HANDBOOK OF SUPERVISION AND EXAMINATION

Part III: Doctor of Philosophy / Doctor of Education Degree

Preamble
This handbook contains the rules, guidelines and procedures of the Faculty of Graduate Studies that
pertain to the administration of graduate programs and to the appointment of graduate supervisors. While
the rules are stated in fixed or absolute terms, it is intended that they be administered with some degree of
flexibility and, to that end, the Dean of Graduate Studies is empowered to grant exceptions, extensions and
variances, upon written request and explanation. Requests, whether from students or faculty members,
should be made over the signature of the Graduate Coordinator of the program concerned.
The Head of a Department, Director of an interdisciplinary program or, in the case of non-
departmentalized faculties, the Dean of the Faculty, is responsible for graduate programs. However, this
responsibility is normally delegated to a Graduate Coordinator. In this document, for the sake of clarity in
describing common practice, the Graduate Coordinator is referred to as the person responsible for the
graduate program.
Please note that in this document "the Dean" refers to the Dean of Graduate Studies unless otherwise
noted.
The Handbook of Supervision and Examination is published as part of the Graduate Calendar. Changes
made to the regulations during the year are indicated on the web version.
Supervisors and Supervisory Committees
1.0 Selection of a Supervisor
1.1 General Advice to Students
All students must have either an interim advisor or an approved Supervisor at the time of first registration,
and a permanent Supervisor no later than the second annual registration. It would help the student in
program planning if the selection of a Supervisor were completed as quickly as possible. Students are
encouraged to think about and select their areas of specialization as early as possible, and preferably before
beginning the program.
1.2 Supervisor Selection
The initial selection of a Supervisor should be by mutual agreement between student and faculty member,
and approved by the Graduate Coordinator. Difficulties or conflicts in selecting or recommending a
Supervisor should be referred promptly to the Dean by any of the persons involved.
1.2.1 Supervisor Eligibility Requirements
Continuity of supervision throughout a graduate program is important to a student's success. Normally,
faculty members with full-time teaching and research Board appointments are chosen as Supervisors.
However, there are occasions when it is to the student's advantage for a program to recommend the
appointment of a Supervisor who does not have a full-time Board appointment. For example, an individual
who holds an appointment that is term certain, specific term, part-time, clinical or adjunct, or honorary, or
has emeritus status, or is from outside the University, may be appointed Supervisor. In cases such as these,
the Faculty of Graduate Studies requires assurance that the proposed Supervisor will be able to provide
continuity.
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The proposed Supervisor must understand the commitment expected in terms of time and funding and be
familiar with graduate program and Faculty of Graduate Studies regulations. The Graduate Coordinator
must ensure that supervision will be provided for the probable time period required for the completion of
the degree program.
If the proposed Supervisor is someone from outside the graduate program who does not have a full-time
Board appointment, or is from outside the University of Calgary, a Co-supervisor must be appointed.
The Supervisor should be currently active in research in an area related to the student's interest. Faculty
members working on their own graduate degrees cannot be approved in any supervisory capacity without
special dispensation from the Dean. For detailed policy and the required forms, see
http://www.grad.ucalgary.ca > Policies and Procedures.
1.2.2 Conflict of Interest
The relationship between Supervisor and student is an academic one. Where other relationships exist or
develop that might give the appearance of conflict of interest they must be immediately reported to the
Graduate Coordinator who can consult with an Associate Dean or the Dean if the Coordinator is unable to
resolve the situation. (See Graduate Studies Conflict of Interest Policy:
http://www.grad.ucalgary.ca//policies/conflictofinterest ).
1.3 Appointment of Co-supervisor
In addition to those cases noted above in which it is required that a Co-supervisor be appointed, a Co-
supervisor may be appointed by the Graduate Coordinator upon the written recommendation of the
Supervisor and agreement of the student. The role of the Co-supervisor in this case is to provide
supplementary guidance, instruction and research stimulation on a regular or extensive basis.
1.4 Supervisor from Outside the Department, Program, or Faculty
A Supervisor may be from a department, program, or faculty other than the student's home department,
program, or faculty. The recommendation must be endorsed by the student. Such an "external" Supervisor
must agree to be responsible to the Graduate Coordinator of the student's home department in all matters
related to the supervisory responsibilities.
1.5 Continuity of Supervision
Students are entitled to continuity of supervision. In the case of the resignation from the University, illness
or death of the Supervisor, the Graduate Coordinator must make immediate arrangements to provide
continuity of supervision pending the appointment of a new Supervisor.
1.6 Supervisor Selection and Approval Deadlines
Regular students are required to have approved Supervisors within twelve months of initial registration.
Doctoral students admitted as special case admissions must have an approved Supervisor and Supervisory
Committee before admission.
2.0 Responsibilities of Supervisors
2.1 Knowledge of Rules and Procedures
