Resources for Graduate Students

Supervision Guidelines and Best Practices

The SGS Graduate Supervision Guidelines – Students is a set of best practices, general guidelines, policies, and suggestions that provide direction on choosing a supervisor, establishing a supervisory committee, and maintaining a productive working relationship among all three. are the Supervision Guidelines – Student Edition Table of Contents:

Section 2: General Characteristics of Graduate Supervision
Section 3: Choosing a Supervisor
Section 4: Responsibilities of the Student, Supervisor, and Supervisory Committee
Section 5: If You Need Academic Accommodations
Section 6: When Problems Arise
Section 7: Finishing Up
Section 8: Scenarios
Section 9: Appendix 1 – Resources
Section 10: Appendix 2 – Checklist for Students

Reference Guide for Students is a quick reference for students summarizing the SGS Graduate Supervision Guidelines.

Principles for Graduate Supervision at Ontario’s Universities form a set of guiding principles for the supervision of students in graduate research-based programs, and were agreed on unanimously by the Ontario Council of Graduate Studies in May 2023.

School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Calendar

All degree program students are subject to both the General Regulations and Degree Regulations. We recommend that you review Section 7 of the General Regulations on Good Academic Standing and Satisfactory Academic Progress, Time Limits, Supervision, and Candidacy and Section 8 of the General Regulations on Thesis and Graduate Student Supervision.

Managing your Program

On the SGS website you can find general guidance on managing your program. This site includes resources on:

Maintaining Good Standing Find a Supervisor
Thesis & Dissertation Writing Support
Candidacy Extensions
Coursework Extensions
Program Extensions
Leave of Absence
Stop-Out, Withdrawal, Failure to Register
Academic Integrity Resources
Academic Appeals

Student Academic Services

If you are a current student, you can direct any general registrarial and student services inquiries to graduate.information@utoronto.ca.

Financial Aid and Advising

You can also book a financial advising appointment with the SGS Financial Aid and Advising Office.

Graduate Wellness Counselling

The School of Graduate Studies and the Division of Student Life have partnered to provide embedded wellness counselling. If you’re a registered full- or part-time graduate student, you can book an appointment with a graduate wellness counsellor. Learn more.

Accessibility Services

If you have any disability-related needs, consider registering with Accessibility Services to ensure academic accommodations are in place. Learn more about accessibility in grad-specific contexts and registering with Accessibility Services.

Sexual Violence and Harassment

If you are experiencing sexual violence or sexual harassment, you can access services through the Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre.  

Centre for International Experience

If you are an international student and you have questions regarding immigration, health insurance, works permits etc. please book an appointment with an International Student Immigration Advisor (ISIA) through the Centre for International Experience (CIE) to discuss your concerns.