An Introduction to FGS the Faculty of Graduate Studies for New Faculty at York

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An Introduction to FGS the Faculty of
Graduate Studies for New Faculty at York

• September 2006

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FGS Who we are

• Ron Pearlman, Interim Dean
• Gary Jarvis, Associate Dean Academic Affairs
• and a small but dedicated group of staff.
• We are located in Room 283, York Lanes(above the
  York Bookstore)

Norma Sue Fisher-Stitt, Associate Dean Student
Affairs
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FGS What we do

• In broad terms, the job of the Faculty of
  Graduate Studies is to ensure the quality of
  graduate education being offered at York
  University.
• FGS is a pan-university Faculty, meaning that we
  oversee programs in a variety of disciplines,
  drawn from the full spectrum of offerings at York
  University.
• Unlike the other Faculties at York, FGS is not a
  hiring Faculty, but we are charged with
  overseeing other core elements of graduate
  studies, including
• - Student support
• - Administration
• - Standards
• - Curriculum
• - Faculty appointments (more on this later)
• Work with the Ontario Council of Graduate
  Studies (OCGS), a subcommittee of the Council of
  Ontario Universities (COU) on matters of Academic
  Quality

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FGS Our Programs

• FGS was established in 1963 with one program.
• Today York offers 46 graduate programs, and new
  offerings are being developed at a rapid pace.
• In addition to our graduate programs, we offer 25
  graduate diplomas.
• The range of programs is broad, all the way
  through Art History to Womens Studies, in both
  traditional disciplines and innovative
  interdisciplinary programs.

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FGS Our Students

• York is home to approximately 5,000 graduate
  students.
• -Two-thirds are enrolled in masters programs.
• -One-third are pursuing doctoral studies.
• Two-thirds of our students attend full time,
  with a third part time.
• In addition to being students, many of these
  individuals are employed as
• -Teaching Assistants, markers/grades, etc.
• -Graduate Assistants
• Others receive stipends as Research Assistants

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FGS The Future

• Graduate Studies at York are poised for major
  growth.
• In response to the Rae Review on Post-Secondary
  Education, the Ontario provincial budget of May
  2005 announced significant new measures aimed at
  substantially expanding graduate education across
  the system.

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Appointment to FGS

• What you need to know about appointment to FGS
• Being hired to a faculty position at York
  University does not include appointment to FGS.
  This is a separate process.
• Recommendation for appointment to FGS comes
  through a Graduate Program Director (GPD).
• You can be appointed to more than one graduate
  program (but there is no such thing as a
  cross-appointment).
• Term of appointment is variable. There is an
  assessment at changes from pre-candidacy to
  candidacy. Generally, appointments are made to
  the next periodic (OCGS) appraisal. Appointments
  can be for limited term.

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Appointment to FGS (cont.)

• Full appointment involves contribution to
  teaching and to serving on committees
  (supervisory and examining), and principal
  supervision. Appointments can be made for limited
  duties.
• In special circumstances, an appointment can be
  made based on program need. This is a one-time
  only appointment for no more than three years and
  is not renewable on the basis of need.
  Reappointment would be a regular appointment.
• Graduate programs in Administration,
  Environmental Studies, and Law are different than
  above for masters-related work but not for
  doctoral.
• Appointments are in the portfolio of the
  Associate Dean, Academic Affairs. The Academic
  Policy and Planning Committee becomes involved in
  cases that are not straightforward. There is an
  appeal process.

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Appointment to FGS (cont.)

• Criteria for appointment
• hold a PhD (or equivalent) degree or otherwise
  have demonstrated achievement as a researcher,
  scholar, professional or artist in accordance
  with the expectation of the discipline
• 2) demonstrate that he or she is continuing to
  make a contribution to research or scholarship or
  professional artistic activity in a form which is
  available for peer review and critical analysis
  (program specific criteria) and
• 3) where previously engaged in graduate teaching
  or supervision, demonstrate satisfactory
  performance as an instructor and/or supervisor.

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FGS Where to get more information

• www.yorku.ca/grads
• The Faculty of Graduate Studies Web site has a
  wealth of information for students and faculty
  including sections on FGS policies, FGS Council,
  student financial support, and thesis and
  dissertation guidelines
• This PowerPoint presentation, plus a presentation
  with information specifically for faculty newly
  appointed to FGS, can be found at
  www.yorku.ca/grads/presentations
• www.yorku.ca/secretariat
• The York University Secretariat Web site has
  information on University policy, procedures and
  regulations, including those regarding faculty
  appointment to FGS.
• The URL for graduate appointment information is
  www.yorku.ca/secretariat/policies/document.php?doc
  ument89