Graduate Student Handbook Graduate Academic Unit Faculty of Education. October 10, 2013

Transcription

1 Graduate Student Handbook Graduate Academic Unit Faculty of Education October 10, 2013

2 INDEX: GENERAL INFORMATION FOR BOTH MED & PHD STUDENTS 1. ADVICE AND CONTACT INFORMATION 1.1 EXTRAORDINARY ISSUES Extraordin 2. SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES REGULATIONS 5 3. SERVICES AVAILABLE TO UNB STUDENTS FINANCIAL INFORMATION (PROGRAM FEES) 6 5. FUNDING 6 6. REGISTRATION FOR COURSES 7 7. TRANSFER OF CREDITS 7 8. TRANSFER OF PROGRAM (INTERNAL) 8 9. MAXIMUM COURSE LOADS: FULL TIME & PART TIME LENGTH OF TIME TO COMPLETE PROGRAMS YEARLY PROGRESS REPORT RESOURCES GSA UNIVERSAL BUS PASS FEE GRADUATE STUDENT CONFERENCE MASTER OF EDUCATION GENERAL DEGREE REQUIREMENTS OPTIONS IN PROGRAM: COURSE ONLY, PROJECT OR THESIS PROGRAM AND COURSE PLANNING PHD PROGRAM IN EDUCATIONAL STUDIES PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS COMPREHENSIVE EXAM PROCESS 17.3 COMPREHENSIVE EXAM FORMAT

3 EXAMINING COMMITTEE-DISSERTATION DEFENCE 18.1 CHOOSING THE EXTERNAL EXAMINER 18.2 PARTICIPATE IN OTHER ACTIVITIES INDEPENDENT STUDIES

4 1. ADVICE AND CONTACT INFORMATION Staff in the graduate office will be able to help you with regulations and processing of documents. Your faculty advisor (identified in your letter of acceptance) will give you advice and/or direction on the selection of courses and where there are options within your program. If you ask the graduate office staff a question that should be handled by your advisor, you will be referred to your advisor, so if you are unsure who to contact you can start with the graduate office staff. Students are responsible to check their UNB regularly for important information distributed for courses and the graduate program. Graduate Office Staff: Carolyn King Questions relating to: (Adult Education, Critical Studies, Curriculum Studies, Exceptional Learners, Instructional Design, PhD) Office: 226 Marshall d Avray Hall Phone: (506) kingc@unb.ca Carol Ann Hatheway Questions relating to: (Counselling, Education Administration & Leadership) Office: 226 Marshall d Avray Hall Phone: (506) hatheway@unb.ca Lisa LeBlanc General Inquiries Office: 226 Marshall d Avray Hall Phone: (506) leblancl@unb.ca Other Support Staff for Special Programs: MEd online students will receive some support from staff in the university s College of Extended Learning (CEL). Terri MacLean Phone: (506) tmaclean@unb.ca 4

5 1.1 Extraordinary Issues: If you have concerns about something in a course or in your interactions with your advisor or supervisor, it is your responsibility to try to resolve those issues with the instructor or the advisor/supervisor. If you cannot resolve the issue with the relevant person, you can contact our Associate Dean (Graduate Programs). David Wagner Associate Dean (Graduate Programs), Faculty of Education Office: 202 Marshall D Avray Hall Phone: (506) dwagner@unb.ca 2. SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES REGULATIONS, STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES For information that is, more detailed please review the website below. e=university%20regulations All graduate students at the University of New Brunswick are designated as students in the School of Graduate Studies. Your program is run by the Graduate Academic Unit (GAU) of Education. The director of our GAU is our Associate Dean (contact information above). Most of your communication will be with our GAU, which runs through our office in Marshall D Avray Hall, but some things are handled directly by the SGS. 3. SERVICES AVAILABLE TO UNB STUDENTS The office also offers personal counselling and career counselling. 5