Supervisors should be familiar with the rules and procedures of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and
program regulations and requirements.
2.2 Meetings between Student and Supervisor
A student and Supervisor have a shared responsibility to meet on a regular basis.
2.3 The Role of the Supervisor
The Supervisor should act both as a general academic mentor, with emphasis on guidance, instruction, and
encouragement of scholarship and research, and as a judge of the student's performance. Because of their
own involvement in research and related professional activities, Supervisors should provide professional
guidance and research stimulation to their students. A fundamental duty of the Supervisor is to impart to
the student the skills necessary to plan and conduct original research.
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Specifically, the Supervisor should:
Work with the student to establish a realistic timetable for the completion of the various requirements of
the program of study;
Develop a relationship with the student conducive to research and intellectual growth;
Guide the student in the pursuit of knowledge and provide constructive criticism in support of the highest
standards of research and professional development.
2.4 Participation of Supervisor in Thesis Preparation
The Supervisor is expected to provide frequent and prompt comments on drafts of the thesis and should
attempt to be critically constructive and encouraging but the thesis must be the creation of the student.
2.5 Supervisory Provision for Leave of Absence
A program and Supervisor must ensure that the student is provided with adequate supervision during a
Supervisor's leave, potentially through the appointment of an interim Supervisor. In doctoral programs, the
interim Supervisor should be a member of the Supervisory Committee. Students should be informed well
in advance about the Supervisor's plans for forthcoming leaves of absence. With current means of
communication, continued supervision while on leave is the expectation for faculty members. These
arrangements must be communicated in writing to the Graduate Coordinator, who bears the responsibility
for ensuring continuity of supervision for students in his/her graduate program.
2.5.1 Interim Supervisory Arrangements
When an interim Supervisor is appointed to cover a period of a Supervisor's absence, the regular
Supervisor retains final responsibility for the adequate supervision of the student. Faculty members
approved as interim Supervisors must indicate in writing to the Graduate Coordinator their willingness to
accept responsibility for the day-to-day supervision of such students.
2.6 The Supervisor and Setting up Examinations
The Supervisor is responsible for scheduling the candidacy examination and the thesis oral examination.
2.7 Suggested Procedures in the Event of Problems between Graduate Students and Their Supervisors
Students should first try to resolve problems with Supervisors by talking to the Supervisor. Supervisory
Committee members might be able to give helpful advice in this situation. Problems that are not resolved
in this fashion should be discussed with the Graduate Coordinator, and then the Department Head or
equivalent. If it appears that a solution cannot be reached, the student and/or the Graduate Coordinator
may consult the Faculty of Graduate Studies for advice about a resolution of the matter.
2.8 Procedures for the Curtailment of Supervisory Duties
The Dean of Graduate Studies approves the initial appointment of a faculty member to supervisory duties.
If a complaint is made against a Supervisor, the Dean will first discuss the matter with the Department
Head or equivalent, and then with the faculty member concerned. The issue may be resolved informally. If
the Dean decides that a more formal approach is needed to resolve the dispute, the Dean will inform both
the Head and the faculty member of his/her conclusions in writing. If the result of the Dean's investigation
is curtailment of the supervisory duties of the faculty member, the Dean will inform the faculty member in
writing.
3.0 Doctoral Supervisory Committee
3.1 Composition of the Supervisory Committee
The Supervisor and Graduate Coordinator must inform the Faculty of Graduate Studies of the Supervisory
Committee composition no later than three months after the appointment of the Supervisor.
The Supervisory Committee should be constituted by the Supervisor in consultation with the student. It
will normally consist of the Supervisor and two members, and must be approved by the Graduate
Coordinator and sent to the Faculty of Graduate Studies for information. Committee members may be
external to the student's program. At least one of the members of the Supervisory Committee should have
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had supervisory experience at the doctoral level. If a Co-supervisor and a Supervisor are appointed, the
Supervisory Committee will require two other members.
3.2 Non-Board Appointees on Supervisory Committee
Persons who are not Board appointees of the University of Calgary may be approved to serve on
supervisory committees. A recommendation to the Dean by the Graduate Coordinator for such an
appointment must be accompanied by a curriculum vitae.
3.3 Duties of a Supervisory Committee
Members of a doctoral Supervisory Committee should provide support to both the student and the
Supervisor by expanding the range of expertise and experience available to advise and assess the student.
Members should provide constructive criticism and discussion of the student's ideas, methods and
performance as the program develops; should be accessible to the student for consultation and discussion;
should suggest other sources of information to the student; and must participate in examinations and in
periodic meetings with the student and provide regular assessment of the student's progress as required by
the program regulations.

