This meeting will be held remotely via Zoom. The link and password to join the meeting may be found via the meeting’s email notice.

1. Welcome and Chair’s Remarks

Chair Mike Zryd

2. Faculty of Graduate Studies’ Faculty Teaching Award

Presentation
2025-2026:
Professor Mary Goitom, Graduate Programs in Development Studies, and Social Work

3. Minutes (Previous Meeting April 2, 2026) (.docx)

4. Business Arising from the Minutes

5. Dean's Remarks

Dean Alice MacLachlan

6. Changes to Faculty Regulations:  Graduate Supervision, and Policy on Appointments to the Faculty of Graduate Studies

For discussion
Associate Dean Academic, Cheryl van Daalen-Smith
Associate Director, Graduate Academic Affairs, Wes Moir
Proposal (.docx)

7. Summer Authority

For approval
Motion: “that all items that need Council approval be delegated to the FGS Academic Planning & Policy Committee after the last meeting of

8. Report of the Nominating Committee

For information
Associate Dean Academic, Cheryl van Daalen-Smith
Report (.pdf)

9. Reports from Faculty of Graduate Studies' Representatives to Senate Committees

Cheryl van Daalen-Smith, Senate Academic Standards, Curriculum & Pedagogy Committee
Anne MacLennan, Senate Academic Policy, Planning and Research Committee
Naomi Couto, Senate Executive Committee

10. Student Electronic Communication Policy

For information
Policy (.docx)

11. Senate Synopses

Summaries of Senate meetings of March 26 and April 23, 2026 (URL, .pdf)

12. Other Business

The post Council Meeting Agenda May 7, 2026 appeared first on Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS).

N.B.: This meeting will be held in person.

1. Welcome and Chair’s Remarks

Chair Mike Zryd

2. Supporting Indigenous Graduate Students

Presentation
Gaswéñdah – A Framework for Graduate Supervision with Indigenous Graduate Students (.pdf)
Dr. Ruth Green

3. Minutes (Minutes of Previous Meeting March 5, 2026) (.docx)

4. Business Arising from the Minutes

5. Dean's Remarks

Dean Alice MacLachlan

6. Changes to Faculty Regulations: Leave to Appeal

For approval
Associate Director, Graduate Academic Affairs Wes Moir
Motion (.docx)

7. Changes to Faculty Regulations: Oral Examination Guidelines and Reporting of Results

For approval
Associate Director, Graduate Academic Affairs Wes Moir
Motion (.docx) New file as amended at the meeting

8. Reports from Faculty of Graduate Studies' Representatives to Senate Committees

Cheryl van Daalen-Smith, Senate Academic Standards, Curriculum & Pedagogy Committee
Anne MacLennan, Senate Academic Policy, Planning and Research Committee
Naomi Couto, Senate Executive Committee

9. Senate Synopsis

Summary of Senate meeting of February 26, 2026 (URL, .pdf)

10. Other Business

The post Council Meeting Agenda April 2, 2026 appeared first on Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS).

This meeting will be held remotely via Zoom. The link and password to join the meeting may be found via the meeting’s email notice.

1. Welcome and Chair’s Remarks

Chair Mike Zryd

2. Division of Equity, People and Culture

Presentation (.pdf)
Parissa Safai, Vice-President Equity, People & Culture

3. Launch of the Graduate Student Certificate in Decolonization, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEDIA)

Presentation
Guests: Dalia El Farra, Advisor, Education & Communications, and Oliver Martin, Director Workplace Restoration & Culture, Centre for Human Rights, Equity & Inclusion

4. Minutes (Minutes of Previous Meeting February 5, 2026) (.docx)

5. Dean's Remarks

Dean Alice MacLachlan

6. The Graduate Supervision Capacity-Building Professional Development Fund

Associate Dean Academic Cheryl van Daalen-Smith
Supervision toolkit capacity-building fund (URL, pdf)

7. Changes to Faculty Regulations: Leave to Appeal

For discussion
Associate Director, Graduate Academic Affairs Wes Moir
Motion (.docx)

8. University Academic Plan

For discussion
Presentation (.pptx)
Dean Alice MacLachlan
University Academic Plan 2025-2030 Consultations (URL, pdf)

9. Reports from Faculty of Graduate Studies' Representatives to Senate Committees

Cheryl van Daalen-Smith, Senate Academic Standards, Curriculum & Pedagogy Committee
Anne MacLennan, Senate Academic Policy, Planning and Research Committee
Naomi Couto, Senate Executive Committee

10. Other Business

The post Council Meeting Agenda March 5, 2026 appeared first on Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS).

