¶¡ÏãÔ°AV

1.1 Degrees Offered

Listed under each faculty.

1.2 Administration of Graduate Studies

Dean of Graduate Studies

The dean is responsible for the general supervision of graduate work at the University and chairs the senate graduate studies committee.

Director, Graduate ¶¡ÏãÔ°AVs and Records

The director is responsible for enrolment of students, assessment of fees, maintenance of records, and other administrative duties.

Committees

The committees responsible for the supervision of graduate students are the supervisory committee, graduate program committee, the faculty graduate studies committee and the senate graduate studies committee. The functions of these committees in relation to individual students are as follows.

Supervisory Committee (see 1.6.4)

The student’s supervisory committee helps the student define and develop a program of studies and reports on the student’s progress to the graduate program committee. The supervisory committee forms part of the student’s final examination committee.

Graduate Program Committee

The graduate program committee is responsible for recommending admission, reviewing the student’s progress and arranging for the supervision and examination of the student. For most graduate programs, the graduate program committee is the departmental graduate studies committee. In the Faculties of Business Administration and Education, the graduate committee is the faculty graduate studies committee.

Faculty Graduate Studies Committee

This committee makes recommendations to the senate graduate studies committee on such matters as awarding of degrees, examining committees for doctoral candidates, changes to established programs and establishment of new programs.

Senate Graduate Studies Committee

This committee has the final authority on admissions and the administration of senate regulations which concern graduate work. This committee serves as the graduate program committee for students enrolled under special arrangements.

The administrative officers of the University who are responsible for the supervision of graduate students are the director, graduate admissions and records, and the dean of graduate studies. They and the chairs of graduate program committees are available to students for consultation.

Graduate Studies Information

A wide range of additional information on graduate studies at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV may be found on the University's website at . In addition, most departments offer publications describing their graduate programs. These are available directly from the departments and are usually posted on the department's web sites.

1.3 ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV

1.3.1 General

A student may seek admission to a graduate diploma, master’s or doctoral program. A student who is not qualified to enter a specific program may seek admission to the University as a qualifying student under the provisions of paragraph 1.3.6.

For admission to post baccalaureate programs, refer to the undergraduate section of this Calendar.

Before applying for admission, the student should obtain information about admission requirements and procedures. This information can be obtained from the websites of departments and faculties, or by contacting the appropriate program’s graduate secretary.

Applicants meeting the minimum University requirements for admission given below are not assured admission into any graduate program. Most graduate programs have admission requirements in addition to the minimum. Furthermore, programs must restrict admission to students whose interests are compatible with available resources and faculty expertise.

1.3.2 ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV to a Graduate Diploma Program

The minimum University requirements for admission to a graduate diploma program are as follows:

a) a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, or the equivalent;

b) submitted evidence, usually references from qualified referees, of the student’s ability to undertake advanced work in the area of interest.

In exceptional circumstances, a student may be admitted with lower formal qualification than in (a) when there is significant professional experience relevant to the proposed area of study.

Students must satisfy any further requirements set by the graduate program committee. Students whose native language is not English may be required to satisfy the University and the graduate program committee as to their capability in English. (See also 1.3.12.)

1.3.3 ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV to a Master’s Program

The minimum University requirements for admission to a master’s program are as follows.

a) a bachelor’s degree with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 from a recognized university, or the equivalent;

b) submitted evidence, usually references from qualified referees, of the student’s ability to undertake advanced work in the area of interest.

In exceptional circumstances, a student may be admitted with lower formal qualification than in (a) when there is significant professional experience relevant to the proposed area of scholarship.

Students must satisfy any further requirements set by the graduate program committee. Students whose native language is not English may be required to satisfy the University and the graduate program committee as to their capability in English. (See also 1.3.12).

1.3.4 ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV to a Doctoral Program

The minimum University requirements for admission to a doctoral program are as follows.

a) either

i) a master’s degree from a recognized university, or the equivalent, or

ii) a bachelor’s degree, with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5, from a recognized university, or the equivalent, or

iii) completion of at least 75% of the course work units required for the relevant department’s master’s program, with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5. All graduate courses, whether completed at this University or another university, shall be considered in the calculation.

and

b) submitted evidence that the applicant is capable of undertaking substantial original research. Normally, such capability will be judged from letters of reference from qualified referees, and the completion of a master’s thesis or other scholarly work.

Students must satisfy any further requirements set by the graduate program committee. Students whose native language is not English may be required to satisfy the University and the graduate program committee as to their capability in English. (See also 1.3.12 English Language Competence.)

1.3.5 ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV Under Special Arrangements

Exceptionally able applicants who wish to work for a master’s or doctoral degree outside or between existing programs at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV may apply to work under special arrangements. A student applying for special arrangements must have a well developed plan of studies in an area that can be shown to have internal coherence and academic merit, and in which the university has appropriate expertise and interest among its faculty members.

Graduate students applying or working under special arrangements are required to conform to Senate regulations for graduate students. However, there are additional regulations which concern only those applying or working under special arrangements. Enquiries about these regulations should be directed to the Dean of Graduate Studies by December 1st of each year for admission to the fall term.

Students working under special arrangements may be required to complete a selection of courses from existing programs.

1.3.5.a Cohort Special Arrangements

Cohort-based special arrangements programs are designed to meet the educational needs of specific student groups in fulfilling the requirements for a master’s degree where these needs cannot be met within existing programs. Each program will integrate studies from across two or more departments, schools or faculties and will involve a curriculum and requirements recommended by each program’s graduate program committee and approved by the senate graduate studies committee. Students may undertake this degree program only through specific admission to the cohort program. ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV criteria, degree requirements and any other special conditions for a particular cohort special arrangements program must be approved in advance by the senate graduate studies committee; these may not be below the minimum admission and degree requirements of regular graduate programs. In some instances, tuition fees may differ from the regular graduate fee schedule published in the Calendar, and will be announced separately.

1.3.6 ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV as a Qualifying Student

Normally, qualifying students will be working either to improve cumulative grade point averages in order to meet the minimum University requirement, or to make up deficiencies in their backgrounds to satisfy the graduate program committee in their area of interest. An applicant may be recommended for admission as a qualifying student when it is expected that the admission requirements for a master’s or a doctoral program can be met through the satisfactory completion of no more than 30 units of specified courses. A qualifying student who has completed the make-up work may then apply under 1.3.3 or 1.3.4 for admission to a master’s or doctoral program.

