SFU.CA Burnaby | Surrey | Vancouver

Table of Contents

Introduction

Administration

Financial Support

Office Support

Services

Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Graduate Caucus

Amenities

 

Introduction    Back to Top

Welcome to the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. This guidebook is intended to help you become acquainted with how things work around here. Most of the information has been put together from various sources including graduate students, the SFU calendar, staff, etc. When in doubt, please ask someone for help.

Checklist   Back to Top

  • Pay registration fees ($250 deposit due 5 days prior to registration)
  • Courses - Register for courses. You must always register for your graduate thesis project each semester. Check with the professor of your graduate courses about when the first class meetings will be held.
  • E-mail - Visit http://www.sfu.ca/itservices/accounts/computing_id.html to activate your account. Give your Graduate Program Assistant your SFU email once it has been set up.
  • Get your Library/ID Card
  • Check for your MBB office mailbox (see office staff)
  • Arrange for Medical Insurance if you are not already covered under the Provincial Plan
  • Get a Social Insurance Number (SIN) (see section on SFU International in booklet)
  • Attend a tour of departmental facilities when scheduled
  • Attend the Laboratory Safety Training sessions when scheduled (these are obligatory).

See your supervisor about the following:

  • Get permission to use Code for MBB photocopier and fax use
  • Science Stores Account
  • Lab workstation and specialized equipment
  • What Laboratory Safety Training courses you should take.

See the MBB Manager, Academic & Administrative Services about the following:

  • Payroll start-up forms - to make sure you are on payroll and to fill out your TD1 form and personal data form.
  • Get keys (lab, mailroom, computer room, shared equipment rooms)
  • Copicards for library use (Check with your supervisor first.)

Important Phone Numbers   Back to Top

EMERGENCIES

 

778-782-4500

MBB Harrassment Officer Dr. Jenifer Thewalt 778-782-3151

MBB Safety Contact

Dr. Donald Sinclair

778--782-3571

Radiation Safety

Kate Scheel / Sharon Hope

778-782-3633 / 778-782-3506

SFU Road Report

 

604-444-4929

Administration   Back to Top

Administrative Staff   Back to Top

The following is a list of people that you will likely need to contact at some point during your graduate studies.

Simon Fraser University

Phone
(2 + local)

Room

Dean of Graduate Studies, Wade Parkhouse 4109 MBC 1100
Secretary to the Dean, Sheilagh MacDonald 4255 MBC 1100
Director of Graduate Admissions, Registration and Records, Mary Ann Pope 3188 MBC 1100
Manager of Awards, Rachel Dawson 8499 MBC 1100
Theses Assistant, Penny Simpson 4747 RM 724 Theses Office

MBB

Phone
(2 + local)

Room

Chair, Dr. Bruce Brandhorst

5366

SSB 8174

Chair, Graduate Studies Committee, Dr. Nick Harden

5644

SSB 7146

Manager Administrative Services,
Christine Beauchamp

3991

SSB 8176

Graduate Program Assistant, Mimi Fourie 5631 SSB 8172

Department Graduate Studies Committee    Back to Top

The Department Graduate Studies Committee(DGSC) is an extremely important part of the Graduate Program. The DGSC is responsible for recommending the acceptance of new graduate students as well as setting and amending policies for the MBB graduate program with the approval of the Department. The DGSC also oversees student progress, evaluations, student/advisory committee relations, transfer from M.Sc. to Ph.D., scholarship competitions and most other matters relevant to graduate students.

Courses    Back to Top

All graduate students must register each semester. Registration forms including details of registration procedures are distributed approximately 2 months prior to the next semester. A $100 deposit must be paid 5 days prior to gaining access to the goSFU registration system (may be less than 5 days if the deposit is paid by cash). This $100 is applied towards the tuition fees and is not an extra charge. The procedures for goSFU registration are outlined in detail in the registration package. If you are having difficulty with registration, please see the Graduate Program Assistant.Students must register for their thesis or project each semester (M.Sc. = MBB 898, Ph.D = MBB 899). Failure to register will result in the student being required to complete a new application for admission to graduate studies. You should consult with your supervisor to see what courses you should take each semester.

The Department normally announces courses to be offered one semester in advance. Students may also take Directed Reading courses or may be eligible for courses in other departments or at other universities. A purple “Directed Readings Form” can be found in the MBB mailroom.