THE DOCTORAL THESIS

4.0 Thesis Quality Requirements
The doctoral thesis must embody original work conducted while in program, and must constitute a
significant contribution to knowledge. It should contain evidence of critical understanding of the relevant
literature. The material embodied in the thesis should merit publication.
The general form and style of thesis may differ from program to program but a thesis should be a coherent
document. This means that if a thesis contains separate manuscripts, there needs also to be an introductory
and concluding chapter that explain how these separate manuscripts fit together into a unified body of
research. If previously published materials are included, it should be made clear what exactly is the
student's own work and what is the contribution of other researchers.
While it is expected that the thesis could be the basis for a publication, the Supervisor and examiners
should recognize that even an excellent thesis might not be perfect in all respects. 'Perfection' is not a
prerequisite for acceptance of the thesis as a "partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree". The
thesis may vary in quality from passable to outstanding.
For information on formatting, printing, binding and distribution of theses, see the Thesis Guidelines at
http://www.grad.ucalgary.ca >Policies and Procedures > Thesis.

EXAMINING COMMITTEES, EXAMINATIONS AND STANDARDS

5.0 Standards of Performance
5.1 Judgement of Student Performance
Supervisors and Graduate Coordinators must inform students on a regular basis about their academic
progress. If a student's performance is judged to be below an acceptable level, this judgement should be
expressed to the student formally and in writing at as early a stage in the program as possible. A student
may be required to withdraw from the Faculty of Graduate Studies for reasons of "unsatisfactory progress"
(see also section 6.2).
5.2 Annual Progress Report
The Supervisor and each continuing student must jointly submit an annual progress report on the student's
performance. This form must be signed by the Supervisor, the Graduate Coordinator, and the student, and
must be forwarded to the Faculty of Graduate Studies. The student must sign the report after the
Supervisor and the Graduate Coordinator have completed their comments to acknowledge that he/she has
reviewed these comments.

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6.0 Faculty of Graduate Studies Examinations
6.1 Faculty Examination Requirements
The Faculty of Graduate Studies requires that candidates for doctoral degrees sit both an oral candidacy
examination and a thesis oral examination.
6.1.1 Faculty Regulations for Candidacy Oral Examinations
Candidacy oral examinations are examinations of the Faculty of Graduate Studies. No changes in the
composition of the examination committee may be introduced without prior approval from an Associate
Dean of Graduate Studies or the Dean of Graduate Studies. The Faculty of Graduate Studies must be
informed of changes in the scheduling of the examination.
6.1.2 Faculty Regulations for Thesis Examinations
Thesis oral examinations are examinations of the Faculty of Graduate Studies. No changes in the
composition of the examination committee may be introduced without prior approval from an Associate
Dean of Graduate Studies or the Dean of Graduate Studies. The Faculty of Graduate Studies must be
informed of minor changes in the scheduling of the examination (e.g., for illness or weather). Changes of
more than two weeks will need prior approval by the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
6.2 Program Examination Requirements and Standards
Program requirements may include examinations that are in addition to the Faculty of Graduate Studies
requirements. Programs are entitled to set their own standards of adequate performance in such
examinations, provided these are not in conflict with Faculty of Graduate Studies standards. When a
student fails to meet either Faculty or program standards, the program may recommend to the Dean of
Graduate Studies that the student be required to withdraw. (See also section 5.1).
6.3 Communication of Examination Requirements to Students
Programs should provide their students, as early as possible, with information about the precise nature and
form of program examinations and tests.
7.0 Candidacy Examinations
Although the oral candidacy examination is the official Faculty of Graduate Studies examination, graduate
programs have the option of adding a written component. If there is a written component, the period
during which the written examination and the oral examination are conducted must not exceed one month.
The written examination should be circulated among the examiners and may serve as a basis for
questioning at the oral. If the student fails the written component of the candidacy examination, the oral
examination should still go ahead as scheduled in order to give the candidate an opportunity to defend the
written answers, as well as deal with other questions.
For further information, review Guidelines: Chairing Oral Thesis and Candidacy Examinations, at
http://www.grad.ucalgary.ca > Policies and Procedures > Examinations.
7.1 Rationale for Candidacy Examinations
The candidacy examination should focus on the background knowledge of students in their discipline, as
well as their preparedness to do research of high quality in their particular fields of study. Examination on
the specific thesis research that the student has chosen is sometimes considered secondary to the main
purpose of the candidacy exam, but a program-approved research proposal must be a precursor to any
candidacy exam.
7.2 Program Guidelines and Regulations
The candidacy examination is a Faculty of Graduate Studies examination. The general form is described in
7.1, but individual programs determine the precise requirements. All programs that have requirements
additional to the oral examination must have written guidelines describing these and appropriate
regulations. These guidelines and regulations must be given to doctoral students as soon as they enter the
program.

