Resources

These are available on the Psychology Department Members website. They are updated yearly and contain all the essential information you will need as you progress through the program. This is a very good place to look first if you have a question or concern. 

All psychology graduate students are members of the Psychology Graduate Caucus. There are Caucus meetings once a month and all grad students are welcome to attend. Through the caucus, grad students can voice concerns and opinions about the department and also assist in departmental decision making.

The GSS is the student society and government for all graduate students at Simon Fraser University. They represent over 4,000 students in 38 academic programs at SFU’s Burnaby, Surrey and Vancouver campuses. The GSS engages in many different types of advocacy on behalf of graduate students and to assist graduate students.

As a graduate student at SFU, you are a member of the Graduate Student Society which provides eligible students with Health and Dental insurance coverage. Detailed Plan information including an FAQ is available here.

The Dean of Graduate Studies Office, Mary O'Brien, and the staff in the GS office oversee most functional aspects of graduate studies at SFU. The GS website is a source of a wealth of information concerning all official aspects of completing graduate studies at SFU. You will find information there about scholarships and awards, professional development, graduate general regulations (GGRs…which you should read!) and other policies related to participating in graduate studies. All official forms needed for applying for graduation, leaves (medical, academic, personal, and parental), and extensions can be found on the GS website here.

For current international graduate students, please connect with the International Services for Students office for support here. Additionally, the Graduate Studies office has a Graduate Student Support Specialist available to help students navigate issues or if you have concerns that might affect your academic progress.

Hannah Buteau, their Graduate Student Support Specialist, will work with you, your academic unit, and/or others when an issue that affects your program arises. These might include, but are not limited to:

• supervisory issues
• extenuating circumstances affecting your progress
• unsatisfactory progress concerns
• academic appeals information
• if you are unsure and need help guiding you to the right support connection

She works closely with Malcolm Kennett, Associate Dean, Student Affairs to ensure that students are getting the correct support. Hannah also works closely with Dorothy Cucw-la7 Christian, Associate Director, Indigenous Policy & Pedagogy to support Indigenous graduate students. You can connect with Hannah at: gsupport@sfu.ca

Dorothy Christian is the Associate Director, Indigenous Policy & Pedagogy at the Office of Graduate Studies. Dorothy Cucw-la7 Christian is Secwepemc and Syilx from the interior plateau regions of what is known as British Columbia. She provides support for Indigenous graduate students to demystify grad school and also works to strengthen, support and collaborate with Indigenous focused projects to support reconciliation and decolonization practices at the graduate level.

Financial Aid and Awards provides information on scholarships, awards, bursaries, and the Work-Study program for Graduate students.

Graduate Studies Office provides merit-based awards to graduate students of high academic achievement. The specific eligibility, application process, value and duration of these awards and scholarships differ.

SFU Health and Counselling offers medical and counselling services, and other resources and events. Note: there is a counsellor dedicated to graduate students, as well as workshops geared at common challenges and stresses experienced by graduate students. There are also services specific to Indigenous and International students.

The Interfaith Centre seeks to facilitate living one’s faith, to support the spiritual well-being of students, staff and faculty, and to increase the understanding of and respect for religious beliefs and practices across all three campuses.

Get active! Check out the athletics and recreation facilities you have access to as an SFU student.

The SFSS Women’s Centre at SFU grew out of the Simon Fraser Student Society’s Women’s Caucus, which held its first meetings in 1968. The Women’s Centre first opened in 1974. The Women's Centre is funded both by the SFSS and the Graduate Student Society. Regardless of your orientation or identity, the Women’s Centre is a space that is dedicated to providing education and services to all visitors, including allies. So, feel free to stop by anytime to ask questions, access the library, eat your lunch on our couches, or just say hi to staff and volunteers.

Out On Campus is a department of the Simon Fraser Student Society dedicated to supporting SFU’s LGBTQ+ students and allies. All are welcome to use the space and access their services. They are funded by the SFSS and the Graduate Student Society and are located in the Rotunda (TC 314N). Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9:00-16:00.

The Ombudsperson at SFU is an independent, impartial, and confidential resource for students. The Ombudsperson provides information and guidance on students' rights and responsibilities, and University regulations, policies, and procedures. The Ombudsperson does not advocate or represent students directly but acts as a confidential and impartial resource to learn self-advocacy skills. The Ombudsperson is available to help students become their own advocates by providing them with information or advice about regulations, policies and procedures and strategies to use constructive ways to raise issues.

Safety & Risk Services is dedicated to advancing world leading practices in safety, security, and the management of risk across SFU. They encourage a safety-conscious campus community through their many programs and initiatives.

Human Rights Policy (GP 18), 5.4: The Human Rights Policy Board provides policy advice to the University Secretary, concerning the implementation of the Human Rights Policy and carries out other functions as provided for in the Policy. The Human Rights Policy Board will consist of three faculty members, three staff members, three students (at least one graduate and one undergraduate), and a Chair.