Tuition   Back to Top

Tuition and fees must be paid before the deadline announced each semester. Failure to pay your fees on time will result in a penalty fee being assessed.

Supervisory Committee   Back to Top

All graduate students are required to have a Supervisory Committee by the end of their first year of study. The committee should be chosen in consultation with your senior supervisor and should consist of at least 2 other members. A well balanced committee should have members that complement each other with respect to their experience and areas of expertise. Your committee is an invaluable resource and as such you should schedule regular meetings with them to discuss your research plans and progress. Supervisory Committee forms are available from the Graduate Program Assistant. If you need to change your Supervisory Committee after it is originally formed (add/remove members), you must complete a Change of Supervisory Committee form.

Annual Progress Report   Back to Top

Progress reports must be submitted at least once a year starting at the end of your second month of study. The due date of your progress report is dependent on the semester in which your first enrolled. Reports are due at the end of the second month of the semester in which you started. Students will be given a random rotation date to hand in their report. For example, if you began in the 2011 Summer semester and your first progress report is due June 30, 2011. Next year’s report will be due on approxmiately the same date. The initial meeting to fill out your first progress report is a chance for you to meet your Supervisory Committee and discuss your plans for your research and courses.

The Graduate Program Assistant will provide you with a Progress Report form approximately 1 month before the scheduled due date. The progress report consists of a self-evaluation summary of your progress over the past year, a list of courses taken and grades achieved, a summary of financial support and an evaluation by each member of your committee that you have made satisfactory progress over the past year.

The progress report must attest that, in the opinion of your Supervisory Committee, you have made satisfactory progress in your degree program. Should your supervisor or Supervisory Committee feel that your progress has not been satisfactory, then you may be asked to withdraw from your program.

Failure to submit a progress report could result in your registration for the following semester being blocked.

SFU/Library Card   Back to Top

During your first semester you will need to get your SFU ID Photos are taken throughout the semester at the Student Services office in the Maggie Benston Centre (MBC). To accommodate the huge demand for photo ID at the beginning of the semester, there is usually a dedicated room in the MBC with signs directing you to its location. This card serves as your student ID card, library card and can also function as a debit card at various locations on campus, e.g. food services. Only one card is issued per student and is to be kept for the entire duration of study. There is a fee for lost or stolen cards.

Keys   Back to Top

See Christine for any key requisitions you may require for offices, labs, buildings etc. You will receive a key requisition form. Take this form to the Campus Security Office. They will cut the key(s) for you. When the key(s) is ready for pick-up, be advised that a base deposit of $20 is required   If you get locked out of your lab or office, Christine has a copy for most of the keys.  If Christine is unavailable, Campus Security can grant you access provided you have your student ID

Christine also has keys for any cabinets in the labs.  It is a good idea to secure your valuables at all times, as there has been a history of theft in the SSB.

** Please note: You must take a tour (and Laboratory Training) in order to get a PH key to the MBB common equipment rooms. This tour is scheduled at the beginning of each semester. **

FAQ   Back to Top

1. I've just started grad school and within two months I have to meet my committee and file my first progress report! What am I expected to prepare in such a short time?

The first committee meeting for incoming students is intended to allow new graduate students to meet with his or her committee members. There are no formal requirements for a presentation, however this is a good opportunity to discuss your future research plans and project, or courses that you plan on taking during your first year.

2. My project is interdisciplinary and collaborative so I'd like to ask two non-MBB researchers to form my supervisory committee. Will this be ok with MBB?

You must include some full MBB members. Your Graduate supervisory committee must have a minimum of two tenure-track faculty who are full members in the MBB Department. This means Full/Associate/Assistant Professors and not Lecturer/Associate/Adjunct faculty. In addition to the two full members, you are free to include any number of MBB Lecturer/Associate/Adjunct members or non-MBB faculty.

3. My senior supervisor is an associate/adjunct member of MBB. Do I have to find a full MBB member to serve on my supervisory committee?

Yes, you need two full MBB members. See question 2.

4. I just finished my first committee meeting and progress report. When will my next meeting be? What will I be required to prepare before each one?