6 If you think you may be a victim of sexual harassment, you may contact UNB s office of Human Rights FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Program Fees): For information on tuition fees, student fees, fee regulations and residence fees, tuition tax receipts and fee payment options for both Fredericton and Saint John campus see Financial Services. Please visit one of the following links. n_and_fees/fredericton.html tml There is a term fee for research-based graduate students (i.e., students who are doing the degree by thesis or project/report). Course route MEd students pay on a course by course basis. For details regarding specific fees, please go to Financial Services. 5. FUNDING: The Faculty of Education endeavours to provide some financial support for some, but not all, full-time, research-based applicants. Applicants requiring financial support should indicate this in the appropriate place on their applications: Full-time research based students are eligible for a Graduate Research Assistantship. (MEd for one year, PhD for two years) Funds are also available from both the Faculty of Education and the School of Graduate Studies for students presenting papers at conferences. Contact our Graduate Office (contact info above) for forms and further information. 6

7 Once accepted into a graduate program in Education, students interested in funding must complete a request for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship. Students are then matched with a faculty request for an assistant. 6. REGISTRATION FOR COURSES: You can register for your courses online. Helpful information about registration can be found at: 7. TRANSFER OF CREDITS: Advanced credits for courses completed at another university, or at UNB prior to registration in the MEd or PhD programs, may be granted provided these courses were not used as credits toward completion of a previous degree or to meet the criteria for entrance into the MEd or PhD degree. If advanced standing is to be given for work previously completed, it must be accredited at the time the student is accepted into the degree program. Generally, courses older than five years are not accepted as transfer credit. The application form includes a space where you can request advanced credit for courses taken outside the program. The applicant is responsible for requesting that advanced standing be considered. Such requests must be addressed to our Associate Dean (Graduate Programs) in writing at the time of application. All such requests are subject to the approval of our Associate Dean (Graduate Programs) and subsequently by the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies. Course at Non-UNB universities: Once accepted into the program students are expected to complete the program with UNB courses. In rare cases, students may be allowed to take courses from another university. For example when an option critical to a student s program is not available at UNB. However, prior approval, by our Associate Dean, (Graduate Programs), in advance of registration is needed when considering courses at another university while in the graduate Program. 7

8 Normally, a maximum of six credit hours of course-work may be transferred into your program. 8. TRANSFER OF PROGRAM (INTERNAL): A student may not automatically transfer from one option in the MEd to another (e.g., from the course route option to the thesis route option). Similarly, a student may not automatically transfer from one area of study to another (e.g., from Critical Studies to Educational Administration and Leadership). Application for such a transfer must be made in consultation with the student s advisor (supervisor) and then referred to our Associate Dean (Graduate Programs), and subsequently approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies. Additional courses may be required if the transfer is approved. The Student Financial Services Office of the University may assess additional fees following such a transfer. 9. MAXIMUM COURSE LOADS: Full Time and Part Time Students Full Time - (Maximum of 12 courses per year) A full-time student may not carry more than four (4) term courses during each of the three terms (3) academic terms (Fall, Winter, and Summer). Part Time (Maximum of 6 courses per year) A part-time student may not carry more than two (2) term courses during the fall term; not more than two (2) term courses during the winter term; and not more than two (2) term courses during summer term. NOTE: Any part time student who carries more than the number of courses specified above will be considered a full time student and be charged full-time student fees. Anyone who is a full time student in Fall or Winter will be charged for services negotiated by the GSA bus pass, and a medical plan (see page 10 in this handbook). us_2012.pdf 8

9 10. LENGTH OF TIME TO COMPLETE PROGRAMS: Master: Part-time students must complete the MEd degree within five years of their first registration as a candidate. Full-time students must complete the MEd within four years of their first registration as a candidate. Doctoral: For the PhD students, the regulations of the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) state that the candidate will normally have a maximum of seven (7) years to complete the degree from the date of first registration. Extensions beyond the date must be negotiated with the candidate's supervisor, our Associate Dean (Graduate Programs) and the Dean of the SGS. 11. YEARLY PROGRESS REPORT: Yearly progress reports for MEd research based and all PhD students are required by the SGS. The progress reports for Education are due each year in December. They are obtained through the SGS website at: _20131.pdf 12. RESOURCES: Faculty of Education Resources: Students have access to the Grad Studies Lounge located in room 103A Marshall d'avray Hall. The lounge consists of fridge, microwave, toaster, coffee pot, kettle, water, couches, table etc. The computer lab is located in room 116 Marshall d'avray Hall. AV equipment such as laptops, projectors, TV, and video equipment can be booked through Media Services located in room 133 Marshall d'avray Hall. 9

