As a current student we want you to feel supported and to be able to find things that you need in order to progress in your degree. In combination with support and direction provided by the Director and the program office, we hope you will find this section helpful. You are encouraged to visit this website regularly when you have questions.
On this page, you will find tips on being successful and information which will help you check if you are on track.
For Starters
Take advantage of the FGS and IS orientations and workshops - they are planned out to provide you with a firm grounding in IS but also in graduate studies at York University in general. When you know what the expectations are and where to find information and support in order to meet them, your program will progress smoothly so you can focus on your area of passion and inquiry. The following are IS-suggested tutorials and resources:
- Academic Integrity
- Academic Honesty Tutorial
- Time Management
- Understanding Assignments
- Books, Journals and Selecting Sources
- Familiarize yourself with the Library's 1:1 Services
- The Graduate Student Reading Room
Contact the Interdisciplinary Studies Subject Librarian should you have further questions or concerns:
Ilo Maimets
ilo@yorku.ca
Tips for Becoming a Successful Interdisciplinary Studies Student
As you will remember when you first met with the program director or attended an info session, IS requires motivated self-directed students who take initiative to steer their own program of inquiry. From being on top of deadlines, knowing the stages of your program and where to find the information you need to progress, to scheduling and directing your meetings with your supervisors and supervisory team - the successful IS student is organized, motivated and driven.
You also not only accept feedback and direction from your team of three wise co-supervisors—you seek it out and grow from it.
Have a look on the Student Leadership section to find examples of how to organize supervisory meetings. Our IS Community uses DOODLE polls to organize supervisory meetings. And now there is a smartphone/tablet app that makes this even easier.
Additionally, it would be good to look at award-winning professor Dr. Hernan Humana explain the very best ways to succeed at York. You'll be glad you watched this.
Are You On Track?
Stages of Academic Progress for Full Time Students
Year 1
- December 30th
1 full course or 2 half courses completed - January 30th
Interim Progress Report
First full draft of Thesis Proposal - April 15th
Annual Progress Report
Thesis Proposal - April 30th
1 full course or 2 half courses completed , i.e. (course requirements completed)
Year 2
- Ongoing - post full approval
Research/Field Work/Data Collection - January 30th
Interim Progress Report
First full draft of Thesis Proposal - January-March
Colloquium Presentation
- Ongoing - seeking regular feedback
Thesis Writing - Ongoing Updates
Supervisory Committee Meetings - March 1st
Final Title of Thesis and Abstract - April 15th
Annual Progress Report
Spring Convocation
- March 1st (check FGS page)
Recommendation for Oral Exam
3 copies of Thesis (see MA Thesis Checklist) - Approx April 30th (check FGS page)
Oral Examination - Check FGS page - dates change yearly
Final copy of Thesis to FGS - Early June
Convocation
Fall Convocation
- August 1st (check FGS page for actual date)
Recommendation for Oral Exam
3 copies of Thesis (see MA Thesis Checklist) - Approx Sept 30th (check FGS page)
Oral Examination - Approx September 15th (check FGS page)
Final copy of Thesis to FGS - Early October
Convocation
Stages of Academic Progress for Part Time Students
Year 1
- January 30th
Interim Progress Report - April 15th
Annual Progress Report - April 30th
1 full course or 2 half courses completed
Year 2
- January 30th
Interim Progress Report
First full draft of Thesis Proposal - April 15th
Annual Progress Report
Thesis Proposal - April 30th
1 full course or 2 half courses completed
Year 3
- Ongoing - post full approval
Research/Field Work/Data Collection
- January 30th
Interim Progress Report - January-March
Colloquium Presentation - April 30th
1 full course or 2 half courses completed - Ongoing - seeking regular feedback
Thesis Writing
- More often during thesis writing
Supervisory Committee Meetings
- March 1
Final Title of Thesis and Abstract
- April 15
Annual Progress Report
Spring Convocation
- March 1st (check FGS page)
Recommendation for Oral Exam
3 copies of Thesis (see MA Thesis Checklist) - Approx April 30th (check FGS page)
Oral Examination - Check FGS page - dates change yearly
Final copy of Thesis to FGS - Early June
Convocation
Fall Convocation
- August 1st (check FGS page for actual date)
Recommendation for Oral Exam
3 copies of Thesis (see MA Thesis Checklist) - Approx Sept 30th (check FGS page)
Oral Examination - Approx September 15th (check FGS page)
Final copy of Thesis to FGS - Early October
Convocation
