York University
Faculty of Graduate Studies
GRADUATE PROGRAM
IN VISUAL ARTS
Handbook
2014-2015
Proem, Fall 2013 MFA and PhD group exhibition at Gales Gallery, Accolade West
Proem: preamble, preface, introduction, prelude, forward.
This exhibition ushers in the new academic year by showcasing artwork from returning and
incoming MFA and PhD candidates in the Graduate Program in Visual Arts.
Featuring drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, print and time-based media, Proem
celebrates the accomplishments of York graduate student artists and introduces their work
to the York community and beyond.
Participating artists:
Gord Bond, Katie Bruce, Teresa Carlesimo, Amanda Clyne, Ashley Culver, Mary Grisey,
Scott Harbe, Zoë Heyn-Jones, Mike Hoolboom, Rebecca Houston, Amélie Jérôme,
Christie Kirchner, Michelle MacKinnon, Ella Morton, Christos Pantieras, Milena Roglic,
Anna Sarchami, Alejandro Tamayo, Frances Thomas, Amy Wong.
Alejandro Tamayo
Accompanying text: The chair will be facing the center of the galaxy on Wednesday 11th, 2013, at 9:15 pm
2
Welcome from Barbara Balfour,
Graduate Program Director
In my new position as the Graduate Program Director of the MFA and PhD Program in
Visual Arts, I would like to extend a warm welcome to incoming students and an equally
warm welcome back to returning students.
I'm happy to announce a new development in place this year—a Winter Term Methods in
Practice-Based Research course. The Fall Term Graduate Seminar will continue to provide
a focus on student art practice and the articulation of related concerns, along with artists’
talks and studio visits involving invited artists. Weekly meetings offer a forum for engaged
discussion about artmaking and the opportunity to address practical matters such as
program timelines, internal and external funding deadlines, and students’ group
endeavours. Offered for the first time, the Methods in Practice-Based Research course will
explicitly address the role of methodology in practice-based art research. In addition, first
year MFA students take two theory courses, one taught by a Studio professor and the other
by an Art History professor.
An important part of the first year experience is found in the Graduate Assistant positions
that first year students hold, allowing them to work closely with a professor serving as
Course Director of an undergraduate studio course. This ‘shadowing’ of courses gives them
insight into the responsibility of having a Teaching Assistant position, in which second year
graduate students teach sections of courses lead by Course Directors. In Winter term, while
second year MFA students shift their artmaking and research focus to their thesis
exhibitions and support papers, there will be more opportunities for studio visits with artists,
gallerists, curators. It should also be noted that some of our students elect to undertake
studies in the joint MBA/MFA program, drawing upon the combined resources of both the
Schulich School of Business and the Graduate Program in Visual Arts.
In addition to undertaking course work, pursuing their art practices, and holding and GA and
TA positions, graduate students take advantage of exhibition opportunities both on campus,
at the Gales and Special Projects galleries, as well as off campus. There is a recent tradition
of a September exhibition at York that brings together the work of incoming and returning
students. Another important initiative is a Winter Term exhibition and accompanying
publication, featuring the work of second year MFA students. Held at a downtown art venue,
it involves the collaboration of students in the Graduate Program in Art History and Visual
Culture. Working closely with a range of our faculty serving on their supervisory committees,
students in all years of the graduate program engage with, reflect upon, and enrich their
diverse forms of practice-based research during their time at York.
I look forward to working with all of you as I take on the many exciting and multiple-faceted
aspects of the GPD position, which reflect those you undertake as MFA & PhD students—
encompassing the scholarly, intellectual, and practice-based.
Wishing you all the best for a stimulating and rewarding year ahead,
Barbara Balfour
Associate Professor
Graduate Program Director in Visual Arts
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CONTENTS
Welcome from Barbara Balfour, Graduate Program Director
Page 3
Getting Started
Page 5
Course Enrolment and Registration
Page 6
Faculty Members Contact Information
Student Contact Information
Page 7
Page 7
Introduction
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) A brief history
Aims and Objectives of the MFA program
Page 10
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) A brief history
Aims and Objectives of the PhD program
Overview of the PhD program
MFA / PhD Degree Requirements
MFA degree requirements - courses
MFA thesis requirements, supervision procedures, reports
MFA thesis exhibition and support paper
PhD degree requirements - courses
PhD comprehensive examination, dissertation proposal
PhD dissertation, oral examination, reports
MFA / PhD General Student Information
Key distribution, studio space, group exhibitions,
parking, photocopying, library facilities, etc.
Page 10
Page 11
Page 13
Page 14-15
Page 14
Page 15
Page 16
Page 17
Page 18
MFA / PhD Computing FAQ’s
E-mail Account, computer access on campus, printing
Page 24
MFA / PhD Financial FAQ’S
Funding, tuition fees, refund table, Awards, OSAP, etc.
Page 25
Useful Phone Numbers
Important Phone Numbers and Websites
Page 30
Appendices
a) Oral Examination form
4
GETTING STARTED
This handbook provides essential information for all graduate level Visual Arts students. It outlines the
history and objectives of the MFA and PhD programs, enrolment and supervision guidelines, and other
useful information such as, scholarships, finances, contact information, etc. Its purpose is to facilitate a
successful candidacy towards the MFA / PhD degrees.
Information provided in this handbook is supplementary to the Faculty of Graduate Studies Calendar for
2014-2015 (hereafter designated as the FGS calendar). Every attempt has been made to make it as
current as possible.
Program information can be found online at http://www.yorku.ca/grads/, look for Visual Arts MFA or PhD
under Programs. This links to the FGS calendar (program requirements pdf) as well as to the Visual Arts
program website at http://www.yorku.ca/gradvisa.
*In August, you will be directed by e-mail to return the NEW STUDENT INFORMATION form and a
VOID personal cheque or a bank account information form (from your bank) to Dawn Burns, the
Graduate Program Assistant (dburns@yorku.ca) in order to process September payroll by direct
deposit. Failure to do so will result in processing delays.
Before you can access York's online services, you MUST create a Passport York account. Your
Passport York username and password authenticate you as a member of the York computing
community. Go to: http://www.yorku.ca/yorkweb/ppy_general.html and select Current Students.
A Passport York account gives you access to a wide range of services. You can register, add/drop
courses, view grades on-line, print receipts for tax purposes, etc. After you have created your Passport
York account, proceed to create a York e-mail address.
If you encounter difficulties, contact the computing Help Desk. There is a live chat available during
daytime hours from the computing website. The University Information Technology (UIT) Help Desk is
the liaison between York University's central IT services and its users. It is the initial point of contact
point for reporting technical problems, seeking solutions, and making routine requests for services. The
principal purpose of the Help Desk is to provide quick resolution to inquiries related to IT services.
How to request access to this service:
By e-mail: write to helpdesk@yorku.ca
By phone 416-736-5800 (voicemail available outside of business hours).
By visiting the Service Counter at William Small Centre - Computing Commons.
5
COURSE ENROLMENT AND REGISTRATION
Students admitted to a master’s degree program or doctoral degree program must maintain
continuous registration, including payment of applicable fees, in every fall, winter and summer
term up to and including the term in which all requirements for their program of study are
successfully completed, in accordance with Faculty and program regulations and as confirmed by the
program director.
Students, who fail to maintain continuous registration, including payment of applicable fees, will lose
their status as full-time or part-time graduate students and will be withdrawn from their program of study.
Students who have been withdrawn as a result of failure to observe registration requirements may
petition for reinstatement.
A student may petition for other permissible categories of registration: Leave of Absence, External
Leave of Absence, No Course Available, or Maternity/Paternity Leaves of Absence, Elective Leave. See
FGS website at http://www.yorku.ca/grads/ for petition forms.
Minimum Period of Registration
Master’s students must register and pay fees for a minimum of the equivalent of five terms of full-time
registration. Doctor of Philosophy students must register and pay fees for a minimum of the equivalent
of six terms of full-time registration. Normal completion time in Visual Arts PhD is 11 terms including 3
summer terms.
Notice to All Students
By registering you are considered to have accepted the terms of a contract with the University which
binds you to abiding by the regulations of the Faculty of Graduate Studies. This contract is valid
whether or not you have read the information on this website, or in the
Faculty of Graduate Studies Calendar.
It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself each year with the information in the FGS Calendar for
your program, the FGS Academic Regulations at as well as with any additional regulations of the
specific program in which you are enrolled.
Enrolling in Courses
Once you have completed your mandatory advising session with Barbara Balfour, Graduate Program
Director (GPD) and Dawn Burns, Graduate Program Assistant (GPA), you can proceed with course
enrolment. Advising dates will be sent to you in the summer, but are tentatively planned for the last
week in August or the first week of September.