10 Online Resources - UNB Writing and Study Skills Lab: The Writing and Study Skills Centre offers all UNB students free tutoring in a wide range of academic skills, including report and essay writing, time management, and examination preparation. During fall and winter sessions, weekly workshops will be offered on study strategies vital to success at university. Visit our web site for the current online schedule. For more information, please call number below. Phone: Academic Writing: Also, graduate courses in academic writing, for example ED 6111 in our faculty, AESL 6021 or 6022 through CEL are offered periodically. The Faculty, Centre for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning (CETL): Both the Faculty of Education, the Centre for Enhanced Teaching, Learning, Information, and Technology Services offer courses. The Faculty courses assist students with academic writing, research, and related matters, while CETL and ITS courses with focus on learning the technology such as Desire2Learn (D2L). UNB Bookstore: The UNB Bookstore stocks required textbooks and course packs for all Education courses. Distance students obtain required textbooks by telephoning and asking for the textbook counter. With a credit card number, books can be couriered for a small fee. The web site for the Bookstore is: Faculty Committee Service: Student participation is welcome and required on the Graduate Academic Unit for Education (GAU). A representative of the graduate students will be asked by our Associate Dean (graduate programs) of Graduate Studies, or delegate to sit on and advise this committee and the Graduate Studies Committee (GSC). 10

11 The Graduate Student Association (GSA): The GSA of the University of New Brunswick was founded by students to provide representation for all of the graduate students attending UNB. The GSA currently represents over one thousand full and part-time graduate students studying at both UNB campuses. The GSA's offices are located in the Alden Nowlan House, 676 Windsor Street and the web site is: Through the GSA, all registered full time Graduate students are automatically enrolled on the Graduate Student Association Health and Dental Plan. The Dental plan is optional; however, proof of equivalent coverage must be provided to opt out of the Health plan. Both plans have a policy year of September 1 through to August 31. Both plans offer spousal/family coverage for an additional fee. Information on How to Opt-Out GSA UNIVERSAL BUS PASS FEE Effective September 2009, full-time graduate students registered at the UNB Fredericton campus will be charged a U-Pass fee for the fall and winter terms. This fee covers the cost of a universal bus pass that enables students to use the municipal transit system. For more information, please visit the U-Pass Info webpage on the University of New Brunswick Graduate Student Association website GRADUATE STUDENT CONFERENCE: Each year the GSA sponsors an annual Graduate Student Research Conference where graduate students are invited to present their research findings or scholarly papers. The conference normally occurs on a weekend. 11

12 14. MASTER OF EDUCATION: GENERAL DEGREE REQUIREMENTS Credit hours All students in the MEd must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of study. Students may be required to complete more than the minimum of 30 credit hours depending on the program of study developed in consultation with the student's advisor/supervisor. Required courses ED 6902 Introduction to Research is required for all program areas. Each area of study stipulates additional required courses. Course approval The courses planned for a student's program must be in consultation with the student s faculty advisor/supervisor and approved by our Associate Dean (Graduate Programs) and subsequently by the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies. Minimum performance Candidates whose academic performance is less than satisfactory will be asked to withdraw. Unsatisfactory academic performance includes a course mark below C or a cumulative grade point average below OPTIONS IN PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS: Course only, Project or Thesis A. Course-work Option: Students following the course route must complete a minimum of ten (10) term courses. No more than two (2) of these courses may be at the advanced undergraduate level and from approved institutions with the provinces of New Brunswick. B. Project/report Option: Students following the project/report route must complete a minimum of eight (8) term courses. No more than one (1) of these courses may be at the advanced undergraduate level and from approved institutions with the provinces of New Brunswick. A candidate for the Master's degree by report must prepare the report as part of the program and this report must be approved by an Examining Board established by the DoGs of the GAU concerned or designate. The Examining Board will be constituted in the same manner as the Examining Board for a Master s Thesis under Master's Degree Thesis. The report must conform in all respects to the regulations governing the presentation of theses and reports approved by the School of Graduate Studies. One member of the Board may be from outside the GAU. Should the Report be approved, the candidate 12