Meeting deadlines: A random assignment process with a due date of approximately one year later will be assigned. You will be notified of your due date by the Graduate Program Assistant. Failure to submit a report on the date specified will result in a 2 successive warning letters.  If a report is still outstanding, the student will be unregistered from classes until this requirement is met.

Meeting content: At each subsequent committee meeting, you should give an oral presentation explaining your progress and outlining your plans for the coming year. After the meeting has taken place, you will fill out an official progress report form with signatures of committee members.

Defending your thesis? Note, it is not necessary to submit a progress report if you are defending your thesis the same semester the report is due. If you fall into this category, please inform the Graduate Program Assistant.

5.One of my committee members can't attend my meeting. Can my meeting be cancelled?

The absence of one committee member is not acceptable as a reason to cancel your Supervisory Committee meeting. In such a case, your committee meeting needs to go ahead.  Send the absent committee member a copy of the report (via email) and then that committee member will email the department (mbb@sfu.ca) with their recommendation.  The absent committee member's email will be attached to your progress report as an official recommendation.

6. I heard that 1-credit Colloquia courses are going to be offered instead of the three-credit MBB 802 course. Am I required to take three Colloquia courses if I don't take MBB802?

No, taking three Colloquia courses is not a requirement. You must take MBB801 (and MBB806 if you are a Ph.D. student). For your additional credits you may take any combination of lecture courses and Colloquia courses, with the sole restriction that you cannot earn *more* than three of these additional credits from the Colloquia.

7. Is MBB 806 the same as a committee meeting? If I don't pass it, can I try again later?

Unless there are concerns about the research progress and plans, most committees opt to have MBB 806 count as a Supervisory Committee meeting, putting the next one off for up to a year. If the student wants to use MBB 806 as a progress report they must bring the necessary progress report forms (contact the Graduate Program Assistant for these forms). MBB 806 is a requirement for all Ph.D. students and should be taken at the first opportunity (after two semesters in the Ph.D. program). If MBB 806 is unsuccessfully completed, the student may be allowed to enrol again.

8. I'm in the Ph.D. program but my career plans have changed. Can I still earn a M.Sc. degree?

The following needs to be submitted to apply for a transfer to the M.Sc. program from the Ph.D. program: a letter from the student to the Dean of Graduate Studies stating why they are requesting this transfer, a letter from the Senior Supervisor to the Dean stating that your Supervisory committee agrees with this transfer and why (they should also state what the plan and timeline are for finishing up your M.Sc. degree), and lastly a copy of your unofficial transcript.

9. I'm in the MBB M.Sc. program and would like to transfer into the Ph.D. program. What should I prepare in order to apply for transfer, and what is the deadline? If I'm unsuccessful, can I try again later?

Generally speaking, students transfer from M.Sc. to Ph.D. during their 2nd to 6th semesters. Transfer from a M.Sc. to Ph.D. requires the following: a completed Application For Transfer From Master’s to Doctoral Program Form (this can be found on the Dean of Graduate Studies website), a Letter of Reference from your Supervisor (this letter needs to cite that the student’s supervisory committee agrees to the transfer or the student can have all the committee members sign the reference letter, as well the Supervisor should also refer to why this student should transfer and what their project will be), a copy of the student’s unofficial transcripts, and lastly a written summary of intended Ph.D. research. Return all the above documents to the Graduate Program Assistant for processing.

There is no firm deadline for M. Sc. to Ph.D. transfers, however, keep in mind to submit your transfer package before the intended term you want to become a Ph.D. student. (ie, if you want to become a Ph.D. student fall 2008, submitl your documentation by late August so that your student status will reflect Ph.D. in the fall 2008 semester).

Lastly, if your request is unsuccessful, you can submit your request again, especially if the reason you were unaccepted has been resolved.

Financial Support   Back to Top

The Department strives to offer full financial support for our graduate students. This can be done through fellowships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships or scholarships. Normally, full financial support is provided through a combination of mechanisms, generally requiring that the senior supervisor agree to provide a research assistantship for at least one semester. Within the first week of your graduate studies, please discuss things such as work time, holiday time etc. with your supervisor.

Money received from GRAs, scholarships & fellowships is considered "Scholarship income" which is defined by Revenue Canada as follows:

Scholarships and bursaries are amounts paid or benefits given to students to enable them to pursue their education.

