This meeting will be held online

1. Welcome and Chair’s Remarks

Chair Arash Habibi Lashkari

2. Minutes (Previous Meeting, October 1, 2026) (.docx)

3. Business Arising from the Minutes

4. Dean's Remarks

5. xxxUpdate to Faculty Regulations:

Approved by Academic Planning & Policy Committee on September 9, 2026
For approval
Associate Director, Graduate Academic Affairs Wes Moir
Motion (.docx)

6. xxxUpdate to Faculty Regulations: Transfers Across Program Levels

Approved by Academic Planning & Policy Committee on September 9, 2026
For approval
Associate Director, Graduate Academic Affairs Wes Moir
Motion (.docx)

7. Reports from Faculty of Graduate Studies' Representatives to Senate Committees

Cheryl van Daalen-Smith, Senate Academic Standards, Curriculum & Pedagogy Committee
Anne MacLennan, Senate Academic Policy, Planning and Research Committee
Marina Morrow, Senate Executive Committee
Desirée de Jesús, Senate Executive Committee's Honorary Degrees & Ceremonials Sub-committee

8. Senate Synopses

For information

Summaries of the Senate meetings of September 24 and October 22, 2026 (URL/pdf)

9. Other Business

This meeting will be held in person.

1. Welcome and Chair’s Remarks

Chair Arash Habibi Lashkari

2. Orientation

Associate Dean Academic Cheryl van Daalen-Smith

3. Minutes (Previous Meeting, June 4, 2026) (.docx)

4. Business Arising from the Minutes

Report on Academic Planning & Policy Committee acting under summer authority for Faculty Council

For information

Changes to Appointment and Reappointment Criteria and Procedures
Graduate Program in Psychology
Approved June 10, 2026

Update to Faculty Regulations: Petitions – Extension of Program Time Limit  
Motion (.docx)
Approved July 8, 2026

5. Dean's Remarks

Dean Alice MacLachlan

6. Update to Faculty Regulations: Transfers Across Program Levels

Approved by Academic Planning & Policy Committee on September 9, 2026
For approval
Associate Director, Graduate Academic Affairs Wes Moir
Motion (.docx)

7. Update to Faculty Regulations: English Language Proficiency

Approved by Academic Planning & Policy Committee on September 9, 2026
For approval
Associate Director, Graduate Academic Affairs Wes Moir
Motion (.docx)

8. Reports from Faculty of Graduate Studies' Representatives to Senate Committees

Cheryl van Daalen-Smith, Senate Academic Standards, Curriculum & Pedagogy Committee
Anne MacLennan, Senate Academic Policy, Planning and Research Committee
Marina Morrow, Senate Executive Committee
Desirée de Jesús, Senate Executive Committee's Honorary Degrees & Ceremonials Sub-committee

9. Senate Synopses

For information

Summaries of the Senate meetings of May 28 and June 25, 2026 (URL/pdf)

10. Other Business

This meeting will be held remotely via Zoom. The link and password to join the meeting may be found via the meeting’s email notice.

1. Welcome and Chair’s Remarks

Chair Mike Zryd

Consultation on Senate Advisory Statement to the Presidential Search Committee (.pdf)

2. Minutes (Previous Meeting May 7, 2026) (.docx)

3. Business Arising from the Minutes

4. Dean's Remarks

Dean Alice MacLachlan

5. Changes to Faculty Regulations:  Graduate Supervision, and Policy on Appointments to the Faculty of Graduate Studies

For approval
Dean Alice MacLachlan
Proposal (.docx)

6. Changes to Faculty Regulations:  Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Milestone

For approval
Associate Director, Graduate Academic Affairs Wes Moir
Proposal (.docx)

7. Standing Committee Reports

For discussion

Academic Planning & Policy Committee (.docx)
Appeals & Academic Honesty Committee (.odt)
Awards Committee (.docx)
Nominating Committee (.pdf)
Petitions Committee (.docx)

8. Reports from Faculty of Graduate Studies' Representatives to Senate Committees

Cheryl van Daalen-Smith, Senate Academic Standards, Curriculum & Pedagogy Committee
Anne MacLennan, Senate Academic Policy, Planning and Research Committee
Naomi Couto, Senate Executive Committee

9. Other Business

This meeting will be held remotely via Zoom. The link and password to join the meeting may be found via the meeting’s email notice.