13 will be examined orally. The oral examination will be chaired by the Director of Graduate Studies (or delegate) in the student's GAU. Under the guidance of a Supervisor, the candidate completes a research project with report which is equal to a thesis in academic quality but which may be more limited in scope and/or degree of originality. This report is worth six credit hours towards the MEd degree. A report is preceded by a written proposal which is available in the office of our Associate Dean (Graduate Programs) for one-week period prior to the student being allowed to proceed. All reports which include the research of human subjects must follow the UNB guidelines for ethical approval. A report must undergo a public defence which is evaluated by the advisor and two readers. All members of the examining committee may be from our GAU. Reports may be theoretically based or focus on questions of practical import. A report can be developmental, evaluative, or non-traditional in nature. A report may use quantitative, qualitative, or conceptual research designs as listed for a thesis, and is expected to be of the same academic rigour, but not of the same scope or scale. The following examples demonstrate the wide variety of acceptable formats available to students for completing the report. Students should not see this as a comprehensive list of options. They are encouraged to consult with their advisor if they wish to work with a format that is not included in this list. The report may follow one of three designs: developmental, evaluative, or non-traditional: Development Designs: Curriculum Unit, Handbook/Manual, or Program Plan. Evaluative Designs: Instruction/Program Assessment, Instrument Development, or Needs Assessment. Aesthetic and/or Otherwise Creative Designs: Arts-based Project Comprehensive Portfolio, Narrative/Personal Journals, or Refereed Article. 13

14 C. Thesis Option: Students following the thesis route must complete a minimum of five (5) term courses and successfully defend a thesis (equivalent to 15 credit hours at the 6000 level). Only one (1) course may be at the advanced undergraduate level. The thesis requires the student to complete a substantive and independent research project under the supervision of a faculty member. Those pursuing the thesis option will be assigned, in consultation with the student, a supervisor for his/her thesis. At the option of the supervisor and student, additional members of the School of Graduate Studies can be invited to sit on a supervisory committee. When the thesis research proposal is ready, students may proceed to an oral presentation of the proposal or they may make the proposal available, through the office of our Associate Dean (Graduate Programs) for members of the GAU to review for a period of one week. If there is no request made to the supervisor for changes, then the proposal is approved through the signature of the supervisor and placed in the student's file. Ethical Approval: Once the research proposal has been approved by the Faculty of Education, the candidate will complete the required ethics forms and submit these to the Faculty Ethics Committee. Once approved by the Faculty Ethics Committee, the application will be forwarded to the University Research Ethics Board (REB) for approval. No research involving humans may proceed without approval of the Research Ethics Board (REB). These forms are located at: Thesis Examining Committee: The Examining Committee for a thesis is made up of: the Supervisor, at least one member of the Education GAU and one member of a GAU external to the Faculty. When the thesis is ready for oral presentation, a copy of the thesis is placed in the Office of our Associate Dean (Graduate Programs) for one week and placed on a secure online link for GAU members to have 14

15 access. This allows members of the GAU opportunity to review the thesis prior to the final oral presentation. AREAS OF STUDY: The degree of Master of Education (MEd) is focussed on the following specializations: Adult Education, Educational Administration and Leadership face to face & online, Counselling), Exceptional Learners, Critical Studies, Instructional Design, and Curriculum Studies face to face & online. 16. PROGRAM AND COURSE PLANNING: A complete list of program planning is available on the following website below. oncentrations/index.html Courses offered in each semester can be accessed at: PHD IN EDUCATIONAL STUDIES: Doctoral students are expected to attend and complete ED 6911 and ED 6912 at UNB's Fredericton Campus; and therefore, to be in residence for a minimum of two terms. The term "in residence" means that the student is expected to be available to the University of New Brunswick (Fredericton) for at least three days per week and to be registered as a full-time student. Admitted Candidates will participate fully in planning a program of studies to enhance their individual growth and address their professional needs, and to meet the requirements of the degree. Specific activities will be determined through collaboration initially between his or her Supervisor and subsequently with the Student s Supervisory Committee. This plan normally will be determined during the first term of the student s enrolment in the program. The plan can be re-negotiated at any time at the request of either the Doctoral Student or the Supervisor. Doctoral Students and supervisors should be familiar with the regulations of the UNB's School of Graduate Studies Guide for Students Writing a Thesis, Report, or Dissertation. 15

