Supervisor Responsibilities

Supervisors are encouraged to openly discuss the expectations using the  Student-Supervisor checklist; this is the first step in developing effective communication that is so helpful to degree success.

Supervisors should be aware of core responsibilities available to their graduate students at every stage, from formulation of their research projects through establishing methodologies and discussing results, to presentation and possible publication of theses and dissertations. Graduate supervisors must also ensure that their students’ work meets the standards of the University and the academic discipline.

Some specific responsibilities of a graduate supervisor include[1]:

• Provide commitment to the student’s research and educational program, and offer stimulation, respectful support, constructive criticism, and consistent encouragement.
• Assist with identification of a research topic that is suitable for the student and manageable within the scope of the degree.
• Have sufficient familiarity with the student’s field of research to provide guidance as a supervisor.
• Assist the student in gaining access to required facilities or research materials for their projects.
• Discuss the student’s financial support needs and interests and assist with scholarship applications and/or providing advice on academic employment opportunities.
• Provide guidance and model research integrity in the ethical conduct of research.
• Discuss with the student potential implications of engaging with activities/work unrelated to the thesis topic.
• Provide information about availability for meetings and expectations about preparation for meetings.
• Assist the student in planning the program of research, setting a time frame, and adhering as much as possible to the schedule.
• Be accessible for consultation and discussion of the student’s academic progress and research at a minimum of once a term. (On average, these meetings will be held ...)
• Be mindful that the time frame and milestones for degree completion may need to be revisited on occasion. Provide guidance that takes appropriate milestones and related outcomes as well as student interests  into account.
• Minimize expectations for activities/work that may interfere with the student’s thesis completion.
• When applicable, work with the student to form a supervisory committee and prepare for committee meetings, which will occur on a regular basis (at least once a year) to review the student’s progress and provide guidance for future work.
• Support the student in preparation for the comprehensive examination, should this be required as part of their program.
• Act as a resource for managing program requirements, deadlines, etc.
• Attend the student’s presentations in appropriate venues and participate in associated discussion.
• Submit recommendations for external and university examiners for the doctoral dissertation within the time frames required by the School of Graduate Studies.
• Acknowledge the student’s contributions, when appropriate, in published material and oral presentations [discuss expectations regarding authorship, etc. of papers] in accordance with good scholarly practice.
• Explain expectations for mode of address, professional behavior (e.g., punctuality), when to seek assistance, response to constructive criticism, and academic performance.
• Appreciate that students new to Canada or New Brunswick may be navigating cultural norms and customs that differ from their lived experience and may benefit from support in understanding these cultural nuances while respecting their own values and cultural customs.
• Support the student in understanding and respecting all areas of diversity, particularly as it applies to working in an inclusive and culturally safe manner in their professional, community, or research activities
• Respond thoroughly (with constructive suggestions for improvement) and in a timely fashion to submitted, written work.
• Promote a research environment that is safe, inclusive, and free from harassment and discrimination.
• Assist in managing conflict or differences among members of the supervisory committee.
• Make arrangements to ensure adequate supervision if the supervisor is absent for extended periods, e.g., more than a month.
• Encourage the student to present their research results within and outside the University.
• Provide mentoring in academic writing.
• Provide advice and mentorship with respect to career opportunities, which may be assisted by resources, skills, professional development, and other avenues.

[1]   This list has been adapted with permission from guidelines offered by the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies at the University of British Columbia.