Graduate Supervision

A great supervisor oversees your academic work, is passionate about your subject area and invested in your success. This mentor may work with you to identify research and teaching roles, members of a supervisory committee, and career opportunities that will carry you beyond your degree. Ideally, this relationship is the foundation that moves you closer to your goals.

Creating a Good Foundation

When a supervisor and student come together often potential conflict seems far-fetched. However, it is wise to contemplate what may happen if disagreements arise, so that each party can know what to expect, set boundaries, and have a path created for resolution.

Tips for building a healthy relationship with your supervisor:

    • Ask your to a potential supervisor for a brief meeting to chat. Consider speaking to their current or former students as well. 
    • Get to know your potential supervisor’s work and ask about their working style.
    • Know what your needs are. Think about research interests, supervision and feedback preferences, and potential accommodations. Will you and your potential supervisor be a good fit? 
    • Meet in person to establish expectations about the subject matter, progress, feedback, and deadlines. Clarify what is flexible and what isn’t.
    • Discuss how you will communicate and how you will resolve any conflicts.
    • Don’t rely only on email. Use phone and in-person meetings too.
    • Follow in-person meetings with an email or written note to confirm or clarify expectations, deadlines, or agreements. 
    • Keep emails and notes about your meetings.
    • Make sure you keep in contact and inform your supervisor of circumstances that may affect your performance, such as illness or family emergency.

To assist in these tasks, the Ombudsperson has developed a Graduate Checklist for supervisors and students to complete at the beginning of their relationship.

During or After Conflict

In a high-pressure environment, conflicts can arise. If conflict arises, first, review the resources available to you as a graduate student. It often can help to reach out early and proactively. Try to resolve issues with your supervisor with your supervisor — you are often both the best positioned to come to a resolution.

Section 9.1 of the Graduate Supervision Policy (section 9.1) shares that: 

Students may meet in confidence (together with an advocate of their choice, if desired) with their supervisor, members of the supervisory committee, the Graduate Advisor, Head of the academic unit, Associate Dean and Dean of Graduate Studies without fear of reprisal.

If you are unable to resolve a conflict with your supervisor, many graduate students take this as a first step in trying to resolve an issue. Remember too that the Ombudsperson is a confidential, independent, and impartial resource with which to speak. Don’t hesitate to reach out before, during, or after a conflict.