16 Supervisory Committee-The Supervisory committee includes: the student s supervisor(s), at least one other member from the GAU of the home Faculty, at least other UNB Faculty member and/or outside persons who are HRA s (Honorary Research Associate) in the home Faculty. The Supervisory committee advises the student on the proposal, recommends that the proposal be accepted by the GAU process, carries on with supervision until time for the oral examination of the dissertation, and recommends to the GAU that the dissertation be forwarded to the SGS for examination PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS Early in his or her program, each student, with the advice of his or her supervisor, will complete a Plan for the Program of Studies. This plan is submitted to our Associate Dean's office (Graduate Programs) in the first term of study. This plan may be amended as needed. Doctoral students and their supervisors will also complete a yearly progress report required by SGS. There are five components to the completion of the PhD program: o Participate in ED 6911 and ED 6912: The Doctoral Seminar I and Doctoral Seminar II o Develop theoretical expertise o Write a comprehensive examination o Write and defend a dissertation o Participate in other activities 1. Participate in ED6911 and The Doctoral Seminars: (Replaces ED 6901) Doctoral students are required to attend regularly and to participate fully in all activities. These seminar courses will include the presentation, discussion, and exploration of current issues in education by knowledgeable faculty members or other persons. Discussion will focus on published 16

17 knowledge, professional and personal practical knowledge, current research, practical applications and future trends. The issues to be addressed will be determined through consultation between candidates and the course convenors. The semester will also include the presentation by participants and subsequent discussion of their developing research ideas and dissertation proposal and/or proposals for submission to funding agencies. 2. Develop theoretical expertise: The student will develop theoretical expertise in a specific content area or several related areas within the field of Education. The student, in consultation with his/her supervisor, will outline specific activities through which such expertise will be developed. The candidate will be expected to engage in regular discussions with the supervisor over the duration of these activities. Relevant activities could include: * Completing specific courses * Participating in selected workshops, conferences, institutes, etc. * Completing independent reading and library/database research. 3. The Comprehensive Examination Process (3 Questions): The purpose of this examination is to demonstrate that the student has the broad substantive and methodological background necessary for completing a dissertation in his/her field and to establish his/her areas of scholarly expertise. Each student is required to complete a comprehensive examination in three areas. The comprehensive examination questions allow students to build their knowledge within specific areas related to their research. The specific fields for examination will be established by the supervisory committee in consultation with the student and will normally consist of two topics related to the student's area of study and one related to the research methodology to be used in the dissertation. The student normally begins the comprehensive examination after most course work, as well as the required reading in the areas covered by the questions has been done. Normally, the comprehensive examination will be completed 17

18 before the student formally presents his/her thesis proposal and begins extensive work on the dissertation THE COMPREHENSIVE EXAM PROCESS The Comprehensive Exam consists of three questions. As early as possible in the student's program, the Supervisory Committee determines an examiner for each comprehensive exam question. It is strongly recommended that at least one examiner be from outside the supervisory committee. The timeframe for completion of the comprehensive examination for all PhD students will be no longer than three consecutive academic terms. All students will be expected to complete their comprehensive examination no later than seven (7) terms after the original date of entry to the program. Each student, in consultation with his/her supervisor, will decide on the term to begin the comprehensive exam and in that term will register for the course ED6999, Education Comprehensive Examination. The supervisor, the student, and the comprehensive examiner meet to consult on appropriate area of inquiry on the exam COMPREHENSIVE EXAM FORMAT 1. One conference style presentation. This will usually consist of a paper of manuscript pages along with a presentation of minutes, followed by a question period of no more than one hour. The presentation will be announced to the faculty a minimum of two weeks prior to taking place and will be public. 2. One written paper of approximately 30 manuscript pages. 3. One where the format is open to be decided upon by the supervisory committee in consultation with the student. Formats might include: oral presentations with questions; written papers; online presentations; traditional examination format; or various combinations of the above. Early in the term, once the examiner has given the question to the supervisor, the Supervisory Committee will make clear to the student in writing: the exam questions; the format for responding to each question; the criteria by which each question will be assessed, and a 18