The minimum University requirements for admission as a qualifying student are as follows.

a) a bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent

b) submitted evidence of academic ability, usually in the form of references from qualified referees

¶¡ÏãÔ°AV as a qualifying student does not guarantee future admission to a master’s or doctoral program unless the offer of admission states that satisfying specific requirements within a specific period of time will result in automatic admission to the program.

Normally a student will be admitted with qualifying status for a maximum of one year (three consecutive terms).

1.3.7 ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV as a Non-degree Student

Normally, a non-degree student at the graduate level has at least a bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is admitted in order to complete specified courses, but is not seeking a degree from this University. A non-degree student will not be permitted to enrol in undergraduate courses.

Application is through the graduate program committee in the department in which the student wishes to work; applicants are advised to contact the department before submitting an application (see 1.3.1). Transcripts of previous university work (or proof of obtaining a degree) will be required at the time of application, but letters of reference will not necessarily be required.

No credit will be given towards any degree offered by the University for courses completed as a non-degree student except, under unusual circumstances, on petition to the senate graduate studies committee.

1.3.8 Conditional ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV

Conditional admission may be offered to an applicant who is substantially ready to undertake a program but who has not completed all admission requirements at the time of application. An offer of conditional admission will specify the remaining requirements to be met and a limited time period within which the requirements must be met. Normally, the requirements must be fulfilled either prior to enrolling in the program, or within the first term of enrolment.

1.3.9 ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV as an Exchange Student

Bona fide graduate students at other universities who wish to complete courses at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV, not leading to a degree at this University, will be admitted to complete specific graduate courses on the recommendation of the chair of the department (or equivalent officer) and the dean of graduate studies at the other university, and with the permission of the appropriate graduate program committee and the dean of graduate studies at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV.

1.3.9a ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV as a Visiting Researcher

¶¡ÏãÔ°AV accepts visiting research students under the terms of the Canadian Graduate Student Research Mobility Agreement. For details, see Visiting Research Students on the Graduate Studies website.

1.3.10 Application for ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV

Application is through the Dean of Graduate Studies website. Completed applications and accompanying materials must be submitted to the department before the deadline specified by the department. Applicants are advised to check with the appropriate department as to the prevailing application procedures and deadlines for the graduate program in which they are interested. Applicants are advised that deadlines for applications for awards and teaching assistantships may be earlier than the deadlines for application to a graduate program.

All decisions on graduate admissions are made by the senate graduate studies committee, on recommendation from graduate program committees. Decisions on admissions shall be final. Final approval of admission for non-degree students or exchange graduate students is by the dean of graduate studies.

Retention of Documents

The documents which students supply to support admission applications will be retained for three terms following the term to which application is made. Then, application forms, transcripts and other materials related to applications will be destroyed. Irreplaceable documents will be returned to the applicant if requested at the time of application. All other documents become the property of the University

Protection of Privacy

¶¡ÏãÔ°AV gathers and maintains information used for the purposes of admission, enrolment and other fundamental activities related to being a ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV community member and to attending a public post-secondary institution in the Province of British Columbia. When submitting an application for admission, all applicants are advised that the information they provide and any other information placed into the student record will be protected and used in compliance with British Columbia’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (1992).

All British Columbian applicants will be asked to provide their BC personal education numbers (PEN) at the time of application. All others will be assigned a PEN by the British Columbia Ministry of Advanced Education, Training and Technology. Its uses are restricted to research and program evaluation. No identifiable personal information will be released.

1.3.11 Application to complete a Second Master’s or Doctoral Degree

Students who have a master’s or a doctoral degree (either from ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV or another university) can apply to complete a second master’s or doctoral degree under the following constraints.

a) no course work completed for the first degree shall count towards the second.

b) none of the research done for the first degree shall be used for the second.

c) none of the time spent in residence for the first degree shall count towards the residence for the second degree.

1.3.12 English Language Competence

English is the language of instruction and communication in the University. Accordingly, an applicant whose primary language is not English or whose previous education has been conducted in another language must demonstrate command of English sufficient to pursue graduate studies in the chosen field.

Applicants normally will be required to achieve a satisfactory score on a standardized English test acceptable to the University. This test must include a writing component.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) including reading, writing, speaking, and listening components, is acceptable for this purpose. The IELTS (International English Language Testing Systems) is also acceptable. The minimum university requirements for test scores is TOEFL 88 with a minimum of 20 in each category (internet based exam), or TOEFL 570 and TWE 5 (paper based), or TOEFL 230 (computer based), and IELTS overall band score of 7.0.

On the Pearson Test of English (PTE), a minimum score of 62 overall and a minimum of 55 in any area is required.

Some graduate programs have higher requirements, as described elsewhere in this Calendar.

Further details about the above tests may be obtained from the following.

TOEFL and TWE – Education Testing Service, CN 6151, Princeton, NJ, 08541-6151 USA

Other acceptable English tests – Director, Graduate Records and ¶¡ÏãÔ°AVs

1.3.13 Certificate Programs

A certificate program consists of approved combinations of graduate courses completed from at least two different departments. Graduate certificate programs are intended to be both thematic and interdisciplinary.

Courses completed for credit in a graduate degree program may be applied to certificate programs. A certificate program must include a minimum of four courses and a minimum of 12 units.

Certificate programs may be completed only by students already enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV.

Certificates are awarded at the time of convocation.

1.4 Enrolment

Students are enrolled in one of two different types of programs. In ‘per term fee’ programs, students are charged a standard fee for each term of enrolment. In ‘per credit fee’ programs, students are charged a fee based on the number of units completed. (See Graduate Fees for current tuition fee rates.) All students are in per term fee programs except for students in per credit fee programs as listed under Graduate Fees.

1.4.1 Date of Entry

University regulations permit graduate students to enter programs at the beginning of any term, unless a program requires students to start in a specific term.

