Expectations

Expectations of graduate students

To help you get the most out of your graduate experience, Dr. Rhodes has the following expectations of graduate students under his supervision. These expectations are not requirements; however, he does recommend that you strive to meet these standards. When not possible, you are encouraged to contact him to discuss alternatives.

Arriving on campus

New graduate students should try to be on campus by the fourth week of August. The first couple of weeks as a new graduate student are very busy with administrative tasks and becoming familiar with facilities and procedures. These tasks should be completed before classes begin to ensure that you don't fall behind.

Working over the summer

Continuing graduate students are expected to work on their studies during the summer. Summer research activity is necessary if you are to complete your degree on time and with a high level of distinction.

Time frame

You should complete your program within the allotted two-year (masters) or three to four year (PhD) time frame, which means defending your thesis/dissertation in the spring/summer of the final year.

Commiment

You should be prepared for a high level of commitment to your coursework and research. This level of commitment means that it's unlikely that you will be able to make any other major time commitments during your program. This level of commitment is also necessary to graduate on time and with a high level of distinction.

Presence on campus

You're expected to have a presence on campus during the work week. An important part of the graduate student experience is the informal interaction that takes place between the adviser and student, and also among graduate students. This interaction only happens when you are on campus.

Dr. Rhodes encourages you to meet with him weekly or bi-weekly to discuss your progress. If employed on an assistantship, you'll be required to keep in touch with him on a daily basis during the week - either via email, telephone, or in person.

Awards

Dr. Rhodes expects his graduate students to apply for the following awards each year when they are under his supervision. See going to UVic for information on these awards.

Master's students, who plan on entering a PhD program, can apply for doctoral awards (i.e., CIHR, SSHRC, etc.) in their final year of study. They are also eligible for the Michael Smith Foundation Research Trainee Program (Master's level).

PhD students should apply for the CIHR, SSHRC, and Michael Smith Foundation Research Trainee Program awards.

Dr. Rhodes also expects his graduate students to seek out smaller awards and bursaries to add to their CV package.

Computing

You are strongly recommended to buy a home computer. While this is not required, since labs on campus are accessible, it's important for communication, research inquiry, and completion of work.

Course completion

Master’s students are expected to complete six half courses plus a thesis and be involved in additional research projects. The normal expectation is 2-3 half courses each of the first two semesters and the thesis (and any remaining courses) in the second year.

It is expected that all research projects plus the master’s thesis will be published in refereed journals. Ideally, master’s students should aim for at least three manuscripts published or submitted for publication upon completing their degree.

Doctoral students are expected to focus predominantly on research projects with course work being added as necessary. It is expected that all research projects plus the dissertation will be published in refereed journals.

Ideally, doctoral students should aim for at least 8 to 10 manuscripts published or submitted for publication upon completing their degree.