1. Welcome and Chair’s Remarks

Chair Mike Zryd

2. Faculty of Graduate Studies’ Faculty Teaching Award

Presentation
2025-2026:
Professor Mary Goitom, Graduate Programs in Development Studies, and Social Work

3. Minutes (Previous Meeting April 2, 2026) (.docx)

4. Business Arising from the Minutes

5. Dean's Remarks

Dean Alice MacLachlan

6. Changes to Faculty Regulations:  Graduate Supervision, and Policy on Appointments to the Faculty of Graduate Studies

For discussion
Associate Dean Academic, Cheryl van Daalen-Smith
Associate Director, Graduate Academic Affairs, Wes Moir
Proposal (.docx)

7. Summer Authority

For approval
Motion: “that all items that need Council approval be delegated to the FGS Academic Planning & Policy Committee after the last meeting of Council in this academic year and until the first meeting of Council in the next academic year.”

8. Report of the Nominating Committee

For information
Associate Dean Academic, Cheryl van Daalen-Smith
Report (.pdf)

9. Reports from Faculty of Graduate Studies' Representatives to Senate Committees

Cheryl van Daalen-Smith, Senate Academic Standards, Curriculum & Pedagogy Committee
Anne MacLennan, Senate Academic Policy, Planning and Research Committee
Naomi Couto, Senate Executive Committee

10. Student Electronic Communication Policy

For information
Associate Dean Students Tokunbo Ojo
Policy (.pdf)

11. Senate Synopses

Summaries of Senate meetings of March 26 and April 23, 2026 (URL, .pdf)

12. Other Business

N.B.: This meeting will be held in person.

1. Welcome and Chair’s Remarks

Chair Mike Zryd

2. Supporting Indigenous Graduate Students

Presentation
Gaswéñdah – A Framework for Graduate Supervision with Indigenous Graduate Students (.pdf)
Dr. Ruth Green

3. Minutes (Minutes of Previous Meeting March 5, 2026) (.docx)

4. Business Arising from the Minutes

5. Dean's Remarks

Dean Alice MacLachlan

6. Changes to Faculty Regulations: Leave to Appeal

For approval
Associate Director, Graduate Academic Affairs Wes Moir
Motion (.docx)

7. Changes to Faculty Regulations: Oral Examination Guidelines and Reporting of Results

For approval
Associate Director, Graduate Academic Affairs Wes Moir
Motion (.docx) New file as amended at the meeting

8. Reports from Faculty of Graduate Studies' Representatives to Senate Committees

Cheryl van Daalen-Smith, Senate Academic Standards, Curriculum & Pedagogy Committee
Anne MacLennan, Senate Academic Policy, Planning and Research Committee
Naomi Couto, Senate Executive Committee

9. Senate Synopsis

Summary of Senate meeting of February 26, 2026 (URL, .pdf)

10. Other Business

This meeting will be held remotely via Zoom. The link and password to join the meeting may be found via the meeting’s email notice.

1. Welcome and Chair’s Remarks

Chair Mike Zryd

2. Division of Equity, People and Culture

Presentation (.pdf)
Parissa Safai, Vice-President Equity, People & Culture

3. Launch of the Graduate Student Certificate in Decolonization, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEDIA)

Presentation
Guests: Dalia El Farra, Advisor, Education & Communications, and Oliver Martin, Director Workplace Restoration & Culture, Centre for Human Rights, Equity & Inclusion

4. Minutes (Minutes of Previous Meeting February 5, 2026) (.docx)

5. Dean's Remarks

Dean Alice MacLachlan

6. The Graduate Supervision Capacity-Building Professional Development Fund

Associate Dean Academic Cheryl van Daalen-Smith
Supervision toolkit capacity-building fund (URL, pdf)

