York University’s Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) is deepening its commitment to inclusive and effective graduate supervision with the launch of a new suite of resources developed by the Graduate Supervision Support Hub (GSSHub).
Developed in response to growing calls for relational and responsive practices, the suite offers practical guides on topics ranging from neurodiversity-affirming strategies to support for mature learners and students in distress.
The suite includes 11 new resources that provide clear, actionable guidance for supervisors and students. Highlights include the Graduate Supervision Handbook for expectations and communication strategies, a guide for neurodiversity-affirming supervision and tools to assist with remote supervision and writing support.
Additional materials help faculty assess supervisory fit, navigate supervisor selection and prepare students for key milestones such as defending a dissertation. A skills inventory rounds out the collection, promoting academic success and well-being.
“Our aim was to create resources that centre care, mutual growth and respect – offering supervisors and students ways to cultivate reflective, relational practices within a supportive community,” says Tracy Bhoola, program manager, GSSHub and lead developer of the suite. “Supervisors told us they needed tools that offer clarity, compassion and usable strategies. We designed these resources to do just that.”
Developed in consultation with faculty, graduate students and University partners, the materials emphasize equity, transparency and agency.
“Supervision grounded in best practices fosters graduate student success and supports well-being through transparency, kindness and mutual respect,” says Cheryl van Daalen-Smith, associate dean, academic, FGS. “These tools support graduate supervisors in shaping dignity-based, scaffolded learning environments that enable timely degree completion.”
The resources, adds Bhoola, are about cultivating shared understanding. “Supervision is more than a process; it’s a shared space. It lives in how we show up for each other with honesty, care and clear communication.”
The materials are available through the Graduate Supervision Toolkit website, with additional workshops, webinars and learning modules offered throughout 2026.
The new resources include:
- Graduate Supervision Handbook
- Neurodiversity-Affirming Supervision for Graduate Student Success guide
- Supporting Mature and Part-time Graduate Students guide
- Supporting Students in Distress: A Response Guide for Graduate Supervisors
- Questions to Consider Before Accepting a Graduate Student
- Writing Centre Guide for Graduate Student Success
- Remote Supervision guide
- Golden Rules for Graduate Supervision
- Smart Questions, Strong Matches: Navigating the Search for a Graduate Supervisor
- Gearing Up For Your Defence
- Graduate Student Skills Inventory