Fellowships are similar to scholarships and bursaries in that they are amounts paid or benefits given to persons to enable them to advance their education. The recipient is usually a graduate student and the payer is normally a university, charity, or similar body.

The full amount of scholarships, fellowships, or bursaries that are received by you as a student with respect to your enrollment in a program that entitles you to claim the education amount are not taxable and are no longer reported as income on your tax return.

Implications:

  • Instead of a T4, you are issued a T4A
  • You are not "employed", therefore the employment standards act does not apply, ie. holiday pay, weekly work hours and overtime, stat holidays
  • Their are no deductions on your paycheque, ie. you don't have income tax, CPP or EI deducted. This in turn means you cannot claim EI
  • No Record of Employment
  • Cannot contribute to RRSP

Money received from Teaching Assistantship is employment income - Income tax, EI & CPP is deducted

Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA)    Back to Top

Monies for Graduate Research Assistantships come from grants to faculty from various external granting agencies. GRAs are determined solely by your supervisor. The number of GRAs that a supervisor may have to support students can vary greatly. Normally, supervisors will agree to support their graduate students with at least one GRA per year.

Teaching Assistantships   Back to Top

Graduate students are hired by the University to conduct undergraduate tutorials, mark exams and assist in course labs. TA applications are generally accepted approximately one month into the semester preceding the TAship, and notification that the application is available on our MBB website will be sent out by email. You are also eligible to apply to TA Biology and Chemistry courses in addition to Molecular Biology & Biochemistry courses.

You will be asked to rank according to preference which courses you want to TA. The ranked by preference list for each course is then given to the course instructor to rank their preference for TAs. These ranked lists are then given to the Manager of Academic and Administration Services for assignment of TAs according to the guidelines of the TSSU (Teaching Support Staff Union) Collective Agreement. When you accept a TAship you automatically become a member of the TSSU and therefore are entitled to all the rights and benefits provided by the Union, (AUCE local 6). Everyone in the bargaining unit pays Union dues.

At the beginning of the appointment you should meet with the instructor to determine the expectations for the TAship. The instructor is required to fill out and review with you a Time Use Guideline (TUG), which outlines the specific expectations and time commitment for the TA appointment. The TUG must be submitted by the course instructor to the Departmental Assistant by the end of the third week of classes.

Near the end of the TA appointment, your students and the professor you work for will evaluate your performance. This evaluation will be kept on file. You have the right to see this evaluation after the final course grades have been assigned. If you feel the evaluation is unfair, you can respond to it and have this response placed in the file as well.

All textbooks needed to TA a course can be borrowed from the Department. If the Department does not have the required text, see the Undergraduate Program Assistant. If she is unavailable, Christine will authorize you to purchase the text for the Department by using the MBB Bookstore card (keep the receipt!). In short, you never have to pay for texts assigned in classes that you are TAing. However, any book bought or borrowed from the Department belongs to the Department and must be returned when the course ends.

The SFU Co-Op office hires graduate students to mark co-op work term reports. This usually occurs at the very beginning of each term and is a 2 week TSSU appointment. Contact the co-op office for further information.

Scholarships   Back to Top

Graduate students at SFU are fortunate in having a large number of scholarships available. The University Calendar and Graduate Awards booklet (from the Dean of Graduate Studies) lists all awards. Application forms for most awards are generally available from the Dean of Graduate Studies website at http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/forms.htm or from the Graduate Program Assistant. Note that some scholarships preclude the possibility of concurrently holding a GRA, TAship or Graduate Fellowship.

Parental/Maternity Policy   Back to Top

Graduate students are entitled to parental/maternity benefits.

Office Support

Mail   Back to Top

Mail is delivered to the Department each morning and is distributed to the graduate student mailboxes by office staff.

Postage on outgoing research mail supported by your senior supervisor (letters dealing with research projects, reprint request, reprint mailing etc. ) is paid for by the Department. If speed and security are important, courier services may be used. Courier services are charged to your supervisor's grant.

Students may send personal mail through the university provided sufficient postage is attached. Interdepartmental mail and mail to UBC requires no postage.

To avoid excessive use of paper and copying, much of the communication within the Department is done via email, the internet, and various bulletin boards.

Courier Services   Back to Top

See MBB Staff. In general, we need to have (1) the grant number that service will be charged to, (2) name, address and phone number of the recipient, (3) description of contents.

