FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Particularly relevant to new students
How do I get to ECPS?
The ECPS department main offices are located in the Neville Scarfe building - 2125 Main Mall Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4. Here is detailed location information for the Office Block of the Scarfe building from the UBC online Wayfinding tool. Some ECPS faculty offices, and the main ECPS administrative and staff offices are in the Scarfe building, and the Counselling (CNPS) faculty offices, some additional ECPS faculty offices, and the CNPS reception are located in the Library Block located behind the Scarfe Building. Here is a Footprint map of the Scarfe building, showing the entrances, including wheelchair routes and elevator locations. If you are travelling by bus, the TransLink online Trip Planning tool is very helpful.
Where can I park close-by?
There are several metered parking spots (with reserved spaces for the disabled) to the south of Scarfe, as well as some metered spaces in the Biological Sciences Road Lot. The closest parking structure is the West Parkade, located at 2140 Lower Mall. The entrance to the parkade is on the east side of Lower Mall across from St. John's College. For more information on parking, see UBC Parking & Access Control.
Where is the “Office Block”?
The Office Block is the south wing of the Scarfe Building. At six stories high it is the tallest part of Scarfe, and it houses mostly faculty and staff offices, research labs, and meeting rooms.
Where is the “Library Block”?
The Library Block is located on the west side of the building. To reach the 2nd floor (where ECPS faculty offices and some other conference rooms are located) you must actually briefly exit the middle of the main Scarfe building, walk by a small patio-area, and enter into the first floor of the library block. You can then take the stairs or the elevator to the second floor. Note: you cannot access these offices from the Education Library.
Where are the faculty offices?
We are a large department with over 30 full-time faculty. Many faculty offices are on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th floors of the Office Block of Scarfe. Other faculty offices are located on the second floor of the Library Block. There is a list of faculty office locations when you step off the 5th floor elevator and at the entry to the Library Block.
Where are the administrative offices?
Administrative offices for the department are located on the 5th floor of the Office Block of Scarfe. This is also where all support staff for ECPS (including CNPS) are located.
Where are the faculty mail boxes?
Faculty mailboxes are located in the building where they have an office. For faculty in the main Scarfe building, their mailboxes are in the mailroom on the 5th floor of the office block, room 2520. For faculty with offices in the Library Block, their mailboxes are in the center of the Library Block. Mail boxes are labeled by surname (last name).
Where do I get mail?
Doctoral students are provided boxes. Upon request, masters-level students are provided mail folders. Students in HDLC, MERM, SCPS, and SPED receive mail in the 5th floor mailroom, Scarfe 2520. Students in CNPS receive mail in the Library Block.
How do I get keys to my lab/office space/ or the Scarfe building?
Lynda McDicken (office block, room 2519) can help you. She will complete the form you need to get keys to your lab or office space, the building, the Office and/or Library Block and the mailroom. You then take the form and $20 for a deposit to Parking & Access Control Services in the General Services Administration Building.
Where do I make copies?
A copy machine is located in the mailroom on the 5th floor (2520) and another is in the library block. Students may arrange to have a copy code through the support staff on the 5th floor. You are then billed each month for your copies. Two other places to make copies are the CMS Print Shop (for large jobs) and the Education Library. If it is afterhours and all of these places are closed, the SUB (Student Union Building) has photocopiers on the lower level.
Where can I access a computer?
There are computer labs (operated by CMS – Computer and Media Services ) in the basement of the Classroom Block of Scarfe (north side of the building). Make sure to sign up for a CMS account in order to access these computer labs. There are also two computers in the graduate student meeting room on the 5th floor of Scarfe (just off the elevator) that you can use when they are not in use by the peer advisors. In addition, there are computers in the Education Library. If you bring your own laptop, the Scarfe building is equipped with wireless internet access.
Where can I print from a computer?
If you are using one of the CMS labs, you have to set up a printing account and pay in advance. Also, the room in which you pick up your print-outs has much shorter hours than the labs. However, the laser printer is fast and professional-looking. Here is the printing information from CMS: http://cms.educ.ubc.ca/facilities/computer-labs/printing.html
If you are using the computers in the ECPS graduate student meeting room, you will have access to a black/white laser printer for limited use for free. Note that this printer gets a lot of use and sometimes people use up the toner and paper faster than the peer advisors can stock them.
To print at the Education Library, you must purchase a printing card. View the pdf file "How to Print from UBC Library Print Stations" on this page for more information.
What are the rules for using the computers in the graduate student meeting room?
Be careful of food and drinks by the computer equipment. People have been great so far but we don't want any gooey mice or crumbs in the keyboard.
