Program Progression
Students will have a committee meeting and submit an annual Graduate Progress Report (GPR) every Fall (except in their first semester, or if their defence date is prior to the due date of the GPR). Please see the student guide to the GPR on the Graduate Studies website. Students who do not complete the GPR risk receiving an unsatisfactory ranking.
The Department of Archaeology discusses our philosophy behind the Graduate Progress Reports in Appendix B of the Graduate Handbook (PDF). It is not yet updated with the new 2026 rankings that Graduate Studies has developed.
You can reference SFU policy in the Graduate General Regulations, section 1.8 Academic Progress.
Why do we do the GPR?
The Archaeology Department has always conducted progress reviews because we believe there is significant value in supervisors and students openly discussing student progress, future plans, concerns, and successes. GPRs are now formally required by the University, along with a standardized form and requirements.
How is progress evaluated?
- Course Grades: This refers to academic performance (GPA) in completed courses, and the completion of all required courses within the departmental timeline. Note that in addition to Theory, Research Design, Directed Readings, and other approved Graduate courses, students must complete two semesters of the Department Seminar (ARCH 872 and 873), their Prospectus and Colloquium, and for PhD students, their Comprehensive Examination. Each of these have department-determined timelines for completion; if any of these courses are not completed on time, the student should not receive an overall ranking of “Very Good/Exceeds Expectations”. This is true even if there is there is an approved reason for the delay.
- Research Progress: Progress made on the thesis research (data collection, analysis, writing, grants, etc.).
- Scholarly Activity: Publications, conference attendance/participation, presentations, professional development, community engagement, etc.
How is progress ranked? (NEW 2026)
- Exceeds Expectations: superior academic performance that surpasses goals determined by the supervisory committee. No further steps are required.
- Meets Expectations: solid academic performance that meets goals determined by the supervisory committee. No further steps are required.
- Satisfactory with Concerns: academic performance that nearly fulfills goals determined by the supervisory committee but requires action to ensure continued progress. A plan addressing concerns should be developed with your supervisory committee.
- Unsatisfactory: academic performance that does not fulfill goals determined by the supervisory committee and requires review by the graduate program. This outcome triggers GGR 1.8.2. An evaluation of Unsatisfactory could impact student’s funding, see Appendix F of the Archaeology Graduate Handbook.