Sending something in dry ice?  This is a big deal.  Don’t just drop the box off and expect office staff to send it for you. You will need to see Bob in Science Receiving for instruction on proper packaging and training (4066). Once it is properly packaged, bring the box to the MBB office for shipment.

Last call for overnight courier parcels is 2:00pm. However, office staff would appreciate more lead time as time is needed to fill out forms, etc. The parcel should be ready for pick-up at the time of the call.

Sending something by local courier for same day service? Get it to the MBB office before 12:00 or it will have to be sent on a rush and end up costing a small fortune. Remember we need the address as well as the name of a contact person and a phone number for that person.

** Please do not drop courier packages at the office without telling office staff. Generally staff will need to call the courier to come and pick up the package. If you don’t say anything your package will not go anywhere!

Photocopying   Back to Top

The Department has 2 photocopiers that you may use, one in the MBB general office and the other in the journal room. Email Duncan Napier at dgnapier@sfu.ca for setting up a code to use the copiers after your supervisor has authorized you to make copies. Include your name, supervisor’s account (to charge to), and a four-digit user name (eg. 1234). Feel free to ask office staff for assistance if you have any problems with the photocopier. For photocopying 15 or more copies e.g., exams or handouts for classes, you may want to consider Document Solutions www.sfu.ca/docsol/. It is cheaper than using the machine in our office and also saves on wear and tear. See MBB office staff for details.

Typewriters   Back to Top

Typewriters are available in the computer room and the MBB general office.

Stationery   Back to Top

Office supplies (letterhead, envelopes, overheads, etc.) are available from the General Office. Other supplies such as pens, overhead pens, large quantities of paper etc. are available from Science Stores. Supplies to TA a course or for scientific correspondence are charged to the Department. Taking items for personal use is strongly discouraged.

FAX machine   Back to Top

There is a FAX machine in the General Office. FAX cover sheets are available on the shelf above the machine and instructions on how to use the machine are both beside and on the front of the machine. There is no charge for local FAXes, but you will require a code for long-distance FAXes.

When FAXes are received, they are distributed to the appropriate mailbox by office staff.

You will know your FAX has gone through by when the word “completed” flashes on the machine. If it doesn't go though, it will print a report that will be placed in your mailbox .

Booking Seminar Rooms   Back to Top

Call Indra in the Dean of Science office (2-5530) to book SSB 7109, 7172 or 8114. Should the room be locked during your scheduled time, a key is available from the MBB office. There is also a small meeting room available within the MBB office (SSB 8178) that is booked through the MBB office.

Graduate Studies Handbook   Back to Top

The Graduate Studies website provides comprehensive information about Graduate Studies opportunities, policies, procedures and regulations at SFU.

The website is http://www.sfu.ca/gradstudents/new/index.html

MBB Orientation Booklet   Back to Top

With the help of the MBB Graduate Caucus, MBB produces an orientation guide for new MBB graduate students. A hardcopy is available or you can access an electronic copy: MBB Orientation Booklet

Services   Back to Top

Departmental Seminar Series   Back to Top

We are fortunate to offfer a seminar series.  The department hosts a seminar series in which outside speakers discuss topics that are of interest to MBB Faculty and students. The seminars are typically held on Fridays at 3:30 in the Fall and Spring semesters. Seminar announcements are posted on various notice boards and are also sent out via email.

Facilities   Back to Top

There is usually a tour of the facilities at the beginning of each semester. If a formal tour is not offered, please ask a fellow lab-member to show you around. There will be an announcement via e-mail and flyers. You must take a tour (and Laboratory Training) in order to get a PH key to the MBB common equipment rooms.

Apollos Kim (in the Paetzel Lab, SSB6156, phone number 2-4318) is the person in charge of common use facilities. Christine Carson provides assistance (and training) with the confocal microscope.

Computer/Journal Room   Back to Top

The Department has a computer room located in SSB 7115. You will need to request a separate account to access these computers - please consult the Systems & Instrumentation Consultant (Duncan Napier at dgnapier@sfu.ca ).

Science Stores   Back to Top

Technical and scientific supplies (tubing, pumps, valves, vials etc.) and general supplies (pens, paper, etc.) are available in Science Stores (http://www.sfu.ca/science-stores) located at B6208 which is 2 levels below the Biology General Office.

