Events

There are a number of events that take place throughout the academic year and that are of interest to graduate students at SFU. For detailed information on an event, click one of the following links.

 

 

Orientation

 

Staff from the Dean of Graduate Studies office and Student Services provide a general introduction to SFU in late August. In addition, many departments provide orientations for new students.

 

 

TA/TM Day

 

Presented by the Office of the Dean of Graduate Studies and the Learning & Instructional Development Centre, TA/TM Day addresses teaching and technological skills that are essential for a Teaching Assistant (TA) or Tutor Marker (TM):

• academic honesty and integrity
• improving students' writing skills
• reflective practice in teaching
• facilitating effective discussions
• helping students in distress
• using technology in teaching
• active learning in labs and tutorials
• surviving your first tutorial
• conflict resolution in teaching
• evaluating student work fairly and efficiently
• setting the right tone in your classes
• creating an inclusive classroom
• helping students think critically & work cooperatively

Workshops are conducted by some of SFU's most experienced and skilled teaching assistants and tutor markers. TA/TM day usually takes place during the first week of the Fall and Spring semesters. Advanced registration is not required. Note that your time at TA/TM Day counts toward your TA/TM work hours for a given semester.

 

 

Graduate Scholarships Day


Every fall, the Dean of Graduate Studies sponsors an information session on different scholarships available to graduate students. Representatives from the federal and provincial granting agencies describe their award programs and answer questions about the preparation of an application. University representatives also provide information sessions on SFU Scholarships and Bursaries/Loans.

 

 

Getting Started Workshops


SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship Applicants

Every fall, the Dean of Graduate Studies sponsors workshops to assist students applying for SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships. Particular attention is paid to how to write a proposal statement, what constitutes strong letters of reference, and how to create an effective overall application package. The workshops are intentionally kept small to work intensively on an overview of the process, analyze past proposals, establish criteria of successful applications, and issues relating to details of students' particular topics and circumstances. The workshop is usually held in September.

SSHRC Master’s Scholarship Applicants

The Dean of Graduate Studies sponsors workshops to assist students applying for SSHRC Master’s Scholarships. Particular attention is paid to how to write a complete program of study statement, how to account for work experience, and how to present an effective overall application package. The workshops also give an overview of the process and consider past successful proposals. In addition, past recipients come and talk about their own experiences with the process. Prior to the workshop, students are asked to visit the SSHRC website to review terms of eligibility. Students also MUST pre-register for this workshop.

 

 

Workshops on Graduate Supervision


The Dean of Graduate Studies facilities several workshops on graduate supervision. Topics include SFU's expectations about graduate supervision, keeping on track, and anticipating and dealing with common problems. The focus is on how to make a productive relationship between senior supervisors and graduate students. Separate sessions are offered to faculty and graduate students, which provide time for open discussion, and a variety of materials and resources. Workshop groups are kept small. Registration is required.

 

Tel: 778-782-3042
Fax: 778-782-3080

 

 

Library Workshops for Graduate Students


These workshops are organized by the SFU Library. They assist graduate students in their thesis and project preparation, provide hands-on library research on how to find the information you need, teach how to structure your research, essay, etc. Classes are generally directed at new and returning students. For upcoming workshops, click the class schedule of the library.

 

 

SFU Graduate Student Certificate Program in University Teaching and Learning


A 120-hour classroom-based program developed by the LIDC, with assistance from the Dean of Graduate Studies and the Faculty of Education. The program is intended to provide participants with the knowledge, skills, positive attitudes, and confidence to promote learning in their students. It integrates learning and instructional theory with an individual's knowledge of their subject discipline to affect teaching practice, emphasizing a scholarly approach to teaching. Graduates of the program will be well prepared to provide educational leadership in their future academic endeavours. For more information check the LIDC graduate certificate program website.

 

 

Student Learning Commons


Located in the Bennett Library, the Student Learning Commons provides services and assistance to undergraduate and graduate students. Visit the Learning Commons to find out about current programs.

 

 

 

SFU Exchange

Showcase Your Research, Ideas, Innovations and Entrepreneurship

SFU will host a one-day special event, called the “SFU Exchange,” to be held on Thursday, May 6, 2010. SFU graduate students are invited to showcase their research, ideas, innovations and entrepreneurial skills to faculty and fellow graduate students, as well as to external representatives from industry, commerce, government agencies, associations, the investment community and the media. Students will benefit from a valuable opportunity for contact networking and greater exposure to a broad audience.

In addition, a number of local innovative companies will present their business at the event, providing students with an excellent opportunity to learn about the different facets of the technology and entrepreneurial communities.

The SFU Exchange event, organized and presented by the Faculty of Applied Sciences, the University/Industry Liaison Office (UILO)/TIME Centre and the Dean of Graduate Studies, will be held at the SFU Vancouver Campus, Harbour Centre (515 West Hastings Street).

For more information, including a schedule of the event, please visit the event website at www.sfu.ca/exchange. Breakfast, lunch and refreshments will be provided throughout the day.

Mark your calendar, select your project, prepare an abstract and sign up to exchange your ideas with the world! Online registration and abstract submission is now available through the website. The deadline is Apr. 15, 2010. Registration is limited, so don’t wait too long!