1.4.2 Enrolment

Enrolment begins two months before the start of each term and must be completed by the Friday preceding the start of classes; see. Students are allowed an additional two weeks to finalize their enrolment, without financial penalty. The course or research-related work for which the student enrolls must have the approval of the chair of the graduate program committee and of his/her senior supervisor, once the senior supervisor is appointed. In addition, enrolment for courses completed outside the student's department must have the approval of the course instructor. Students going on leave are required to enrol (see 1.8.4 Application to go on Leave).

1.4.3 Continuity of Enrolment

Students in per term fee programs are required to enrol in every term until all requirements for the degree have been fulfilled. This includes students enrolled on leave. A student who does not enrol is considered to have withdrawn from the University. (See 1.8.4 Application to go on Leave for regulations on student leave.) Students in per unit fee programs enrol only in those terms in which they are taking courses or working on other requirements, such as a project or field exam. A student in a per unit fee program who does not enrol in at least one of three consecutive terms is considered to have withdrawn from the University. Enrolment in an undergraduate course or audit course only does not satisfy the requirement for continuity of enrolment.

1.4.6 Course Audit

Graduate students may audit graduate courses, with permission of the instructor, senior supervisor and graduate program chair of the student's department. Such audits are recorded as AU on the student’s transcript.

Prior to enrolment, the student and instructor must agree on the requirements for auditing the class. These requirements must include regular attendance at class meetings, completion of readings and participation in class activities.

Audited courses will not count toward degree requirements.

A student may change enrolment status in a course from audit to regular enrolment, or from regular enrolment to audit until the deadline for late enrolment for the term. Normally, no further change in enrolment status will be permitted after that date.

1.4.7 Co-operative Education

Co-operative education integrates work experience and graduate studies. The name reflects the co-operative relationship among the University, employer and student. Practical experience from work terms is related to the student's major interests within the graduate program. A number of graduate programs have been approved, by the relevant graduate program committee, for co-operative education (co-op). These are listed below.

• chemistry (MSc)
• economics (MA)
• environmental toxicology (MET)
• mathematics (MSc)
• resource and environmental management (MRM)
• statistics and actuarial science (MSc)

The list of approved programs is subject to change. In addition, some faculties may permit co-op work terms for individual students on a case-by-case basis. Interested students should consult the co-op co-ordinator.

The application to enrol in co-op is subject to departmental approval. Each department has a specific course for the co-op work term or practicum.

1.5 Academic Standing

1.5.1 Normal Grading System

The following grades are used at the graduate level in the University.

A+ = 4.33 point (in use since 2002-3)

A = 4.00 points

A- = 3.67 points

B+ = 3.33 points

B = 3.00 points

B- = 2.67 points

C+ = 2.33 points (in use since 2002-3)

C = 2.00 points

F = 0 points

IP = 0 points

CO = 0 points

N = 0 points

A student in a master’s or doctoral program must maintain a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 in courses completed at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV. The CGPA is the cumulative average of the grade points earned in the ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV graduate courses completed towards a graduate diploma, or towards a master's or doctoral degree.

A student in a diploma program must maintain a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.5 in courses completed at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV. Courses graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis are not included in the grade point average.

When a student is working on a thesis, extended essay or project as part of the requirements for the degree, the notation IP (in progress) shall be entered on the transcript. IP is not a grade and is not used in calculating the student’s CGPA.When a thesis, extended essay or project is completed, the notation CO shall be entered on the transcript. CO is not a grade and is not used in calculating the student’s CGPA.

In exceptional circumstances, the grade for a course may be deferred for a specified period determined by the course instructor. This shall be entered as DE in the student’s record. If the grade is not received by the director, graduate records and admissions by the last day of the first month of the next term, the DE grade will automatically be converted to an F. DE grades may not be extended beyond this time limit. A DE grade may be changed to a WE if the student can provide medical documentation that they were unable to complete the work within the extended period because of illness. Upon request to the Dean of Graduate Studies a DE grade can be changed to a grade of IP and the course requirements completed in a subsequent term of registration.When the grade for a course is not deferred and no grade is received by the director, admissions and records, the notation N will be placed in the student’s record. For the purposes of calculating the CGPA, N counts for 0 points.

A course that is dropped before the end of the second week of the term will not be recorded on the student’s transcript. A course that is dropped within the third to eighth weeks (inclusive) will be recorded on the transcript with the notation WD. No course may be dropped after the end of the eighth week and before the end of the twelfth week, except in extenuating circumstances approved by the director, admissions and records. Courses dropped under extenuating circumstances will receive a WE notation. See for dates that apply each term. WD and WE grades carry no credit value and are not used in GPA calculations.

1.5.2 GN Notation

The notation GN (grade not reported) may be used if circumstances beyond the control of the University make it impossible for grades to be assigned for a course. The notation has no numerical equivalent and does not affect either the term grade point average or cumulative grade point average.

1.5.3 Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Grading (S/U)

With the approval of the senate graduate studies committee, a department may require that a designated course be graded satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) for all students in the course.

An individual student may request permission to complete a course on an S/U basis by applying to his or her supervisory committee. If that committee concurs, the request will be submitted to the graduate program committee for final approval. If the course is outside the student’s department, the approval of the other graduate program committee must also be obtained.

Having enrolled in a course on any grading basis, a student may not change to another grading basis for that course.

None of the student’s minimum course work requirement under 1.7.2 may be completed S/U. Neither an S nor a U will count in the CGPA, but the grade received shall be recorded on the transcript.

1.5.4 CGPA Required For Continuation and Graduation

A student in a master’s or doctoral program is required to maintain a CGPA of at least 3.0. A student in a graduate diploma program is required to maintain a CGPA of at least 2.5. Failure to meet the minimum CGPA is evidence of unsatisfactory progress and the matter will be considered by the graduate program committee as required under the Procedure for the Review of Unsatisfactory Progress in regulation 1.8.2.

Under no circumstances will a student, whose CGPA is below 3.0, be awarded a graduate degree.

Under no circumstances will a student with a CGPA below 2.5 be awarded a graduate diploma.

1.5.5 Graduate Students Retaking a Course

A graduate student may retake a course under the following conditions.

a) when the same numbered course covers different material in different terms (many special topics and directed readings courses are of this nature).

b) when the student wishes to improve the grade earned in the course. Permission of the graduate program committee is required.

Under a), both grades are recorded on the student’s transcript, and the grade and the units for both iterations of the course are used for the calculation of the CGPA and towards the units required for the degree. Under b), both grades are recorded on the student’s transcript with the notation that the course was retaken to improve the grade. However, only the better grade is used in calculating the CGPA and the units for the course are used only once towards the requirements for the degree.

A student must indicate at the time of enrolment under which of the two conditions the course is being retaken. The correctness of this indication must be certified by the chair of the graduate program committee.

1.5.6 FD Notation

The notation FD (failed, academic dishonesty) may be given in case of academic dishonesty, according to academic policy S10.02.

1.6 Supervision

1.6.1 General

When a graduate student has been admitted, the graduate program committee will exercise general supervision and provide academic advice for the student through the chair of the graduate program committee or a faculty member designated by the chair, until a senior supervisor has been appointed when appropriate.

1.6.2 Supervision of a Qualifying Student

A qualifying student comes under the general supervision of the graduate program committee, exercised through the chair of that committee or a faculty member designated by the chair.

1.6.3 Senior Supervisor

For degrees that culminate in a thesis, the senior supervisor must be a 'tenure-track' ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV faculty member at the rank of assistant professor or above. Associate members may serve as the senior supervisor in their affiliated academic units at the discretion of the academic unit 's graduate program committee. Adjunct faculty members may not serve as the senior supervisor but can be co-supervisors.

For degrees that culminate in a project, extended essay, field or comprehensive examination, the senior supervisor must be a ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV faculty member deemed to be qualified by the academic unit's graduate studies committee and approved by the dean of graduate studies.

In consultation with the student, the graduate program committee will appoint a senior supervisor as soon as possible after admission to the graduate program. Normally, this appointment shall be made no later than the beginning of the second term of full time equivalent enrolment after the student’s admission. The senior supervisor is the person principally responsible for supervising the student throughout the degree program. A senior supervisor must hold the rank of assistant professor or above at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV.

A senior supervisor who is planning to be off campus for more than three months shall arrange for proper supervision of the student during this absence. The graduate program committee and the dean of graduate studies shall be informed in writing of the arrangement.

A senior supervisor is not required for students in a graduate diploma program. The director of a diploma program is responsible for roles normally assigned to the senior supervisor (e.g., advising students, signing forms).

1.6.4 Supervisory Committee

A supervisory committee is not required for students in graduate diploma programs or in degree programs that culminate in an extended essay, field or comprehensive examination.

In degree programs in which there is a requirement for a thesis or a project, a supervisory committee must be established. For students in master’s degree programs that culminate in an extended essay, field or comprehensive examination, the senior supervisor alone may comprise the supervisory committee.

Where a supervisory committee requires members in addition to the senior supervisor, the senior supervisor, in consultation with the student, shall recommend the composition of the supervisory committee. The supervisory committee consists of the senior supervisor and at least one other person. Normally, this recommendation shall be made during the same term in which the senior supervisor is appointed.

At least one member of the committee (in addition to the senior supervisor) must normally be a faculty member or an adjunct professor or a research associate at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV. When deemed appropriate by the faculty graduate studies committee and the dean of graduate studies, other member(s) of the supervisory committee may be other suitably qualified person(s). A recommendation for a supervisory committee that includes a person who is not a faculty member at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV should be accompanied by a curriculum vitae of that person.

The composition of the supervisory committee, for which the senior supervisor is chair, shall be approved by the graduate program committee and sent to the dean of graduate studies for final approval. It shall be sent to the faculty graduate studies committee for information.

The supervisory committee is responsible for helping the student develop a program of study leading to a degree and for reporting to the graduate program committee at least once a year on the student’s progress towards completing the degree requirements. The supervisory committee shall be available to the student for consultation on a regular basis.

1.6.5 Co-supervision

A co-supervisor may be designated when a member of the supervisory committee exercises a degree of supervision and support similar to that of a senior supervisor. Normally, a co-supervisor will be appointed if:

a) he or she is a ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV faculty member holding the rank of assistant professor or above (see 1.6.3); or holds an appointment as an adjunct professor (see policy A12.08) at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV in the same department as the student and senior supervisor; or holds an appointment as an associate member (see policy A12.07) at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV in the same department as the student and senior supervisor; and

b) the department graduate program committee satisfies the faculty graduate studies committee and the dean of graduate studies that the level of supervision and/or support to be provided by the co-supervisor is greater than normally expected from regular members of a supervisory committee.

Reasons for approving co-supervision will vary, but could include: co-investigator with the senior supervisor of a research grant funding the student’s research; providing significant supervision in a field outside the senior supervisor’s area of expertise; supervising a laboratory where the student undertakes research.

Appointment as co-supervisor recognizes a significant contribution of time, expertise or financial resources. However, the supervision of the student remains the responsibility of the senior supervisor, who must perform all of the activities normally expected of a senior supervisor. The co-supervisor will not take on any of the administrative responsibilities of the senior supervisor. The co-supervisor may not substitute for the senior supervisor, except under circumstances described in 1.6.3.

Co-supervisory status is recommended by the department graduate program committee to the faculty graduate studies committee. Departments and faculties are responsible for setting criteria and standards appropriate to their disciplines. If the faculty graduate studies committee supports the appointment, it shall be forwarded to the dean of graduate studies for approval. Status as co-supervisor will be noted on all relevant documents, and on the approval page of the thesis.

Co-supervisory status may be terminated by the dean of graduate studies if either condition a) or b) (above) is no longer met, or if the co-supervisor is unable to comply with ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV policies and procedures relevant to graduate supervision.

It is the responsibility of the co-supervisor to inform his/her department chair (at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV) or employer (off campus) of his/her status as co-supervisor.

1.6.6 Change in the Supervisory Committee

Continuity of supervision is important in all graduate work. As a consequence, a change in supervisory committee, especially a change in senior supervisor, may be made only on the basis of strong reasons.

A request for a change in the supervisory committee may come from the student or any member of the supervisory committee. It shall be sent to the graduate program committee accompanied by the reasons, in writing, for the proposed change. If the graduate program committee concurs in the request, it shall be sent to the dean of graduate studies for final approval.