You don't need to move the computers or printer or router for anything we can think of. Moving them around just increases the chance that something will become unplugged.
To insert key chain drives (a.k.a. flash drives, thumb drives, USB drives), use the ports on the front of the computers near the ground. They are marked with a bright orange post-it note.
You can use the computer for email, web browsing, chat clients, word processing, or other student-like applications. Please let a Peer Advisor or the current Web and Communications Coordinator know if you feel you need to install a program because it is probably already on the machines or not appropriate to have on a shared computer anyway.
There is no set time limit for using the computer when no one is waiting to use it. However, if you are working on a long project and someone needs to check email, be a kind soul and save your work and let them have a go at the computer. If you find you are interrupted too much, head on down to the computer labs in the basement.
The best way to save your work is to use a USB drive. But if you haven't gotten around to purchasing one, you can save your files to the student folder on the desktop of the computer. Feel free to create a sub-folder within this folder, but please don't leave files on the desktop as it makes it hard for other people to see new files. The peer advisors tend to sweep the files on the desktop into the student folder, so you are better off creating your own folder and saving to that. We have had no trouble with disk space so far, but we will let you know if we need to institute any disk storage limits.
The graduate student meeting room is not a quiet study space by any means. People come to eat a snack, check their email, bump into people, or talk with peer advisors. If you want a quiet study space, the 4th floor lounge is your sanctuary. Some staff members and faculty have even commented on how nice it is to hear grad students conversing in the meeting room.
We have not aware of any incidents of software piracy or illegal activities on these computers, and let's keep it that way.
Where can I make a phone call if I don't have a mobile phone or I get bad cell reception?
There is phone in the Graduate Student Meeting Room/ Peer Advisor Office in Scarfe 2524 (5th floor of the office block). Follow the instructions to dial within the University or to place a local call. You will need a calling card to make long-distance phone calls. If you come into the the room and the phone is off-the-hook, please do not hang up the phone to make personal phone calls. Most likely, a peer advisor had to check on something for a caller. Because the phone is not equipped with an "on-hold" feature, you must check the line before you assume you can hang up the phone.
Is there a meeting or workspace for graduate students?
Many graduate students have workspace in the labs of their faculty supervisors. There is also some limited workspace in the graduate student meeting room on the 5th floor of Scarfe, room 2524. You are welcome to work in this space when the peer advisors are not having a meeting with the grad advisor - we will close the door and post a sign on it for those times. Also, you may use the Education faculty, staff, and graduate student lounge on the 4th floor of the office block for quiet study. Many people choose to nap on the couches so it is best to do any group work at the tables. Other work areas include the tables outside of the Education library and the lounge on the second floor in the Library block of Scarfe. Please let us know if you find other good places to study in Scarfe or nearby so we can share this information.
Is there a graduate student lounge?
While there is no formal student-only lounge for students in ECPS, there is an Education faculty, staff, and graduate lounge on the 4th floor. There is a microwave, refrigerator, sinks, and a dishwasher as well as some tables and couches to eat and get away from it all for a short time. There is also a smaller but more casual lounge on the second floor in the Library block of Scarfe. Please note that cell phone use is forbidden or restricted in these areas.
Where do I go for academic support in the department?
Each of you has been assigned a Advisor in your program area. If you have not already connected with them, you should do so. They will help you select classes and answer specific questions about your program and study. In addition, we have two graduate program assistants, who are here to help you.
Where do I go for more information about the department and my graduate studies?
The main ECPS website has a lot of valuable information. You should spend time and explore the information on our website. Information includes faculty and their research interests, course descriptions, course schedules, program course sequences and regulations, upcoming events and much more. Check out the website on a regular basis to learn more about what is happening in ECPS. FoGS (Faculty of Graduate Studies) is also an invaluable resource for guidelines, advice, and links to more information. OGPR (Office of Graduate Programs and Research) is a wonderful destination for "a global orientation to the Faculty of Education, along with very specific information about the resources available to you."
What is FoGS?
It stands for the Faculty of Graduate Studies. As a graduate student in ECPS you are a part of two Faculties - the Faculty of Education (FoE) and the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FoGS). Although this means you need to stay informed of two Faculties' policies, you have the benefit of drawing upon two Faculties' resources.
What is OGPR?
This acronym stands for the Office of Graduate Programs and Research . It is a service unit within the Faculty of Education and provides information, guidance, and support for graduate student funding, research methodology courses, and graduate policy. OGPR also has a FAQ page that is particularly relevant to new students.
What do all those acronyms that I see around Scarfe and in emails stand for?
AMS: Alma Mater Society (of UBC)
ARES: Applied Research & Evaluation Services
CHET: Centre for Policy Studies in Higher Education & Training
CCFI: Centre for Cross-Faculty Inquiry in Education
CMS: Computing & Media Services
CSTE: Centre for the Study of Teacher Education
CUST: Curriculum Studies (department)
DNSO: Dean's Office
ECPS: Educational & Counselling Psychology, & Special Education (department)
EDST: Educational Studies (department)
EDUC: Education (faculty of)
EPLT: External Programs & Learning Technologies
ESA: Education Student's Association (undergraduate)
GSFE: Graduate Student (Council) for the Faculty of Education [formerly called FEDS]
GSS: Graduate Student Society (of UBC)
HKIN: Human Kinetics (school)
LERC: Language Education Research Centre
LLED: Language & Literacy Education (department)
NCIE: Network of Centres and Institutes in Education
PRTC: Psycho-educational Research & Training Centre
SCET: Standing Committee for the Evaluation of Teaching
SSHRC: Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council (of Canada)
TAG: (Centre for) Teaching and Academic Growth
TEO: Teacher Education Office
UGF: University Graduate Fellowship
What other online resources do you recommend for new graduate students?
I can't remember what orientations I should attend as a new grad student. Where should I look?
These website links might change, but good bets are:
Top
Particularly relevant to international students
Where is the best place to find information for international students at UBC?
The UBC Student Services website for International Students is an excellent portal and deserves to be bookmarked in your browser as it contains many important links and updated events.
http://www.international.ubc.ca/
What are some tips for academic success for international students?
The gold standard for resources international students is the International Student Handbook, which you can pick up in the ECPS Peer Advisor office, Scarfe 2524, or download though:
http://www.students.ubc.ca/international/handbook.cfm?page=academiclife
I keep hearing about University Graduate Fellowships (UGFs). Can I apply as an international student?
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/awards/index.asp?menu=004,003,000,000
What other awards are international students eligible for?
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/awards/index.asp?menu=007,000,000,000
http://www.students.ubc.ca/finance/awards.cfm?page=international
Where can I find information on extending my student Visa?
http://www.students.ubc.ca/international/handbook.cfm?page=immigration&view=extending
Where do I go to renew my student permit?
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/change-renew.html
Where can I find information concerning employment for international students?
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/policy/index.asp?menu=006,003,000,000
http://www.students.ubc.ca/international/handbook.cfm?page=employment
What is a SIN (Social Insurance Number) and how do I obtain one as an international student?
The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number used in the administration of various Canadian government programs. You will require a SIN to work in Canada or to receive government benefits.
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/gateways/nav/top_nav/program/sin.shtml
UBC International Student Handbook's information on SINs
Service Canada's basic information on SINs (Social Insurance Numbers)
How to apply for a first-time SIN (Social Insurance Number)
What you need to bring in terms of documents?
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about Social Insurance Numbers (`SINs)
Where do I go to get my SIN (Social Insurance Number)?
This question stumps a lot of people. You must go in-person to Service Canada (used to be called Human Resources Centre of Canada or HRCC) which is operated under Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC). The closest branch to UBC is the Vancouver Service Canada Centre (this link provides its address, contact information, hours of operation, and services offered).
What are the current laws about work opportunities for international students?
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-opps.html
Are there workshops that would help me find a job in Canada or apply for off-campus work permits?
http://www.students.ubc.ca/international/
I would like to get to know more international students at UBC. What are some online resources?
International House (I- House)
International Students Association of UBC
Top
Rooms, equipment, copying, computer use, technology resources
What is Room 306 for and what is the booking procedure?
Room 306 actually contains several rooms for conducting and recording interviews - room 306A is the control room, and 306B, 306C, 306D, 306E, and 306F (five rooms) are the interview rooms. However, they must be reserved ahead of time in order to use any of them. The administrative staff has had a few complaints from students who have booked Room 306 and then come to campus to use it only to find that all of the rooms are full. If you have used the rooms in the past without booking them and no one has said anything, remember that it is awkward for other students who have legitimately reserved a room to ask the occupants to leave the room, particularly when it looks like they are in the middle of a counseling session. So please be considerate and book ahead of time, as this will be beneficial to everyone needing to use those rooms.
The procedure to book a room is to contact Sandra Thomas, the Communications and Information Clerk, by email and provide the following information: your name, which room(s) you want, the date you want it, and the start and end times.
