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intellectual growth, providing appropriate guidance on the progress of the research and the
standards expected. As part of good supervisory practice, an Advisor is expected to:
Facilitate the student's intellectual growth and contribution to a field of knowledge.
Guide the student, with the assistance of the Advisory Committee, in the development of
a program of study.
Assist in the development and execution of a research program or project.
Be reasonably accessible to the student via telephone, electronic communication or in
person for consultation and discussion of the student's academic progress and research
problems. What constitutes "reasonable accessibility" may vary according to discipline,
stage of research, etc. However, an Advisor must be in contact with the student
frequently enough to be able to make an informed judgement on the student's progress
every semester.
Thoroughly examine written material submitted by the student, make constructive
suggestions for improvement, and inform the student of the approximate time it will take
for submitted written material to be returned with comments. Normally, comments
should be returned to the student within two weeks, although circumstances such as
absences from campus or unusually heavy workload may require the Advisor to take
longer than two weeks to review the student's work. Timing of submission and review
should be negotiated between student and Advisor.
Advise the student as to the acceptability of the draft thesis or research project prior to
submission to the Advisory Committee. If the Advisor believes the thesis or research
project is not ready for submission or will not be ready within a particular time, the
Advisor should so indicate with written reasons to the student. In cooperation with the
Chair/Director or GPC, the Advisor may help organize qualifying and final examinations.
Assist the student in learning about all appropriate deadline dates and regulations
associated with thesis review, examination and submission, as specified in the Graduate
Calendar and/or by the OGPS and/or the Department or School.
Give ample notice of extended absences from campus such as research leaves, and make
satisfactory arrangements for student advising when the Advisor is on leave or on
extended absence from campus. Where a faculty member knows prior to the start of the
program that he/she will be on leave for part of a student's program, the student should be
informed at the outset. Depending on the length of absence and the stage of the student's
program, it may be necessary to make arrangements for an interim Advisor.
Make available the research resources necessary for execution of the student's thesis or
major paper research, within the norms appropriate to the discipline and the limits of the
material and human resources of the University.
Advise the student of regulations designed to provide him/her with a safe environment.
These include relevant safety and/or workplace regulations as well as policies designed to
protect individual rights and freedoms.
Alert the student to any personal risks that may be encountered in the course of the
research and provide training, guidance and adequate equipment appropriate for those
risks.
Comply with any commitment of financial support made to the student as part of the
offer of admission. In the event that expected financial support becomes unavailable, the
Advisor will work with the Department and OGPS to ensure support for the student.