Events

There are a number of events that take place throughout the academic year and that are of interest to graduate students at SFU. For detailed information on an event, click one of the following links.

• TA/TM Day
• Graduate Scholarships Day
• Workshops on Graduate Supervision
• Library Workshops for Graduate Students
• SFU Graduate Student Certificate Program in University Teaching and Learning
• The SFU Teaching, Learning, and Research Showcase

TA/TM Day

Presented by the Office of the Dean of Graduate Studies and the Learning & Instructional Development Centre, TA/TM Day addresses teaching and technological skills that are essential for a Teaching Assistant (TA) or Tutor Marker (TM):

• academic honesty and integrity
• improving students' writing skills
• reflective practice in teaching
• facilitating effective discussions
• helping students in distress
• using technology in teaching
• active learning in labs and tutorials
• surviving your first tutorial
• conflict resolution in teaching
• evaluating student work fairly and efficiently
• setting the right tone in your classes
• creating an inclusive classroom
• helping students think critically & work cooperatively

Workshops are conducted by some of SFU's most experienced and skilled teaching assistants and tutor markers. TA/TM day usually takes place during the first week of the Fall and Spring semesters. Advanced registration is not required. Note that your time at TA/TM Day counts toward your TA/TM work hours for a given semester.

For more information about the TA/TM day, please contact:

Learning and Instructional Development Centre
Teaching Enhancement Programs
Education Building 7560
Simon Fraser University

Tel: 778.782.3910 or for Harbour Centre (778.782.5016), or Surrey (778.782.7591)
Fax: 778.782.4900

Graduate Scholarships Day

Getting Started Workshops

Every fall, the Dean of Graduate Studies sponsors an information session on different scholarships available to graduate students. Representatives from the federal and provincial granting agencies describe their award programs and answer questions about the preparation of an application. University representatives also provide information sessions on SFU Scholarships and Bursaries/Loans.

SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship Applicants

Every fall, the Dean of Graduate Studies, in collaboration with faculty in the Centre for Writing-Intensive Learning sponsor workshops to assist students applying for SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships. Particular attention is paid to how to write a proposal statement, what constitutes strong letters of reference, and how to create an effective overall application package. The workshops are intentionally kept small to work intensively on an overview of the process, analyze past proposals, establish criteria of successful applications, and issues relating to details of students' particular topics and circumstances. The workshop is usually held in September.

SSHRC Master’s Scholarship Applicants

The Dean of Graduate Studies, in collaboration with faculty in the Centre for Writing-Intensive Learning (CWIL) sponsor workshops to assist students applying for SSHRC Master’s Scholarships. Particular attention is paid to how to write a complete program of study statement, how to account for work experience, and how to present an effective overall application package. The workshops also give an overview of the process and consider past successful proposals. In addition, past recipients come and talk about their own experiences with the process. Prior to the workshop, students are asked to visit the SSHRC website to review terms of eligibility. Students also MUST pre-register for this workshop.

Workshops on Graduate Supervision

Every fall, the Dean of Graduate Studies facilities several workshops on graduate supervision. Topics include SFU's expectations about graduate supervision, keeping on track, and anticipating and dealing with common problems. The focus is on how to make a productive relationship between senior supervisors and graduate students. Separate sessions are offered to faculty and graduate students, which provide time for open discussion, and a variety of materials and resources. Workshop groups are kept small. Registration is required.

Tel: 778-782-3042
Fax: 778-782-3080

Library Workshops for Graduate Students

These workshops are organized by the SFU Library. They assist graduate students in their thesis and project preparation, provide hands-on library research on how to find the information you need, teach how to structure your research, essay, etc. Classes are generally directed at new and returning students. For upcoming workshops, click the class schedule of the library.

SFU Graduate Student Certificate Program in University Teaching and Learning

A 120-hour classroom-based program developed by the LIDC, with assistance from the Dean of Graduate Studies and the Faculty of Education. The program is intended to provide participants with the knowledge, skills, positive attitudes, and confidence to promote learning in their students. It integrates learning and instructional theory with an individual's knowledge of their subject discipline to effect teaching practice, emphasizing a scholarly approach to teaching. Graduates of the program will be well prepared to provide educational leadership in their future academic endeavours. For more information check the LIDC graduate certificate program website.

The SFU Teaching, Learning, and Research Showcase

SFU employs a number of talented faculty members, staff, sessionals, lab instructors, and graduate students who have contributed to the enhancement of teaching, learning, and research at SFU through their development of learning technologies, multimedia projects, and other innovative strategies. This showcase is a way for faculty, staff members, and graduate students to demonstrate their projects in an effort to share information with members of the SFU community, build connections with others, and develop their own ways to enhance teaching, learning, and research through innovation.

Informal demonstrations will be held concurrently at different stations during the morning and afternoon sessions. All members of the university community are welcome to drop in at any time during the morning and/or afternoon sessions.

For more information about this workshop, please contact:

Learning and Instructional Development Centre
Teaching Enhancement Programs
Education Building 7560
Simon Fraser University

Tel: 778.782.3910 or for Harbour Centre (778.782.5016), or Surrey (778.782.7591)
Fax: 778.782.4900