If you are on campus and would like to use Room 306 on the spur of the moment, please still email the Communications and Information Clerk or come by her office on the 5th floor (2516) of Scarfe to book it. If she is not in her office, any of the staff on the 5th floor will be happy to assist you. Even if you look in and see that it is free, you don’t know if someone else has reserved it and will be coming, so please check.
As far as we know, Room 306 can be used for interviews or to record a monologue for class projects in any graduate program in Education. In other words, we are not aware of any preferences given to any program or purpose. Therefore, if you do not need such an ideal space and sophisticated equipment for your project or if you find all the rooms booked, consider checking-out recording equipment from CMS and finding a quiet place to do your interview.
Where can I book equipment for my study projects or presentations?
CMS (Computing and Media Services) in the basement of Scarfe provides digital projectors, laptop computers, digital cameras, recording equipment, DVD players, portable TV/ VCRs, and more. List of equipment . Borrowing policy. Online equipment booking request.
The ECPS department has a smaller collection of computer equipment available on loan, although preference might go to faculty first. Here are the most recent instructions for booking any of the equipment: http://www.ecps.educ.ubc.ca/faculty_resources/bookingsupdate.html
Where do I make copies?
A copy machine is located in the mailroom on the 5th floor (2520) and another is in the library block. Students may arrange to have a copy code through the support staff on the 5th floor. You are then billed each month for your copies. Other copy machines are located in the Education Library and the CMS Media Area (the room where the CMS equipment rental counter and the CMS lab printers are located). If it is afterhours and these areas are all closed, head to the Lower Level of the SUB (Student Union Building) to make copies.
What are the rules for using the computers in the graduate student meeting room?
Be careful of food and drinks by the computer equipment. People have been great so far but we don't want any gooey mice or crumbs in the keyboard.
You don't need to move the computers or printer or router for anything we can think of. Moving them around just increases the chance that something will become unplugged.
To insert key chain drives (a.k.a. flash drives, thumb drives, USB drives), use the ports on the front of the computers near the ground. They are marked with a bright orange post-it note.
You can use the computer for email, web browsing, chat clients, word processing, or other student-like applications. Please let a Peer Advisor know if you feel you need to install a program because it is probably already on the machines or not appropriate to have on a shared computer anyway.
There is no set time limit for using the computer when no one is waiting to use it. However, if you are working on a long project and someone needs to check email, be a kind soul and save your work and let them have a go at the computer. If you find you are interrupted too much, head on down to the computer labs in the basement.
The best way to save your work is to use a USB drive. But if you haven't gotten around to purchasing one, you can save your files to the student folder on the desktop of the computer. Feel free to create a sub-folder within this folder, but please don't leave files on the desktop as it makes it hard for other people to see new files. The peer advisors tend to sweep the files on the desktop into the student folder, so you are better off creating your own folder and saving to that. We have had no trouble with disk space so far, but we will let you know if we need to institute any disk storage limits.
The graduate student meeting room is not a quiet study space by any means. People come to eat a snack, check their email, bump into people, or talk with peer advisors. If you want a quiet study space, the 4th floor lounge is your sanctuary. Some staff members and faculty have even commented on how nice it is to hear grad students conversing in the meeting room.
We have not aware of any incidents of software piracy or illegal activities on these computers, and let's keep it that way.
What technology resources are there within our department?
Microsoft Powerpoint XP: Make Your Great Presentations Even Better
A Journey With A New Car: Using WebCT to Get Into Your Virtual Classroom
I heard about a free citation management program. What is it and how do I use it?
RefWorks is a web-based citation management program.
http://toby.library.ubc.ca/webpage/webpage.cfm?id=484
What technology services and resources are there outside of our department?
Faculty of Education Service & Support
OGPR Graduate Student Support & Services
Computing and Media Services (CMS) of the Faculty of Education computing workshops
The UBC Library resource page on digital technologies
UBC e-learning community
UBC Distance Education and Technology
UBC Office of Learning Technology
UBC Continuing Studies - Computer, Media, and Technology
Top
Research
Under Construction
Funding opportunities
Where can I find information on awards and financial aid?
Check out these two pages as one of the first steps.
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/awards/index.asp?menu=000,000,000,000
http://ogpr.educ.ubc.ca/funding/index.html
What are U.G.F. affiliated awards? How do I apply for them?
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/awards/index.asp?menu=004,002,000,000
What are teaching assistantships (TA) and research assistantships (RA)?
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/awards/index.asp?menu=017,000,000,000
Where can I find out about teaching and RA positions?