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7.3 Assessment of the Candidacy Examinations
Assessment of the candidacy examination must take place immediately following the completion of the
oral candidacy examination. This assessment should be based on the candidate's overall performance in all
components of the examination.
7.4 Candidacy Examination and Course Work
The candidacy examination must be held after all required course work has been completed1, and the
Supervisory Committee has approved a thesis research proposal . No further course work may be required
of a student who has successfully completed the candidacy examinations, but a student may elect to
complete additional courses subject to approval by the Graduate Coordinator.
7.5 The Timing of Candidacy Examinations
A student entering a doctoral program with a completed Master's degree must attempt the candidacy
examinations no later than twenty-eight months after initial registration in the doctoral program. A student
entering a doctoral program with a bachelor's degree, or transferring into a doctoral program from a
Master's program before the Master's program is completed, must attempt the candidacy examinations no
later than thirty-six months after initial registration in the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
7.6 Establishing the Candidacy Examination Committee
A written recommendation to the Dean of Graduate Studies on the composition of the candidacy
examination committee must be received in the Faculty of Graduate Studies office at least four weeks
before the scheduled date of the examination. The committee will not be approved by the Faculty of
Graduate Studies earlier than three months before the planned examination date.
7.7 Composition of the Candidacy Examination Committee
Normally, the Candidacy Examination Committee consists of the Supervisory Committee plus two
additional members recommended by the Graduate Coordinator who shall ensure that no conflict of
interest exists between the student or the Supervisor and the additional members of the examination
committee. (See Graduate Studies Conflict of Interest Policy:
http://www.grad.ucalgary.ca//policies/conflictofinterest ). A graduate program may choose to have the
Supervisor attend as a non-voting observer. The Graduate Calendar notes programs that have chosen this
option.
7.7.1 Neutral Chair of the Candidacy Examination Committee
The examination is chaired by a member of the academic staff appointed by the Dean upon
recommendation of the Graduate Coordinator. He/she is not a member of the examining committee and is
non-voting.
7.7.2 Responsibilities of the Supervisor and the Neutral Chair
The Supervisor arranges scheduling of the examination. The Neutral Chair presides over the candidacy
examination and reports the results to the student. The Neutral Chair gives the report to the Graduate
Coordinator, who ensures that it is submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies within 24 hours of the
examination.
7.7.3 Non-Board Appointees on Examination Committee
Persons who are not Board appointees of the University of Calgary may be approved to serve on
candidacy examination committees. A recommendation to the Dean by the Graduate Coordinator for such
an appointment must be accompanied by a curriculum vitae.

1
Exceptions apply to students in Clinical Psychology (CPSY) and Applied Psychology (APSY).
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7.8 Notice of Candidacy Oral Examination
The official Notice of Candidacy Oral Examination form, indicating the time and place of the
examination, the names of the recommended members of the examination committee, and confirming that
the candidate has completed program requirements2 required to proceed to candidacy endorsed by the
Graduate Coordinator, must be received in the Faculty of Graduate Studies office at least four weeks
before the time of examination. The membership of the examination committee must be approved by the
Faculty of Graduate Studies.
7.9 Attendance at Candidacy Oral Examinations
The candidacy oral examination is a formal examination limited to the examination committee and the
student. The Dean of Graduate Studies or Dean's representative and the Department Head or equivalent, or
designate, may attend without prior notice.
8.0 Conduct of Candidacy Oral Examination
8.1 Examination Regulations
No one other than a member of the examination committee is allowed to question the candidate. All
examiners should be given an opportunity to question the candidate during the early part of the
examination, e.g., by rounds of questioning.
8.2 Suggested Examination Procedure
Questions to the candidate should be clear and succinct. The student should be given reasonable time to
answer. If the student has understood the question and cannot answer, the examiner should pass to another
question and not attempt to extract an answer by prolonged interrogation, or by leading the candidate. The
chair should guard against any tendency of examiners to interact with each other instead of concentrating
on the examination of the candidate.
8.3 Length of Examination
The candidacy examination should not exceed two hours. This does not include the deliberation time of
the Committee.
9.0 Post Candidacy Oral Examination Procedures
9.1 Official Examiners' Discussion
At the end of the candidacy examination, the student is asked to withdraw from the room. If the program
has chosen to allow the Supervisor to attend the examination as a non-voting observer, at the end of the
candidacy examination the student and the Supervisor are asked to withdraw from the room. Before any
discussion of the candidate's performance, each examiner must identify, by secret ballot, which
recommendation (pass/fail) he/she favours. This procedure provides the committee with a frame of
opinion upon which to base a full discussion of the student's performance. The examiners then conduct a
post-examination discussion, in which the Department Head or equivalent, or designate (e.g., Graduate
Coordinator), and the Dean of Graduate Studies or the Dean's representative may participate, although
they have no vote.
9.2 Recommendation of the Candidacy Examination Committee
After the final vote, each examiner must record a recommendation of pass or fail on the official Faculty of
Graduate Studies Report of Candidacy Oral Examination form. Every effort should be made to reach a
unanimous recommendation. Should the outcome of the final vote include one negative vote, the
candidate will pass. Should the outcome include two or more negative votes, the committee's
recommendation to the Dean of Graduate Studies will be "fail".