Materials picked up/ordered from Science Stores are charged directly to your supervisor's account.  To set up an account(s), fill out the account request form, available at: http://www.sfu.ca/science-stores/account.pdf, then have either your supervisor or Christine authorize the form before bringing it down to Science Stores.

There is usually someone on hand during working hours (8:15am-4:30pm) to help you or you can help yourself. Just remember to fill out the supply forms when you take something.

If you require something that is not a regular stock item, Science Stores can order from any supplier for puchases up to $1500.  If the order is over $1500 you will need to generate a purchase requisition using the on-line purchase requisition system and get it signed by your supervisor or Christine (there should be at least one person in every lab who is trained with the on-line purchase requisition system).

* Please note: student ID cards are required in order to make purchases through Science Stores *

LCD Projector, slide projector and carousel tray and Laser pointer   Back to Top

Equipment for seminar presentations and thesis defenses can be checked out online. Please look for “LCD/Laptop/SSB 6178 Reservation” under the “Online Resources” menu. You login into the system using your computing ID. It is a good idea to reserve these items in advance. MBB office staff will enter recurring bookings such as weekly lab meetings.

Classroom Technology Assistance (CTA; formerly Audio Visual Services)   Back to Top

Classroom Technology Assistance: (CTA) provides audiovisual equipment for teaching enhancement. Teaching support for large lecture rooms and equipment booking are arranged through our AQ CTA office at 782-4828 and West Mall CTA office at 782-5538.

Library   Back to Top

The library (http://www.lib.sfu.ca) is located across the mall from the Maggie Benston Centre. Requests for new journal subscriptions should be directed to the department’s library representative, Dr. D. Sen. Suggestions for books may be sent directly to the Liaison Librarian for MBB, Leslie Rimmer (lsrimmer@sfu.ca).

Being a graduate student at SFU also entitles you to borrow material from UBC. If our library does not carry a journal or have a book that you need, you can request them through Interlibrary Loans (ILL). This accesses libraries across Canada. Any book received through ILL can be kept for 2 weeks. Journal articles are copied and sent to you. There is no charge, and no limit, to this service.

Access to article indexes and databases as well as many electronic journals may be found on the library’s website. Most databases allow you to save searches and e-mail search results or download to bibliographic software (Citation Manager, RefWorks, etc.)

Any questions or concerns regarding the library may be directed to Leslie Rimmer (lsrimmer@sfu.ca).

Related links:

Services for graduate students: http://www.lib.sfu.ca/my-library/services-for-you/grads

Library databases: http://cufts2.lib.sfu.ca/CRDB/BVAS/

Interlibrary loan: http://www.lib.sfu.ca/find/document-delivery/request-form

Learning and Instructional Development Centre (LIDC)   Back to Top

The Learning and Instructional Development Centre (LIDC) main office is located in the Education Building (room 7560). Classroom Technology Assistance is located in P9301 and WMC 2262. Harbour Centre hosts the LIDC in HCC 1230. The LIDC provides the SFU community with the following services:

  • Media Production: photography, graphics, video, audio, web casting, interactive design;
  • Technical services: installation and servicing of departmental audio-visual equipment systems, audio visual resource sales, technical consultation, cable and satellite and video conferencing.
  • Teaching Enhancement: teaching improvement consultation and workshops, WebCT support.

Projects require LIDC work orders for initiation and billing. These are available through the front office of the LIDC.

Office: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm Lunch closure: 12-1pm. Phone: 778-782-3910 Fax: 778-782-4900.

Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Graduate Caucus   Back to Top

The MBB Graduate Caucus represents MBB graduate students with the objective of improving the quality of student life in the Department.  The caucus is involved in organizing student hosted seminar speakers, social events, electing representatives to various committees etc. Please ask the Graduate Program Assistant if you need to find someone on caucus.

Amenities

Maggie Benston Centre (MBC) Back to Top

Most student services are located in the MBC across from the library. These include a pub, coffee shop, SFU Bookstore, Student Services (Registrar and Financial Aid), Quad bookstore (print shop), dining choices, Travel Cuts, Centre for Student with Disabilities, SFU International, First Nations Student Centre, Simon Fraser Student Society (SFSS), Health & Counselling Centre, SFU Co-op, Work Integrated Learning, Dean of Graduate Studies office, SFU Archives, Science Alive and Document Solutions.

