• The template helps graduate students and supervisors discuss expectations at the beginning of the supervisory relationship.
• It encourages clear communication, mutual understanding, and proactive planning.
• It serves as a living document that can be revisited and updated throughout the student’s program.

• The graduate student and primary supervisor should complete the template together.
• If the student has a co-supervisor, all parties should participate in the discussion and completion of the template.
• The template is intended for research-based contexts

• Ideally at the beginning of the supervisory relationship.
• It should be reviewed periodically and updated when circumstances change.

No. The template is intended to facilitate discussion and document mutual expectations. It does not replace university regulations, departmental requirements, or policies outlined in the Graduate Calendar.

Yes. Once completed, both the student and supervisor should save a copy for future reference.

Please note: A question appears on the Graduate Supervisory Committee Meeting Report, asking if the template was used prior to the first meeting.

Completion of this template is not an SGS requirement, but it may be required at the program level or as part of an individual supervisor’s practice.

Originally created in 2016, the 2026 edition has been updated for improved digital accessibility and features streamlined topics for graduate students and supervisors to discuss at the beginning of the supervisory relationship, including additional prompts related to Generative AI.