The evolution of grad studies

York’s Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) faces some key challenges, not the least of which are Ottawa’s call for Canadian universities to expand their graduate student bodies by five per cent, and the current and impending retirements of large numbers of full-time faculty members.

To discuss these and other dilemmas and attempt to find solutions, FGS is sponsoring a planning forum called “Evolution and Renewal” on Thursday, May 15, from 9am to 1:30pm in Founders Assembly Hall. Organizers say input from the University is vital.

Keynote speaker at the forum will be Lawrence Martin (above, left), Dean of the Graduate School, associate provost for analysis & planning, and director of international programs, State University of New York at Stony Brook, NY.

Other issues under discussion will be the prospect of substantial growth in the size of the undergraduate cohort and the possibility of a differentiated or two-tiered categorization of universities.

The planning forum will address these themes:

  • The Faculty’s role within the University
  • Examination of the status quo and what is required to maintain it
  • Beyond the status quo: planning for growth
  • Creation of new programs

Following the forum, FGS has plans to formulate a list of priorities for a self-study exercise which will be conducted over the 2003-2004 academic year.

RSVP your attendance to fgsgen@yorku.ca.