Application Guide to MSc & PhD Graduate Studies

Nov. 2010

table of contents
introduction to department before you apply guide to application material funding guidelines miscellaneous expenses introduction to graduate faculty admission and degree requirements MSc PhD course profiles information on financial assistance

Send application to: Jean Wolting, Graduate Secretary Department of Plant Agriculture Room 1105, E.C. Bovey Bldg University of Guelph Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1G 2W1

contact information: phone: 519 824 4120 ext. 56077 fax: 519 767 0755 email: jwolting@uoguelph.ca

Nov. 2010

introduction to department
During 1996, two campus departments within the Ontario Agricultural College and the Horticultural Research Institute of Ontario (HRIO) formed a strategic alliance with the intent to form a new Department of Plant Agriculture. The former departments of Crop and Horticultural Science had many disciplines in common but conducted research on different crop species. The HRIO was the horticultural research wing of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and was involved in the delivery of research in plant breeding, crop management, post-harvest studies and extension for horticultural commodities. The three groups officially merged in 1998 to form the new Department of Plant Agriculture. The new Department is home to 32 faculty members actively engaged in a teaching and research which spans basic to applied science. The Department is housed in two buildings on the University of Guelph campus and at three sites off campus namely Simcoe, Vineland and Kettleby Research Stations. This collection of facilities represents one of the largest groups of plant scientists in North America. Graduate students are located at and conducting their research on all four campuses. The Department offers degrees at both the MSc and PhD levels. The MSc and PhD programs in the Department of Plant Agriculture offer specialization in three broad fields of the Plant Sciences: 1) plant genetics and breeding; 2) plant physiology and biochemistry; and 3) crop production systems.
For more information, contact: Dr.B. Shelp, Professor & Graduate Coordinator Room 4237, E.C. Bovey Building Dept. of Plant Agriculture University of Guelph Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1G 2W1 phone: (519) 824-4120 ext. 53089 fax: (519) 767 0755 e-mail: bshelp@uoguelph.ca Dr. I. Rajcan, Professor & Associate Graduate Coordinator Room 221, Crop Science Building Dept. Of Plant Agriculture University of Guelph Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1G 2W1 phone: (519) 824 4120 ext 53564 fax: (519) 763 8933 e-mail: irajcan@uoguelph.ca

Website: http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/

before you apply

In order that you receive the greatest benefit from your time spent in graduate school, it is

essential that you research the graduate program and the graduate faculty to which you may eventually apply. Do your homework: The process should begin with a critical examination of your motives, interests, and goals in attending graduate school. Productive graduate students are motivated by a keen sense of curiosity and sincere desire to learn. An outstanding MSc candidate will have a good idea of the research s/he wishes to pursue. Typically an applicant to an MSc program can be expected to be less focused and can expect more guidance from a thesis advisor in final topic selection than a PhD applicant. A PhD candidates experience should by that time have focused their research interests. Select Potential Advisors: Please refer to the list of faculty to decide which faculty have research interests aligned with yours. You should take the time to find and read some recent papers by potential advisors and/or their graduate students. Write to Potential Advisors: At this point you can make an impression by indicating that you actually know something about potential advisors, and indicate why what youve read about their work interests you. All faculty have email addresses, or you may also contact them by regular mail or telephone. Potential advisors will want to know about your grades and whether or not you have applied for or hold a scholarship. Interview Potential Advisors: After reviewing replies and narrowing the field you should arrange to meet with faculty to discuss prospects for pursuing graduate work. You can ask about the potential advisors philosophies about graduate education, the potential for, and stability of, research funding and personal stipends. Potential advisors become more familiar with you and can ask their own questions about you. You should also arrange to speak with the potential advisors current (or former) graduate students and ask them their views about the advisor, the program, and the University. It cannot be emphasized enough that this step can be critical to your ability to have a rewarding and happy career as a graduate student. Obviously, there will be some circumstances where applicants from long distances will be unable to visit, in these cases, active correspondence is highly recommended.

Nov. 2010

guide to application material

P L E A S E read the following instructions carefully
You are responsible for assembling the application materials, including ALL original transcripts and assessment forms with rankings. Certified transcripts in sealed envelopes are the only acceptable transcripts. We are unable to evaluate applications with opened transcript envelopes. The Department of Plant Agriculture accepts on-line applications only. This will allow you to pay your application fee by credit card, cheque or money order to OUAC. You must print the two page application form and send it with the remainder of your application material. http://horizon.ouac.on.ca/webapp/account.d2w/report?ident=ACCOUNT_DSP&merchant_rn =810327&action_id=choose Documents required: (incomplete applications will not be considered for admission) Application Form Transcripts for all post-secondary programs, transcripts must include date degree was conferred and a grading scale (no secondary school transcripts required) Letters of reference (2) on the Assessment Form TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB or CAEL (see below for minimum scores) Statement of research interest Please ensure that you state your country of citizenship, the proposed date of entry into Canada and the status you expect to have in Canada (student visa or permanent resident) on the application form. Application deadline: You should make application at least six months in advance of the semester in which you would prefer to begin study if accepted. Graduate studies can begin in any semester. Spring, Fall, and Winter semesters begin, respectively, during the first week of May, September, and January. Please include an e-mail address on the application form. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate competency in English. The usual test of English proficiency is the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum of 550 (paper based), 213 (computer based), or 89 (internet based with no individual score below 21) is required. You should have the results of the TOEFL test sent directly to the Department of Plant Agriculture (Bovey Building; Institute Code is 0892, department number is 31). Also acceptable are IELTS (6.5), MELAB (85) and CAEL (60). These minimum acceptable scores are subject to change. You should make arrangements to take one of these tests at least nine months before the opening date of the semester. Applications will not be considered until proof of proficiency in the English language has been established.

funding guidelines
Graduate Program Services funding guide for domestic and international students may be found at the following website: http://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/graduatestudies/index.cfm?future/costs Guidelines for miscellaneous expenses from the Department of Plant Agricultures Graduate Student Liaison Committee may be found below. Tuition fee information may be found at the following website. http://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/studentfinance/index.cfm?fees/guelph_gr

Nov. 2010

Miscellaneous Expenses
(information supplied by members of the GSLC) Miscellaneous Laptop Computer Cellular phone (annual) Eye glasses (single pair) Clothing blue jeans running shoes winter coat Approx. Annual Total Transport Bicycle (purchase) Guelph bus pass (monthly) Taxi (one direction) Bus to Toronto (round-trip) Single Vehicle car payment gas insurance parking pass Entertainment Movie Theatre Rent (home) Restaurant meal (single) soft drink beer (glass) liquor (glass) Wine (glass) Alcohol Beer (24 bottles) Liquor (bottle) Wine (bottle) $12 5 15 2 5 7 5 30 25 15 $1,000 600 200

75 75 200 $500

$200 50 15 25 ?? 1,200 1,200 500

(included in students fees)

Graduate Faculty T.J. Blom

Greenhouse floriculture http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/faculty/tblom/index.html Bovey Building

S.R. Bowley
Genetic transformation; somatic embryogenesis; synthetic seeds; Forage Variety Performance http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/faculty/sbowley/index.html Crop Science Building

G. Bozzo
Postharvest biochemistry and physiology, secondary metabolism http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/faculty/gbozzo/index.html Bovey Building

J. Cline
Pomology, plant physiology, apple, cherry, peach, plum, irrigation, plant bioregulators, chemical thinning, rootstocks, orchard systems, tree fruit nutrition, cultivars, soil management, cherry cracking http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/faculty/jcline/index.html Simcoe & Vineland Campus

Nov. 2010

A. Dale
Breeding, genetics and management of berry crops http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/faculty/adale/index.html Vineland Campus

W. Deen
Cropping systems, agronomy, rotations, tillage, plant-soil interactions
http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/faculty/bdeen/index.html Crop Science Building

H.J. Earl
Oilseeds Physiology and Agronomy
http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/faculty/hearl/index.html Crop Science Building

D.E. Falk
Barley breeding, wheat breeding, genetic male sterility, recurrent selection, lodging resistance, disease resistance
http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/faculty/dfalk/index.html Crop Science Building

B. Grodzinski
Photosynthesis, translocation, pathology, sealed environments, space program, commercial greenhouses http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/faculty/bgrodzin/index.html Bovey Building

K.S. Jordan
Turfgrass Science and Nematology
http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/faculty/kjordan/index.html Bovey Building

L.S. Kott
Brassica napus, Canola breeding/biotechnology Double haploid production of Canola, Barley, Wheat and Corn Plant Breeders Rights
http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/faculty/lkott/index.html Crop Science Building

E.A. Lee
Maize breeding and genetics
http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/faculty/elee/index.html Crop Science Building

Nov. 2010

L. Lukens
Bioinformatics, genome evolution, association mapping, QTL mapping
http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/faculty/llukens/index.html Crop Science Building

E.M. Lyons
Turfgrass Science and Physiology
http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/faculty/elyons/index.html Bovey Building