7. Changes to Faculty Regulations: Leave to Appeal

For discussion
Associate Director, Graduate Academic Affairs Wes Moir
Motion (.docx)

8. University Academic Plan

For discussion
Presentation (.pptx)
Dean Alice MacLachlan
University Academic Plan 2025-2030 Consultations (URL, pdf)

9. Reports from Faculty of Graduate Studies' Representatives to Senate Committees

Cheryl van Daalen-Smith, Senate Academic Standards, Curriculum & Pedagogy Committee
Anne MacLennan, Senate Academic Policy, Planning and Research Committee
Naomi Couto, Senate Executive Committee

10. Other Business

We’ve got a series of webinars planned to help you choose Graduate Studies at 91��ɫ.

Wherever you are in your graduate school journey, holding an offer, waiting on a decision, or simply exploring your options, the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) invites you to Choose Grad 91��ɫ, a week-long lunch-hour webinar series designed to support your decision-making process. Running from March 23 to March 27, 2026, this series helps demystify graduate studies at 91��ɫ and gives you a clearer picture of what it’s like to be part of our graduate community.

Across five online sessions, you’ll hear from decanal leadership, faculty, staff, current students, and alumni about why 91��ɫ is an excellent place to pursue graduate studies and how a 91��ɫ degree can help you make an impact beyond the University. All webinars take place online via Zoom from 12:00 to 1:00 P.M. ET. Registration is free and now open.

TOPIC: Navigating A Graduate Degree with Dean MacLachlan

DATE: Monday, March 23, 2026

TIME: 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET

Details of Session: In this webinar, our Vice Provost & Dean (Alice MacLachlan) will be speaking on the role of the student in a graduate degree, degree types and structures in the different disciplines, forming your individualised research ideas, and supports for personal and research development.

TOPIC: Learning about Grad School from Our Alumni – Panel Discussion

DATE: Tuesday, March 24, 2026

TIME: 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET

Details of Session: Entering a master’s program or continuing into a PhD presents many considerations for students to think about. We want to help support future students in their decision-making process! Associate Dean Academic, Cheryl van Daalen-Smith, will be speaking with both master’s and doctoral alumni to learn about their graduate student experience, and how their degrees have supported their future aspirations. The panelists will bring rich perspectives to future students grappled with various questions and share resources available to graduate students in the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

TOPIC: How to Pay for Grad School: Funding, Scholarships, Bursaries, OSAP, and more

DATE: Wednesday, March 25, 2026

TIME: 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET

Details of Session: Join us to learn more about the many kinds of financial support available to graduate students to help fund their studies. This session will cover the separate categories of financial support, including funding packages, scholarships, other awards, bursaries, and OSAP. Learn more about which supports require an application, which supports you are automatically considered for, and the various timelines associated with each.

TOPIC: Discussion Panel with Current Scholars

DATE: Thursday, March 26, 2026

TIME: 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET

Details of Session: Join us to learn more about the graduate student experience at 91��ɫ. Our student panellists will discuss a range of topics, including their application experience, the transition from undergraduate to graduate studies, funding, scholarships, program experiences, research & supervision experience, and much more.

TOPIC: Coming to Canada - The International Student Experience

DATE: Friday, March 27, 2026

TIME: 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET

Details of Session: Coming to Canada: The International Student Experience is an engaging session designed to help prospective and newly admitted students understand what life in Canada truly looks like, from navigating academics and campus culture to settling into a new country with confidence. Through real stories, practical guidance, and honest insights into the challenges and opportunities international students face, this session prepares learners to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Attendees will leave with a clearer picture of what to expect, where to find support, and how to make the most of their Canadian journey.

Supporting Your Transition: Pre-Arrival Webinars

New students are encouraged to look ahead to program orientation events, many of which will take place over the summer or at the start of the Fall semester. To support early preparation, the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) offers a series of virtual pre-arrival webinars designed to help ensure a smooth transition into your program. These sessions serve as a guide to the key steps between acceptance and the start of classes.