Please note, as a graduate student, you are not assigned an ‘enrolment window” nor are you competing
for spaces in courses with other students. You must adhere to the deadlines for course enrolment
outlined on the Faculty of Graduate Studies Website - http://gradstudies.yorku.ca/currentstudents/student-status/important-dates/
DEADLINES FOR REGISTRATION
Fall 2014: September 3, 2014
Winter 2015: December 16, 2014
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FACULTY IN THE VISUAL ARTS GRADUATE PROGRAM
GRADUATE PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Barbara Balfour (Associate Professor) bbalfour@yorku.ca
GRADUATE PROGRAM ASSISTANT (GPA) – 416.736.5533
Dawn Burns
dburns@yorku.ca
ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS AND FULL MEMBERS OF THE PROGRAM
David Armstrong
Jon Baturin
Marc Couroux
Michel Daigneault
Janet Jones
Katherine Knight
Janine Marchessault (film)
darmstro@yorku.ca
baturin@yorku.ca
couroux@yorku.ca
daigneau@yorku.ca
jjones@yorku.ca
kknight@yorku.ca
jmarches@yorku.ca
Professor Emeritis
mdavey@rogers.com
Yam Lau
Nina Levitt
Nancy Nicol
Judith Schwarz
Yvonne Singer
Brandon Vickerd
Kevin Yates
yamlau@yorku.ca
nlevitt@yorku.ca
nnicoll@yorku.ca
jschwarz@yorku.ca
ysinger@yorku.ca
bvickerd@yorku.ca
yates@yorku.ca
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS OF THE PROGRAM (can serve as in-program committee members)
John Greyson (Film)
Mark David Hosale (Digital Media)
Michael Longford (Digital Media)
Allyson Mitchell (Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies)
filmgpd@yorku.ca
mdhosale@yorku.ca
longford@yorku.ca
mail@allysonmitchell.com
NEW MFA STUDENTS
Elaine Chan-Dow
Derek Coulombe
Mi Jeong Kim
Kristie MacDonald
David Perrett
canett14@yorku.ca
derek87@yorku.ca
alicemk@yorku.ca
kmacd@yorku.ca
dperrett@yorku.ca
Anna Snyder
Jennifer Tellier
Andrew Testa
Haley Uyeda
asnyder@yorku.ca
jtellier@yorku.ca
atesta@yorku.ca
huyeda@yorku.ca
RETURNING MFA STUDENTS
Katie Bruce
*Miles Collyer
Ashley Culver
Christos Pantieras
Scott Harber
kmbruce@yorku.ca
mcollyer@yorku.ca
aculver@yorku.ca
cpan1973@yorku.ca
harbers@yorku.ca
Rebecca Houston
Michelle MacKinnon
Ella Morton
Anna Sarchami
Frances Thomas
Amy Wong
rhouston@yorku.ca
ellemac@yorku.ca
ellamort@yorku.ca
sarchami@yorku.ca
fthomas@yorku.ca
amywong@yorku.ca
mgkarimi@yorku.ca
neil2020@yorku.ca
Year 3
Jorge Lozano
Colleen Wolstenholme
jlozano@yorku.ca
cwolst49@yorku.ca
Year 4
Kika Thorne
khorne@yorku.ca
* joint MBA/MFA student
NEW PhD STUDENTS
Maryam Ghayedikarimi
Neil Harrison
RETURNING PhD STUDENTS
Year 2
Alejandro Tamayo
Zoë Heyn Jones
atamayo@yorku.ca
zoehj@yorku.ca
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INTRODUCTION
MFA Program in Visual Arts at York: A Brief History
Launched in 1974, the York University MFA program in Visual Arts spans a history of four decades.
A number of important factors continue to define the program’s strength. These include: an integration
of theory and practice, an openness to all media, up-to-date and advanced facilities, a supportive and
well-established faculty, opportunities for teaching and for exhibiting, financial support, and the
program’s close ties to the professional art community. All of these contribute to a rich and challenging
learning experience for MFA students.
Aims and Objectives of the MFA Program
The overall aim of the MFA program is to provide graduate students the necessary challenges and
opportunity to develop:
1) A mature and critical studio practice that engages with contemporary ideas and art forms;
2) A strong theoretical knowledge base to enhance studio practice;
3) A clear sense about future intentions and ambitions.
The MFA provides students with the necessary knowledge, experience and opportunity for professional
careers as practicing artists and/or educators. The program offers opportunities for:
1) Dialogue with professional curators and practicing contemporary artists;
2) Exhibitions;
3) Teaching.
On completion of the MFA, students should:
1) Have developed a mature body of work that engages and contributes to contemporary practice on a
professional level;
2) Be able to research and practice independently;
3) Be able to articulate their ideas and intentions in both written and oral formats.
PhD Program in Visual Arts at York: A Brief History
Inaugurated in 2008, York University’s PhD in Visual arts is unique in Canada for its concentration on
studio-based practice. It aims to place our graduates in the vanguard within their field, as exceptional
artists and scholars. There is a growing trend toward PhD programs in visual arts with many successful
established programs internationally, particularly in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.
The York PhD program is the first of its kind in Canada, in which all candidates are artists whose studio
practice leads their thinking.
Aims and Objectives of PhD Program
The primary objective of the PhD in Visual Arts is to provide opportunity for advanced independent
research that is integrated within the development of original studio practice, in all visual arts media.
This four-year degree leads to both development as a professional artist and higher qualifications for
university teaching positions. Participants in the program will develop new methodologies for reconciling
the two sometimes-conflicting forces of scholarly depth and art world professionalism. These objectives
are achieved through a combination of coursework in the Visual Arts program and in the university at
large, and two exhibitions of original work accompanied by contextualizing papers. Students must
demonstrate maturity in research as recognized by the academic sector as well as by their peers in the
art community. Supervisory committees in the program include artists, scholars and art world
professionals, so as to foster the best intellectual environment for meeting the program’s objectives.
8
On completion of the PhD, students should:
1) Have produced an original body of studio work for critical engagement through exhibition in the art
milieu (which includes engagement with other artists, curators, critics and scholars);
2) Be able to analyze and evaluate the pertinence of their own studio practice in the context of the
underlying issues and the major currents of contemporary visual arts practices;
3) Be able to integrate scholarly research and writing with the practice of artmaking, through
comprehension of existing models for this integration (known as practice-based research).
Overview of PhD in Visual Arts Program
A total of 21 credits are required to satisfy the requirements of the VISA PhD.
Required Courses: 4 - (3.0 credit) graduate level courses (12 credits total) in the first 6 terms or two
years of the program. 3 additional 3.0 credit (9 credits) elective courses are required to satisfy the
course work requirement. Elective courses must be completed in terms 1 through 6 and can be taken
from any program in the university including other fine arts graduate programs.
Year 1 – Term 1 fall (required)
Year 2 – Term 4*
GS VISA 5620 3.0: Combined PhD/MFA
Graduate Seminar
No required course; open for elective course(s)
Year 1 – Term 2 winter (required)
GS VISA 5650 3.0: Methods in Practice-Based
Research
Year 1 - Term 3 summer (required)
GS VISA 6020 3.0: Contemporary Visual Arts
Summer Ins
Year 2 – Term 5*
No required course; open for elective courses(s)
Year 2 – Term 6 (required)
GS VISA 6030 3.0: Contemporary Visual Arts Summer
*You can also enrol in courses offered through the OVGS program http://gradstudies.yorku.ca/files/2014/06/ovgs-application.pdf
If you find a course in another program that will complement your research, you may be permitted to
enrol. Permission from the GPD and the host program is required. See appropriate forms below:
http://www.yorku.ca/grads/forms/LoP_GraduateStudent.pdf
Required in each of Terms 3 and 6:
*GS/VISA 6020 3.0: Contemporary Visual Arts Summer Institute (3.0 credits each term taken)
The annual Contemporary Visual Arts Summer Institute is a key facet of the program. It includes a twoweek residency with prominent international artists and theorists, drawing on the Toronto and
international art communities for distinguished guests to give public lectures and hold seminars. In this
way, the PhD in Visual Arts program acts as a catalyst for the interplay between academic research and
the innovative activities of art world professionals. It forms a network of professional relationships
among Canadian and international researchers operating within and beyond fine arts university
communities. Written work is required from students enrolled in the Summer Institute.
1.5 additional graduate courses are taken during the first six terms from any program in the university
including other Fine Arts graduate programs (9 credits). These courses are meant to strengthen the
theoretical / conceptual area(s) of each candidate, and to inform the development of the candidate’s art
9
practice. They will also provide the background for the candidate to write the written portion of the
dissertation. In consultation with the Graduate Program Director and the candidate’s pro-tem supervisor,
these graduate courses can be chosen from any area in the university, including the PhD in Art History
and Visual Culture. Additional graduate courses have often been sought in the joint York/Ryerson
Graduate Program in Communications and Culture or in the Department of Film.
Passport York/E-mail Account
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Term 1-2-3
Term 4-5-6
Term 7-8-9
Term 10-11-12
Pro-tem supervisor;
Term 3 (beginning):
Second in-program
member of supervisory
committee established
Term 6 (beginning):
Oral Comprehensive
Examinations; final
supervisory
committee established
Term 7
(beginning):
Dissertation
proposal due
Doctoral research
Doctoral research
Shared work space on
campus and access to
all Visual Arts studio
facilities
Individual studio on
campus and access to
all Visual Arts studio
facilities (beginning
early term 3)
Individual studio on
campus and
access to all Visual
Arts studio facilities
10
Term 11 or beginning of
12: completion of
Dissertation Exhibition
and Support Paper; oral
examination
To end of term 11 only
(winter term, year 4):
individual studio on
campus and access to all
Visual Arts studio
facilities
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS, MFA and PhD
Following your advising session with Barbara Balfour, Graduate Program Director (GPD), and Dawn
Burns, Graduate Program Assistant (GPA), you will be able to enroll in courses and register for the term
(instructions are provided below). You are required to enroll and register in fall and winter courses at
the same time. Registration and enrolment will take place during Orientation week.
Enrolment Procedures for all Graduate Level Students:
1) Registration – you are required to register in each and every term you are enrolled in the program,
regardless if you are taking courses or not. Once you access the Registrar’s Website
(www.registar.yorku.ca) and ACCEPT THE FEES, you are registered! You must adhere to the deadlines
established by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Otherwise, you will be charged a $200 late registration
fee. http://www.yorku.ca/grads/
2) Once you have successfully registered. You need to enroll in courses. Catalogue numbers for the
first and second year MFA / PhD courses are below. Log in to the Registrar’s web site –
www.registrar.yorku.ca select “Web Registration and Enrolment” – under the heading “Your Student
Record Online” on the left side of the screen. You must have created your Passport York username and
password to access this information. Select “add/drop courses”.
MFA Course Requirements:
1st Year Courses:
Year 1 - Fall (term one)
GS/VISA 5600 3.0 Contemporary Theory in the Visual Arts – Marc Couroux
GS/VISA 5620 3.0 Combined PhD/MFA Graduate Seminar – Barbara Balfour
Year I - Winter (term two)
GS/VISA 5610 3.0 Theoretical Issues in Contemporary Art – Dan Adler
GS/VISA 5650 3.0 Methods in Practice-Based Research – Barbara Balfour
Year I - Summer (term three)
GS/VISA 6020 3.0: Contemporary Visual Arts Summer Institute - TBD
In the Graduate Seminar students engage with each other’s work and that of members of the Toronto
arts community, through presentations and discussions. Invited artists/curators/theorists present their
work and also conduct some individual studio critique sessions. Support for students’ thesis and
dissertation writing is also a component of the seminar.
Summer 2015, Term 3: Joan and Martin Goldfarb Summer Institute (3.0). Details to follow.
http://finearts.yorku.ca/goldfarb-summer-institute/2013 to see an outline of the 2013 Summer Institute.
You have the option to enroll in an added language course or course from another program at any time.
2nd Year Courses:
Year II - Fall (term four)
GS/VISA 5640 3.0 Combined PhD/MFA Graduate Seminar
Year II - Winter (term five)
no course work - thesis writing/exhibition
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MFA Thesis Requirements and Supervision Procedures
Thesis Requirement
The MFA degree is a two-year full-time program (5 terms). In order to be qualified for the degree, the
candidate produces a thesis that consists of two components: a thesis exhibition and a thesis support
paper. A successful completion and oral examination of both components qualifies the candidate for the
Master of Fine Arts degree.
First year MFA Supervisory committee (objectives and protocols)
The first year MFA supervision committee consists of two faculty supervisors assigned by the GPD, with
one designated as primary supervisor. The objective of the first year committee is to foster and ensure a
vigorous, informed and productive studio practice leading to a successful thesis proposal by the MFA
candidates at the end of the first year.
The supervision protocol requires first year MFA students to contact and arrange a minimum of two
meetings each term with their supervisory committees. Additional meetings can be arranged if
necessary. Duration of each meeting should be no less than one hour and can be extended if required.
Students are responsible for organizing and scheduling meetings with their supervisory
committee. Failure to arrange meetings may jeopardize the students’ candidacy. During the meetings
the students are expected to: introduce and discuss their work with the supervisory committee; receive
advice and be challenged concerning their practice; demonstrate progress in both studio production and
theoretical development.
A third meeting each term (at the end of term one and in the middle of term two) with two other faculty
members is organized by the GPD. This exposes students to four more members of the faculty, which is
helpful for choosing second year committee members and in particular the second year supervisor – a
process that should begin by early March. Students are responsible for arranging these two meetings as
well, once they have the names of the faculty from the GPD at the beginning of the year. First year
students can also independently meet faculty members by inviting them for studio visits. Students may
find that the most suitable supervisor may not be practicing in their artistic medium.
First year reports
Within a week after each core committee meeting, students are required to submit to the committee a
report that serves as a document and summary of the meeting. The reporting form outlines the
procedure and is available online at http://www.yorku.ca/gradvisa/mfa.html. The report/summary should
be integrated into the students’ learning process. Hence, it should provide critical reflections on the
meeting in relation to students’ studio production. Forward completed signed copy to the GPA for
approval.
First year MFA Thesis Proposals
MFA students are required to submit a draft thesis proposal with a bibliography to their first year
committee during the last meeting of the second term (generally in March). The thesis proposal
indicates the ideas and work that the student will explore in their second year, and provides direction for
the summer term. It may include a synopsis of the thesis exhibition with a tentative exhibition title. The
proposal should be 2 to 4 pages double-spaced including a bibliography (detailed information will be
sent via e-mail closer to the due date). Once the first year supervisory committee has discussed and
approved the proposal, it is then forwarded to the three members of the second year thesis
supervisory committee for approval and signature (e-mail approval will suffice). See below for
more information.
Second year MFA Supervisory committee (objectives and protocols)
Students are required to choose the members of the second year thesis supervisory committee, which
includes: two faculty from the studio sector (referred to also as in-program) – one of these is your
supervisor, which should be clearly stated from the outset; one faculty from Art History, or from another
York University department that is suitable, or an artist from the Toronto area (please note that an
12
independent artist is not compensated for this work). The final selection of members must be approved
by the GPD.
It is highly recommended that the members of the second year committee be confirmed by the end April
in term two. As noted above, the MFA Thesis Proposal – TD1 must by SIGNED by all three members
of the second year supervisory committee. The FINAL copy, including ethics forms (TD3 if required) and
TCPS ethics tutorial certificate (the latter is a tri-council tutorial that is done online)
(http://www.yorku.ca/grads/policies_procedures/research_ethics.html), must be delivered to the GPD for
final approval and signature by MAY 29 of the summer term. Failure to submit completed forms will
result in delays (e-mail approval from your thesis supervisory committee members is acceptable).
The objective of the second year committee is to assist students towards the production of a challenging
body of work and support paper that fulfills the requirements of the MFA degree. During the meetings
the students are expected to demonstrate progress in both studio production and support paper, and by
the second term establish the date and location of the oral examination. Various deadlines regarding
gallery booking, oral examination dates, etc. are communicated early in the second term and must be
adhered to. In order to convocate in June, the thesis defense (held during the thesis exhibition) must be
scheduled before the end of April.
Second year Reports 888
Following the two first term committee meetings, the supervisor in consultation with the other committee
members submits a progress report by January of the winter term. Any issues that affect progress
toward completion must be noted in this report.
Upon completion of the last thesis supervisory committee meeting, each student is required to
submit the Oral Examination information Sheet (appendix B) to the graduate program office.
Thesis Exhibition and Venue
The Thesis exhibition is normally a solo exhibition that presents the MFA candidate’s creative work in a
cohesive form. The exhibition must demonstrate qualification to be a part of the professional community
of contemporary art practice.
The Gales Gallery located in Accolade West and The Special Projects Gallery located in the Goldfarb
Centre for Fine Arts are reserved from April to the first week of May exclusively for MFA theses
exhibitions. Space will be reserved on a first come first served basis with Rose LeCoche
(rlecoche@yorku.ca), the Department administrator, who maintains the schedule. Although many of the
thesis exhibitions take place on campus, MFA candidates are also encouraged to set up their exhibitions
at other venues with approval from the thesis supervisory committee. Possible venues may be artist run
centers, commercial galleries or venues that are unconventional but appropriate for the work. Any
incurred expenses, such as rental fees, are the student’s responsibility.
Support Paper
The support paper should be 20-50 pages (approx. 5,000 -12,500 words). The MFA program regards
the support paper as an important supplement to studio practice. Guidelines from FGS must be
followed. See: http://www.yorku.ca/grads/policies_procedures/index.html
The most effective form for the thesis support paper may or may not be that of a standard research
paper. Past examples of other creative responses (some of them have received university-wide
recognition with the FGS thesis award) can be signed out through the GPA, Dawn Burns.
MFA Oral Examination and Thesis Support Paper Submission Dates
To be considered for June convocation, your oral examination must be completed by the end of April, at
the absolute latest.
13
No later then three weeks before the scheduled oral examination, five copies of the thesis support
paper must be delivered to the GPA. The paper is then distributed to the members of the examining
committee for review. No revisions to the paper can be made by the student during this three week
period, as all members are reviewing and commenting on the same copy (i.e. all revisions to the paper
must be reviewed and approved by the thesis supervisory committee before the 3 week deadline).
Upon the successful completion of the oral examination, FGS will instruct you to manually upload your
thesis (hard copies are no longer produced)
Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD)
http://gradstudies.yorku.ca/current-students/thesis-dissertation/etd/
Before uploading your files, you will need to save your thesis or dissertation as a PDF file (.pdf), which
must be compatible with Adobe Acrobat version 5.0 or higher. This PDF document should contain the
full body of your thesis/dissertation, including:
title page;
abstract;
dedication (optional);
acknowledgements (optional);
table of contents;
list of tables, figures and illustrations (if applicable);
all chapters and written body of the thesis/dissertation;
references or bibliography;
all appendices.
You may upload only ONE PDF file.
Your document must be saved using the following naming convention:
Lastname_Firstname_MiddleInitial_yearofcopyright_PhDORMasters
Replace “Lastname” with your last name and “Firstname” with your first name. So, for example, if Jane
Smith completed her PhD in 2014, she would save her documents as: Smith_Jane_E_2014_PhD.pdf
The “year of copyright” refers to the date that appears on the title page of your thesis/dissertation (this is
the year you successfully defended). To upload your file, simply click on the “upload primary file” button.
A box will open giving you the option to choose a file from your computer or a disk, USB key or other
source. Once you have chosen the file, click on “upload.” In addition to the PDF of your thesis or
dissertation, you may have supplementary files to add. Supplementary files refer to items that are part of
the approved, examined thesis/dissertation that cannot be included in the PDF, such as multi–media,
sound, video or hypertext
A list of acceptable file formats includes:
Documents: Portable Document Format (.pdf), Text (.txt), Hypertext Markup Language (.html, .htm),
Open Document Format (.odt, .odp, .ods);
Images: Portable Network Graphics format (.png), Tagged Image File format (.tif), JPEG (.jpg);
Data: Comma–separated values (.csv) or other delimited text, Extensible Markup Language (.xml);
Video: 8–10 bit uncompressed AVI (.avi);
Audio: Free Lossless Audio Codec or WAVE (.flac or .wav).
If you wish to upload a type of file that you do not see on this list, please email Digital Initiatives@York .
Keep in mind that a supplementary file is NOT an appendix. Regular appendices can be included in the
PDF document of your thesis/dissertation.
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To upload your file, simply click on the “upload supplementary files“ button. A box will open giving you
the option to choose a file from your computer or a disk, USB key or other source. You may upload as
many files as necessary, but no single file can exceed 500 MB. If you have a file that exceeds this size,
please contact a Thesis Coordinator. Once you have chosen the file, click on “upload.” To upload more
than one file, simply click on the “upload supplementary files” button as many times as necessary.
When you have finished uploading all files, click “Review Details” on the bottom right to move to the next
screen, or to save and return later to make further updates.
Reviewing Details
This is an opportunity for you to do a final confirmation that all of the details are accurate and your
record is complete. Please make sure that all uploaded files are attached (they will be listed at the
bottom of this screen). As always, you can use the navigation bar at the top or arrows in the bottom
right corner to go back and update any information. When you are certain that all the information is
correct and complete, click on “Submit for Review” at bottom right. The final step in submitting your
thesis or dissertation is agreeing to the York University Copyright License.
By clicking on “I Accept and Send for Review,” you are confirming that your thesis/dissertation is your
original work, that your thesis/dissertation does not infringe on any rights of others and that you have the
right to make the grant conferred by this copyright license. In addition, you are granting a license to York
University to make copies, including electronically formatted copies, and/or distribute worldwide all or
part of your thesis or dissertation, subject to the conditions outlined.
You retain copyright to your thesis/dissertation and may make it available on a personal website and
pursue other sources of publication as well. If you have questions or concerns about this license,
please contact your supervisor or a Thesis Coordinator in the Faculty of Graduate Studies. You can then
log back in to agree to the terms and make your submission once any queries you have are resolved.
Please carefully read this information and click on “I Accept and Send for Review” to send your
thesis/dissertation to the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Once you send your thesis/dissertation for
review, the status of your ETD record will change from “Open” to “Under Review” and you will not be
able to make further changes. You will receive a confirmation email letting you know it is being
reviewed.
If for some reason you realize you have made an error or forgotten to add something, you can email a
Thesis Coordinator to request that your record be re–opened. Please remember to include your student
ID number in all correspondence. After your submission has been reviewed by a Thesis Coordinator in
FGS, you will receive an email notifying you of one of two outcomes:
Your submission has been approved and will be deposited in YorkSpace upon conferral of your degree;
or, your submission has formatting or other errors and has been returned to you for modification.
If your submission is returned to you for modification, your ETD record will be reopened to enable you to
make the required changes and resubmit. The required changes will be outlined in the email you receive
from the Thesis Coordinator. If you are asked to make changes to your PDF thesis/dissertation
document, simply replace the previously uploaded file with the updated one. Make sure you click on “I
Accept and Send for Review” on the “Submit for Review” tab to resubmit your thesis/dissertation to
FGS.
At any time you can log in to your ETD record to check on the status of your submission. Simply click on
the “Check Status” tab in the navigation bar.
YorkSpace is York University’s Open Access Institutional Repository (IR). It is a platform that enables
York community members to post, organize and preserve their research online in an institutional
15
context. It showcases the scholarship of the York University community through the use of a special
standards–based software platform that collects usage statistics and promotes visibility on the web.
Once your submission is approved by the Thesis Coordinator and all required forms received and fees
paid, your thesis/dissertation will be deposited in YorkSpace at the time of conferral of your degree,
according to the publication date listed on your ETD record (normally either November 1 or July 1).
Once the thesis/dissertation is deposited in YorkSpace, it will be available for harvesting by Library and
Archives Canada (LAC) Theses Portal, other Open Archives Initiative (OAI) metadata harvesters, and
major search engines such as Google Scholar. You retain copyright to your thesis/dissertation and may
make it available on a personal website and pursue other sources of publication as well.
PhD Dissertation Requirements and Supervision Procedures
In addition to the courses, the program requires: an oral comprehensive examination at the end of PhD
II, a dissertation proposal submitted by the end of the sixth term (or at the latest, the beginning of the
seventh term) and a final dissertation exhibition and written paper completed preferably by the eleventh
term (second term of PhD IV).
Leading up to the Comprehensive Exam, PhD candidates should work closely with their supervisor and
internal committee member to develop the bibliography and paper. Four weeks before the oral
examination, the paper and bibliography should be ready to distribute to the committee (two internal
committee members and one external member). This allows two weeks for the committee to read and
reflect upon the paper, then two weeks for the committee to formulate their questions.
1. Comprehensive Examination
The oral comprehensive examination is comprised of a self-curated survey exhibition of the candidate’s
work and a 20-page statement that positions the work in relation to contemporary theoretical
considerations and art practices. The examination normally takes place at the exhibition venue.
Questions relate to the candidate’s work/statement and may also be of a more general nature, for
example arising from the Summer Institute. It is expected that this examination enables the student to
reflect on the nature of their past work and project the direction of their upcoming work, to be detailed in
the dissertation proposal.
2. Dissertation Proposal
The dissertation proposal will be approximately fifteen pages in length as well as a bibliography. It
outlines the nature of the proposed studio work and the theoretical /critical areas that inform it, through a
survey and précis of the pertinent texts. It describes how these ideas integrate with the studio work and
proposes a series of research questions that are examined in the final dissertation. It proposes a venue
for the upcoming dissertation exhibition. Form TD1 is to be completed by the candidate, including
securing the approval of all committee members, and submitted with the proposal to the graduate
program office. The TD1 form is available on the FGS website at http://www.yorku.ca/grads/forms.html.
This form also outlines ethics approval requirements. Note that use of human participants in the
dissertation work requires additional forms and certificate. Please see
http://www.yorku.ca/grads/policies_procedures/research_ethics.html for information.
3. Dissertation Exhibition
Students must defend a dissertation that presents their research in the form of a significant solo
exhibition, accompanied by a dissertation research support paper of a minimum of 100 pages. A key
criterion for assessing the dissertation exhibition and research support paper in the final oral
examination is their contribution to practice-based scholarship, which includes (but is not limited to), the
following objectives:

Formulate innovative research questions in the context of practice-based research.
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




Implement studio-based conceptual, formal and technical skills in order to produce an original body of
work and to develop an innovative art practice, of a calibre to be recognized by the art milieu locally
and/or internationally.
Integrate an interdisciplinary context for art practice (i.e. its relation to other fields of knowledge such as
art history, philosophy, science, political activism, womens studies) into practice-based research.
Exhibit artworks professionally and engage in a critical dialogue with other contemporary artists and
researchers.
Clearly articulate and realize the role of writing within practice-based research.
Communicate in visual, oral, and written modes for professional and critical discourse in visual arts.
Supervisor and Supervisory Committee
To enable each student to assume the program of work from the time of his/her entry, a pro-tem
supervisor is determined in relation to the research interests as well as the media focus that are
expressed in the candidate’s application. The pro-tem supervisor guides the student in forming the
supervisory committee. Each student is required to choose a two person committee by the end of the
second term, consisting of a supervisor and a second member who are both members of the Graduate
Program in Visual Arts (full or associate members, as listed above – associate members cannot act as
primary supervisors). A third committee member from the art world community, i.e., a curator, artist, or
critic, is selected and added to the committee by the end of the fifth term (second term of PhD II). S/he
will be a member of the Oral Comprehensive Examination committee and continue as a member of the
supervisory committee for the final two years of the program. The role of the third committee member is
flexible and depends on available time. The minimum expectations are: one committee meeting per
term, with the whole committee; reading and comments on the dissertation support paper in its final
stages before defense, unless closer participation in the writing process is desired.
Reports
Annually in the spring, the supervisor in consultation with at least one member of the supervisory
committee submits to the GPD a progress report that has been initiated by the candidate. This form is
available online at http://www.yorku.ca/gradvisa/phd.html
Studio
In year two to four of study, each candidate is given a private studio at York. In the first year, candidates
share a space with Art History graduate students. Studio assignment is arranged by the GPD with the
students. In addition, candidates will have full access to all Department of Visual Art and Art History
studio facilities (e.g., sculpture, print, photo, video and sound) during their time in the PhD program.
Students whose program of study extends beyond spring of PhD IV (term 11) are required to maintain
an independent studio space off campus.
For Conduct of the Oral Examination (Thesis or Dissertation),
http://gradstudies.yorku.ca/current-students/thesis-dissertation/oral-examination/
17
MFA / PhD GENERAL STUDENT INFORMATION
Key Distribution
The security and safety of all users is paramount to the operations of all the studio facilities.
Therefore, keys and/or access cards needed to access studio facilities (sculpture, print media,
photography, time based media etc.) will only be provided to graduate students who have attained the
necessary experience and appropriate skill level. This will be determined through communication with
the area’s faculty members and technical staff on a case by case basis. Introductory technical
orientation sessions are organized in the areas at the beginning of each academic year. Initial
discussion with the Department of Visual Art and Art History Studio Manager, Amir Habashy, can direct
you to the appropriate area to meet your needs.
Where a student has sufficient technical competency that would allow them to work appropriately,
independently and safely, the relevant area’s technical staff will review the specifics of the Departments’
procedures and equipment operation with the student. Students who require training to acquire new
skills should consult with the relevant area faculty member or the GPD so as to be directed toward
appropriate undergraduate classes for acquiring these skills (these cannot be taken for credit). Please
note that technical staff do not provide training nor one-on-one support for individual projects.
Once access is authorized, a $50 key deposit is required. You will be required to make payment using
your YU-Card (Flex dollars must be loaded) - http://yucard.info.yorku.ca/where-to-use-it/
Keys and access cards will then be provided by the Studio Manager. Most keys are readily available but
in the case where keys must be ordered, a wait should be expected. Key/card access is handled by the
Grad Program Assistant, Dawn Burns.
Grad students are expected to be self-directed and work independently in the studio facilities. They are
required to provide their own materials when using studio facilities – materials are not included in tuition
fees.
Studio Manager: Amir Habashy, GCFA 236 ahabashy@yorku.ca, extension 20013
Administrative Assistant: Brenda Hicks, GCFA 239 bhicks@yorku.ca, extension 77416
Studio Space
At the end of the first year, 1st year MFA students should consult with the GPD if they want to relocate to
a studio of their choosing. The two large painting studios on the 2nd and 3rd floor are reserved for
painters as they have been specially outfitted with a fume extractor ventilation system.
Graduating students MUST remove all debris from the studio and resurface the walls, if
necessary. Paint and supplies are available in the supply room. Students must vacate their
studio and return all keys by April 30. The $50 key deposit will not be returned until the studio
space has been deemed acceptable.
Students are expected to participate in the upkeep of the graduate area. Cleaning supplies are made
available in the kitchenette area. If any supplies such as soap or paper towels need refilling, please also
inform the GPA and she will make sure they are replenished. This is also the case for lights that need
replacing. Once garbage bins are full, place directly outside of the graduate area and caretaking will
empty them.
Caretaking has been banned from the area due to problems of artwork being left in hallways and
therefore considered garbage. Caretaking does go into the studio once every July to do an overall
cleaning of the space. Students are informed when this will take place so that artwork can be covered
and protected from dust.
Please make an effort to be considerate to your fellow graduate students. It cannot be stressed enough
that this is a shared space. The use of toxic substances, the unsanitary disposal of chemicals and paints
18
down the kitchen sink, and the continuous playing of loud music, will definitely NOT be appreciated or
tolerated by others.
Mail Distribution
Mail will be distributed once per day, approximately 3:00 p.m., to the graduate student mailboxes,
located on the second floor beside room 257 (formerly the Slide Library).
Mailing Address
As a graduate student, you have your own mailbox. Pay stubs and other information from the graduate
program will be directed to your mailbox, unless you indicate otherwise.
You can have mail sent to:
Your name
c/o Visual Arts Graduate Program
Room 255
Goldfarb Centre for Fine Arts
York University
4700 Keele Street
Toronto, ON M3J 1P3
Phone:
Telephone: 416-736-5533
Office Hours – TA
It is expected that TAs hold office hours for their undergraduate students. Often graduate studios are
utilized for this purpose. Please arrange to meet your students outside the doors of the graduate area
and accompany them to your studio. Do not leave the main door open when awaiting students or visitors
as it allows anyone to wander into an otherwise secure area.
MFA / PhD Group exhibitions
During the MFA /PhD program, there are a number of group exhibition opportunities. These exhibitions
take place on campus and downtown. While some of the exhibitions are organized by the MFA / PhD
students, others are juried by distinguished curators. These are important opportunities for the students
to learn about their work, gain professional experience and contacts.
York ID
York’s official photo ID is the York Card (YU-card). It is required as identification for exams, use of
recreational facilities, meal-plans and borrowing privilege’s at the Library. Visit the YU-card office on
campus to have your photo taken and receive a YU-card on the spot. You must present one piece of
valid government ID to have your photo taken. There is no cost, but if lost there is a $20 replacement
fee. For further information contact the YU card office:
The YU-card Office
Room 200, William Small Centre
Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
416-736-5674
www.yorku.ca/yucard
Public transportation (TTC)
There are direct buses to York from both Downsview (York Rocket, bus 196, 106) and Finch subway
stations (60C and 60F). See fare and route information at http://www.toronto.ca/ttc/fares.htm
Parking on Campus
In order to purchase a parking pass, you must do so either in person or by mail. Only renewals can be
done online by sending an e-mail to: parking@yorku.ca. The closet parking lot to the Fine Arts building
is: Sentinel Road Lot - http://www.yorku.ca/web/maps/. The closest parking garage (available for
hourly/daily parking) is the Student Services Parking garage. Instructions for purchasing your pass can
be found online at: http://www.yorku.ca/parking/. Metered spaces for short-term parking are limited.
19
The Parking office is location in:
Room 222, William Small Centre,
Monday – Thursday: 8:45 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Fridays: 8:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
155 Campus Walk
416-736-5335
Avoiding Line-ups
The best time of day to avoid line-ups is the early morning. Currently the busy periods are between
11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Note, the months of September, January and May are exceptionally busy due
to the commencement of classes.
We recommend using the forms available outside the parking office at the William Small Centre, or
online, mailing the completed form and paying by MasterCard, Visa, AMEX or cheque. You can arrange
to either pick up your permit at the customer service reception window or have it mailed to you.
Copying on Campus
Students can print documents in a number of computer labs and Libraries on campus. York University
uses the YU-card for payment for printing and photocopying services.
How do I print?
Instructions on how to print in William Small Center can be found here
Instructions on how to print remotely from your laptop or residence can be found here
Printing Costs
Currently registered graduate students are entitled to $300 worth of black and white pages (or
equivalent value for colour printing). This quota may be accessed throughout the York University
Libraries and at the William Small Centre. The academic year spans September 1st to August 31st.
Regular printing charges will apply for any printing that exceeds the printing quota. Graduate students
must use the designated Graduate printing pay station at William Small Centre to print at that location.
Graduate students can use wireless printing to submit their jobs.
http://www.library.yorku.ca/cms/bbl/technology/printing/
Locations of publicly accessible campus printers and photocopiers:
Scott Library (1st floor)
Scott Library (2nd floor)
Scott Library (3rd floor)
Scott Library (4th floor)
Scott Library (5th floor)
Bronfman Business Library
Osgoode Hall Law School Library
Frost Library (Glendon)
Steacie Science Library
William Small Centre
Accolade East
How do I get help?
Instructions for queuing and printing are posted beside the printing stations.
Printing from William Small Centre
Printing from the AP Labs (LA&PS)
Printing for Students Requiring Accommodation
Printing Allocation for Registered Graduate Students
Remote printing from your laptop on-campus or desktop computer in residence
20
Student Study Areas - Graduate Student Reading Room
On the fourth floor of Scott Library (Room 409), there is a Graduate Student Reading Room. This room
was created by the Libraries, with generous assistance from the Office of the Vice-President Academic
and the Faculty of Graduate Studies, as a quiet study space for graduate students.
Room Features - There are 122 seats at tables and carrels, as well as lounge seating. The room is fully
covered by the AirYork wireless network and all tables have YorkNet connections and electrical outlets.
There are six computers and a printer (with payment by standard York University Libraries print/copy
cards). The tables are equipped with reading lamps. An electronic noise reduction system has also been
installed in the room. The room is fully accessible to graduate students with disabilities.
Door Access - Graduate students can enter the Graduate Student Reading Room by punching in the
current door access code, which will normally be changed weekly. The current code can be obtained by
completing the Graduate Student Reading Room Door Access Code form. Graduate students, faculty
members, and staff can obtain the door code using this form. Please DO NOT share the door code with
anyone else; please ensure that unauthorized users do not follow you in after you enter the room.
Fitness Facilities
Tait MacKenzie Centre, located on the North West corner of campus, is a spacious, multi-use sport and
recreation facility at York University. With three gyms, a pool, a fitness centre and studios for recreation
instructional classes, this building is the hub of health and fitness at Keele Campus. A $10 membership
entitles you to full use of the recreational facilities. Report to Customer Service with your YU-card and
you will be given a shoe tag that you should wear every time you use the gym. Membership ID card or
current photo ID is required to enter all sports facilities. Please note that fall and winter YU-Cards are
valid until the end of August. Summer YU-Cards are valid from May until the end of August. Please
visit the website for activities and listings: (http://www.yorku.ca/recyork/membership/index.htm)
International Student Identification Cards
International Student cards are free of charge. This card is internationally recognized proof of full-time
student status. York is a member of the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) which runs Travel Cuts
(an office is located in the Student Centre). With a passport size photo of yourself and proof of your
student status, you can get a free ISIC card on the spot at any Travel Cuts free of charge. At nonmember universities the charge would be $16.00. This card is required for student discounts with VIA
Rail and on Greyhound bus trips. Reduced rates can also be obtained for certain accommodations,
admission to some of the world’s most renowned museums, historical sites, and entertainment.
Student Organizer
You can pick up a free organizer at the York Federation of Graduate Students, student government
office, in the Student Centre, whose main office is Suite 335, 94 York Blvd. between York Lanes and
Vari Hall (above the food court). Tel: 416-736-5658.
Residence and Campus Living
The York Apartments are a complex of apartment buildings administered by the York Apartments Office
of Student Housing Services catering to graduate students and married or more mature undergraduate
students. Occupancy is by lease for a specified period of time and both furnished and unfurnished
models are available.
York Apartments - Student Housing Services
Located: 4 Assiniboine Rd., Room 101
Tel: 416-736-5152 Fax: 416-650-8008
e-mail: yorkapts@yorku.ca
Office hours: Monday to Friday 8.30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
21
Telephone, cable and internet hook-up can be arranged through Telecom York, 416-650-8055, located
in York Lanes. Dial-up access is free of charge to graduate students and high-speed access (RESNET)
is available. Laundry machines are located in every residence building and operate on a debit card
system.
Off-Campus Housing
You can view the off campus housing listings in and around the GTA at: places4students.com
Libraries
The YU-card is your library card and will be required to access library services. Please bring your card
to the Circulation Desk at any of the York University Libraries: Scott, Steacie, Bronfman, Law or Frost in
order to obtain your library PIN. You will need the PIN for certain library services including online
renewal, self checkout and off-campus access to eResources.
Graduate students may apply for extended loan privileges at the Circulation Desk, Scott Library
by submitting a signed letter from the GPA stating that they are currently working on a master's
or doctoral thesis.
You can return York books to other university libraries, except U of T. York will honour the date
stamped into the book at the other library (return books to the Circulation desk to get the stamp). With
the number of students at York, the library can get busy and noisy. The best times to go are between
8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (for early risers) and after 6:00 p.m.
Note: At York, graduate students are eligible for three-month book loans.
Can I use the libraries at the University of Toronto?
Yes. After you get your YU-card set up as a library card, take it, and additional photo identification to the
Robarts Library - located at 130 St. George St., Toronto, tel. no. 416-978-8450 to get a photo “Direct
Borrower” card. This will allow you to get two-week book loans at all University of Toronto libraries, with
the allowance of one renewal. You can set up the same arrangement with ANY Ontario university
library using your York library card. You can also return books borrowed from University of Toronto at
York. They will be date stamped to ensure you are not fined, as long as they are returned on time.
Scott Library Research Workshops
Students who attend these workshops will be given the essential skills they need to efficiently retrieve
solid academic material in the form of books, scholarly journal articles, and web pages. And that makes
for time well spent. All classes are held on the 5th floor of Scott library in room 531. Online
alternatives are also available.
Research Seminars for Graduate Students
There is no need to make a booking or sign up to attend these workshops. Drop in at any available time
and day that suits your busy schedule
Graduate Research at York University (2 hours)
Expectations for research and academic work in North American universities can sometimes be
confusing. In this workshop we will: 1) discuss what, generally, is valued in graduate research work and
how that might differ across cultures; 2) examine how the scholarly research process in North America
and UK works; 3) learn how to locate and use graduate-level research tools; and 4) consider how to
negotiate workable topics for essays.
Students are encouraged to share ideas and experiences in this workshop. Students are also expected
to come prepared with a topic to use for hands-on work. This workshop is meant primarily for those
graduate students enrolled in Humanities or Social Sciences programs. If you would like to attend this
workshop, please contact Kalina Grewal at kgrewal@yorku.ca
22
Grades
Grades are submitted online as per specified deadlines by each Professor. Once grades have been
released by the Office of the Registrar, you can view your marks using your Passport York Account.
Incompletes
When a graduate student is unable to complete course work by the designated deadline, written
approval for an extension must be obtained from both the course director and the graduate director. If
not, a grade of “F” will automatically be generated on your record. An incomplete request form must be
completed and filed with the program office. The maximum period for carrying an incomplete grade, as
established by FGS, is two months.
http://gradstudies.yorku.ca/files/2014/08/course-transaction.pdf
Transcripts
Anytime you order a transcript of your graduate studies at York the order will take approximately 7-10
days. Only undergraduate transcripts are available for immediate pick-up but not graduate. Graduate
transcripts will always take up to 7-10 days, every time one is ordered. You can order on-line at:
http://www.registrar.yorku.ca/transcripts/mail, or in person at the main desk in the Office of the Registrar,
Bennett Centre for Student Services: Transcripts office - 416-736-5151.
TA or GA - CUPE 3903 is Your Union
CUPE 3903, which represents the contract faculty, teaching assistants, and graduate assistants at
York University, is a member of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), a national union
whose membership exceeds 500,000 workers and is Canada’s largest union. CUPE 3903 members
have negotiated an extensive health plan into their contract. Visit the web-site for details about the
Drug, Vision and Dental Plan: http://cupe3903.tao.ca/
23
MFA / PhD COMPUTING FAQ’s
How do I activate my e-mail account?
Firstly, you are required to create a Passport York Account:
https://passportyork.yorku.ca/ppylogin/ppylogin?signup=1
To activate your e-mail go to “Manage My Services” at: http://computing.yorku.ca/students/email/
Follow the instructions from there. For further assistance, such as using Telnet, visit Computing and
Network Services at www.cns.yorku.ca, or call them at 416-736-5800 or x55800. The main Computing
Commons Help Desk is located in the William Small Centre in Parking Structure II.
2)
3)
COMPUTER ACCESS ON CAMPUS
Computing Commons Labs
1)
William Small Centre – located in Parking Structure II
TEL Computing Commons – located in the Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) Building, Rm. 1017.
017 ACE - There will be a new CNS Computing Commons in 017 Accolade East. There are 48 PC, 4
high-end MACS, printing and scanning facilities and a helpdesk counter. Hours of operation are: Mon.
to Fri. 8:15 a.m. - 7:50 p.m.
The Computing Commons have computers for all York students and these have internet, word
processing and printing. Each time at the Computing Commons Lab, use your York Passport account to
access the computers.
4) Faculty Support Centre, Computing and Network Services
This centre provides support for faculty and graduate students doing teaching and research. Several
services are offered including scanner/multimedia equipment that is available for TAs and RAs to use.
For more details on support please visit http://www.yorku.ca/fsc
Location: 1050 TEL Building
Phone: 416.736.2100 Ext. 55800
Mon. to Fri. 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Do I have access to a colour printer?
Colour printing is now also available in some York University Libraries. So far, this service is available in
the Steacie and Bronfman libraries, but it is also being planned for the Frost Library. The cost for colour
printing is $0.25 per page, paid for by using the YU-card.
24
MFA / PhD FUNDING INFORMATION
Funding, Bursaries, Scholarships, Research Funding, Awards and Fees
GA/TA Funding - This information is to be used as a reference guide only and is subject to
change! More detailed information will be provided during the Orientation session.
A portion of the guaranteed funding you receive in the first year will come in the form of salary from your
GA/TA work (subject to Provincial & Federal taxation). The funds will be deposited into your bank
account on a monthly basis in either 8 or 12 installments - September to April or September to August.
If you choose, you can pay your fees without penalty by payroll deduction. The total amount of your fall
and winter fees, divided by 8, will be deducted from your monthly pay. Request your tuition fee payment
by payroll deduction through our online system before the deadline:
http://www.yorku.ca/grads/money_matters/fees.html
In addition, if you receive scholarship money (tax free), it will be applied to your student account in
three installments fall, winter and summer – only after you register! You can view your student account
on-line at: https://passportyork.yorku.ca/ppylogin/ppylogin). If you do not owe money to York University,
you can request a refund that will be sent to you in the form of a cheque.
You will also receive additional Grant in Aid funding, which will be incorporated into our TA/GA.
Please visit the CUPE Website for additional information - http://3903.cupe.ca/
Bursaries/Scholarships
The Faculty of Graduate Studies and the Fine Arts Faculty organize several bursaries and scholarships
for graduate students throughout the academic year. You will receive information via e-mail detailing
how to apply as they come up. You are also required to regularly check the FGS bulletins that are sent
via e-mail to all students. Also check the Student Financial Services and Faculty of Graduate studies
website regularly: www.yorku.ca/sfs
http://gradstudies.yorku.ca/current-students/student-finances/funding-awards/
Travel funding
The funding for traveling is minimal. If you are presenting at a conference, or giving an artist’s talk or
attending an exhibition opening at a recognized institution, you can apply to the FGS Graduate
Development Fund for travel funding (not expenses – only travel). You may apply each term (early fall
and early spring) for travel funding: a $300 maximum for a flight in North America and a $500 maximum
for a flight overseas with normally a maximum of $500 per year. The grant may only cover gas money if
the trip is within a reasonable traveling distance. The Graduate Program Director must approve the
application for funding after which time FGS will debate whether to grant you any money. The graduate
program assistant will distribute all the necessary information to students by the end of September.
Details of deadline dates, when available, may also be found on the FGS’ homepage.
Research Funding
The Research Costs Fund helps subsidize students’ own research expenses that are above and beyond
those costs that are typically associated with graduate work, such as travel to sources of research,
payment of materials, supplies, services, photocopying, etc. All full-time registered graduate students
who are members (past and present) of CUPE are eligible for a grant. Masters students should note that
Doctoral students take priority. Funding is awarded early spring and early fall. Apply on-line:
http://www.yorku.ca/grads/money_matters/rfc.html
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OGS (Ontario Graduate Scholarship)
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship award is for students attending graduate programs at Ontario
universities. The minimum grade for applying is an overall average of “A-” in your previous two years of
university (undergraduate or graduate). http://www.yorku.ca/grads/money_matters/ext_OGS.html
SSHRC/CGS (Canadian Graduate Scholarship) for Masters
The CGS Masters program offers non-renewable twelve-month awards, valued at $17,500, and tenable
at recognized Canadian universities, to students who intend to pursue full-time studies at the master’s
level in a discipline supported by SSHRC. Awards must be taken up in May or September 2014 or in
January 2015. Calls for application will be given before December by the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
You will be notified by the Graduate Program office for this timeline. Some eligibility requirements do
apply. Please access this link for more information.
http://www.sshrc.ca/web/apply/program_descriptions/fellowships/cgs_masters_e.asp
SSHRC/CGS Doctoral Fellowships
The SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships and the CGS Doctoral Scholarships programs aim to develop
research skills and assist in the training of highly-qualified academic personnel by supporting students
who demonstrate a high standard of scholarly achievement in undergraduate and graduate studies in
the social sciences and humanities. SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships are valued at $20,000 per annum
for 12, 24, 36 or 48 months.
SSHRC determines the value and duration of an award based on the number of months of full time
study (or equivalent) the applicant will have completed at the proposed start date of the award. Check
the link for more detailed information:
http://www.sshrc.ca/web/apply/program_descriptions/fellowships/doctoral_e.asp
Other Awards
Students will receive timely notification of competitions for annual and semi-annual awards issued by the
Faculty of Graduate Studies and the Visual Arts graduate program, such as the Fieldwork Cost Fund,
the Research Cost Fund, the Graduate Development Assistantship Fund, the Heisey Award, the Samuel
Sarick Purchase Award and Art@Suite 500. There are also opportunities to apply for external awards
on the Student Financial Services website www.yorku.ca/sfs.
Art@Suite 500 for MFA / PhD and Alumni
Art@Suite 500 is an annual exhibition co-sponsored by the Schulich School of Business and the MFA
/PhD visual arts program. Now entering its 12th year, it provides both current graduates and alumni from
the visual arts graduate program the opportunity to exhibit work in the Miles S. Nadal Management
Centre located in the Ernst and Young Tower of the TD Centre in downtown Toronto. Work submitted is
juried by a faculty member of the MFA program and the Schulich School of Business as well as 2
respected art professionals from the Toronto arts community. The Schulich School of Business
sponsors the exhibition by paying the cost of invitations, designed by one of the visual arts graduate
students, the opening reception and the professional installation of the work. In addition, the exhibiting
students are paid an artist’s fee. The works are on loan in the exhibition for 1 year. One or two works are
purchased each year and become part of a permanent collection, owned and maintained by the
Schulich School of Business.
The Samuel Sarick Purchase Award
Samuel Sarick is a long standing supporter of the MFA program. He established the Samuel Sarick
Purchase Award for MFA students in Visual Arts in 1976. This award is given annually to a graduate of
the MFA program whose thesis work demonstrates outstanding achievement. The award is valued at
$2,500. Each year, students are required to submit images of work from their thesis exhibition for
consideration. The annual purchase of work from the MFA thesis exhibition is chosen by a selection
committee comprised of members of the graduate faculty in Visual Arts.
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The Samuel Sarick Purchase Award collection is on display throughout the Joan & Martin Goldfarb
Centre for Fine Arts and provides an excellent opportunity for members of the community to see a
history of works by graduates of the Visual Arts MFA Program.
Tuition Fees for 2014 - 2015
A complete breakdown of tuition fees can be found on the Student Financial Services Website –
http://sfs.yorku.ca/fees/courses/index.php?term=fw13&faculty=Graduate%2BStudies
As an MFA student, you are required to register and pay full-time fees for 5 terms.
Part-time status is not applicable to MFA Visual Arts students.
Refer to the Student Financial Services Web site for International student fees – www.yorku.ca/sfs
Students Enrolled in Combined or Joint Programs
You will be assessed fees for the program/faculty in which you are currently (or will be) resident for the
academic session. For example, if you are enrolled in the combined MBA/MFA program and you are
taking the year one in Fine Arts, then your fees are those posted on this FGS site. When you are
resident at the Schulich School of Business, your fees are those posted on the Schulich site for the
MBA. This method of fee payment applies to all combined and joint programs of study.
Additional Charges:
1)
Registration fee: $15 per student per term.
2)
Graduate Student Association Health Plan: $327.75 (subject to change). See York University’s
Graduate Students’ Association homepage: http://www.yugsa.ca for more information (this fee will be
reversed if you are a GA or TA and covered by CUPE or if you have proof of private insurance).
3)
Associated Course Fees: Additional fees for course materials, lab fees, etc. may be charged in
individual courses. You may check with the appropriate academic department or unit for information
about such fees. Note that Grad students are to provide their own materials when using studio facilities
– materials are not covered by tuition.
4) Leave of Absence and External student fees: $169.49.
If you are currently enrolled in the joint MFA/MBA with the Schulich School of Business please visit the
website for a breakdown of the fees and financial assistance page at:
http://www.schulich.yorku.ca/ssb-extra/phd.nsf/allwebdocuments/fees+&+financial+assistance
Term/Program Withdrawal
Fees refunds/credit calculations are based on complete withdrawal from a term or program, not
withdrawal from individual courses. Fees are calculated according to a student's full-time or part-time
enrolment status/activity level.
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Tuition Fee Deadlines
Tuition fees for the Fall 2014 session are due September 10th. Winter 2015 session: January 10 and
Summer 2015 session: May 10. You can check your student account online anytime at
http://www.yorku.ca/osfs/oss to see your account balance and payment due date. You can pay your
fees through telephone or web banking. For details how to set this up, please visit:
http://www.yorku.ca/osfs/paybyweb. If you do not pay your balance in full, you will be charged a late fee
of 1% per month on your outstanding balance.
OSAP FAQ’s
For information concerning OSAP, visit the following Web site: http://osap.yorku.ca/
When can I get my student loan?
Check your OSAP application status at: https://osap.gov.on.ca/
to ensure that your application has been processed. Your loan documents will arrive at York about 2-3
weeks after the processing date.
OSAP funds cannot be released after the end of your academic year or if you are no longer a full time
graduate student. Students with a permanent disability can contact Student Client Services to clarify
what is required to maintain full-time status.
Where can I get my loan documents?
All enquiries about OSAP are done through Student Financial Services in the Bennett Centre for
Student Services: 416-872-YORK (9675). (Please be aware that the phones are exceptionally busy in
September.) Check the Office of Student Financial Services website
(http://www.yorku.ca/osfs/OSAPfirstyear.shtml) regularly for updated information pertaining to your
OSAP documents. The particulars change every year and they will be posting information on their
website around mid-August. Also, watch their site for new online services which will enable you to
check to see if your documents have arrived at York!
Note: If you need to go to Student Client Services, go when it first opens to avoid long lines-ups.
(Office hours are: Monday -Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Friday 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. through
August 27.) If you can go the week before school starts do so, or else wait until the end of September.
You generally have to wait over an hour during lunch at the beginning of September.
Watch for special distribution sites for graduate students during peak periods.
What do I need to pick-up my loan documents?
To collect your documents, you need to show a valid SIN card and photo ID.
Where do I go with my loan documents?
Students receive new OSAP student loans must take them to a designated Canada Post Outlet for
processing by the NSLSC – National Student Service Loan Centre:
(http://canlearn.ca/nslsc/tools/general/canadapost/postoutlets.html), the lender that pays out your OSAP
funds. (View complete list of Canada Post Outlets here: http://www.yorku.ca/osfs/canpostoutlet.pdf)
During peak periods a NSLSC kiosk will be available on campus. You can also visit Inkblotz on
campus, in York Lanes. For more information visit the Student Financial Services ‘What's New’ page at
http://www.yorku.ca/osfs/Whatsnew.shtml.
What happens at the NSLSC kiosk or at the Canada Post outlet?
You must present your valid social insurance card and photo ID (e.g. driver's license). You will complete
a Loan Agreement form (this will be given to you) at the kiosk/outlet.
You will need to provide either a void cheque or your banking information (your bank account number,
bank name, address and phone number, and bank transit number).
Your loan document and the Loan Agreement form will be forwarded to the National Student Loan
Service Centre to have the funds disbursed (this takes anywhere from 1-2 weeks - it will be faster if your
provide a void cheque).
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As soon as you negotiate your first loan, you become a borrower with important financial
responsibilities. Always make sure that you read the instructions carefully and ask questions if
you are unclear.
If you have previous student loans check our Maintaining Your Interest Free Status page:
(http://www.yorku.ca/osfs/maintain.shtml) for details about 22A forms and interest free status.
If you owe fees when the loan document is released to you, we will instruct the National Student Loan
What should I do if I need to prove I am still a student for a loan OTHER than OSAP or CSL, such
as a Student Line of Credit through my banking institution?
Go to the Student Client Services, Student Services Centre (SSC) any time after you are enrolled and
registered and request an Enrolled and Registered Letter. Photo ID is required when collecting your
letter.
What can I do if unforeseeable expenses arise?
The Graduate Students Association provides emergency short-term interest-free loans to graduate
students who experience temporary financial difficulties. The maximum amount loaned is $200 with a
repayment schedule of four months. To qualify, you must be a full-time York Graduate Student and have
good standing in your Program. To obtain a loan, contact the GSA President or Treasurer in 325
Student Centre (736-2100 ext. 33453) during office hours or by appointment. For more information,
please visit: http://www.yorku.ca/dancgrad/fAssist.html
Alternatively, CUPE 3903 also has a fund available for students in need - http://3903.cupe.ca/benefitsfunds/ways-means
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USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS
YORK SECURITY/EMERGENCY (dial from any internal phone)
ext. 33333
Main Switch board
416 736-2100
York Bookstore, York Lanes
416 736-5024
Career Centre
416 736-5351
Client Services (UIT), Steacie Science Bldg.
416 736-5800
Counseling & Disability Services, Bennett Centre for Student Services
416 736-5297
CUPE 3903, 2050 TEL
416 736-5154
Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS), 230 York Lanes
416 736-5521
Graduate Students Association (GSA), 325 Student Centre
416 736-5865
VISA Graduate Program Office, 255 GCFA
416 736-5533
Graduate Admissions, Bennett Centre for Student Services
416 736-5000
Lost and Found, Ross Bldg.
ext. 33369
York Apartments
416 736-5152
Office of the Ombudsperson
416 736-5200
Information Security, 228 William Small Centre
416 650-8808
goSAFE
416 736-5454
Office of Student Financial Services (OSFS), Bennett Centre
416 872-9675
York Card Office, 200 William Small Centre
416 736-5674
Parking, Parking Structure ll
416 736-5335
Payroll, Kinsmen Building, 155-1
416 736-5005
Scott Library Information
416 736-5150
Transcripts, Registrars Office, Bennett Centre for Student Services Bldg
416 736-5151
IMPORTANT WEB SITES:
York’s Main Page: http://www.yorku.ca
Office of the Registrar: http://www.registrar.yorku.ca/
Faculty of Graduate Studies: http://www.yorku.ca/grads/
York (Keele) campus map: http://www.yorku.ca/yorkweb/maps/york2d/index.htm
Visual Arts Graduate Program: http://www.yorku.ca/gradvisa
Student Account Statements On-Line: http://www.yorku.ca/osfs/SAyouracct.shtml
Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP): http://osap.gov.on.ca/
Graduate Housing: http://www.yorku.ca/stuhouse/yorkapts/index.htm or
https://www.places4students.com/
York Libraries: http://www.library.yorku.ca/
Student/Staff Directory: http://starcraft.ccs.yorku.ca/atlas/servlet/atlas
Go SAFE - http://www.yorku.ca/gosafe/
goSAFE is a complimentary service provided by York University to help students,
faculty, staff and their guests safely get from one on-campus location to another.
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Appendix A
Graduate Program in Visual Arts
Oral Examination Information Sheet
Name:
Date of Oral Examination:
Location:
Address:
Time:
Brief Description:
Committee Members: Include full name and e-mail address
1.
2.
3.
Complete this form in full and return it to Dawn
Burns in the Graduate office rm. 255 GCFA after
your last committee meeting.
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