2
Exceptions apply to students in Clinical Psychology (CPSY) and Applied Psychology (APSY).
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In the event of a recommendation of "fail," the student will be allowed a retake of the examination. Within
five working days of the failed examination, the Neutral Chair must submit a written report of the
examination procedures to the Dean of Graduate Studies and copy it to the Graduate Coordinator. Within
five working days of the examination each committee member must provide a confidential written report
to the Dean of Graduate Studies explaining the reasons for his/her vote and copy it to the Graduate
Coordinator and the Supervisor. After consultation with the Supervisor, the Graduate Coordinator then
summarizes the essential points to the student, copied to the Supervisor.
The Neutral Chair must inform the student of the outcome of the examination immediately following the
vote of the examination committee. The Neutral Chair will record the final recommendation of pass or fail
on the Report of Candidacy Oral Examination form which must be submitted to the Dean of Graduate
Studies within one working day of the completion of the examination.
9.3 Re-take of Candidacy Examination
Only one re-take of a candidacy examination will be permitted. The re-take must take place no sooner than
two months and no later than six months from the date of the first examination. Normally the composition
of the committee will remain the same. In reporting the results of the second examination, the committee
will be limited to recommending either a pass (i.e., no more than one negative vote), or fail. A
recommendation of "fail" requires that, within five working days, each examiner must submit a
confidential written report to the Dean of Graduate Studies, copied to the Graduate Coordinator and the
Supervisor, detailing the reasons for his/her vote. Within five working days, the Neutral Chair must also
submit a written report of the examination procedures to the Dean of Graduate Studies, copied to the
Graduate Coordinator. If the Dean of Graduate Studies upholds the recommendation to fail, the student
will be required to withdraw from the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
10.0 Thesis Oral Examinations
10.1 Right of Student to Submit and Defend Thesis
A student who has successfully completed all Faculty of Graduate Studies and program requirements has
the right to submit and defend a thesis even if doing so may be contrary to the advice of the Supervisor.
10.2 Composition of the Thesis Oral Examination Committee
The thesis oral examination committee shall consist of the student's Supervisory Committee and at least
two other examiners, one of whom shall be external to the student's home program and the other external
to the University. The composition of the committee must be approved by the Dean, upon the
recommendation of the Graduate Coordinator. The Dean may approve a recommendation that the
examiner external to the University not attend the thesis oral examination in person, but participate
electronically, by teleconference or videoconference. In rare cases, the Dean may approve a
recommendation that the examiner external to the University not participate in the oral examination in
person, but furnish the examination committee with a list of questions to be put to the candidate together
with a detailed appraisal of the thesis. When acting in this capacity, the examiner external to the University
is designated the external reader.
10.2.1 Examiner External to the University
The Graduate Coordinator must recommend the examiner external to the University to the Dean at least
six weeks before the proposed date of the examination on the form Approval of External Examiner or
Reader, accompanied by a curriculum vitae. For further guidelines on external examiners and readers,
refer to http://www.grad.ucalgary.ca > Policies and Procedures > Examination.
10.2.2 Relationship of the Examiner External to the University to the Student
In order to ensure impartiality, the proposed Examiner must not be a close personal friend of the
candidate's Supervisor, have collaborated with the Supervisor in the last five years, be closely related to
the candidate, nor have worked with the candidate, and must not have been a Supervisor in the candidate's
graduate program for the last three years. If any of the criteria are not met, the proposed Examiner is not
necessarily precluded from serving, but the graduate program must clearly explain the circumstances to the