You could ask your advisor or research supervisor. You may also wish to contact other faculty members for RA opportunities. Don't forget to check the notices sent via the departmental and OGPR email lists. Our department also maintains a page of Job Opportunities at
http://www.ecps.educ.ubc.ca/jobs/index.html
What do I need to know about working as a graduate student (student service appointments)?
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/policy/index.asp?menu=006,000,000,000
What is the difference between a GTA (Graduate Teaching Assistant), GRA (Graduate Research Assistant), and a GAA (Graduate Academic Assistant)?
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/policy/index.asp?menu=006,002,000,000
What do I need to work on-campus as an international student?
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/policy/index.asp?menu=006,003,000,000
I am an international student and I need to work off-campus as a requirement for my degree program. What do I do?
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/policy/index.asp?menu=006,003,000,000
How do I get my UBC paycheque?
Once UBC has processed your paperwork, "you may pick up your paycheque at Financial Services, located on the third floor of the General Services Administration Building (the concrete building behind War Memorial Gym, on the corner of Wesbrook Mall and University Boulevard). You must bring photo identification with you." - quoted from http://www.careers.ubc.ca/opportunities.cfm?page=workstudy&view=wages
If you have a student appointment you will need to arrange for your paycheque to be directly deposited. Take a blank void cheque to the payroll office along with the completed form to arrange for direct deposit. Payroll forms can be found at:
http://www.finance.ubc.ca/payroll/forms/index.cfm
Where else can I find information on on-campus employment?
ECPS job opportunities: http://www.ecps.educ.ubc.ca/jobs/index.htm
Faculty of Education job opportunities: http://educ.ubc.ca/news/jobs/
Work Study Program: http://www.students.ubc.ca/careers/workstudy.cfm
Graduate Student Society job opportunities - http://www.gss.ubc.ca/jobs.html
AMS Tutoring Services - http://www.ams.ubc.ca/content.cfm?ID=89
Where else can I find information on employment, on or off campus?
UBC Career Services can help you find work on and off campus.
http://www.students.ubc.ca/careers/opportunities.cfm
http://www.careers.ubc.ca/graduate.cfm?page=tips
https://www.careersonline.ubc.ca/
http://www.students.ubc.ca/careers/events.cfm?page=calendar
http://www.students.ubc.ca/careers/index.cfm?page=contact
AMS JobLink
http://www.ams.ubc.ca/joblink
What is needs-based funding?
http://www.students.ubc.ca/finance/awards.cfm?page=bursaries
http://www.students.ubc.ca/finance/loans.cfm
Where can I get help with budgeting my finances?
http://www.welcome.ubc.ca/download/va_finance_budget.pdf
http://www.international.ubc.ca/download/handbook_money_budgeting.pdf
Where can I go if I suddenly find myself with less money than I need to get by?
If you need emergency financial assistance, you may want to contact an Advisor at Student Financial Assistance and Awards to explore options.
http://www.students.ubc.ca/finance/loans.cfm?page=other
SSHRC (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council)
Just what is SSHRC (pronounced "shurk")?
http://www.sshrc.ca/web/about/about_e.asp
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/awards/index.asp?menu=010,000,000,000
http://ogpr.educ.ubc.ca/research/sshrc.html
Who is eligible to apply for SSHRC?
http://www.sshrc.ca/web/apply/students_e.asp
Where is there a complete list of SSHRC programs?
http://www.sshrc.ca/web/apply/program_index_e.asp
I’m in the second year of my master’s. Am I eligible to apply for SSHRC?
As of 2006, you must be applying for support to pursue your first graduate degree (i.e., master's or equivalent) and not have completed more than 12 months of full-time graduate study at the proposed start date of the award: all previous studies at the graduate level, regardless of discipline, will be included in determining eligibility
http://www.sshrc.ca/web/apply/program_descriptions/fellowships/cgs_masters_e.asp#4
Are international students eligible for SSHRC awards?
As of 2006, you must "be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada." However, international students are eligible for U.G.F. awards, for which you apply at the same time as the SSHRC competition, so keep abreast of the application deadlines, and related Departmental and other award information sessions (typically held early in the Fall term).
http://www.sshrc.ca/web/apply/program_descriptions/fellowships/cgs_masters_e.asp#4
What sort of projects in the Faculty of Education have received SSHRC grants in the past?
http://ogpr.educ.ubc.ca/sshrc_winners.html
Top
Academic procedures
Where can I find out information about my degree requirements?
Go to http://www.ecps.educ.ubc.ca/grad_programs/index.html and click on your program area in your degree category (Masters or Ph.D). As of this writing, either degree categories take you to the home page for your program but this might change in the future.
