RSI Handbook

Graduate students (both MSc and PhD) in RSI may participate in:

Students who register in a collaborative program are required to complete the requirements of both RSI and the Collaborative Program. The requirements for the Collaborative Program vary by program, but usually require completion of specific courses, attendance at a seminar series hosted by the Collaborative Program, and a thesis committee with representatives from both RSI and the Collaborative Program. When these requirements have been completed, students will obtain a specialization designation from the SGS upon completion of their degree.

*Students interested in registering should contact the graduate administrator of the collaborative program for further details*

Also see Centre of Critical Qualitative Health Research Course Series for information on training in qualitative and mixed methods research.

The Role of the Graduate Supervisor:

The Graduate Supervisor is the most influential person in the graduate student’s program. The following summarizes the roles of the supervisor:

1. Provide guidance and mentorship and serve as an academic role model
2. Promote academic integrity
3. Guide the graduate program of the student, facilitating timely completion of research, thesis writing and defense 
4. Facilitate the selection of appropriate members for the Graduate Supervisory Committee and ensure, jointly with the student, that the ongoing supervision is appropriate and timely
5. Clearly set out expectations
6. Provide timely feedback on submitted work. Inform students of any expected delays in providing feedback
7. Be accessible and ensure appropriate continuing supervision of the student during any leave of absence from the University (e.g. sabbatical, health related leave, retirement)
8. Help students understand departments, SGS and university policies and regulations
9. Disclose to the student and the RSI intention regarding funding
10. Play a major in obtaining funding for the student and assist in applications accordingly

For more information on Graduate Supervision Guidelines for Students, Faculty, and Administrators, visit the SGS website.
 

The Role of the Graduate Student:

A supervisor must be selected prior to enrolling in the program. The details of the supervisor’s responsibilities at the University of Toronto are outlined under Graduate Supervision: Guidelines for Students, Faculty, and Administration. Although the supervisor provides guidance, it is expected that the student will engage in an adult, self directed, learning process. The application for awards, planning and preparing for graduate Supervisory Committee meetings, writing abstracts and manuscripts as first author is all the responsibility of the student. 

The following summarizes the roles of the graduate student:

1. Know how and where to access graduate unit and university policies and regulations
2. Be pro-active
3. Keep your supervisor informed of emerging issues or upcoming events that may affect your academic progress
4. Be sure to have regular meetings with your Supervisory Committee (RSI requires at least a meeting every 6 months)
5. Prepare a realistic timeline for your program, review and adjust when needed
6. Seek conflict resolution as early as possible
7. Participate cooperatively and responsibly in the supervisory relationship
8. Understand that graduate supervision is a shared responsibility

Wellness and Student Support:

​Building Resources and Policies: