FAQ

Q: How long do I have to complete my online application once I have started it?
A: An application started and not completed will expire within 7 days. You will then have to begin a new application if you wish to continue.

Q: Do I have to print my online application?
A: No, you do not have to print your application for our office. If you wish to print it for your records, you may do so.

Q: When am I required to make my payment for my application fee?
A: After you complete your application, your application will go into “suspense”. Once your application is cleared from suspense, you will receive an email instructing you to pay the application fee online. You must pay the application fee online within 7 days of receiving this email. The application fee must be paid by credit card. This fee is non-refundable.

Q: Can I make changes to my online application?
A: Once the applicant submits the online application, the information submitted cannot be changed.

Q: The online application asks to list potential supervisors. Do I need to do this?
A: This is optional. You are not required to fill out this part of the application. Usually a student’s Supervisory Committee will be formed within the first four semesters of the program.

Q: The online application asks for a research interest. What are you looking for here?
A: This is optional. Basically, we are looking for a very short summary about your research interest. This does not have to be very detailed and may change.

APPLICATION TO DO LIST

Q: Does your department update the ToDo list for supporting documents?
A: Yes, we will be updating your ToDo list as we receive supporting documents for your application file. Please be advised that during busy application times, there may be a delay in updating your ToDo list.

Q: "Proof of Name Change" Appears on my To Do list. Why?
A: "Proof of Name Change" will appear on applicants ToDo list if the applicant already exists in SIMS and the name the applicant uses when applying is not an EXACT match to what exists in SIMS. Please contact our office if you have not had a name change and we will correct it. Official name changes such as change to married name require the applicant to submit documentation with their application package (i.e. birth certificate, marriage certificate).

APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

Q: Do my referees need to fill out the Reference Letter form or can they just submit a letter?
A: It is not required for referees to fill out the Reference Letter form. A separate reference letter will suffice. Reference Letters must arrive in our office in a sealed and signed envelope, preferably on letterhead. The referee may give their letter to the applicant to submit, but the envelope must remain sealed. Reference Letters should include the referee’s contact information.

Q: Can my employer write a reference?
A: Yes. The main thing is that your references are strong and are coming from a credible source. At least one academic reference is required and professional references from other sources that attest to your ability to undertake graduate level studies are acceptable.

Q: What are you looking for in the Letter of Intent?
A: The letter of intent allows you to talk about the professional, personal and academic goals that you have set for yourself and how the program will enable you to achieve those goals. It will enable you to demonstrate to us that the program is relevant to your work and your interests, and how the program will help you with your professional and/or academic development. Explain in your own words why you wish to pursue graduate work in the area you are applying for.

Q: What are you looking for in the writing sample?
A: Ideally, the writing sample should be a recent academic paper, which involves a sustained argument and expresses ideas in clear and appropriate academic language.

Q: Can I send more than one writing sample?
A: We only require one writing sample. If necessary, you will be contacted to provide an additional writing sample.

Q: How long should my writing sample be?
A: If you are applying to the EdD program, your writing sample should be NO MORE THAN 20 pages.

Q: If I was a student at SFU, do I have to request an official transcript?
A: No, if you indicate that you attended SFU on your online application, we will print off your transcript for your application file.

Q: Do you require TOEFL, and/or IELTS scores?
A: Applicants with a degree from an accredited university in the US or North America do not have to submit TOEFL scores. Applicants from outside these 2 countries are required to submit scores.
For more information please see:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): www.toefl.org
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): www.ielts.org or www.sfu.ca/ielts/

Q: Can I send my application documents in a binder or folder?
A: We would prefer if all application documents, including writing sample, were sent together in an envelope. No folders or binders, please.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Q: Do I need a teaching certificate in order to be admitted to graduate study?
A: No, many of our programs are designed to meet the needs of those who do not work in the K-12 system but work in the post-secondary system, community services or in the private sector. Please review the program requirements for the program you are interested in for further details.

Q: My Master’s degree isn’t in Education. Can I still apply?
A: Yes, you are eligible to apply and in fact we encourage well-qualified students from other backgrounds to apply.

Q: I do not have a Masters degree, can I still apply?
A: Applicants not meeting University requirements for admission may be admitted to the program based on the relevance and equivalence of their preparation and work experience. (Non-Traditional Students may contact the Program Office for further information, educedd@sfu.ca.) See Graduate General Regulation 1.3.4, Admission to a Doctoral Program.

APPLICATION FILE REVIEW PROCESS

Q: How are application files reviewed?
A: Admission to graduate studies is competitive and decisions are based on an assessment of the applicant’s intellectual ability, academic background, writing ability, competence to pursue advanced studies in education, and, where appropriate, relevant professional/field experience.

Q: When will I find out about the admission decision?
A: Applicants will receive email notification about their application approximately 6 weeks after the application deadline in the form of an email letter from the Dean of Graduate Studies office.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Q: Is the program part-time or full-time?
A: For the purposes of income taxes, scholarships, and awards, the program is considered full-time. However, course delivery is part-time as students attend classes for 65 hours per semester (over four months). The majority of our students also work full-time.

Q: How long does it take to get an EdD?
A: The average time to complete the EdD program is 12 semesters (approximately 4-5 years).

Q: Where can I find the faculty research interests?
A: The faculty research interests can be found at: http://www.educ.sfu.ca/members/faculty.html

TUITION FEES

Q: How much is tuition?
A: EdD tuition (per semester): $4,095.10 (2009/2010 fees)
Fees are subject to change to a maximum of 2% increase annually (subject to provincial legislation and Board of Governors’ approval).
For more details, please see the SFU Calendar.

Q: Are there additional fees each semester?
A: Yes, there are additional fees each semester: (2009/2010 fees)
Student Activity $30.33
Student Services $38.62
Graduate fee $6.00
Medical Benefits $59.76*
Dental Benefits $67.90*

Regalia fee $25.00 – one-time fee paid at the time of reserving your regalia for convocation.

In addition to the above fees, programs being held on any SFU campus will be assessed the following fees:
Recreation – Athletics $64.36
Student Services $30.32
Universal Transit Pass $104.36**

* Students who have comparable existing coverage can apply for a one-time exemption. See GSS website for deadlines and opt-out forms.
** Students who do not live in the GVRD can apply for an exemption. See UPass website for deadlines and exemption forms.

SCHOLARSHIPS, FINANCIAL AID

Q: Are there scholarships available?
A: There are various scholarships available, mostly private. Please see the Dean of Graduate Studies website.

EdD Students are also eligible for the EdD Graduate Fellowship award once they have begun their program. Application deadline is May 31st each year. This is not an Entrance Scholarship. More details can be found here.

Q: What other types of Financial Aid are available to students?
A: Please see the SFU Awards & Financial Aid website for information about financial aid and bursaries.

Q: Are there any paid positions that I can apply for at SFU as a grad student?
A: Yes, please visit the Faculty of Education Job Postings to see postings for Teaching Assistants, Tutor Markers, and Sessional Instructors.
You may also check the bulletin board in the Graduate Programs hallway (EDB 8655) at the Burnaby campus.

New Students

Q. How is the degree structured?
A. The EdD degree is composed of seven courses (35 credits), including a comprehensive examination and Doctoral Thesis. During the Fall and Spring Semesters (September - December and January - April) classes will typically meet four or five times a semester in an extended weekend format. During the Summer semester classes are held on weekends in May and June. In July, classes are held Monday to Friday for the first three weeks.

Q. Do I have any choice in the courses I take?
A. The program you are admitted to will have a prescribed set of courses that the entire cohort will complete together.

Q. How long does it take to complete the degree?
A. The average completion time for the degree is 12 semesters or four years.

Q. Will there be an orientation to the SFU campus?
A. Yes, we hold introductions, orientations and social events to make sure you become quickly comfortable with the campus, and provide you with an opportunity to meet faculty, staff, and students from other cohorts who are attending SFU at that time. The Orientation is usually held in the first week of September.

Q. What are the fees?
A. Tuition fees for EdD students for the 2009/10 academic year are $4,095.10 per semester. Additional fees covering student society, athletic/recreation and transit are also assessed each semester. Tuition and other fees are subject to increases each academic year. When classes are held on any SFU campus, additional on-campus fees are assessed (ex. UPass, Student Activity). All student association fees, transit, and health care fees come under separate departments and are out of our jurisdiction.

Q. Why do I have to pay the UPass fee?
A. The U-Pass is funded in part by a mandatory student fee of $104.36 per term ($26.09 per month, rate until August 31, 2011). The U-Pass fee is automatically added to your student account when you enroll in a U-Pass eligible course (any course held on a SFU campus), and must be paid at the same time as your fees and tuition. The program is mandatory for all eligible SFU students and provides unlimited, all zone access to public transit in Metro Vancouver (the GVRD) at approximately one-third to one-fifth the cost of a regular monthly transit pass. Your U-Pass is a transit card that shows your name, photo, and expiration date of the card (December 31, April 30 or August 31 depending on the term). A new U-Pass will be issued each term in which you are an eligible enrolled student at SFU. Please see the UPass website for full details and contact their office directly if you have questions.

Q. What is the Graduate Student Health Care Plan? Can I opt out?
A. The total cost for both Dental and Medical will automatically be added to your student fee assessment and must be paid at the same time as your tuition. If you opt out, the charge will be reversed. If you already have suitable coverage, you can apply for exemption (this is a one time opt out procedure). You must provide documentation of your existing dental and/or extended health coverage. You must opt out no later than 30 days from the start of your program. You may only opt out/in once per year on the anniversary date of your coverage. Please visit the website for more information.
Rates effective until August 31, 2010:
Dental $67.90
Health $59.76

Q. Do I have to pay for parking?
A. Yes, as a graduate student you are responsible for your own parking costs.
There are no parking privileges at Central City and the SFU Surrey campus unless a valid decal is on display. Mall parking is for the use of retail shoppers only. The three-hour time limit is posted for shoppers only. SFU students and visitors do not qualify in this category of parking. All other vehicles will be ticketed or towed at the owner’s expense.

SFU Surrey has been provided a limited number of Surrey campus parking decals for students. The deadline for applications for the parking lottery is prior to the start of each semester. (Please note that the link for the parking lottery application is live in the month before the start of each semester. Please visit the parking website for the application deadline for the lottery.)

Please visit the website for more information about parking at SFU Surrey.

Parking may be purchased from Diamond Parking on an as needed basis at some lots or by monthly pass at these locations:
102nd Avenue Plaza, 102 Avenue and King George Highway
Safeway, 104 Avenue and King George Highway
King George Centre, between 102 Avenue and Old Yale Road
Staples, 102 Avenue and King George Highway
White Spot, 102 Avenue and King George Highway.
Habib Market / Fresgo's restaurant King George Highway
The cost is $50.00 per month.

For more information or to purchase a monthly pass please contact:
Bob Vandusen, Diamond Parking Services, 604.681.8797 ext. 226

SFU Burnaby Parking website.

SFU Vancouver Parking website.

Q. Am I eligible for scholarships or bursaries?
A. Yes, as a graduate student you are eligible for a number of awards, mostly private. Information about scholarships and your eligibility for these awards can be found here.

Q. What support does SFU offer me as a doctoral student?
A. We recognize that completing a graduate degree can be challenging. We offer support in all aspects of your program.
* A Senior Supervisor offers academic advice and support. The Senior Supervisor is assigned to a student once they are close to completing their core courses in the program.
* An Education Librarian will visit in the first semester to acquaint you with the SFU on-line library resources, journal article ordering, etc.
* A Program Assistant provides assistance with difficulties you may encounter with any administrative aspects of your program.
* An Academic Coordinator assists with any issues related to the completion of your program.
* University Associations: Education Graduate Student Association (EGSA), Graduate Student Society (GSS).

Q. How do I obtain the textbooks I require?
A. Course textbooks are provided to you each semester. The required textbooks are mailed to your home address (unless we are notified otherwise) once you are registered. These books are ordered by the department and are included in your tuition fees. This service is exclusive to registered SFU EdD students.

Q. How can I access information and other resources?
A. We will help you to acquire a student card, a library card, and a SFU computing account. With these you will be able to access all on-line resources available to SFU graduate students. We will email you registration, scholarship, and other program information to your SFU email account on a regular basis. Generally, during orientation library cards are issued.

Q. Do I need a computer and access to the Internet/e-mail?
A. Yes, many courses use the Internet and e-mail frequently to both disseminate information and to conduct discussions. Electronic interface and web-based support is considered to be an important and integral part of this program.

Current Students

Q. How do I enroll in Classes?
A. Simon Fraser University is on a trimester system. Therefore students register three times/year. Graduate students must register every semester from admission until all requirements for the degree have been fulfilled. This includes students who register On Leave. A student who does not register is considered to have withdrawn from the University (Graduate Regulation 1.4.3, Simon Fraser University Calendar).

REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Go to www.sfu.ca
2. Under SFU Online, click on Student Information System.
3. Sign in using your computing ID and password.
4. You should be at your Student Center.
5. Click on Account Inquiry (under Finances) to ensure you have no outstanding charges on your account. If you do then you must pay them before you can register (this can be done by internet banking if you have it set up or by mailing a cheque to SFU). For more info, go to: http://students.sfu.ca/fees/howtopay/
6. Go back to your Student Center.
7. On the left menu, click Self Service, then click on Enrollment, then click Enrollment: Add Classes.
8. Select the correct term from the drop-down menu, then click “Change”.
9. Select Classes to Add screen: Enter the course enroll # (4 digit) in Enter Class Nbr field.
10. Click Enter.
11. The next screen should show the course details of the course you are enrolling in. Confirm that this is the course you want.
12. Click Proceed to Step 2 of 3 at the bottom of the page.
13. Confirm Classes Screen: confirm that this is the correct course.
14. Click Finish Enrolling.
15. On the next screen, click OK to continue after reading the terms.
16. When you get to the View Results Screen, you are registered and can now pay your tuition. Click on Make a Payment to do this.

If you have any outstanding balances from the previous semester, these must be paid before you can register.

Q. How do I set up a Computing ID?
A. SFU computing IDs are for SFU continuing students. Therefore, you need to be admitted to SFU and accept the offer of admission by paying the admission confirmation deposit first.

COMPUTING ID and COMPUTER ACCESS
Once new graduate students pay the $100 Admission Deposit, you will receive an email informing that your SFU Computing account is available. This email will come about 10 weeks before your first semester or 5-7 days after you have paid your Admission Deposit. If you have already paid your deposit, you should receive this around June 19 for Fall semester start, October 19 for Spring semester start, or February 19 for Summer semester start. If you have not received the email by this date, call 778-782-3230.

You can then activate your computing ID via the mySFU Account Activation service.
1. Go to: http://my.sfu.ca/AccountActivation.
2. Click on “First Time Activation”.
3. Read the Terms of Use and click “I Agree”.
4. Enter your student number, birthday year/month/date, and click “Submit”
5. Create your password

** If you are a returning student, please select “Returning student” in step 2.

If you have a problem activating your computing ID, call ACS 24-hour help line at 778-782-3230 (or email help@sfu.ca).
ACS: http://www.sfu.ca/acs.
Frequently Asked Questions: http://www.sfu.ca/itservices/accounts/FAQ.htm

Q. How do I pay my fees?
A. All graduate students must pay their outstanding fees each semester at least five days before registration can occur. No access is available until your fees are paid.
http://students.sfu.ca/fees/howtopay/

Tuition payments are due on the second Friday of the semester.

Internet online banking is the preferred method of payment.
If you already have internet banking privileges with your financial institutions:
1. Set up Simon Fraser University as a Bill Payee on your account.
2. Use your SFU student number as the account/invoice/billing number (Note: some banking institutions look for a 10-digit number for the student/billing number. In this case, add a zero to the beginning of your student number).
3. Go to “Make a Payment”.
4. Enter amount of payment.
5. Record “confirmation number” for your records.
6. Allow two to three business days for the payment to be posted to your SFU student account.
If you need to set up internet banking, contact your bank or credit union and request internet privileges.

If you pay by cheque or money order:
1. Make payable to "Simon Fraser University".
2. Print your SFU student number clearly on the front.
3. Mail to: Student Accounts, Student Services, MBC 3000, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6. Please allow five working days for your payment to be processed.
NOTE: There is a $25 administrative handling fee for all returned cheques.

If you pay in person, SFU will accept cash, cheques, or debit cards. Pay at the Registrar & Information Services General Enquiries counter at:
1. SFU Burnaby, Maggie Benston Student Services Centre 3000, Monday to Thursday 9:00am – 6:00pm and Friday 10:00am – 4:30pm.
2. SFU Vancouver: 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, Monday to Thursday 10:00am-3:00pm and Friday 10:00am – 5:00pm.
3. SFU Surrey: Mezzanine Level, 13450 – 102 Avenue, Surrey, Monday to Friday 9:00am – 4:30pm.
Please do not mail cash to the University.

Q. How do I opt out of the Health Care Plan (SFSS)?
A. The Simon Fraser Student Society recently approved a graduate student health plan. The total cost for both Dental and Medical will automatically be added to your student fee assessment and must be paid at the same time as your tuition, if opting out it will be reversed. If you already have suitable coverage, you can apply for exemption (this is a one time opt out procedure). You must opt out no later than 30 days from the start of your program.

Visit the following website for detailed information and the exemption form.

Q. How do I obtain a Library Card or ID Card?
A. SFU ID/Library cards can be picked up 24 hours after you have enrolled in your first course. Please check the Student Information System to confirm your enrollment. ID/Library Card production for new students starts approximately 3 days prior to the term start date, and usually lasts for a portion of the first week of classes in the Maggie Benston Centre, Room 1306, Burnaby campus.

Specific dates for this production are posted on here. After this period, Library/ID cards will be available from General Enquiries, on the 3000 level of Maggie Benston Centre, Burnaby campus.

If you are a new student taking your program at SFU Surrey, you must get your Library/ID/Access card at Surrey because it also provides access to the campus. You will not be able to get this access card at Burnaby or Vancouver. You can get your card from the Student and Registrar Services front counter.

Q. Where can I find a map of SFU?
A. Map of SFU Burnaby
Education Building, SFU Burnaby
Map of SFU Vancouver
Map of SFU Surrey

Q. How do I register to go On Leave?
A. On Leave procedures website.
The form can be found here.
You and your Senior Supervisor need to sign the application form, then you (or your Senior Supervisor) can send it to our office (fax or mail). We will then get the Director of Graduate Programs (Graduate Programs Committee) to sign off on it and send you a copy of the completed form.
You still need to ensure your account is in good standing and has a $0 balance BEFORE you send us the form or the Dean of Graduate Studies office cannot process it.
We need this completed form well in advance of the registration deadline for the current semester (otherwise you will be withdrawn if you are not registered in any courses).

Q. How do I withdraw from a course?
A. Permission of your Senior Supervisor (if already appointed) and the chair of the Graduate Program Committee (Director of Graduate Studies) is require to withdraw from a course. If such permission is granted, a student can withdraw from a course without academic penalty up to the ninth week of classes in any semester.

Under extenuating circumstances, a student may withdraw from a course without academic penalty in the tenth to the twelfth week of classes. Such circumstances must be beyond the control of the student. Permission of the Senior Supervisor and the chair of the Graduate Program Committee (Director of Graduate Studies) is required.

If you wish to withdraw from a course, you need to send an email to the Graduate Studies Office, Barry Williamson at barryw@sfu.ca with your intent to withdraw from the current semester and the associated course(s) for the current semester (please copy your Program Assistant). Include your student number and information about whether you attended any classes yet. If there are extenuating circumstances (medical, etc) attach the appropriate documentation (i.e. doctor’s note). The Graduate Studies office processes the withdrawal and that ensures that no fees or partial fees are charged. Copy this email to your current instructor, your Graduate Program Assistant, and Program Coordinator.

If the student withdraws before the official start of classes for the semester all fees are reversed.

If the student withdraws after classes have begun, but within the first month of the semester, their tuition fees are adjusted to a charge of 25%. Withdrawal in the second month of the semester will result in a refund of 50% of the tuition fees. Ancillary student fees are not refundable if the semester has already started.

Q. How do I withdraw from the Program?
A. If you wish to withdraw from the program, you need to send an email to the Graduate Studies Office, Barry Williamson at barryw@sfu.ca with your intent to withdraw and request to be withdrawn from the program and any associated courses for the current semester (please copy your Program Assistant). Include your student number and information about whether you attended any classes yet. University regulations state that students can withdraw from a program without departmental permission, but they must notify the Dean’s office to do so. The Graduate Studies office processes the withdrawal and that ensures no fees or partial fees are charged. Copy this email to your current instructor, your Graduate Program Assistant, and Program Coordinator.

If the student withdraws before the official start of classes for the semester all fees are reversed.

Q. How do I get a Tuition Tax Receipt?
A. Tuition Tax Receipts are not mailed to students, each student must print it off the website. They are available online each February/March.

Instructions:
1. Go to https://go.sfu.ca
2. Log in with your computing ID and password.
3. Go to your Student Center.
4. Under Finances, click on "T2202A Data"
5. Find the tax year of interest in the search page.
6. From the T2202A Data page, click the "printer friendly" T2202A link.
More info: http://students.sfu.ca/fees/taxinfo.html

Q. How do I know if I qualify for an exemption from the UPass?
A. All undergraduate and graduate, part-time and full-time SFU students who are taking at least one eligible course and are assessed a student activity fee participate in the U-Pass Program.
If you are taking distance education courses or designated off-campus courses only, you will not be eligible for the U-Pass.

If you do not live in the GVRD and are only enrolled in one on-campus class which is scheduled to meet one day or less per week on average throughout the term, you must fill out an Exemption Request form and provide additional supporting documentation from your Faculty/department (i.e. verification letter). Please email your Program Assistant to request this letter.

The U-Pass fee is charged to all eligible students at the time of enrollment in classes. Ineligible students will have the U-Pass fee reversal applied to their student account by the end of the first week of classes.

AUTOMATIC EXEMPTION
Your U-Pass fee will be reversed automatically until the U-Pass exemption application deadline if:
• you are not assessed a student activity fee
• you are not enrolled in any eligible, on-campus courses
• you are living outside the GVRD and you are on campus less than one day per week throughout the term (based on your class schedule as shown in the Course Schedule).

**Please be aware that many courses do not have scheduled classes (graduate thesis, directed study, research project, etc.) and are designated in the enrollment system as on-campus courses. Automatic U-Pass exemptions are not available for these types of courses. In order to be exempted from the U-Pass Program for on-campus courses being completed outside the GVRD, you must fill out an Exemption Request form and provide additional supporting documentation from your Faculty/department (i.e. verification letter).

Please review the UPass website for full details.

If you are not sure if your city is outside the GVRD, please see the list.

Q. How to I apply for an exemption from the UPass?
A. All eligible students must complete their own exemption forms (on UPass website) and submit them to the UPass office. Please notify your Program Assistant that you are requesting an exemption and indicate how many semesters and our office will send the verification letter to you as required by the UPass office in support of your exemption eligibility.

Please see the UPass website for full details and contact their office directly if you need further assistance.

To apply for a U-Pass exemption, download the Exemption Request form, complete and return it, along with any required documentation, to Student Services General Enquiries counter (MBC 3000), or the Mail Drop Box (MBC 3000), or mail to U-Pass Program, MBC 3000, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, or fax to 778.782.4969.

The following documentation must accompany your application:
1. If you are living outside of the GVRD and will not be on campus more than one day per week on average throughout the semester, but are taking courses which are designated as "on campus" courses (eg, graduate thesis, research project, directed study, etc.), attach or forward a signed, original letter from your faculty/ department confirming that you are completing your coursework outside the GVRD during the term. If this arrangement will continue beyond one term, please clearly indicate the term(s) for which you require exemption in the application and supporting letter (up to three terms can be exempted at one time).

2. If you hold a valid non-transferable TransLink transit pass or a valid TransLink U-Pass from another post secondary institution, you must provide a photocopy of BOTH sides of your valid pass. If you are a registered HandyDART user, you must provide proof of your HandyDART status. Phone the TransLink Service Contracts Office at 604.453.4634 to request any required documentation.

3. If you will be on Co-op or at a Field School, and residing and studying/working outside of the GVRD for the duration of the term, your academic department, SFU International or Co-operative Education will provide documentation to the U-Pass office to verify your status. Please confirm with your program co-ordinator that your U-Pass exemption status has been confirmed.

4. If you have a documented physical or psychological condition that prevents you from using public transit, you must provide your medical documentation to the SFU Centre for Students with Disabilities for verification (see www.sfu.ca/ccs/csd/ for details regarding the required documentation). If you qualify, the CSD will provide the U-Pass office with a letter recommending you for exemption. Please do not forward any personal medical documentation to the U-Pass office.

Q. What is the Faculty of Education's percentage breakdown on Letter Grades?
A. The Faculty of Education does not have a breakdown of percentages to letter grades. For example, there is no formal policy that indicates that 95% and above equals an A+, 90-94% an A, and so forth. However, guidelines are provided to help instructors determine grading practices that are appropriate to their own particular type of course or subject area. At the beginning of a course, the instructor should inform students about the nature of all assignments, criteria for marking all assignments, the weight assigned to each assignment, penalties for late assignments, opportunities to resubmit assignments for marking and, university policy regarding plagiarism and academic dishonesty.

Q. Can I Audit a Course that I have already taken?
A. See Course Audit section, under Student Enrollment in the SFU calendar. The undergraduate regulation regarding course audit also applies to graduate students. Please note that students cannot change from audit to credit or credit to audit status after the course change period (end of the second week of classes). Graduate students cannot be enrolled in an audit course only; they must be enrolled in at least one credit course.

Q. At what point do I start paying reduced or half tuition fees?
A. After 8 full semesters, your tuition fees are reduced to ½ the amount. This means that from your 9th semester onwards, you are paying a reduced rate. On Leave semesters do not count towards the 8 semesters. For example, if it has been 8 semesters since you started the program, but you were on leave for 2 semesters, you are not eligible to pay ½ fees until your 11th semester.

Q. When will I receive my Course Books in the mail?
A. Course books are provided to you each semester. Usually once you are registered, your required course textbooks are mailed to your home address (unless we are notified otherwise). Gooks are generally mailed out two weeks before the semester starts. These books are ordered by the department Instructor and are included in your tuition fees. This service is exclusive to registered EdD SFU students.

Q. How do I apply for the EdD Graduate Fellowship Award?
A. • Go to EdD Graduate Fellowship Application and Terms of Reference (the application is a printable pdf form). Read over the Terms of Reference carefully.
• The EdD Graduate Fellowship is available to all registered admitted EdD students (newly admitted students may apply).
• To be eligible for the Fellowship, the student must be registered as a full-time (not “on-leave”) and paying full fees.
• There is only one intake of Graduate Fellowships Applications per year - deadline of May 31 each year.
• Award selections are done in September each year - funds are allocated to the student's account in the semester of support (fall, spring or summer - within that academic year) requested by indicating this on the original application form.
• If your Senior Supervisor has not yet been confirmed, you may still apply. (The pro-tem will help with the award decisions in this case).
• Only one $6250.00 is designated solely for an EdD student who resides OUTSIDE THE GVRD, two others are available each year to any other EdD applicants.

Q. Do I have to send in original transcripts when applying for the EdD Graduate Fellowship Award?
A. We require a minimum of two semesters of grades. If you have been an SFU student for two semesters or more, we will print off your SFU transcript. If you have only been an SFU student for one semester, please submit official transcripts from the last post-secondary institution you attended.

We encourage you to access our Quick Links to familiarize yourself with University resources and policies.

For more information:

The best source of information on our graduate programs is online. However, if you require specific material and are not able to find information online, please do not hesitate to contact us.
EdD program: educedd@sfu.ca

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Last Updated October 15, 2009

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