Recreational Services Back to Top

All registered students are automatically entitled to a vast array of recreational services (http://www.sfu.ca/athletics-rec/ ) including gym membership. Facilities include fitness centre, pools, weight rooms, courts, track, jogging trails and saunas. Intramural sports ranging from softball to floor hockey to badminton are available to all members of the campus community.

In addition, courses are offered through outdoor recreation in backpacking, mountaineering, skiing, kayaking, scuba diving, etc. (http://students.sfu.ca/recreation/).

Films, Dance, Plays Back to Top

SFU shows recent and classic films weekly in Images Theatre at a minimal cost for students with valid I.D. (non-students must pay more). For schedules, see The Peak (student newspaper), or pick up a copy of the film schedule from Images Theater. Movies are only shown in the Fall and Spring semesters.

The SFU Theater Company produces plays and dances throughout the year. There is a minimal cost for these. One or two lunchtime performances are offered during the Fall and Spring semester. The SFU Theater also offers free concerts every Thursday at 12:30pm which are usually small musical groups performing a range of music and/or song. For more information visit http://cgi.sfu.ca/~scahome/.

Postal Services Back to Top

A postal outlet is available in Nesters Market in the Cornerstone Building at the east end of campus.

Transportation   Back to Top

Buses run regularly to SFU from about 7:00am to 1:00am. This is an economical, environmentally-conscious and fairly reliable method of getting to and from campus. Schedules are posted at selected bus stops and are also available by the Student Society Office and at the Campus Security Office.

U-Pass BC

See http://www.sfu.ca/upass for detailed information.

Parking on campus is very limited and semester parking is by permit only. Undergraduate students must enter a lottery! Fortunately, graduate students are guaranteed parking. When you apply for parking the first time they require you to present your car registration papers and proof that you are registered in graduate courses (a copy of your unofficial transcript will be suffice). Any traffic fines must be paid before you can renew your parking permit. SFU campus security is very diligent in monitoring all parking lots and areas - be sure to display your sticker at all times!

Visitor parking is also available. Rideshare Programs or Van pools are also highly encouraged.

See Parking Services website for complete details (http://www.sfu.ca/security/Parking/).

Student Society   Back to Top

The SFU Graduate Society provides a number of resources.  Their office is in the Maggie Benston Centre 2205, (http://www.sfugradsociety.ca/) Tel 3899.

Travel Agency   Back to Top

Travel CUTS (Canadian University Travel Service) has an office in the MBC. If you are planning a trip, they can often find the cheapest way of getting you there.

Food   Back to Top

There are many places on campus for food.  Consult the calendar under Dining Services for a full listing of food services available on campus and their operating hours. (http://www.sfu.ca/ulife/StufftoDo/Food.html)

Housing   Back to Top

Housing on campus is difficult to come by so apply early (although easier than it used to be as we have 3 new residences and a dining hall).  The types of accommodation on campus are single rooms in a dormitory style setting, 4 person townhomes, studio suites (for graduate students only) and family housing.  Admittance to residence officially works on a point system (points are awarded depending on where you come from etc.).  A non-refundable deposit is required to apply for residence.  Further information about on-campus housing can be found in the calendar or on their website (http://www.sfu.ca/student-services/residences/).

There is a Housing Office that posts listings for off-campus apartments, rooms, or shared accommodation (http://sfu.myidealhome.com/) as well as (http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/).  People advertising here are generally looking to rent to students and ads placed here often do not appear in the local papers.

Day Care   Back to Top

The Children's Centre (http://www.sfu.ca/childcare-society) provides full and part-time care for children of students, staff, faculty and community families.  There are 11 programs offering care to children ages 3 months to 12 years.

Fees are payable monthly.  Daycare bursaries are available to eligible students, staff and faculty.  The Ministry of Children and Families also subsidizes daycare fees for those parents qualifying under their financial need criteria.  For information and/or a visit call the Daycare office between 8:30am and 5pm.

Health Services   Back to Top

SFU Health Services (http://students.sfu.ca/health/) is located on the bottom floor of the MBC and offers quality health care to all SFU students.  There are a number of physicians, physiotherapists and a psychiatrist on staff.  Any student with current medical insurance is eligible for medical services.  Please note that the Board of Governors requires students to have valid medical insurance as a condition of registration.

