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Graduate Studies

Graduate Student Responsibilities

In its commitment to helping students achieve their academic goals, McMaster University makes available numerous tools and resources, including the Graduate Calendar. However, students must assume certain responsibilities.

Enrolment Confirmation

At the start of each academic year, a student must confirm enrolment details, before accessing the student centre. This confirmation will include both the citizenship and program of study. Any errors should be reported to your program office. After confirming these details, the student can proceed to the student centre and select courses and access other services. International students must provide a valid study permit to the School of Graduate Studies in Gilmour Hall 212 on arrival and maintaining a valid permit until the program is completed.

Citizenship Confirmation
Registration Confirmation

Other responsibilities include:

  • Meeting admission requirements for a program and applying by the stated deadline.
  • Selecting courses that meet the program requirements. A graduate student must enrol in at least one course in all three terms in order to be fully enrolled. If a student is not taking an academic course in any term, they must still add a placeholder course.
    • SGS 700 –For students who pay fees on a term by term basis
    • SGS 711– For students who pay fees on course costed basis
  • Failure to enrol by the start of term may jeopardise the on-time payment of scholarships, pay and other bursaries.
  • Completing courses in an order that meets prerequisite requirements.
  • Becoming familiar with and respecting Sessional Dates, the general academic regulations (see General Academic Regulations section of the Calendar) and the program/plan specific regulations as found in the appropriate section of the Calendar.
  • Maintaining continuous registration until the student graduates or withdraws from the program. Failure to register will result in the student being withdrawn from the program.
  •  Experience has shown that students who do not follow these guidelines may experience academic consequences such as cancellation of registration in courses, completion of courses that are not counted towards their degree, or delayed graduation.
  • Become familiar with and respect the Senate Policies.
  • Pay fees within the prescribed deadline.
  • Be aware that changes to academic load and program/plan may affect eligibility for government financial aid (e.g. OSAP and out-of-province loan programs), University financial aid (e.g. bursaries and work programs) and scholarships.
  • Consult with the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) in a timely manner to make the necessary accommodations for special needs