How are the specific coursework requirements for my graduate program determined?
http://www.ecps.educ.ubc.ca/grad_programs/student_guidance.html#Coursework
What is the Program of Graduate Studies (PGS)?
It is a very important guiding worksheet that you and your supervisor create together. Read more about the PGS here:
http://www.ecps.educ.ubc.ca/grad_programs/student_guidance.html#PGS
Why was I told to fill out a report on my academic progress and plans for my program? Doesn't my advisor already know this?
http://www.ecps.educ.ubc.ca/grad_programs/student_guidance.html#annual_progress
I heard something about an academic progress report from FoGS (Faculty of Graduate Studies). What is it and when would this ever happen to me?
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/policy/index.asp?menu=002,005,000,000
Where can I find ECPS-related forms online?
http://www.ecps.educ.ubc.ca/students/student_forms.htm?formID=SDT
Where should I go to get my forms signed in the ECPS department?
http://www.ecps.educ.ubc.ca/faculty_resources/submit_grad_student_forms.html
How do I find out about my registration date and time for classes?
You should automatically get an email notification of the registration opening date and time for your program if you've signed up a CWL account but make sure to check this information for guidelines:
http://www.students.ubc.ca/current/registration.cfm
How do I add or drop a course?
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/policy/index.asp?menu=003,003,000,000
I can't get into the course I need. What do I do?
Contact the instructor of the course by email. If the instructor's email is not listed in the course instructor, consult the ECPS faculty directory. If the instructor is not listed at all in the course description, contact one of the Graduate Program Assistants to see if they have further information.
I took a course elsewhere equivalent to a required course in my program. What is the procedure to waive it?
http://ecps.educ.ubc.ca/grad_info/waiver.html
There is a course I'm interested in taking but I don't want to be enrolled in it. What's the auditing procedure?
FoGS: http://www.grad.ubc.ca/policy/index.asp?menu=003,005,000,000
UBC: http://www.students.ubc.ca/current/audit.cfm
What is the difference a M.A. and a M.Ed. degree?
http://www.ecps.educ.ubc.ca/grad_programs/ma_med.html
What is the procedure for the degree transfer, from M.Ed. to M. A. or vice versa?
Go to http://www.ecps.educ.ubc.ca/grad_programs/leaves.html and scroll down to "Transfers between Masters’ Programs."
What is the procedure to transfer from one program to another in our department?
Go to http://www.ecps.educ.ubc.ca/grad_programs/leaves.html and scroll down to "Transfers between Areas within the Department."
Would I be able to apply for a doctoral program in our department with a M. Ed. degree?
http://www.ecps.educ.ubc.ca/grad_programs/ma_med.html
What are the policies for transferring to another program outside the department within the university?
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/policy/index.asp?menu=009,007,000,000
I'm a doctoral student. What is the procedure for admission to candidacy?
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/policy/index.asp?menu=002,007,000,000
I have a medical or personal problem that makes it impossible for me to complete my course requirements by the end of the term. What are my options?
First, you need to speak with your instructor to see if you can work out a plan to complete the requirements with an extension. It would be wise to also talk with your academic supervisor especially if this problem is going to crop up again. Your instructor might recommend that you opt to take a Deferred Standing (DS) which is sometimes called a Standing Deferral. You can also request to take a leave from your program of graduate studies, which makes sense if the problem is likely to have more than short-term effects. The leave will temporarily stop the clock on the time you have to complete your program. Please read this information carefully:
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/policy/index.asp?menu=002,009,000,000
What are the policies for taking a leave from my study?
ECPS: http://ecps.educ.ubc.ca/grad_programs/leaves.html
FoGS: http://www.grad.ubc.ca/policy/index.asp?menu=009,002,000,000
How does a leave of absence affect my financial aid and awards?
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/policy/index.asp?menu=004,003,000,000
Top
Advisor, supervisor, thesis committee
What is a advisor? Is it possible to change my advisor?
http://ecps.educ.ubc.ca/grad_programs/student_guidance.html#Pro_Tem
What are the roles and responsibilities of the Graduate Program Advisor, my supervisor, and me the Graduate Student?
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/students/supervision/index.asp?menu=004,000,000,000
What is the difference between advisory committee and research committee?
http://www.ecps.educ.ubc.ca/grad_programs/student_guidance.html#Advisory
How many members should be in my research committee?
For doctoral students:
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/policy/index.asp?menu=008,001,000,000
For master’s students:
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/policy/index.asp?menu=008,002,000,000
Are there any requirements for research committee membership?