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Faculty of Graduate Studies.
10.2.3 Non-Board Appointees on Examination Committees
Persons who are not Board appointees of the University of Calgary may be approved to serve on thesis
oral examination committees. A recommendation to the Dean of Graduate Studies by the Graduate
Coordinator for such an appointment must be accompanied by a curriculum vitae.
10.2.4 The Neutral Chair
The examination is chaired by a neutral member of the academic staff appointed by the Dean of Graduate
Studies upon the recommendation of the Graduate Coordinator. He/she is not a member of the examining
committee and is non-voting.
10.2.5 Responsibilities of the Supervisor and the Neutral Chair
The Supervisor arranges scheduling of the examination. The Neutral Chair presides over the thesis oral
examination and reports the results to the student. The Neutral Chair gives the report to the Graduate
Coordinator who ensures that it is submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies within 24 hours of the
examination.
10.3 Composition of Examination Committee for Re-take of Thesis Oral Examination
Normally, the composition of the examination committee will remain the same. Upon the recommendation
of the Graduate Coordinator and approval of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, an examiner may be
replaced.
10.3.1 Appointment of Examination Committee for Re-take of Examination
The Notice of Thesis Oral Examination must be received in the Faculty of Graduate Studies office at least
four weeks prior to the time of the examination. Should a new examiner external to the University be
recommended, the Faculty of Graduate Studies must receive the recommendation at least six weeks before
the proposed date of the examination on the form Approval of External Examiner or Reader, accompanied
by a curriculum vitae.
11.0 Scheduling the Thesis Oral Examination
11.1 Supervisor Responsibility
The Supervisor is responsible for all steps in setting up the thesis oral examination.
11.2 Notice of Thesis Oral Examination
The official Notice of Thesis Oral Examination form, indicating the title of the thesis, the time and place of
the examination, the names of the recommended members of the examination committee, and confirming
that the candidate has completed all program requirements3 to proceed to oral examination, endorsed by
the Graduate Coordinator, must be received in the Faculty of Graduate Studies office at least four weeks
prior to the time of the examination. The membership of the examination committee must be approved by
the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
11.2.1 Posting the Notice of Thesis Oral Examination
A Notice of the Thesis Oral Examination form, bearing the names, but not signatures of the student, the
Supervisor, the Graduate Coordinator and the Dean of Graduate Studies, or designate, must be posted at
least two weeks before the date of the examination. The Graduate Coordinator must ensure that copies of
the Notice are sent to the student and to members of the examination committee.
11.2.2 Student Approval of Designated Area of Specialization
The format of the University degree parchment presented to successful candidates shows the degree, the

3
Exceptions apply to students in Clinical Psychology (CPSY) and Applied Psychology (APSY).
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department or area of study, and the approved area of specialization. Students should ensure that the
approved area of specialization identified on the Notice of the Thesis Oral Examination form is correct,
before it is sent to the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
11.3 Form of Thesis
The thesis submitted to the members of the examination committee for final examination must be in all
respects a final, complete copy and not a draft.
11.4 Thesis to Examiners
The student must ensure that the thesis is in the hands of the examiners (including the examiner external to
the University) at least three weeks prior to the proposed date of the oral examination. The examination
begins when the thesis is distributed. The examiners should not discuss the thesis or their evaluation of it
with each other (or anyone else) prior to the oral examination. The Examiner's Report is considered a
confidential document and must not be shared with the candidate or the other examining committee
members before the final decision of the examining committee.
11.5 Format of Final Thesis Oral Examination
Normally, final thesis oral examinations are open, but only the examiners may question the student. The
examiners' deliberations are private and confidential. Only the Neutral Chair, the examining committee,
and, if present, the Department/Program Head and the Dean of Graduate Studies or the Dean's
Representative may be present.
12.0 Conduct of Thesis Oral Examination
12.1 Examiner's Report on Thesis
Before the oral examination, each examiner is required to prepare an assessment of the thesis, on the
official Examiner's Report on Thesis form. These assessments are to be submitted to the Neutral Chair of
the examination committee before the oral examination begins. The assessments are CONFIDENTIAL:
they are not to be made available to the student or to the examination committee before the final
recommendation of the examination committee. After the examination, the Neutral Chair should submit
the reports to the Graduate Coordinator who ensures that they are forwarded to the Faculty of Graduate
Studies. After the examination, the graduate program must make the Examiners' Reports available to the
student, upon request.
12.2 Examination Regulations
12.2.1 Formal Examination
The oral examination is a formal examination, not an informal discussion with the candidate.
12.2.2 Questioning of the Candidate
No one other than an examiner (as identified on the Notice of Thesis Oral Examination form) is allowed to
question the candidate. All examiners must be given an opportunity to question the candidate early in the
examination, e.g., by rounds of questioning.
12.2.3 Length of Examination
Ordinarily, the oral examination should not exceed two hours. This does not include deliberation time of
the committee.
12.2.4 Editorial Comments on Thesis
Examiners' editorial comments on the thesis should not be discussed at the oral examination. It is
recommended that each examiner hand the student a list of any such comments for post-examination final
thesis revisions.