We’ve got a series of webinars planned to help you choose Graduate Studies at �첥��Ƶ.

Wherever you are in your graduate school journey, holding an offer, waiting on a decision, or simply exploring your options, the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) invites you to Choose Grad York, a week-long lunch-hour webinar series designed to support your decision-making process. Running from March 23 to March 27, 2026, this series helps demystify graduate studies at York and gives you a clearer picture of what it’s like to be part of our graduate community.

Across five online sessions, you’ll hear from decanal leadership, faculty, staff, current students, and alumni about why York is an excellent place to pursue graduate studies and how a York degree can help you make an impact beyond the University. All webinars take place online via Zoom from 12:00 to 1:00 P.M. ET. Registration is free and now open.

TOPIC: Navigating A Graduate Degree with Dean MacLachlan

DATE: Monday, March 23, 2026

TIME: 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET

Details of Session: In this webinar, our Vice Provost & Dean (Alice MacLachlan) will be speaking on the role of the student in a graduate degree, degree types and structures in the different disciplines, forming your individualised research ideas, and supports for personal and research development.

TOPIC: Learning about Grad School from Our Alumni – Panel Discussion

DATE: Tuesday, March 24, 2026

TIME: 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET

Details of Session: Entering a master’s program or continuing into a PhD presents many considerations for students to think about. We want to help support future students in their decision-making process! Associate Dean Academic, Cheryl van Daalen-Smith, will be speaking with both master’s and doctoral alumni to learn about their graduate student experience, and how their degrees have supported their future aspirations. The panelists will bring rich perspectives to future students grappled with various questions and share resources available to graduate students in the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

TOPIC: How to Pay for Grad School: Funding, Scholarships, Bursaries, OSAP, and more

DATE: Wednesday, March 25, 2026

TIME: 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET

Details of Session: Join us to learn more about the many kinds of financial support available to graduate students to help fund their studies. This session will cover the separate categories of financial support, including funding packages, scholarships, other awards, bursaries, and OSAP. Learn more about which supports require an application, which supports you are automatically considered for, and the various timelines associated with each.

TOPIC: Discussion Panel with Current Scholars

DATE: Thursday, March 26, 2026

TIME: 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET

Details of Session: Join us to learn more about the graduate student experience at York. Our student panellists will discuss a range of topics, including their application experience, the transition from undergraduate to graduate studies, funding, scholarships, program experiences, research & supervision experience, and much more.

TOPIC: Coming to Canada - The International Student Experience

DATE: Friday, March 27, 2026

TIME: 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET

Details of Session: Coming to Canada: The International Student Experience is an engaging session designed to help prospective and newly admitted students understand what life in Canada truly looks like, from navigating academics and campus culture to settling into a new country with confidence. Through real stories, practical guidance, and honest insights into the challenges and opportunities international students face, this session prepares learners to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Attendees will leave with a clearer picture of what to expect, where to find support, and how to make the most of their Canadian journey.

The post Choose Grad York 2026 – Online Series appeared first on Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS).

Supporting Your Transition: Pre-Arrival Webinars

New students are encouraged to look ahead to program orientation events, many of which will take place over the summer or at the start of the Fall semester. To support early preparation, the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) offers a series of virtual pre-arrival webinars designed to help ensure a smooth transition into your program. These sessions serve as a guide to the key steps between acceptance and the start of classes.

TOPIC: �첥��Ƶ Permit Application Support Session for Graduate Students

DATE: Wednesday, April 1, 2026

TIME: 9:00–10:00 a.m. ET

Details of Session: Join our support session led by York International’s licensed immigration advisors. Learn how to navigate the study permit application process, avoid common mistakes, and get answers to your questions. This session is designed to ensure you feel confident as you take this important step toward studying in Canada.