1.6.7 Human Subjects Ethics Review

All research plans involving human subjects must receive ethics approval. Copies of the policy (R20.01), procedures and forms for this review may be obtained from the Office of Research Services or from the University web site ()

1.7 Residence and Course Requirements

Minimum course work requirements are defined in 1.7.1, 1.7.2 and 1.7.4. See 1.7.6 for regulations concerning courses completed at other institutions. There is a residence requirement for all doctoral programs (see 1.7.3).

1.7.1 Requirements for the Graduate Diploma

There is no residence requirement for the graduate diploma. Candidates must complete the University minimum requirement of 22 units of graduate course work. A graduate program committee may require graduate or undergraduate work in addition to the minimum requirements, either on an individual basis or, with senate ratification, for all students in the program.

1.7.2 Residence Requirement for the Master’s Degree

Master’s candidates must complete the University minimum requirement in one of the following ways.

a) successfully complete a minimum of 12 units of graduate course work and submit a thesis;

b) successfully complete a minimum of 20 units of graduate course work and submit at least two extended essays, or a project;

c) successfully complete a minimum of 30 units of graduate course work and pass a final examination

Not all of these options are available for every program. A graduate program committee may require work in addition to the minimum requirements either on an individual basis or, with Senate ratification, for all students in its program.

1.7.3 Residence Requirement for the Doctoral Degree

The aim of the residence requirement is that the student spend a period of time in contact with faculty members and other students. Doctoral students must enrol for a minimum of five terms. On leave terms will not count toward this minimum.

1.7.4 Course Requirements for the Doctoral Degree

There are no University course requirements for the doctoral degree. However, a student’s supervisory committee, graduate program committee or the faculty graduate studies committee, may require a student to complete specified courses or units as part of the degree program.

1.7.5 Doctoral Thesis

All doctoral programs require a doctoral thesis based on substantial original research.

1.7.6 Courses in Master’s and Doctoral Programs

The following rules apply to the minimum course work requirement.

One half of the minimum course work of the University or departmental degree requirements must be completed at this University.

None of the University minimum may be courses completed in order to qualify for admission.

None of the University minimum may be undergraduate courses.

A graduate student may apply to complete one or more courses at another university for credit towards a degree at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV under the following conditions.

a) Such applications shall be made at least one month before the course/courses start and shall be approved by the student’s supervisory committee and graduate program committee and be sent to the Dean of Graduate Studies for final approval.

b) While completing a course/courses at another university under these provisions, the student shall maintain normal enrolment at this University, not enrolment on leave.

c) Transfer credit is not used in the calculation of the cumulative grade point average.

A graduate student may apply to have credit for graduate courses completed prior to admission applied to the requirements for the degree, under the following conditions.

a) Courses must have been completed within two years of starting the ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV program

b) Courses may not have been used to earn another credential and may not have been completed as part of a qualifying year

c) application for advance credit must be made at the time of application for admission, and must be approved by the graduate program committee and the dean of graduate studies.

1.8 Progress, Withdrawal and Leave

1.8.1 Progress Evaluation

For master’s and doctoral students, the supervisory committee shall report on the student’s progress at least once each year. This report will be sent, in writing, to the graduate program committee with a copy to the student. The evaluation of student progress in course work will rely in part on their maintenance of a CGPA of 3.0, as required by graduate regulation 1.5.4.

For graduate diploma students, a progress review will be initiated if the CGPA drops below 2.5.

1.8.2 Review of Unsatisfactory Progress

If a student’s progress appears to be unsatisfactory, the supervisory committee or the chair of the graduate program committee shall make a written report to the graduate program committee, and provide a copy to the student. That committee shall consider whether the student’s progress has been satisfactory. The graduate program committee, on consultation with the supervisory committee, if one has been appointed, may:

a) require the student to withdraw, or

b) inform the student of the unsatisfactory progress and require the student to improve in specific ways in a specific period of time.

The student concerned has the right to appear before the graduate program committee when the case is considered, and may submit any materials relevant to the case. A student who is required to withdraw shall be informed, in writing, with copies to the dean of graduate studies and the director, graduate admissions and records. If required to improve within a specific period of time, the student shall be informed in writing as to what precisely is required, with copies to the dean of graduate studies and the director, admissions and records.

Any decision of the graduate program committee under the provisions of this section may be appealed to the senate graduate studies committee through the dean of graduate studies. The student has the right to appear before the senate graduate studies committee when the case is heard. The decision of that committee shall be final.

1.8.3 Withdrawal from Courses and from the University

Permission of the senior supervisor and the chair of the graduate program committee is required to withdraw from a course. If the senior supervisor is not yet appointed, or if the student is in a graduate diploma program, permission of the chair of the graduate program committee is required. If such permission is granted, a student may withdraw from a course without academic penalty up to the end of the ninth week of classes in any term.

Under extenuating circumstances, a student may withdraw from a course without academic penalty during the tenth to the 12th week of classes. Such circumstances must be beyond the control of the student (e.g., medical or financial crisis); under such circumstances, therefore, 898 (Master’s Thesis Research), 899 (PhD Research) or a similar course may be added, as appropriate. Permission of the senior supervisor and the chair of the graduate program committee is required.

A student may withdraw from the University at any time by notifying the chair of the graduate program committee and the director, graduate admissions and records.

A student who has withdrawn from the University and who wishes to re-enter shall apply for readmission under the same conditions as any other applicant.

1.8.4 Application to go on Leave

In this section, exceptional circumstances for interrupting a student's graduate program normally means illness, accident, disability, pregnancy or parenting responsibilities. Students in such circumstances are expected to present documentation for those reasons when applying to go on leave.

Students in per unit fee programs are not required to maintain continuous enrolment, and so are not eligible to enrol on leave. Students in per unit degree programs are required to register for courses in at least one term out of every three, and failure to do so will result in the student being considered to have withdrawn from the University (see 1.4.3 Continuity of Enrolment). If a student in a per unit fee program is unable to undertake course work in a term for exceptional circumstances, and by not registering in courses for that term, would be withdrawn automatically from the University, s/he should discuss the situation with the dean of graduate studies, who will advise on processes for readmission under such circumstances.

Students in per term fee programs are expected to maintain continuous enrolment (see 1.4.3 Continuity of Enrolment). However, a student may apply to go on leave if both of the following conditions are satisfied.

a) a situation arises which makes it necessary to interrupt the graduate program;

and

b) no substantial use will be made of University facilities.

Permission to enrol on leave must be approved by the student's senior supervisor and the chair of the student's graduate program committee. When the situation necessitating the interruption of the student's graduate program is due to exceptional circumstances, permission to enrol on leave will not normally be denied. Students who apply for a leave due to exceptional circumstances and have permission denied for that leave should apply to the dean of graduate studies for consideration of their application.

Students on leave are required to enrol during the normal enrolment period for each term by indicating on leave status when enrolling, and they will be assessed an on leave fee (see On Leave in the Graduate Fees section). This fee will be waived for students enrolled on leave due to exceptional circumstances.

Enrolling on leave may impact upon a student's ability to complete their degree within the maximum time allowed (see 1.12 Maximum Time for Completion of the Requirements for the Degree). For students in master's degree programs, no term or enrolment on leave will count toward the maximum 12 terms of enrolment allowed for the completion of their degree requirements. Further to this, each term of on leave enrolment for exceptional circumstances will extend, by four months, the six calendar year period of time from the student's initial enrolment in their graduate program in which they must complete their degree requirements. Terms of enrolment on leave for other reasons will not extend that six calendar year period.

For students in doctoral programs (see 1.12.3 Doctoral Degree), each term of on leave enrolment for exceptional circumstances will extend, by four months, the eight calendar year period of time from the student's initial enrolment in their graduate program in which they must complete their degree requirements. Terms of enrolment on leave for other reasons will not extend that eight calendar year period. Further, no term of on leave enrolment, regardless of the reasons for enrolment on leave, will count toward the minimum of five terms the student must spend enrolled in their program (see 1.7.3 Residence Requirement for the Doctoral Degree). Students who wish to enrol on leave for more than three sequential terms must submit a written explanation for all subsequent on leave enrolments. Such applications require approval from the dean of graduate studies.

1.9 Preparation for Examinations

Master’s Students

1.9.1 Examining Committee for a Master’s Degree Candidate

Each candidate for a master’s degree shall be examined on the thesis, extended essays field or comprehensive examination, or project. The nature of the examination and the composition of the examining committee of a student's extended essay, field or comprehensives shall be as designated by the appropriate faculty graduate studies committee and the dean of graduate studies.

Examination of projects for all graduate programs shall be as for the examination of theses with the same requirements for committee composition unless a different examination process has been designated by the appropriate faculty graduate studies committee and the dean of graduate studies.

Examination of projects for all other graduate programs shall be as for the examination of theses with the following exceptions: when the project is live, taped or filmed, only one presentation is required for examination, and only one recording is required for deposition in the library. The one copy deposited in the library shall be the property of the University. The student shall have the right to copy the original, and the right to borrow it for external showing at the discretion of the librarian.

Where such an examination is required for a thesis the examining committee shall have the following minimum composition.

a) the chair of the student’s graduate program committee, or his/her designate, who shall be a non-voting chair of the examining committee. If the chair of the graduate program committee is also on the student’s supervisory committee, he/she shall designate a member of faculty at this University, who is not a member of the student’s supervisory committee, as chair.

b) all members of the student’s supervisory committee.

c) a member of faculty at the university, or a person otherwise suitably qualified, who is not a member of the student's supervisory committee. For those seeking a degree under special arrangements, this person shall be from outside the University. For a thesis defence in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, a master's examiner may not be a member of the same department as the one granting the degree, unless a waiver is granted by the Dean of Arts and Social Sciences or his/her designate.

1.9.2 Preparation for Examination of Master’s Thesis

Preparation for the examination of a master’s thesis shall not take place until the thesis is substantially complete and in the required format. See for information.

The candidate’s supervisory committee shall make a recommendation to the chair of the graduate program committee concerning the date, place and time of the thesis examination and the composition of the examining committee in conformity with 1.9.1.

Upon approval of the chair of the graduate program committee, this recommendation, with the thesis title and an abstract, shall be sent to the director, graduate records and admissions for entry into the University's records. The examining committee composition shall reach the director at least four weeks before the examination date. At this time, the chair of the graduate program committee will notify the University community of the intended time and place of the examination.

At least two weeks before the date of the thesis examination, unbound copies of the completed thesis shall be distributed to the examining committee by the chair of the graduate program committee, and one copy shall be made generally available for inspection by interested members of faculty and students. Department rules may require earlier submission of the completed thesis.

If the date or place has been changed, the chair of the graduate program committee will notify the University community.

The examination of the thesis shall take place under the regulations for thesis examination given in 1.10.1.

Doctoral Students

1.9.3 Examining Committee for Doctoral Thesis

Each candidate for a doctoral degree shall be examined on the thesis. Each examining committee shall have the following minimum composition:

a) the chair of the graduate program committee, or designate, who shall be a non-voting chair of the examining committee. If the chair of the graduate program committee is also on the student’s supervisory committee, he shall designate a member of faculty at the University, who is not a member of the student’s supervisory committee, as chair.

b) all members of the student’s supervisory committee

c) a member of faculty at the University or a person otherwise suitably qualified, who is not a member of the student’s supervisory committee. For a thesis defence in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the ‘internal external’ examiner may not be a member of the same department as the one granting the degree.

d) an external examiner who shall be specifically qualified in the field of the thesis and not be a member of faculty at the University

1.9.4 Preparation for Examination of Doctoral Thesis

Preparation for the examination of a doctoral thesis shall not take place until the thesis is substantially complete and in the required format. See for information.

The candidate’s supervisory committee shall make a recommendation to the chair of the graduate program committee concerning the composition of the examining committee (in conformity with 1.9.3) and the date, place and time of the thesis examination. Upon approval of the chair of the graduate program committee, this recommendation, with the thesis title, abstract, and curriculum vitae of the external examiner, shall be sent to the Dean of Graduate Studies for final approval. The examining committee composition shall reach the Dean of Graduate Studies at least six weeks before the examination date. At this time, the chair of the graduate program committee will notify the University community of the intended time and place of the examination.