19 timeframe for completion of each question. A copy of this outline will be forwarded to our Associate Dean for (Graduate Programs) and placed in the student's file. All responses are to be completed no later than the end of the university examination period of the third consecutive term. The student submits the completed answer to the examiner with a copy to the supervisor. The examiner returns his or her evaluation of the exam with appropriate feedback to the supervisor within one month. The examiner s feedback includes a statement of the results of the exam (pass or fail). All members of the Supervisory Committee and the examiner(s) may see and discuss each answer and each will be graded on a pass/fail basis. The final determination as to the acceptability of a particular response will lie with the designated examiner for each question. Following completion of the examination, the supervisor will write a memo to the student with a copy to our Associate Dean (Graduate Programs) outlining the decision of the examiners. The supervisor, in a timely fashion, meets with the student to discuss the results of the exam. Failure to provide an adequate response to any question will result in the following: If the student fails one question, he or she may respond to a new question. If the student fails this new question, a decision about whether he or she will be required to withdraw from this program will be made by the Supervisory Committee in consultation with our Associate Dean (Graduate Programs) and the Dean of Graduate Studies. If the student fails two questions, a decision about whether he or she will be allowed to respond to new questions or will be required to withdraw from the program will be made by the Supervisory Committee, our Associate Dean (Graduate Programs) and the Dean of Graduate Studies. If the student fails one or both of the two new questions, he/she will be required to withdraw from the program. 19

20 If the student fails all three questions, he or she will be required to withdraw from the program. Note: Upon successful completion of the comprehensive examination process, it is at this point the doctoral student will be noted as having entered the candidacy process of their doctoral program. 4. (The Candidacy Phase) the Research Proposal to the Dissertation The Research Proposal: When the candidate s supervisory committee has agreed, in principle, to accept the dissertation proposal, members of the GAU are given a two-week period to read the proposal prior to the candidate making a formal presentation of the proposal. All faculty members and graduate students will be invited to attend and will have an opportunity to pose questions to the candidate. After the oral presentation, members of the GAU have a one week period during which they may comment to the candidate s supervisor on the proposal. If no concerns are communicated to our Associate Dean (Graduate Programs) or the supervisory committee within one week after the proposal defence it will be deemed accepted. If concerns are raised and not resolved by our Associate Dean and the supervisory committee a meeting of the GAU will be called to decide on the status of the research proposal. Ethical Review: Once the research proposal has been presented publically and approved, the candidate will complete the required ethics forms and submit these to the Faculty Ethics Committee. Once approved by the Faculty Ethics Committee, the application will be forwarded to the University Research Ethics Board (REB) for approval. No research involving humans may proceed without approval of the REB. These forms are located at: Research and Dissertation: The doctoral candidate will complete the proposed research, write and then defend the dissertation. These activities will be conducted under the regular supervision of the candidate's supervisor and supervisory committee. The written document and its examination and the oral defence of the dissertation will be managed according to the policies established by the SGS. 20

21 When the supervisory committee approves the thesis it will be submitted to our Associate Dean (Graduate Programs) who will announce the thesis has been completed and will make copies available for a one-week period. Within the following week, a meeting of the GAU will be called to consider a motion from the supervisory committee to approve the thesis. If the GAU approves the thesis, it will be forwarded to the School of Graduate Studies for Examination. If the GAU does not approve the thesis, the candidate may revise the thesis and re-submit it to the GAU for approval. In this case, the GAU must provide clear direction to the candidate regarding the revisions that are required to be made before re-submission of the thesis. If the candidate chooses not to revise the thesis, the GAU will recommend to the Dean of Graduate Studies that the candidate withdraw from the program. A written copy of the revised and re-submitted thesis will be available in the office of our Associate Dean (Graduate Programs) for a period of one week. A meeting of the GAU will then be held to consider a motion from the supervisory committee to approve the revised thesis. If a thesis is not approved by the GAU a second time, the GAU will recommend to the Dean of Graduate Studies that the candidate withdraw from the program. Once approved at the GAU level, a minimum of three copies of the dissertation are to be submitted to the SGS together with a completed copy of the Completion of GAU Requirements for the PhD Degree. This form is completed in the Our Associate Dean Dean s office. Once submitted to SGS, the examination process is the responsibility of SGS. SGS, having determined that the suggested external examiner is appropriate and is willing to examine the dissertation, sends the examiner a copy of the dissertation. The examiner is generally given one month to read and comment on the dissertation. Each committee member notifies the SGS whether they believe the dissertation should go forward to oral presentation. If a member determines the dissertation not to be ready, SGS sets up a meeting of the committee to determine the next step. Once the SGS has determined that the 21