TOPIC: You've Been Admitted! What's Next?

DATE: Tuesday, April 28, 2026

TIME: 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET

Details of Session: In this session, we will go over a checklist of useful resources such as: how to accept your offer, submitting required documentation to meet conditions, accommodations for students with a disability, setting up Passport York and your email account, how to register for academic terms, how to enrol in courses, getting your YU card, the cost of living in Toronto, transit options, health plans and services, attending GRAD@York and more! 

TOPIC: How to Pay for Grad School: Funding, Scholarships, Bursaries, OSAP, and more

DATE: Wednesday, May 13, 2026

TIME: 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET

Details of Session: Join us to learn more about the many kinds of financial support available to graduate students to help fund their studies. In this session we will cover each of these separate categories of financial support: Funding Packages Scholarships Other Awards Bursaries OSAP Learn more about which supports require an application, which supports you are automatically considered for, and the various timelines associated with each.

TOPIC: Ask Us Anything: Applying for a �첥��Ƶ Permit for Graduate Programs

DATE: Wednesday, May 20, 2026

TIME: 9:00–10:00 a.m. ET

Details of Session: Join York International’s licensed immigration advisors for an interactive Q&A session designed to help you understand the process and get answers to what matters most to you.

TOPIC: Discover Graduate Supervision at York

DATE: Tuesday, June 16, 2026

TIME: 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET

Details of Session: This webinar explores the role supervision plays in graduate studies, highlighting how it shapes your learning experience. Designed for new graduate students, we will unpack the Ontario Principles for Graduate Supervision, focusing on student responsibilities. Hearing from current grad students, participants will learn tips for effective supervisor-student relationships, do’s and don’ts for understanding expectations, and making the most of your supervisory experience. Our goal is to help start you off on a successful grad school journey. 

TOPIC: Navigating Course Registration and Online Resources at York

DATE: Thursday, June 25, 2026

TIME: 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET

Details of Session: In this session, we will go over the various web platforms at York that you should become familiar with. This includes: Registering Online, Enrolling in Courses, our Faculty of Graduate Studies’ website, your graduate program website, York’s Events Calendar, Better Together, Appointment Booking Portals, Important Contacts, Incoming Class Facebook Group, and more!

TOPIC: A New Chapter: Dean MacLachlan Welcomes New Graduate Students to York

DATE: Tuesday, July 21, 2026

TIME: 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET

Details of Session: In this special session from the Dean of Graduate Studies, we are excited to connect with you and introduce you to the incredible opportunities that await you at �첥��Ƶ. This conversation is your chance to learn more about our vibrant academic community, the support systems in place to help you succeed, and the lifelong connections you’ll build here. We look forward to answering your questions, sharing insights and resources, and helping you navigate this exciting new graduate studies chapter.

TOPIC: A Day in the Life of an MA Student

DATE: Tuesday, August 11, 2026

TIME: 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET

Details of Session: This session will feature a group of current MA students from a variety of programs talking about their experiences during the transition to graduate school. We'll discuss what 'a day in the life' looks like, what the most surprising thing about graduate school was, tips and tricks for incoming students, and more!

TOPIC: A Day in the Life of an MSc/MASc Student

DATE: Tuesday, August 18, 2026

TIME: 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET

Details of Session: This session will feature a group of current MSc/MASc students from a variety of programs talking about their experiences during the transition to graduate school. We'll discuss what 'a day in the life' looks like, what the most surprising thing about graduate school was, tips and tricks for incoming students, and more!

The post Pre-Arrival Webinars for Incoming Grad Students appeared first on Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS).

This meeting will be held remotely via Zoom. The link and password to join the meeting may be found via the meeting’s email notice.

1. Welcome and Chair’s Remarks

Chair Mike Zryd

2. Mitacs Programming for the Graduate Community

Presentation (.pptx)
Guest: Rachel Sung, Mitacs Specialist/Business Development Specialist, VISTA/Innovation York
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3. Minutes (Previous Meeting, December 4, 2025) (.docx)

4. Business Arising from the Minutes

5. Dean's Remarks

Dean Alice MacLachlan

6. Osgoode Professional Development: Exemptions from Faculty of Graduate Studies’ Regulations

Meghan Thomas, Director, International and Professional Graduate Programs

For approval

Osgoode Professional Graduate Programs exemption from FGS Regulations and new Osgoode Professional Graduate Regulations (.docx)
Draft Professional Graduate Regulations – Comparison Chart (.docx)

7. Changes to Faculty Regulations: Applicability

Associate Director, Graduate Academic Affairs Wes Moir

For approval

Motion (.docx)

8. Update to Faculty Regulations: Change of Program/Change Within a Program

Associate Director, Graduate Academic Affairs Wes Moir

For approval

Motion (.docx)

9. Reports from Faculty of Graduate Studies' Representatives to Senate Committees

Cheryl van Daalen-Smith, Senate Academic Standards, Curriculum & Pedagogy Committee
YU-card FAQ for Faculty and Staff Fall 2025 (.pdf)

Anne MacLennan, Senate Academic Policy, Planning and Research Committee
Naomi Couto, Senate Executive Committee

10. Senate Synopses

Summaries of meetings of November 27 and December 11, 2025, and January 22, 2026 (URL/.pdf)

11. Other Business

The post Council Meeting Agenda February 5, 2026 appeared first on Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS).

This meeting will be held remotely via Zoom. The link and password to join the meeting may be found via the meeting’s email notice. Please note this year's new meeting start time.

1. Welcome and Chair’s Remarks

Welcome and Chair’s Remarks
Acting Chair Arash Habibi Lashkari

2. Postdoctoral Supervisor of the Year Award (URL)

Presentation

3. Minutes (Previous Meeting, November 6, 2025) (.docx)

4. Business Arising from the Minutes

5. Dean's Remarks

Dean Alice MacLachlan

6. Supervisory Hub Update

Associate Dean Academic Cheryl van Daalen-Smith
For discussion
Graduate Supervision Handbook - �첥��Ƶ (.pdf)
Graduate Supervision Resources Hub Update (.docx)

7. University Academic Plan

For discussion
Anne MacLennan, Senate Academic Policy, Planning and Research Committee
Reference (.pdf)

8. Reports from Faculty of Graduate Studies' Representatives to Senate Committees

Cheryl van Daalen-Smith, Senate Academic Standards, Curriculum & Pedagogy Committee
Anne MacLennan, Senate Academic Policy, Planning and Research Committee
Naomi Couto, Senate Executive Committee

9. Other Business

The post Council Meeting Agenda December 4, 2025 appeared first on Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS).

This meeting will be held remotely via Zoom. The link and password to join the meeting may be found via the meeting’s email notice. Please note this year's new meeting start time.

1. Welcome and Chair’s Remarks

Chair Mike Zryd

2. Minutes (Previous Meeting, October 2, 2025) (.docx)

3. Business Arising from the Minutes

4. Dean's Remarks

Dean Alice MacLachlan

5. Update to Faculty Regulations: Thesis & Dissertation, Oral Examination

Approved by the Academic Planning & Policy Committee on October 8, 2025
Associate Director, Graduate Academic Affairs Wes Moir
For approval
Motion (.docx)

6. Update to Faculty Regulations: Transfers Across Program Levels

Approved by the Academic Planning & Policy Committee on October 8, 2025
Associate Director, Graduate Academic Affairs Wes Moir
For approval
Motion (.docx)

7. Proposed New Sub-Committee on Intellectual Property and Graduate Education ~ Dispute Resolution 

Associate Director, Graduate Academic Affairs Wes Moir
For discussion and approval in principle

Motion (.docx)

8. Reports from Faculty of Graduate Studies' Representatives to Senate Committees

Cheryl van Daalen-Smith, Senate Academic Standards, Curriculum & Pedagogy Committee
Anne MacLennan, Senate Academic Policy, Planning and Research Committee
Naomi Couto, Senate Executive Committee

9. Senate Synopses

For information

Summaries of the Senate meetings of September 25, 2025 and October 23, 2025 (URL/pdf)

10. Other Business

The post Council Meeting Agenda November 6, 2025 appeared first on Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS).

