The relationship between a graduate student and supervisor can shape the student鈥檚 academic experience from their first meeting through degree completion.
Recognizing the importance of this relationship, 91亚色鈥檚 Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS), through its Graduate Supervision Support Hub, has developed The Graduate Supervision Journey, a five-module course on YU Learn designed to strengthen graduate supervision.
The course combines practical guidance with opportunities for reflection, encouraging faculty to consider their values, clarify expectations and explore how their supervisory approaches influence students' experiences and development.
Drawing on experiences and research-informed practices, the course uses illustrative scenarios to connect supervisory principles to everyday practice. Mentorship frameworks, including Indigenous relational approaches, offer additional perspectives on effective supervision and broaden understandings of supervisory relationships.
The modules explore principles and styles of supervision, co-supervision, remote supervision and approaches to cultivating emotional intelligence and a growth mindset.
"Supervision is an art," says Tokunbo Ojo, associate dean, students. 鈥淚t requires time, dedication and sheer commitment from both the supervisor and the supervisee to produce the best outcome.鈥
The course addresses goal setting, milestone planning, feedback and feedforward strategies, conflict resolution and navigating difficult conversations. It also explores how supervisors can respond to students in distress and better support neurodivergent students and those from diverse backgrounds through inclusive and responsive practices.
"By highlighting the voices of our colleagues, the course effectively demonstrates that supervisory excellence is a fundamental part of our culture and reflects how we define excellence in service, leadership and student success," says Mary Goitom, associate professor at the School of Social Work, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies.
The course also guides faculty through supporting students toward degree completion, including preparation for defence and conversations about future career pathways. Recognizing that graduate supervision can place demands on faculty, it addresses supervisory stress, mental health and well-being, as well as strategies for sustaining supervisory practice.
Throughout the course, participants are invited to develop a philosophy of supervision statement, reflecting on the values and expectations that guide their approach. This exercise offers a reference point they can revisit as their practice evolves.
Designed as an asynchronous professional development resource, The Graduate Supervision Journey allows faculty to work through practical resources, scenarios and opportunities for reflection at their own pace. The course encourages a thoughtful and intentional approach to supervision while recognizing its important role in graduate student success and 91亚色's broader research culture.
Faculty can register for The Graduate Supervision Journey through .