# Navigating graduate supervision and support resources

**Source**: https://grad.ucalgary.ca/current-students/thesis-based-students/graduate-supervision
**Parent**: https://grad.ucalgary.ca/

Find the right graduate supervisor, understand expectations and navigate student-supervisor roles

[Academic Calendar: Supervision](https://calendar.ucalgary.ca/uofcregs/graduate-regulations/grad-additional-regulations/grad-supervision)

### Supports for Graduate Students

[Connect with our Graduate Academic and International Specialists](#supports-for-graduate-students)

### Expectations of a Graduate Student

[Learn about your role as a student](#expectations-of-a-graduate-student)

### Expectations of a Graduate Supervisor

[What supervisors should (and shouldn't) do](#expectations-of-a-graduate-supervisor)

## Graduate Supervision at UCalgary

Strong graduate supervision is key to student success at the University of Calgary. Supervisors provide mentorship, guidance and academic support throughout a student's research journey. UCalgary follows clear policies and best practices to foster positive and professional supervisor-student relationships, ensuring students receive the support they need to achieve their academic and career goals.

Effective supervision involves clear communication, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to academic progress. As students develop their research and professional skills, their relationship with their supervisor may evolve to reflect growing independence. This page offers resources on supervision expectations, roles and responsibilities to help students and supervisors navigate their partnership effectively and address any challenges that may arise.

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Hear from a former graduate student about the importance of your graduate supervisor, along with some key practices for a successful relationship with your supervisor.

## Working with a supervisor

### Best practices guide

If you are working with a supervisor, follow the best practices outlined on this website and complete the student-supervisor checklist two months after starting your program.

[Access the guide](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/current-students/thesis-based-students/supervision/best-practices-and-guidelines)

### Conflict of interest

We endeavor to avoid bias and the perception of bias in student-faculty and student-student relations, and in supervisory and examining committees.

[Discover resources](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/current-students/thesis-based-students/supervision/conflict-interest)

### Changing supervision

Things to consider if you are contemplating a change in supervision.

[Explore your options](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/current-students/thesis-based-students/supervision/changing-supervision)

## Checklists for you and your supervisor

Complete these **mandatory checklists** within the first two months of working with your supervisor and submit them to your graduate program administrator.

Refer back to them regularly to stay on track and to maintain a healthy and productive student-supervisor relationship.

### Expectations Checklist

Set expectations and define responsibilities for yourself as a graduate student and for your supervisor to get through your degree. Submit the signed checklist to Graduate Program Staff.

[Student-Supervisor checklist](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/sites/default/files/teams/1/Student-Supervisor%20Checklist_Feb2025.pdf)

### Intellectual Property

Understand how the Intellectual Property policy applies to your work. Submit the signed checklist to Graduate Program Staff.

Review the [Intellectual Property (IP) FAQ](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/current-students/thesis-based-students/thesis/intellectual-property) for an interpretation and application of the university's IP policy.

[Intellectual Property checklist](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/sites/default/files/teams/3/su_ip_checklist_June%202022.pdf)

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## Supports for graduate students

Our academic and international specialist team welcomes all graduate students to discuss any matter impacting academic success in a safe and confidential space. The team can provide information to students regarding their registration and refer students to other helpful resources and supports across campus.

[Learn more](https://grad.ucalgary.ca/services/student-services/student-support)
[Book an appointment](https://elevate.ucalgary.ca/home.htm)

## Expectations of a Graduate Student

## Realistic

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#### Be aware of rules, regulations and policies regarding your degree program, academic integrity, research integrity and scholarly conduct

#### Maintain a professional relationship with your supervisor. Make an effort to resolve any conflicts quickly and seek outside help when needed

#### Effectively communicate academic deadlines and circumstances that might affect academic progress

#### Submit research work and scholarship applications well in advance of deadlines for review and feedback

#### Meet with your supervisor and supervisory committee on a regular basis

#### Be proactive and devote the time, effort and energy necessary for progressing in your academic program

#### Seek out professional development opportunities and apply for scholarships/awards

#### Take primary responsibility for program milestones and degree completion

## Unrealistic

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#### Write major works or conduct research without feedback and guidance

#### Know all of the answers

## Expectations of a Graduate Supervisor

## Realistic

---

#### Be knowledgeable of academic standards and norms within the field of study

#### Discuss rules of academic integrity, research integrity and scholarly conduct

#### Work with you to establish realistic timelines and monitor program milestones

#### Discuss circumstances that might affect academic progress

#### Provide constructive feedback on written work within a reasonable timeframe, outlining both strengths and areas that need improvement

#### Assemble supervisory and examination committees and schedule examinations

#### Maintain a professional relationship with all students and work to resolve issues quickly

#### Be accessible for scheduled meetings and provide feedback, guidance and advice

#### Encourage you to participate in professional development activities and plan their career

#### Support scholarship applications and provide opportunities for skill development

## Unrealistic

---

#### Know all of the answers

#### Write for you

#### Respond to last-minute requests for feedback on written works

#### Read poorly edited/unfinished works