Professional Development Requirement
The Professional Development Requirement is mandatory for all students admitted September 2016 and onwards. Graduate students are required to complete a minimum of eight hours of professional development training in order to graduate.
It’s an exciting new initiative to help students recognize their talents, pursue their interests, learn professional skills and make the connections that will help them excel in their chosen field.
The University of Alberta Professional Development Requirement includes an individualized career plan document called an Individual Development Plan (IDP) and the completion of eight hours of professional development activities inspired by your career plan.
Prior to convocation, students must ensure that all required Professional Development Requirements forms (Individual Development Plan and Professional Development Completion Form) are submitted to the Department as evidence of completion. Supporting documents confirming your attendance can be a screenshot from campusBRIDGE showing attended.
To help you take advantage of internships and other great professional opportunities available on campus your IDP must be finalized and reviewed by your supervisor or career mentor:
Within 12 months of your program’s commencement for full-time master’s students
Within 24 months of your program’s commencement for part-time master’s students
Within 18 months of your program’s commencement for full-time doctoral students
Find, participate and log the eight hours of PD activities that interest you, proposed or inspired by your IDP and approved by your supervisor and department. To help you navigate the many professional development opportunities available to you, FGSR has compiled a PD Opportunities guide (pdf). The eight hours of PD activities must be completed:
By time of degree completion for master’s students
Within the first three years for almost all doctoral students
Please provide the Graduate Education Office (ksrgrad.info@ualberta.ca) with a copy your certificates and/or proof of completion for any PD sessions you completed and your Individual Development Plan and Professional Development Completion Form. Confirmation of attendance can be a screen shot from campusBridge showing your attendance at the sessions. The actual IDP workbook does not need to be submitted. This is for reference for you and your supervisor as you complete your graduate program. However, the workbook should be completed and reviewed within the first 12 months of your program.
Professional Development Activities Guideline*
A professional development activity fulfills the University of Alberta Professional Development Requirement if it contributes to the acquisition of skills, knowledge or mindset and includes all of these three components:
comprises of formal training or active learning with an assessment component (self-assessment, reflection, quiz, write-pair-share, evidence of knowledge application)
falls outside of research methods training, capstone project, thesis or equivalent, and required practicum
supports the career goals and/or seven skills/competencies identified in the individual development plan
Professional Development Opportunities
Visit campusBRIDGE to view all the PD sessions offered by FGSR. Any sessions offered by FGSR will count towards PD hours.
Certain KSRGSS Professional Development sessions. Students must attend the sessions in full to claim completed hours.
Sessions offered through FGSR's Graduate Teaching and Learning Program
Other seminars, sessions or completion of online courses. Visit FGSR’s website for information on what can be considered and cannot be considered towards the 8 hours.
FGSR's suite of online PD opportunities
For further information regarding the PD requirement, where to find activities, etc., refer to the FGSR website - Professional Development Requirement