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/policy/index.asp?menu=008,003,000,000
Where can I go to get advice with my relationship with my supervisor?
The Handbook of Graduate Supervision provides very good information.
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/students/supervision/index.asp?menu=003,000,000,000
I am experiencing conflict with my advisor/supervisor. What should I do?
FoGS' Handbook of Graduate Supervision has a chapter called the Working Relationship, which providing advices on problem resolution.
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/students/supervision/index.asp?menu=005,000,000,000
You may also want to check out the Conflict Resolution Guide produced by FoGS.
http://grad.ubc.ca/gradpd/guides/conflict.html
The AMS Ombuds Office could also assist you.
http://www.ams.ubc.ca/content.cfm?ID=21
In general, follow the order to try to resolve the problem.
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/students/supervision/index.asp?menu=005,005,000,000
My research supervisor is going on sabbatical (or is leaving for another university). Can I continue my dissertation research with her/him?
Typically, if your advisor is going on sabbatical, you will continue to correspond with your advisor while they are on sabbatical. In some cases, the advisor will appoint someone to act in their place while they are away from the campus.
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/students/supervision/index.asp?menu=005,006,000,000
Top
Thesis and graduating projects
What are the departmental procedures for graduation from a M.A. or M.Ed.?
http://ecps.educ.ubc.ca/grad_programs/graduation.html
What are the departmental procedures for M.A. thesis and research?
http://ecps.educ.ubc.ca/grad_programs/thesis.html
What are the departmental procedures for M.Ed. graduating projects?
http://ecps.educ.ubc.ca/grad_programs/seminar.html
What are FoGS' (Faculty of Graduate Studies) guidelines on Master's and Doctoral Theses?
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/students/thesis/index.asp?menu=000,000,000,000
What are FoGS' (Faculty of Graduate Studies) guidelines on final oral examinations?
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/students/oralexams/index.asp?menu=000,000,000,000
What sort of online resources does FoGS provide to help me with my thesis process?
FoGS (Faculty of Graduate Studies) Handbook of Graduate Supervision devotes an entire section to The Graduate Thesis:
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/students/supervision/index.asp?menu=006,000,000,000
Also check out this FoGS' guide, Getting Started with Your Thesis or Dissertation:
http://grad.ubc.ca/gradpd/guides/thesisdissertation.html
The FoGS' Game Plan has a chapter called Start Your Thesis or Dissertation:
http://grad.ubc.ca/gradpd/gameplan/startthesis.html
Where can I get help with writing a literature review?
UBC library has a link called Finding the Right Information Sources For a Literature Review
http://toby.library.ubc.ca/webpage/webpage.cfm?id=502
What do I need to know about research ethics? Any tips on preparing for the ethical review?
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/students/supervision/index.asp?menu=007,000,000,000
http://grad.ubc.ca/gradpd/gameplan/ethicalreview.html
What are FoGS specifications for thesis preparation (including formatting)?
FoGS provides guidelines on Masters and Doctoral Thesis Preparation and Submission
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/students/thesis/index.asp?menu=000,000,000,000
Where can I go for advice for working with my supervisor, thesis work, and comprehensive exams?
http://www.gss.ubc.ca/dept/ae/advice.html
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/students/supervision/index.asp?menu=005,000,000,000
Top
Professional development
What resources have you peer advisors found for professional development?
An early resource that caught our eye is FoGS' Graduate Game Plan. It is packed with advice for students at all stages of their programs, but might still have some broken links.
FoGS has developed numerous guides which "provide comprehensive references on career assessment, academic success, and management skills development for graduate students." Topics include career assessment, career research, getting a job as an academic, conflict resolution, and facilitative leadership.
Here's a resource for which we peer advisors would like to get some groups together: "The Professional Development Initiative, sponsored by the UBC Faculty of Graduate Studies, offers a number of professional development workshops and events throughout the year. Workshops are available only to currently enrolled UBC graduate students. These workshops cover topics that are valuable for students in many different programs and typically receive high satisfaction ratings from participating students." See this webpage for registration information and current schedule .
Here is if you would like to know more about FoGS' Professional Development Initiative and the Need for Proactive Career Planning.
The UBC Office of Learning Technology is in development and hopefully will become a valuable resource.
Where can I find resources on writing grant proposals?
http://grad.ubc.ca/gradpd/guides/scholarships.html
http://www.tag.ubc.ca:16080/links/Topics/GrantWriting.php
What can I do to enhance my presentation skills?
