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SGS Governing Principles (Approved by General Faculties Council July 1, 2023)

II. Graduate Council

Membership to Graduate Council | Ex-Officio Members | Representatives to Graduate Council from Faculties and Schools | Students | Selection of Representatives from Faculties and Schools, the University Library, and the Graduate Students Association | Duties and Responsibilities of the Graduate Council

The Graduate Council shall be the representative council of the School of Graduate Studies. Subject to the control of GFC, the Graduate Council shall be the governing body of the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Lethbridge. The Post-Secondary Learning Act stipulates that a Graduate Council shall consist of the Dean, who is the Chair, the President, and any other persons who are appointed by the GFC. On December 10, 2012, the GFC approved a motion defining the composition of Graduate Council and delegating the individual appointment of the members to the Graduate Council. All members of the Graduate Council are voting members, including the Chair. Unless otherwise specified in this document, procedures established by GFC for its governance will be adopted by the Graduate Council for conducting its business.

Membership to Graduate Council

The Graduate Council shall consist of ex-officio members, program chairs, and representatives from faculties and schools, and graduate student representatives. All members shall have the equal right to speak and to vote in Graduate Council.

Ex-Officio Members

  • Dean, School of Graduate Studies (Chair)
  • President
  • Vice President (Academic) or designate
  • Vice President (Research) or designate
  • Dean of each faculty or designate
  • University Librarian or designate
  • Registrar or designate
  • Associate Dean, School of Graduate Studies
  • Chair, or designate, of each graduate program committee

Representatives to Graduate Council from Faculties and Schools

  • Nine faculty members representing the Faculty of Arts and Science, including three representatives from each of the constituencies of humanities, social science and science
  • Three faculty members representing the Faculty of Education
  • Three faculty members representing the Faculty of Health Sciences
  • Three faculty members representing the Dhillon School of Business
  • Three faculty members representing the Faculty of Fine Arts
  • One faculty member representing the School of Liberal Education
  • One professional librarian representing the Professional Librarians Committee

Students

  • Four graduate students representing the Graduate Students’ Association

Selection of Representatives from Faculties and Schools, the University Library, and the Graduate Students Association

  1. No later than May 1 of each year, the members shall be appointed by the Deans of the faculties and schools, by the University Librarian, and by the President of the Graduate Students Association by means they choose individually. The appointment shall be for staggered two year terms, beginning July 1 of each year.
  2. In the case of faculty member representatives, only those who are also members of the School of Graduate Studies may serve on Graduate Council.

Duties and Responsibilities of the Graduate Council

The roles and responsibilities of the Graduate Council include:

  1. Recommending to GFC the establishment of new graduate programs and the modification or discontinuation of existing programs.
  2. Establishing and monitoring the implementation of policies governing graduate studies.
  3. Receiving and considering proposals regarding: graduate academic regulations, graduate program requirements, and graduate curriculum changes and courses and, after consultation with the relevant faculties and schools, making recommendations to GFC.
  4. Appointing the examiners for examinations in the School of Graduate Studies, conducting the examinations and determining the results of them (This duty is delegated to the graduate program committees).
  5. Providing for the admission of students to the School of Graduate Studies, subject to the admission standards and policies determined by GFC (This duty is delegated to the graduate program committees).
  6. Determining the conditions under which a student must withdraw from or may continue their program of studies in the School of Graduate Studies (This duty is delegated to the graduate program committees).
  7. Authorizing the granting of degrees offered by the School of Graduate Studies.
  8. Establishing standards and criteria pertaining to the quality of graduate instruction and supervision.
  9. Annually reviewing, updating, and approving the Academic Unit Plan for the School of Graduate Studies.
  10. Reporting to GFC, upon request, on any significant matter pertaining to graduate studies at the University (this duty is delegated to the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies).
  11. Establishing and convening ad hoc committees and working groups as needed.
  12. Appointing members to standing committees in the School of Graduate Studies.
  13. Delegating any powers, duties, or functions of the Graduate Council, and prescribing conditions governing the exercise or performance of any delegated power, duty, or function, including the power of sub-delegation.

Quorum: 19 members of Graduate Council.

Meeting: A meeting shall be held anytime on the call of the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies.