 6 years for part-time master’s programs and 4 years for combined degrees.
If you are beyond time limit, you may request a program extension.
If you finish your degree program early (before the minimum period of registration), you are required to pay a balance of degree fee.
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