22 dissertation is ready for examination, an oral exam date is set. The Dean or our Associate Dean (Graduate Programs) or Deans of SGS chair the oral exam. For complete procedures, please see the SGS regulations: Procedures for the submission and assessment of doctoral dissertations THE EXAMINING COMMITTEE-DISSERATION DEFENCE: The Examining Committee for the final oral examination consists of: An external examiner from outside of UNB; The Supervisor(s) Another person from the home GAU A person from another UNB GAU One other person from either the home or another GAU 18.1 CHOOSING THE EXTERNAL EXAMINER: An Informal approach to the External Examiner should be made by our Associate Dean, not by the supervisor(s) or the candidate. In suggesting an external examiner, the supervisor(s) should be aware of the conflict of interest guidelines. There is a conflict of interest when: A proposed external examiner is, or was in the last six years, from the same university, organization or department, or belongs or belonged, in the last six years, to the same research unit as the supervisor(s) or candidate; or There is an administrative or family link between the proposed external examiner and the supervisor(s) or candidate (e.g., head of the department, dean of the faculty, etc.); or proposed external examiner is an industrial or government representative who is or was in the last six years directly involved in collaborative activities with the supervisor(s) or candidate; or A proposed external examiner is a former research supervisor or graduate student of the supervisor(s) or candidate or has collaborated 22

23 or published with the supervisor(s) or candidate within the past six years; or The proposed external examiner is uncomfortable with reviewing the proposal due to previous conflicts or any other reason (e.g., past student or supervisor, even if more than six years ago, or personal conflict); or The GAU committee or SGS has reason to believe that a specific proposed external examiner should not be involved in the review PARTICIPATE IN OTHER ACTIVITIES: The candidate's program of studies will include additional activities to be planned in collaboration with his/her supervisor and to be set out the Learning Contract which will be filed with our Associate Dean of (Graduate Programs). Normally, the candidate will participate in activities roughly equivalent in total time commitment to two graduate term courses (i.e., 10 hours per week over two terms or 260 hours). These activities should relate to at least two of the following three categories: a. The development of professional competence in disseminating knowledge to others (e.g., the teaching role of the professoriate). Related activities could include: * participating in the UNB Certificate of University Teaching Institute * teaching course(s) at the undergraduate level * assisting faculty member in teaching course(s) * preparing information knowledge resource materials * publishing written work b. The development of professional competence in conducting research and/or development projects and activities (e.g., the research role of the professoriate). Related activities could include participating in research or development activities other than the candidate's own current research project: * writing up research reports * preparing development-related materials 23

24 * preparing and submitting written work for peer review * publishing written work * making presentations at scholarly conferences c. The development of professional competence and leadership roles within the educational community (e.g., the service role of the professoriate). Activities could include: making presentations at professional conferences, workshops, institutes, etc., participating on committees actively engaged in professional activities, professional development, and the like. 19. INDEPENDENT STUDIES An independent study course is only offered in exceptional circumstances; that is, when a student s research or disciplinary interests cannot be pursued within the context of an already scheduled or regularly offered course. Faculty and students should be aware that many research interests can be pursued within the context of existing courses (e.g., Qualitative Research, Current Issues). To request an independent study, graduate students will consult with their program advisor or research supervisor, who may refer them to another professor write a proposal describing the program of work that this professor would supervise, (in the case of thesis/projectbased students, this must include a description of how the work is distinct from the student s comprehensive exams and/or thesis chapters), and using the form available at submit the application to the Faculty s Associate Dean (Graduate Programs) through the graduate office. The Associate Dean (Graduate Programs) will consult with the faculty member identified as the supervisor of the independent study, make the proposal available for one week in the graduate office for comments by faculty members, consider this feedback along with the circumstances and qualities of the proposal, 24

25 make a recommendation to the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, who will approve or not, inform the student of the result, and keep a record of the proposal and the result for the review by faculty members. Professors will only supervise independent studies in exceptional circumstances (preferably none, but up to a maximum of two per academic year). Professors will receive no financial, workload, or other compensation for supervising independent studies. An independent study is intended to cover content that is not available in a regularly offered face-to-face or on-line graduate course. Typically, an independent study course will be focused on a specialty topic area that might be discipline specific or related to a particular philosophy or research methodology for which there is no relevant course. Students will not be given independent study credit for work on comprehensive exams or theses chapters. Independent studies that involve the student in teaching or other scholarly work responsibilities will include additional independent work. Independent studies that have the student participating in an undergraduate course will include additional academic work to meet the requirements of a graduate level course. An independent study course must be approved before it begins. Students cannot receive credit for more than two independent studies in their graduate program. 25