There are some tips in the Graduate Game Plan.
http://grad.ubc.ca/gradpd/gameplan/presentpublish.html
TAG offers Graduate Student Presentation Skills Workshop
http://www.tag.ubc.ca/programs/series-detail.php?series_id=175
http://www.tag.ubc.ca/news/featured/pdia.php
What kind of workshops for graduate students does UBC offer?
FoGS offers professional development workshops.
http://grad.ubc.ca/gradpd/workshops/currentworkshops.html
The Graduate Student Society hosts informative lunch-hour workshops and seminars.
http://www.gss.ubc.ca/nooner.html
What are some good web resources on preparing for an academic career?
http://grad.ubc.ca/gradpd/guides/academic.html
http://www.students.ubc.ca/careers/events.cfm?page=futuremapping
What other resources are there for academic and career success?
FoGS has a page called Helpful Links. It's packed with resources.
http://grad.ubc.ca/gradpd/helpfullinks/gssuccess.html#advice
What kind of online resources are good for graduate student researchers?
The UBC Library provides a detailed FAQ called "Finding the Right Information Sources For a Literature Review" that covers much more than lit reviews.
Top
Personal development
From UBC (University of British Columbia)
Continuing Studies Courses - including certificate programs, arts, humanities, global academics, health, wellness, cultures, travel, and writing centre
Writing Centre - including personal & creative writing, academic writing, professional writing, online courses, and tutoring services
Life & Career Centre - free drop-in career and community resource info, individual life and career planning sessions, workshops, and online tools
Counselling - one-on-one or group setting including self-esteem, anxiety, depression, disordered eating, stress management, and meditation
Health & Wellness Guide - Community Life, Caring & Diversity, Stress & Mental Health, Fitness & Recreation, Relationships & Sexual Health
Wellness balance test - a quick online test that helps you assess physical, spiritual, social, emotional, intellectual, and occupational dimensions
Leadership & Involvement - including AMS Clubs, International Peer Program, Sustainability Ambassadors, and Volunteer Connections
Go Global - international programs information, partner universities, personal reports, student testimonials, info sessions, and workshops
Reading Week Community Service Projects - a four-day immersion program with educational workshops and community group presentations
Study & Research Skills - workshops, programs and services to help you succeed academically (seems to host many workshops)
LEAP (Learning Enhancement Academic Partnership) - sassy and modern-looking collaborative between students, faculty, and administrators
Chaplains - Muslim, Jewish, Christian (Anglican, Lutheran, Pentecostal, Baptist, Catholic and United Churches), Buddhist and Baha'i representation
Positive Space Campaign - "for lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender, transexual, two-spirit, inter-sex, and questioning (LGBQTTI) people and issues"
Self-Help Resources - including Anger Management, Anxiety, Communication Skills, Depression, Procrastination/Motivation, Stress Management
Coaching - professional coaching services, how to select a coach, UBC Community of Coaches, Coaching Triangles, Coaching Workshops
e-portfolios - web-based "personalized collections of an individual’s work, which are used to demonstrate their skills and accomplishments"
Stress and Depression
Overcome Barriers to Completion
Graduate Student Outcomes Research - Graduate Student Development, Student Experiences, and Retention & Attrition Studies
Explore international programs
International Student Advisors
International Peer Program
International ReachOut Program
And on its own because one peer advisor finds it so unique is the AMS Minischool - which features such classes as Bartending, Investing, Beer Tasting & Education, Belly Dancing, Cardio Striptease, CPR, Digital Video Making, Guitar, Hatha Yoga, Acting, Photography, Music Theory, Sign Language, Swing Dancing, Pole Dancing, Relaxation and Thai Massage, First Aid, Texas Hold 'Em Poker, Web Design, and Wine Tasting & Education.
Top
"go-to" people in ECPS
http://ecps.educ.ubc.ca/faculty/staff.html
Top
Campus Resources
[Under construction]
Top
Vancouver resources
[Under construction]
map of Vancouver
http://www.international.ubc.ca/download/handbook_vanmap.pdf
Top
Reminders (check back frequently)
Meeting deadlines
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/deadlines/
Deadlines concerning doctoral candidates
http://www.grad.ubc.ca/deadlines/?=doctoral
Update personal information
For those of you who might not be aware, Karen and Alex are only able to update the internal department database with contact info changes that are sent to us (mailing address, phone numbers etc.) To ensure that you continue to receive emails and correspondence from the university, please go to the student service site and update your information accordingly. Once logged in, please refer to the “Personal Information” area under “My Services” in the far-left hand column on the page.
https://ssc.adm.ubc.ca/sscportal/servlets/SRVSSCFramework
Top