After the recommendation is approved, the Dean of Graduate Studies shall formally invite the external.

Unbound copies of the completed thesis shall be distributed to the examining committee by the chair of the graduate program committee after approval of the examining committee and thesis examination arrangements by the dean and at least four weeks before the date of examination. The chair of the examining committee shall inform the Dean of Graduate Studies in writing when the thesis has been distributed. Department rules may require earlier submission of the completed thesis.

The examination of the thesis shall take place under the regulations for thesis examination given in 1.10.1.

1.9.5 The Role of the External Examiner

The external examiner should be a distinguished scholar with particular experience in the field of the thesis research. The examiner shall be free from potential conflict of interest which may arise, for example, from research collaboration with the student or prospective employment of the student. Whether the external examiner will participate in person or in absentia, including the possibility of a conference telephone connection or similar means, will be determined by the dean of graduate studies who will take into account the departmental views.

The external examiner shall be asked to report on the thesis, to the dean of graduate studies only, before the examination. If the report states that the thesis is ready for defence, a copy shall be sent to the chair of the examining committee by the dean of graduate studies for distribution to all members of the examining committee before the examination. The contents of the report will not be communicated to the student. If the report recommends that the examination be postponed, the dean shall send a copy to the chair of the examining committee, the senior supervisor and the chair of the graduate program committee. The chair of the graduate program committee and the senior supervisor will inform the student of the content of the report. Following discussions with the student and the supervisory committee, the chair of the graduate program committee shall report to the dean whether the examination will take place as scheduled or be postponed.

Once the examination has happened, and if the thesis is passed, the external examiner shall send a brief report to the senior supervisor which indicates the general quality of the thesis. That report (which may be either a copy of the initial report to the dean of graduate studies or a report prepared after the thesis defence) shall accompany the recommendation for award of the degree.

In the event of examination in absentia, the report of the external examiner should be quite extensive and give a specific recommendation as to whether the thesis ought to pass, fail, or be subject to revision as under 1.10.2. The report may contain specific questions the external examiner would like posed to the candidate. The report shall be copied, by the dean of graduate studies, to the chair of the examining committee, for distribution to all members of the examining committee before the examination. Specific questions raised by the external examiner in that report shall be directed to the candidate during the examination by members of the examining committee selected by the chair of the examining committee.

1.9.6 Notification of Doctoral Thesis Examination

At least 10 days before the proposed examination, the chair of the graduate program committee will notify the candidate, the examining committee, the dean or deans of faculty concerned and the dean of graduate studies of the date, place and time of the thesis examination; this date shall not be earlier than the originally proposed date. The dean of graduate studies will notify the University community.

1.10 Examinations

1.10.1 Thesis Examination

The candidate shall give an oral account of the research on which the thesis is based and defend the thesis itself. The candidate must be prepared to answer questions on the field of the research and related fields.

Thesis examinations are open to the University community. Copies of the thesis abstract shall be made available to all those attending the examination. The chair of the examining committee shall allow proper opportunity for questions on the thesis to come from persons who are not members of the examining committee but are attending the examination. The dean of graduate studies or designate shall have the right to attend all phases of the examination.

After the chair of the examining committee is satisfied that all relevant questions have been answered, the examining committee shall meet in camera to classify the thesis.

1.10.2 Classification of the Thesis

There are four possible outcomes of the thesis defence.

1. the thesis may be passed as submitted
2. the thesis may be passed on the condition that revisions be completed to the satisfaction of the senior supervisor
3. the examining committee may defer making judgement if it judges that the thesis could pass after additional work by the candidate. A thesis upon which judgement is deferred shall come forward for re-examination within a period specified by the examining committee. The examining committee may require formal re-examination under section 1.10.1 or may reach its decision by examination of the revised thesis. The examining committee may not defer judgement a second time.
4. the thesis may be failed. In this case, the candidate is required to withdraw from the University.

The decision of the examining committee is by simple majority vote except that, in the cases of doctoral candidates or candidates enrolled under special arrangements, the classification of the thesis may not be at a higher level than that of the external examiner. A decision to pass the thesis or to defer making judgement may not be reached on a tie vote of the examining committee. If at first a majority vote to pass the thesis cannot be reached, and subsequently, if a majority vote to defer judgement cannot be reached, the thesis will be failed.

1.10.3 Recommendation for the Award of the Degree

When a student has successfully defended the thesis and made any minor revisions required, the supervisory committee shall recommend award of degree. This recommendation goes for approval respectively to the graduate program committee, the faculty graduate studies committee, the senate graduate studies committee and senate, which has the final authority to award the degree.

The title of the thesis, extended essays, professional paper and projects will be recorded on the student’s transcript.

1.10.4 Submission of the Thesis to the Library

If the examining committee has required minor revisions to a thesis, these will be completed as soon as possible after the examination and checked by the senior supervisor. Two unbound copies of the final draft of the completed thesis shall be sent to the library together with a memorandum from the senior supervisor certifying that all required revisions have been made. These two copies will be bound, catalogued and retained by the library, one for the general collection and one for the University archives. Graduate program committees may also require not more than two bound copies for departmental files and these should be submitted for binding at the same time.

When the library representative of the dean of graduate studies has checked the thesis and accepted the format, the representative will notify the director of graduate programs, admissions and records. No degree will be approved by senate until the director of graduate programs, admissions and records has been so notified.

1.11 Publication of Thesis

When the thesis is submitted to the library, the student shall authorize the copying and publication of the thesis as follows.

1.11.1 Partial Copyright License

Except as noted in 1.11.3, the student shall sign a partial copyright license which grants to the University the right to lend the thesis to users of the library, and to make partial or single copies for such users. Multiple copying is not permitted without written permission from the author except that, if the author is unobtainable, the dean of graduate studies may give this permission.

1.11.2 Reproduction

Except as noted in 1.11.3, the student shall sign an agreement form authorizing the National Library of Canada to reproduce the thesis and to sell microfilm copies on request.