TOPIC: Study Permit Application Support Session for Graduate Students

DATE: Wednesday, April 1, 2026

TIME: 9:00–10:00 a.m. ET

Details of Session: Join our support session led by 91��ɫ International’s licensed immigration advisors. Learn how to navigate the study permit application process, avoid common mistakes, and get answers to your questions. This session is designed to ensure you feel confident as you take this important step toward studying in Canada.

TOPIC: You've Been Admitted! What's Next?

DATE: Tuesday, April 28, 2026

TIME: 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET

Details of Session: In this session, we will go over a checklist of useful resources such as: how to accept your offer, submitting required documentation to meet conditions, accommodations for students with a disability, setting up Passport 91��ɫ and your email account, how to register for academic terms, how to enrol in courses, getting your YU card, the cost of living in Toronto, transit options, health plans and services, attending GRAD@91��ɫ and more! 

TOPIC: How to Pay for Grad School: Funding, Scholarships, Bursaries, OSAP, and more

DATE: Wednesday, May 13, 2026

TIME: 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET

Details of Session: Join us to learn more about the many kinds of financial support available to graduate students to help fund their studies. In this session we will cover each of these separate categories of financial support: Funding Packages Scholarships Other Awards Bursaries OSAP Learn more about which supports require an application, which supports you are automatically considered for, and the various timelines associated with each.

TOPIC: Ask Us Anything: Applying for a Study Permit for Graduate Programs

DATE: Wednesday, May 20, 2026

TIME: 9:00–10:00 a.m. ET

Details of Session: Join 91��ɫ International’s licensed immigration advisors for an interactive Q&A session designed to help you understand the process and get answers to what matters most to you.

TOPIC: Discover Graduate Supervision at 91��ɫ

DATE: Tuesday, June 16, 2026

TIME: 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET

Details of Session: This webinar explores the role supervision plays in graduate studies, highlighting how it shapes your learning experience. Designed for new graduate students, we will unpack the Ontario Principles for Graduate Supervision, focusing on student responsibilities. Hearing from current grad students, participants will learn tips for effective supervisor-student relationships, do’s and don’ts for understanding expectations, and making the most of your supervisory experience. Our goal is to help start you off on a successful grad school journey. 

TOPIC: Navigating Course Registration and Online Resources at 91��ɫ

DATE: Thursday, June 25, 2026

TIME: 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET

Details of Session: In this session, we will go over the various web platforms at 91��ɫ that you should become familiar with. This includes: Registering Online, Enrolling in Courses, our Faculty of Graduate Studies’ website, your graduate program website, 91��ɫ’s Events Calendar, Better Together, Appointment Booking Portals, Important Contacts, Incoming Class Facebook Group, and more!

TOPIC: A New Chapter: Dean MacLachlan Welcomes New Graduate Students to 91��ɫ

DATE: Tuesday, July 21, 2026

TIME: 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET

Details of Session: In this special session from the Dean of Graduate Studies, we are excited to connect with you and introduce you to the incredible opportunities that await you at 91��ɫ. This conversation is your chance to learn more about our vibrant academic community, the support systems in place to help you succeed, and the lifelong connections you’ll build here. We look forward to answering your questions, sharing insights and resources, and helping you navigate this exciting new graduate studies chapter.

TOPIC: A Day in the Life of an MA Student

DATE: Tuesday, August 11, 2026

TIME: 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET

Details of Session: This session will feature a group of current MA students from a variety of programs talking about their experiences during the transition to graduate school. We'll discuss what 'a day in the life' looks like, what the most surprising thing about graduate school was, tips and tricks for incoming students, and more!

TOPIC: A Day in the Life of an MSc/MASc Student

DATE: Tuesday, August 18, 2026

TIME: 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET

Details of Session: This session will feature a group of current MSc/MASc students from a variety of programs talking about their experiences during the transition to graduate school. We'll discuss what 'a day in the life' looks like, what the most surprising thing about graduate school was, tips and tricks for incoming students, and more!