Strong graduate programs are built on clear expectations, well-prepared supervisors, and students who feel supported from day one. These resources are here so your program, your faculty, and your students have what they need and know where to turn.
Conflict in Graduate Supervision
Relationship is central to the health and well-being of graduate supervision. Students, supervisors, and committee members share responsibility for healthy relationship building, but often turn to Graduate Program Directors (GPDs) when challenges arise. When a conflict resists immediate resolution, the student and/or supervisor may approach the GPD for advice. While not obligated, the GPD may recommend a course of action to restore the supervisory relationship. FGS, in partnership with CHREI, has established a new conflict consultation support available to GPDs and graduate faculty.
- Common Ground: A Graduate Supervision Conflict Consultation and Support Service (pdf) offers graduate supervisors confidential support for strengthening supervisory relationships through a one-year pilot project beginning May 2026. Visit the Centre for Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion (CHREI) at York University to learn more and book a consultation.
Handbooks
For Supervisors
- The Graduate Supervision Handbook (pdf) equips supervisors with practical guidance, relational strategies, and thoughtful tools and policies to cultivate respectful, collaborative, and enriching supervision experiences.
For Students
- The Graduate Supervision Student Handbook (pdf) equips graduate students with practical guidance, strategies, and tools for respectful and collaborative supervision experiences.
Professional Development for New Faculty Supervisors
- Coming Soon! The Graduate Supervision Journey module on YU Learn. Wherever you are in your supervision journey, these asynchronous modules support and strengthen your practice.
- Based on an extensive review of supervisory best practices, these modules equip you with the foundational knowledge and skills to excel in your role. The primary aim is to support you, as a supervisor, in fostering meaningful, successful graduate experiences while strengthening York’s broader research culture.
Student Orientation Resources
- Graduate Supervision: What It Is, Your Key Role, Tools to Get You Started (docx) shares key information and QR codes linking new graduate students to relevant resources.
- Graduate Supervision and the Student Role (pptx) gives you a ready-to-present slide deck for new graduate student orientations.