Change of Supervisor

While the Faculty takes great care to facilitate a sound match between student and supervisor at the time of admission, we recognize that from time to time and for various reasons, a change may be necessary. Notwithstanding that supervisory changes may be advisable for the academic and personal well-being of the student and/or professor, we do not enter into this matter lightly. Students and professors must bear in mind that supervisory changes are potentially very difficult and sensitive matters and must be handled with care, respect and professionalism at all times.

Circumstances that may lead to a change of supervisor may include:

• The student’s area of interest changes significantly
• There are interpersonal differences that cannot be resolved
• There is inadequate attention from the supervisor
• The student is unwilling to accept supervisory direction
• The student fails to make satisfactory progress (quantity or quality of work)

In some cases, a change is logical and can be completed in a collegial manner. In others, especially when there are, for example, interpersonal differences, or failure to meet performance expectations, the matter can become complex. Students and professors are encouraged to engage in this process with sensitivity and respect.

Students and/or supervisors who believe that a change of supervisor may be warranted must discuss the matter with the Associate Dean before taking any other steps (e.g. contacting potential supervisors or the FGSR). The Associate Dean will work with the student and current supervisor to identify a course of action. If a supervisory change is appropriate, the process will be managed through the Graduate Program Office.

The Associate Dean will discuss the matter with professors who may be suitable supervisors. The normal procedure will then be to circulate the student’s application material (application, letter of intent, letters of reference, etc.) to a cohort of possible supervisors. In other words, the request for a new supervisor will normally be managed in the same way as a new application. In the case where the student has changed research topic or area, the student will be requested to update the file with a new letter of intent or summary of research interests and other material as appropriate.

Before a reassignment will be completed, the following procedures must be satisfied:

• The proposed change has been discussed by the student, the current supervisor, the proposed supervisor and the Associate Dean.
• The student prepares a written rationale for the change and presents it to the original supervisor, the proposed supervisor, and the Associate Dean.
• In all cases the change must be approved, in writing, by the student, the proposed supervisor, and the Associate Dean. A copy of the agreement will be retained in the student’s file in the Graduate Program Office and copies provided to each party.

All parties should acknowledge that a supervisory change is not always possible. Recommendations for admission are made on the understanding that a suitable match is available. For many reasons, it may not be possible to find another match. Students cannot remain in the graduate program without a supervisor. If all efforts to find a new supervisor fail, the matter may result in a recommendation to terminate the program and will be referred to the FGSR.