1.11.3 Postponement of Publication

The results of research conducted at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV should be available freely to the public, and it is expected that theses will be placed in the library immediately following final revisions. It is the responsibility of graduate students to ensure that this policy is communicated clearly to relevant individuals and organizations outside the university prior to the initiation of any research project.

A thesis may be withheld from circulation and from copying for a period of 12 months from the date of defence of the thesis, in order to protect confidential commercial information, patentable material, pending application, or where immediate commercial publication is anticipated. No extensions to this time limit will be permitted. At the time of the thesis defence, a thesis withholding document requesting and authorizing such delay shall be signed by the student, the senior supervisor, and the dean of graduate studies. The official copies of the thesis and all pertinent forms shall be deposited in the library along with the witholding document. A copy of the thesis shall not be sent to The National Library of Canada during the restricted period but the abstract of the doctoral thesis shall be sent to Dissertation Abstracts International with the period of restriction duly noted.

Under exceptional circumstances, portions of a thesis may be withheld from the reference copy of the thesis that is made available to faculty members and students (see 1.9.2 and 1.9.4). This procedure must be authorized by the dean of graduate studies well before the distribution of the thesis. The dean must ensure that only the most confidential material is withheld from the thesis, and that the overall content of the thesis is not lost.

1.11.4 Publication of the Thesis by the Student

None of the clauses above preclude the student from publishing the thesis in any form at any time.

1.12 Maximum Time for Completion of the Requirements for the Degree

1.12.1 General

The maximum times for completion given below are not intended to be the normal times for completion. They are intended to take into account a wide variety of extraordinary circumstances and events that may delay completion. Individual departments may specify their expectations of normal degree completion times as a guide to determining whether a student’s progress is satisfactory.

Although it is expected that most students will complete their programs well before reaching the time limit, some students may be required to suspend work for a period of time because of mental or physical disability, pregnancy or family responsibilities. In such cases, students should apply to go on leave, should present evidence (e.g., from a doctor) of the necessity of the interruption of studies, and should request that their on-leave fees be waived. On-leave terms completed under such circumstances will be added to the maximum length of time in program. Students who take on-leave terms for other reasons will not receive extensions. Students in per unit fee programs do not take on-leave terms. Students in those programs should submit a letter to the chair of the graduate program committee outlining the circumstances and requesting that their maximum time in program be extended, together with the required documentation.

Students with long-term disabilities should discuss their situation with the Centre for Students with Disabilities early in their graduate studies or as soon as possible after the condition is diagnosed. The centre will assist students and their departments to develop plans for completion of programs, and this may include an extension beyond the normal time limits. Such plans must be approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies.

1.12.2 Master’s Degree

Students in per term fee programs (see 1.4 Enrolment ) shall complete all of the requirements for a master’s degree within 12 terms of equivalent enrolment. On-leave terms will not be counted as terms of enrolment. In addition, all requirements of the master’s degree must be completed within six calendar years of initial enrolment as a master’s student. Students in per unit fee programs (see 1.4 Enrolment) shall complete all of the requirements for a master’s degree within six calendar years of initial enrolment.

1.12.3 Doctoral Degree

A student shall complete all the requirements for a doctoral degree within eight calendar years of initial enrolment as a doctoral student or, in the case of a student who has transferred from a master’s program into the doctoral program without completing the master’s degree, within eight calendar years of initial enrolment as a master’s student.

1.12.4 Readmission

Students who have withdrawn from their program and have not reached their maximum time can be readmitted to complete their degree requirements. Students who have reached their maximum time, did not complete the degree requirements, and thus were required to withdraw, can apply for readmission for one term only to complete those requirements. The term of readmission may be no later than the ninth term after the one in which the student withdrew from the program. The student applies for readmission to the relevant graduate program committee, who will make a recommendation to the dean of graduate students. Final approval for readmission is by the dean of graduate studies. Readmission decisions may be appealed in the same way as admission decisions (see 1.16.3 ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV).

Students who have not been withdrawn but have reached their maximum time can request an extension for one term to complete their degree requirements.

1.13 Award of the Degree

1.13.1 Application for Graduation

Every candidate for a graduate degree is responsible for applying for graduation online through my¶¡ÏãÔ°AV.

1.13.2 Award of the Degree

Award of the degree is by resolution of senate.

1.13.3 Transcripts

Certified official transcripts of the student’s graduate academic record may be obtained from the Office of the Dean of Graduate Studies. Only individually signed copies with the University seal are valid. For further information on cost refer to Graduate Fees.

1.14 Convocation Ceremony

Convocation is held twice annually. Graduates from the previous fall and spring terms convocate in early June, while graduates from the summer term convocate in October.

1.15 Class Interruption

¶¡ÏãÔ°AV makes reasonable efforts to ensure that its classes and courses of instruction proceed on a regular basis and without interruption. Faculty have certain discretion to cancel or change the timetable for their classes; they will endeavor to give reasonable notice of any cancellation or change. ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV will not be responsible for cancellation or change of any class. Neither will ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV be responsible for the interruption or termination of any class or course of instruction which results from fire, riot, labour disruption or any other event which occurs despite the University’s efforts, or for failure to give notice of the interruption or termination. See for details.

1.16 Graduate Student Appeals

Graduate students are advised to seek informal resolution of problems through discussions with their supervisor, graduate program chair, department chair or faculty dean, and the dean of graduate studies.

1.16.1 Grades

May be appealed to the instructor, department chair and, in some cases, faculty dean in accordance with academic policy T 20.01.

1.16.2 Progress Evaluations

May be appealed to the senate graduate studies committee (1.8.2 Review of Unsatisfactory Progress).

1.16.3 ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV

Applicants who meet or exceed minimum requirements for admission are not assured of admission to any graduate program (see 1.3.1 General)

Normally, admission decisions may not be appealed (see 1.3.10 Application for ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV). In exceptional circumstances, unsuccessful applicants may appeal to the committee to review university admissions. This committee will only review the fairness of admissions procedures and will not review an applicant’s credentials.

Appeal forms are available at .

1.16.4 Other Appeals

Appeals of decisions on enrolment, graduation, entry/re-entry to a program or any matter relating to academic standing (other than review of unsatisfactory progress) are referred to the senate appeals board. Appeal forms are available at .