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12.3 Suggested Examination Procedures
12.3.1 Opening Summary
It is common practice to ask the student to present a brief (up to fifteen minutes) opening summary of the
thesis. Although this is not mandatory, students may appreciate the opportunity to introduce their research
work and summarize its significance.
12.3.2 Questions to the Candidate
Questions to the candidate should be relevant to the subject matter of the thesis, and should be clearly and
succinctly phrased in order to minimize doubt in the candidate's mind as to what is being asked. The
student should be given reasonable time to answer. If the student has understood the question but cannot
answer, the examiner should pass to another question and not attempt to extract an answer by prolonged
interrogation. The chair should guard against any tendency of examiners to interact with each other instead
of concentrating on the examination of the candidate.
13.0 Post Thesis Oral Examination Procedures
13.1 Provisional Recommendations
At the end of the thesis oral examination, everyone except the Neutral Chair, the members of the
examination committee, the Department/Program Head or designate and the Dean of Graduate Studies
and/or Dean's representative, is required to withdraw from the room. Before any discussion of the
candidate's performance, each examiner must identify, by secret ballot, whether he/she favours
recommending a pass or fail on each of the thesis and the oral defence. This procedure provides the
committee with a frame of opinion upon which a full discussion of the student's performance may then be
based.
13.2 Official Examiners' Discussion
Following a count of the straw vote the Neutral Chair will facilitate a post-examination discussion, in
which the Department/Program Head and the Dean of Graduate Studies or their representatives may
participate, although they have no vote. At the conclusion of the discussion, each examiner must write
his/her final recommendations on the official Report of Doctoral Thesis Examination form. Unanimous
decisions are required for both the thesis and the oral defence. If the examiners are unable to achieve
unanimity regarding one or both components, there must be no further discussion regarding that
component of the examination and the Neutral Chair must immediately inform the Dean of Graduate
Studies of "lack of unanimity." The final decision will be at the discretion of the Dean of Graduate Studies.
13.3 Recommendation of Examination Committee
Thesis oral examinations are designed to establish a level of achievement consistent with the standards of
the Faculty of Graduate Studies as outlined in section 4, "Thesis Quality Requirements." The following
section (13.4) defines the official Faculty recommendations to the Dean of Graduate Studies respecting
outcomes of thesis oral examinations. In each case, the committee recommendations must be reported to
the Dean on the official Report of Doctoral Final Examination form within one working day of the
completion of the examination. Immediately following the conclusion of the examination, the Neutral
Chair must report the outcome to the student.
13.4 Recommendations
Thesis examinations must be judged to be either acceptable or unacceptable with respect to the thesis itself
and with respect to the oral defence.
13.4.1 Recommendation for the Thesis
If the unanimous final decision is that the thesis conforms to the requirements for a doctoral thesis (see
section 4) then all members of the examination committee shall sign the signature page except the
Supervisor, who will sign after reviewing and approving any necessary minor corrections on behalf of the
committee.

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If the unanimous final decision is that the underlying research reported in the thesis is judged to be sound,
but the presentation of or analysis in the research requires attention that one or more members of the
examination committee wish to review personally, then those members will not sign the approval page
until they have seen and approved the revisions. Other members of the committee should sign immediately
after the examination.

If the examining committee unanimously determines that the underlying research is not acceptable, then
the examination committee reports a failed thesis to the Dean of Graduate Studies. The candidate will
have a second opportunity to present and defend an acceptable thesis.

If the examiners fail to arrive at a unanimous recommendation, the Neutral Chair must adjourn discussion
on this component of the examination, and that same day inform the Dean of Graduate Studies of "lack of
unanimity." The final decision will be at the discretion of the Dean of Graduate Studies.

For either a unanimous decision to fail the thesis or a lack of unanimity, within five working days the
Neutral Chair must submit a written report to the Dean of Graduate Studies, describing the examination
procedures and copy it to the Graduate Coordinator. Within five working days, each examination
committee member must provide a confidential written report to the Dean of Graduate Studies explaining
the reasons for his/her recommendation and copy it to the Graduate Coordinator and the Supervisor. After
consultation with the Supervisor, the Graduate Coordinator then summarizes the essential points in a
written report to the student, copied to the Supervisor.

