University Policies

Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies

Graduate students, postdoctoral fellows (PDFs), and graduate degree programs are overseen by Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS). Their website provides information on registration, fellowships and awards, thesis submission and professional development, as well as University policies on graduate education.

For graduate students:

  • Tabs on the left contain the most important policies.
  • The Graduate e-Calendar linked on the right contains all policies and regulations concerning graduate students, supervisors and degree programs.
  • The yearly course and program calendars are found here. The Graduate e-Calender information is also under Current Calendars: Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies Programs, Courses & University Regulations.
  • The Biochemistry Program Calendar is found here.

Some policies are summarized below; for full descriptions see the searchable Graduate e-Calendar.

Termination

The Department has the right to ask a student to withdraw from a program under the following conditions:

  • if progress in their research project is not satisfactory
  • failure in two courses required for the program
  • lack of compliance with other University regulations including training in research ethics and laboratory safety procedures

Course Failure

A passing grade at the graduate level is B- (65%) or better. A student who has failed one course required by their department may write one supplemental examination, if the departmental permits, or retake that course or substitute an equivalent course. A student with any further failures in that course, including the supplemental, or a failure in any other course, will be required to withdraw.

Research Progress Tracking

Regular reviews of student performance are mandatory, and conducted by a student’s Research Advisor Committee (RAC). The first RAC meeting must be no later than in the third semester, and at least once each following year. Two unsatisfactory RAC evaluations, or failure to hold annual RAC meetings, will be grounds for withdrawal.

Time Limitation

MSc degrees must be completed before the end of MSc year 3, and PhD degrees before the end of PhD year 7. Registration beyond time limitation will not be allowed. Under some conditions, theses may be submitted after time limitation; contact Ms. Laberge for guidance.

Vacation Leave

Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows (PDFs) are normally entitled to vacation leave equivalent to university holidays and an additional total of 15 working days per year. Funded students and PDFs with fellowships and research grant stipends taking additional vacation leave may have their funding reduced accordingly.

Leave of Absence

Graduate students and PDFs may request an unpaid leave of absence for medical, parental, personal/family health or military service, on a term-by-term basis for up to one year, and requiring appropriate documentation.

Tips for International Students

For complete information, see International Student Services.

  • If your Certificate of Acceptance of Quebec (CAQ) and your Study Permit will expire within three months, you must renew them immediately, beginning with the renewal of your CAQ.  The Immigration Quebec web site is here.
  • To obtain or renew your federal Study Permit, you must first have a valid passport and valid CAQ. You will be required to send a photocopy of the CAQ as part of your application for your Study Permit to Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
  • If you are appointed through Biochemistry, you must submit a copy of your new permit to the Adminstration (AEC), valerie.lapointe-boyer [at] mcgill.ca (Ms Valerie Lapointe-Boyer), for reappointment.  If you are paid through the Cancer Centre or an affiliated hospital, you must submit a copy of your new permit to the appropriate administrator.
  • If your CAQ has expired and your current program of study is to continue, you must renew your CAQ. If you are changing your level of study by promoting from the MSc to PhD program, you must obtain a new CAQ.

 

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