Supervision

Students admitted to the MA program have discussed supervision with potential faculty supervisor(s) prior to admission. Supervision is formalized no later than the end of the second term in the program, and is permitted to differ from the initial admission arrangement. Students are encouraged to review the the Graduate General Regulations related to supervision and the information and guidance regarding the supervisory relationship provided by Graduate Studies. 

Supervisor

• As per GGR 1.6.3, the supervisor must be a continuing SFU faculty member at the rank of assistant professor or above including professor emerati.
• Co-supervision is an optional arrangement in which two individuals exercise the degree of supervision and support of a single supervisor.
  • When a co-supervisory arrangment is in place, the co-supervisors jointly act as a single supervisor.
  • All documentation must be reviewed, approved, and signed by both co-supervisors.
  • One co-supervisor must be a continuing SFU faculty member at the rank of assistant professor or above including professor emerati.
  • One co-supervisor may be an adjunct faculty member, lecturer, visiting faculty, limited-term research staff, or off-campus professional who is academically qualified to advise a graduate student.
  • When a co-supervisory arrangement is in place, the MA student requires an additional committee member.
• The supervisor (or co-supervisors) will counsel the student regarding course work, academic direction, and the selection of a supervisory committee.
• Supervision (or co-supervision) is formalized via Graduate Studies no later than the second term after admission, following approval by the Associate Director, Graduate Programs and is processed through the Graduate Program Assistant.

Supervisory Committee

• Students are advised that it is helpful to produce a brief written outline of the proposal for thesis research prior to committee formation.
• A full supervisory committee includes a supervisor (or co-supervisors) plus at least one additional committee member.
• The supervisory committee will normally consist of at least two faculty members from the School of Criminology.
• The addition of a committee member to the original supervisory arrangement is formalized via Graduate Studies following approval by the Associate Director, Graduate Programs and processing through the Graduate Program Assistant.
  • Any changes to committee formation (for example, if one member will be absent for an extended period) require approval in the same manner.

Absence of Supervisor

While the student is developing their thesis it may be necessary for the supervisor to be away from campus for periods of time. Graduate General Regulation 1.6.3 states: An interim supervisor may be permitted as needed. A supervisor who will be unable to perform their regular duties for more than three months is required to arrange for proper supervision of the student by another supervisor, co-supervisor or committee member during this absence. The graduate program committee and the dean of graduate studies shall be informed in writing of the arrangement.