In the case of a failed thesis, whether by committee or Dean's decision, only one re-submission will be
allowed and a new defence will be required. In view of the magnitude of the revisions required, a second
oral exam must be held no sooner than six months and no later than twelve months from the date of the
first examination.

In reporting the results of the second examination, the committee will be limited to recommending either
pass or fail. A recommendation for "fail" requires that each examiner submit within five working days a
confidential written report to the Dean of Graduate Studies, copied to the Graduate Coordinator, and the
Supervisor detailing the reasons for his/her assessments. Within five working days, the Neutral Chair must
also submit a written report of the examination procedures to the Dean of Graduate Studies, copied to the
Graduate Coordinator. If the Dean of Graduate Studies upholds the recommendation to fail, the student
will be required to withdraw from the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
13.4.2 Recommendation for the Oral Defence
If the unanimous final decision is that the oral defence is acceptable, the recommendation regarding the
oral defence is a pass.

If the examining committee unanimously determines that the oral defence is not acceptable, then the
examining committee reports a failed oral defence to the Dean of Graduate Studies. The candidate will be
allowed a second, final attempt to present an acceptable oral defence of the thesis.

If the examiners fail to arrive at a unanimous recommendation, the Neutral Chair must adjourn discussion
on this component of the examination, and that same day inform the Dean of Graduate Studies of "lack of
unanimity." The final decision will be at the discretion of the Dean of Graduate Studies.

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For either a unanimous decision to fail the oral defence or a lack of unanimity, within five working days
the Neutral Chair must submit a written report to the Dean of Graduate Studies, describing the
examination procedures and copy it to the Graduate Coordinator. Within five working days, each
examination committee member must provide a confidential written report to the Dean of Graduate
Studies explaining the reasons for his/her recommendation and copy it to the Graduate Coordinator and the
Supervisor. After consultation with the Supervisor, the Graduate Coordinator then summarizes the
essential points in a written report to the student, copied to the Supervisor.

In the case of a failed oral defence, whether by committee or Dean's decision, the candidate will be given
only one further opportunity to present an acceptable defence. The second oral examination will be
scheduled and normally heard by the original examination committee not later than six months from the
date of the first examination. Any necessary revisions to the thesis must be completed by the candidate and
approved by the committee before the second oral examination.

In reporting the results of the second oral examination, the committee will be limited to recommending
either pass or fail. A recommendation for "fail" requires that each examiner submit within five working
days a confidential written report to the Dean of Graduate Studies, copied to the Graduate Coordinator,
and the Supervisor, detailing the reasons for his/her assessments. Within five working days, the Neutral
Chair must also submit a written report of the examination procedures to the Dean of Graduate Studies,
copied to the Graduate Coordinator. If the Dean of Graduate Studies upholds the recommendation to fail,
the student will be required to withdraw from the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
13.5 Dean's Action in Lack of Unanimity
When the Neutral Chair of a thesis oral examination does not report a unanimous recommendation, the
Dean of Graduate Studies may consult with the Graduate Coordinator, the Supervisor, and the examiners
before making a decision. At her/his discretion, the Dean of Graduate Studies may consult with the student
as well. A decision should normally be made within seven business days of receiving all the required post-
examination reports, and all persons involved informed in writing of the result of the decision.
13.6 Convocation Clearance
The names of the candidates who have successfully completed the final thesis oral examination will not be
added to the convocation list until the Faculty of Graduate Studies receives two unbound copies of the
thesis and a Departmental Clearance Form. Students will continue to be assessed continuing fees until
cleared for convocation.

TRANSFERS
14.0 Transfers Within Program
14.1 Application for Change of Area of Specialization
A student may apply through the graduate program to the Dean for permission to transfer from one area of
specialization to another while remaining within the degree program. Such application must be made prior
to the candidacy examination.
15.1 Transfer from Doctoral to Master's Program
A transfer from a doctoral program to a Master's program, within closely related areas of specialization,
may be recommended where, in the opinion of the Graduate Coordinator and the Supervisor, such a
transfer is in the best interest of the student. Such application should normally be made before the
candidacy examination. Transfers may be approved if the student is unsuccessful in the candidacy oral
examination on the first attempt. The Dean of Graduate Studies and the Graduate Coordinator of the
Master's program to which the student transfers must approve the transfer.

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15.2 Course and Examination Requirements
Courses credited to the doctoral program may be accepted as fulfilling Master's course requirements where
applicable, in accordance with program regulations for required Master's course work. Such a student must
complete all requirements for the Master's degree.
15.3 Time Limits on Transfers
Transfers from a doctoral to a Master's program should normally be completed no later than the beginning
of the student's third annual registration year. All transfer students must complete the Master's degree
program within their fourth registration year.

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