Program Progression
Students will have a committee meeting and submit an annual Graduate Progress Report (GPR) every Fall (except in their first semester, or if their defence date is prior to the due date of the GPR). Please see more about the Graduate Progress Report on the Graduate Studies website, including details on how to fill in and submit the report (scroll to the bottom for the Graduate Progress Report). Students who do not complete the GPR risk receiving an unsatisfactory ranking.
The Department of Archaeology discusses our philosophy behind the Graduate Progress Reports in Appendix B of the Graduate Handbook (PDF).
Why do we do the GPR?
The Archaeology Department has always conducted progress reviews because we believe there is significant value in supervisors and students openly discussing student progress, future plans, concerns, and successes. GPRs are now formally required by the University, along with a standardized form and requirements.
How is progress evaluated?
- Course Grades: This refers to academic performance (GPA) in completed courses, and the completion of all required courses within the departmental timeline. Note that in addition to Theory, Research Design, Directed Readings, and other approved Graduate courses, students must complete two semesters of the Department Seminar (ARCH 872 and 873), their Prospectus and Colloquium, and for PhD students, their Comprehensive Examination. Each of these have department-determined timelines for completion; if any of these courses are not completed on time, the student should not receive an overall ranking of “Very Good”. This is true even if there is there is an approved reason for the delay.
- Research Progress: Progress made on the thesis research (data collection, analysis, writing, grants, etc.).
- Scholarly Activity: Publications, conference attendance/participation, presentations, professional development, community engagement, etc.
How is progress ranked?
- Very Good: Excellent research progress, participating in extracurricular activities, exceeding typical milestones within the program.
- Satisfactory: The student is meeting typical milestones within the program, completing all the required training, participating in labs and other scholarly activities.
- Satisfactory with Concerns: Struggling to meet milestones, slow research development, requiring additional direction and support.
- Unsatisfactory: Failure to meet program milestones/deadlines, no participation in expected scholarly activities. Realistic plans need to be put in place for the student to meet their deadlines and requirements. An evaluation of Unsatisfactory could impact student’s funding, see Appendix F of the Archaeology Graduate Handbook.