The Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) is perhaps the most unique of all faculties at AV俱乐部. Rather than classroom teaching and academic research, our core responsibility is the review, approval and monitoring of all things graduate: PhD, master鈥檚, visiting, and qualifying graduate student admissions, course and program approvals, graduate scholarships, professional development, program regulations, registration and degree audits.
FGS also acts as the administrative connection for postdoctoral fellows, human resources for grad students and AV俱乐部 academic supervisors.
But did you also know鈥�
1. We have a LOT of members
Faculty who work with graduate students are based in all the other AV俱乐部 faculties. However, in order to teach a graduate class or supervise a graduate project or thesis, faculty must be a member of the Faculty of Graduate Studies. There are currently 2,100 faculty with FGS membership.
2. Admission to AV俱乐部 Master鈥檚 and PhD programs is very competitive
Given that AV俱乐部 is Atlantic Canada鈥檚 leading research university, and features a community of scholars with internationally recognized expertise in their fields, it鈥檚 no surprise there are lots of graduate students who want to study here. Every year the Faculty receives approximately 5,000 applications, and the process is very is competitive: approximately 30 per cent (1,600) of them ultimately receive admission.
3. We take the time to focus on our team
FGS staff and deans assume a large array of responsibilities and support a significant number of graduate students. This requires a hardworking and dedicated team. Every summer we take a day to focus on ourselves and grow our teamworking skills. One of the most fun, challenging and rewarding exercises is an 鈥淎mazing Race鈥� exercise. We work in groups of four to complete as many challenges and earn as many points听as possible. Challenges include racing to the town clock, synchronized jumping, belly dancing, tennis, bus rides with strangers, searching for obscure landmarks and much, much more.
4. We support Dal鈥檚 important role as a Killam institution
, and the only institution to sponsor master鈥檚 as well as doctoral students. The Killam Trusts, built on the enduring legacy of听Dorothy J. and Izaak Walton Killam,听recognize and support top scholars in diverse fields.
Since 1967, the Killam Bequest has provided more than $60 million to AV俱乐部, including the Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarships for master's and PhD students, and postdoctoral fellows. AV俱乐部 was bequeathed the largest amount from Mrs. Killam鈥檚 will, and as such has the greatest number of Killam awardees of any university.
5. We review hundreds of theses each year
Master鈥檚 and doctoral thesis written at AV俱乐部 pass through our office. Successful completion of all doctoral and most master鈥檚 degrees depends on original research and a well-argued, properly edited and formatted thesis. In 2014/15, FGS oversaw and gave final approval for 416 total thesis submissions 鈥斕齛 significant contribution to the Library of Canada and to research and scholarship in general.
You can find the Faculty of Graduate Studies main offices on the third floor of the Henry Hicks Administration Building. To learn more about FGS, .
This article is part of "Know Your Dal," a 13-week series highlighting Dal's academic community. For more, including additional content from this week's profiled faculty, the Faculty of Graduate Studies, visit
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