This meeting will be held in person. Also, please note Council's new start time.

1. Welcome and Chair’s Remarks

Chair Mike Zryd

2. Orientation

Associate Dean Academic Cheryl van Daalen-Smith

3. Minutes (Previous Meeting, June 5, 2025) (.docx)

4. Business Arising from the Minutes

Report on Academic Planning & Policy Committee summer authority for Faculty Council

For information

Criteria and Procedures for Appointments and Reappointments to Graduate Programs
Graduate Program in Social & Political Thought

5. Dean's Remarks

Dean Alice MacLachlan

6. YU Ethics Review – Introducing the New Online Ethics Review System

Presentation

Guest: Alison Collins, Director, Office of Research Ethics

7. Update to Faculty Regulations: Transfers Across Program Levels

Associate Director, Graduate Academic Affairs Wes Moir
For discussion
Motion (.docx)

8. Reports from Faculty of Graduate Studies' Representatives to Senate Committees

Cheryl van Daalen-Smith, Senate Academic Standards, Curriculum & Pedagogy Committee
Anne MacLennan, Senate Academic Policy, Planning and Research Committee
Naomi Couto, Senate Executive Committee

9. Senate Synopses

For information

Summaries of the Senate meetings of February 27, March 27, April 17 (agenda) April 24, May 22, and June 26, 2025 (URL/pdf)

10. Other Business

The post Council Meeting Agenda October 2, 2025 appeared first on Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS).

_{Students were welcomed by left, Joseph Hafner, Dean of Libraries, and Dr. Alice MacLachlan, Vice-Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies.}

Starting Grad School—With a Community Behind You

_{Besides connecting with colleagues, students could find out more information about services �첥��Ƶ has in place to help them in their academic journey.}

Graduate school is a bold step. It’s the start of a new chapter filled with discovery, challenges, and growth. But as Dr. MacLachlan reminded students, it’s not a journey anyone has to take alone.

“Grad school has its ups and downs, and having a community around you can make all the difference,” she said. “FGS is here to support you—from navigating degree requirements and managing funding, to applying for awards and taking care of your well-being. We’re here to make sure you don’t miss a single opportunity.”

Students had the chance to meet fellow incoming grads, enjoy some food and conversation, and connect directly with the people and services that will guide them throughout their time at York.

Libraries That Power Your Research

The �첥��Ƶ Libraries team welcomed students warmly, showcasing the many ways they support graduate research and academic success.

“We’re thrilled to see you here,” said Joseph Hafner, Dean of Libraries. “From helping you access hard-to-find materials to offering quiet, dedicated spaces for study—we’re here to support your journey.”
Students were introduced to services such as the Graduate �첥��Ƶ Reading Room, interlibrary loan programs, and expert research help—all tailored to the needs of graduate-level study.

More Than Just Resources—A Whole Ecosystem of Support

The event also brought together representatives from across campus, helping students get acquainted with the broader support network available at York. These included:

• Teaching Commons
• Student Accessibility Services
• �첥��Ƶ Graduate Students' Association (YUGSA)
• CUPE 3903
• Athletics & Recreation
• York International
• FGS portfolios: Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Wellness & Counselling, Scholarships & Awards, Funding & Financial Planning.

Whether it’s learning to balance life and research, finding academic support, or building friendships, York provides the tools and community to help students succeed.

A Strong Start for Future Scholars

This year’s social wasn’t just an event—it was a welcome into a thriving, supportive graduate community. It reminded new students that they’re part of something bigger: a network of scholars, mentors, and professionals who believe in their potential and are here to help them grow.

“As you begin this ambitious academic and professional journey, remember: your well-being is just as important as your research,” Dr. MacLachlan said.

You belong here. You are supported here. And, you are capable of achieving something extraordinary here!

The post York Grad Studies Welcomes Incoming Students with Connection, Community & Possibility appeared first on Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS).