Doctoral Learning Plan Development and Approval
Each student will develop a Learning Plan to prepare for the Qualifying Examination Dossier. The Learning Plan will be drafted by the student, first in collaboration with their supervisor, and later including feedback from supervisory committee members.
Development of the Learning Plan may be staged in successive drafts beginning from the point of program admission and finalized following the completion of coursework (e.g.: six weeks, six months, finalized plan at 12 months, or similar). However, only the finalized Plan needs formal approval by the supervisory committee.
While there is no required formal defense of the Plan, a meeting may be held where the committee may ask the student to prepare a short presentation followed by dialogue.
Approval of the Learning Plan requires completion of all required coursework in the IDSR PhD (IDSR 6010H, IDSR 6020H, IDSR 6060H) and approved elective at the 5000/6000 level), except with permission of the supervisor and program director.
Approval of the Learning Plan signals the transition from the foundational to the Qualifying program phases, and formally establishes the supervisory committee. Following the Learning Plan approval meeting, the supervisor is responsible for liaising with the program office to complete the IDSR Learning Plan Approval Form.