Medical Insurance   Back to Top

Students registered at Simon Fraser University must be covered by health insurance (MSP) at all times.

International Students will have to wait 3 months before they can be covered under the provincial medical services plan.  In the meantime they must purchase a combined medical and hospital insurance plan from a private insurance company.  Check the  SFU International website for information. (http://www.sfu.ca/international/welcome.htm)

As of Fall 2005 all graduate students are a part of the new Grad Benefit Plan (Extended Health).

** You are still responsible for MSP (basic Medical Services Plan of BC). Please see below.

Where do I get more information?

You can obtain information on the Graduate Benefit Plan through one of the following:

  • Studentcare website at www.ihaveaplan.ca
  • Tel: 1-866-369-8795
  • Email them at service@studentcare.net

How do I enrol for coverage?

You are automatically enrolled provided you meet the eligibility enrolment criteria:

  • You are a member of the Simon Fraser Student Society (paying fees)
  • You are a graduate student (in a grad career)
  • You are taking at least one course at SFU, and
  • You are residing in Canada

How do I pay the fee?

The fees for the health and dental plans will be assessed automatically by the institution at registration if you meet the eligibility criteria previously listed.

When does my coverage begin and end?

You will be assessed yearly and charged directly with your tuition fees. Full-year coverage (September to August) will be charged with Fall tuition fees in September.  Mid-year coverage (January to August) will be charged with Spring  tuition fees in January for students who begin their programs in January.  Students beginning their programs in May will not be charged the benefit plan, but may choose to have coverage (from May to August) by contacting Studentcare.

How do I opt out?

If you have comparable coverage, you can opt-out by completing a waiver form online and providing proof of coverage during the change-of-coverage period (usually in early September).  Please visit www.ihaveaplan.ca for more information and to opt-out.

International students can use the GSS Graduate Benefit Plan in conjunction with the David Cummings plan while their applications for MSP are being processed.

When you are supported by a TAship:

As a new TA, the university pays 100% of the Medical Services Plan (MSP). You can fill out the online application form at www.tssu.ca/benefits/. If you have specific questions email Karen Wallace at wallace@sfu.ca or call 3807 to speak with her directly. Otherwise you can visit Strand Hall 2170 (8:30am - 4:30pm).

If you are Canadian, but not from B.C., you also need to bring proof of Canadian Citizenship. If you are an international student you should bring your visa with an employment or student authorization. Coverage is not automatic. You must re-apply each semester.

When you are supported by a scholarship:

It is your responsibility to apply for and pay for your own medical premiums.  Application forms for medical coverage can be obtained by calling the Medical Services Plan of B.C. at 683-7151.  Information and application forms are also available online at http://www.hlth.gov.bc.ca/msp/index.html   Most students are eligible for reduced premiums (premium assistance) as the premiums are based on your income.

Please check each semester to ensure you are covered by one of the above-mentioned methods.

Outside Advising and Counseling   Back to Top

SFU has a Human Rights office located in AQ 3045 where students can turn for legal advice, counseling, and assistance if they experience professional, sexual, racial or other discriminatory harassment.  Contact Brenda Taylor, Director of the Human Rights office for an appointment at 4446.  There is also an ombudsman office for legal advice mediation in the event of any case of academic or non-academic dispute.  To book an appointment with the ombudsman email ombudsmanoffice@sfu.ca or call 4563

SFU International    Back to Top

SFU International  (http://www.sfu.ca/international/) provides support to graduate and undergraduate visa students and their families.  It is located in MBC 1200 and is open from 9:00am-4:30pm.

They can help you with the following:

  • Canada Immigration to clarify regulations and procedures
  • skills for cultural differences
  • information on appropriate medical coverage
  • housing options, tenant rights and group sharing
  • temporary mail facilities for new students
  • liaison with academic departments and units in support of international student issues
  • Orientation - full and mini-orientations prior to the start of the semester, to familiarize students with the University followed by reunions approximately six weeks later
  • Social Insurance Number – A SIN is a number unique to you that the Canadian Government requires you to have for taxation purposes if you are a worker.  Without a SIN, you cannot get paid.  Visit http://students.sfu.ca/international/pdf/advising_handouts/sin.pdf for more information.