M.R. McDonald
Crop protection of root, bulb and leafy vegetable crops and crucifer crops with emphasis on plant pathology and integrated crop management. http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/faculty/mmcdonal/index.html Crop Science Building

A. McKeown
Vegetable crop physiology, nutrition and integrated crop management
http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/faculty/amckeown/index.html Simcoe Campus

B.J. Micallef
Genetics and physiology of greenhouse vegetables
http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/faculty/bmicallef/index.html Crop Science Building

M. Misra
Bio-Based New Materials and Green Nanotechnology
http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/faculty/mmisra/index.html Thornbrough Building Crop Science Building

A. Mohanty
Bioeconomy related to biobased materials, biofuels and biorefinery http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/faculty/mohanty/index.html
Crop Science Building

G. Paliyath
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Fruit Development; Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Shelf life and Quality; Functional Foods, Nutraceuticals, and their Mechanism of Action http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/faculty/gpaliyath/index.html Bovey Building

K.P. Pauls,

Department Chair

Development and Application of Molecular Biology and Tissue Culture Techniques to Crop Improvement
http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/faculty/ppauls/index.html Crop Science Building Nov. 2010

M.N. Raizada
Inexpensive technologies to reduce/replace nitrogen fertilizers for corn (maize); Sustainable Agriculture Kits (SAKs) for developing nations
http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/faculty/mraizada/index.html Crop Science Building

I. Rajcan,

Associate Graduate Coordinator

Soybean, breeding, genetics, molecular markers, seed quality, disease resistance

http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/faculty/irajcan/index.html Crop Science Building

D.E. Robinson
Weed Management Specialist
http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/faculty/drobinson/index.html Ridgetown College

P.K. Saxena
Physiology, developmental biology, medicinal plants, secondary metabolites, ornamental species, controlled environment propagation, conservation
http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/faculty/psaxena/index.html Bovey Building

A.W. Schaafsma,
Field Crop Pest Management

Director, Ridgetown

http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/faculty/schaafsma/index.html Ridgetown College

B.J. Shelp,

Graduate Coordinator

Metabolism, biochemistry, biotechnology, amino acids, stress, biotic, abiotic, resistance

http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/faculty/bshelp/index.html Bovey Building

P.H. Sikkema
Weed Management Specialist
http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/faculty/psikkema/index.html Ridgetown College

J. Subramanian
Tree Fruit Genetics and Breeding
http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/faculty/jsubrama/index.html Vineland Campus

J.A. Sullivan
Fragaria, Rubus breeding, genotype x environment, interspecific hybridization, fall-bearing
http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/faculty/asulliva/index.html Bovey Building

Nov. 2010

C.J. Swanton
Weed science, weed ecology, cropping systems
http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/faculty/cswanton/index.html Crop Science Building

F. Tardif
Weed science, weed biology, herbicide resistance, molecular genetics of weeds
http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/faculty/ftardif/index.html Crop Science Building

R. Van Acker,
Relations, OAC

Associate Dean External

Weed Ecology, Biosafety and Transgene Confinement

http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/faculty/vanacker/index.html Johnston Hall

D.J. Wolyn
Breeding, tissue culture, cytoplasmic male sterility, homeosis, mitochondria, molecular genetics http://www.plant.uoguelph.ca/faculty/dwolyn/index.html Bovey Building

admission and degree requirements

The MSc and PhD programs in the Department of Plant Agriculture offer specialization in three broad fields of the Plant Sciences: 1) plant genetics and breeding; 2) plant physiology and biochemistry; and 3) crop production systems. Plant Genetics and Breeding has long been a key focus of our faculty and students. Through breeding and biotechnology, Guelph researchers have helped society by developing new fieldcrop, fruit, ornamental and vegetable cultivars that are grown in Canada and worldwide. In addition to developing new plant cultivars, Plant Agriculture faculty and students seek to understand the fundamental mechanisms that enable plant improvements and to discover novel methodologies and technologies that will be the foundation for future advances. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry is a broad discipline. Faculty and students in this area study the response of plants to environmental change and plant development at the ecosystem, whole plant, and molecular levels. Students in this area investigate ecologically friendly management strategies, studying the underlying molecular and biochemical mechanisms that regulate plant development, and investigate how plant performance can be optimized in the field or enclosed environments. Crop Production Systems research develops agricultural management strategies. Production systems research includes yield improvements and development of economically and environmentally sound production practices in field and horticultural crops such as ornamentals and turf. Faculty and students in this area assist producers and industry in the control of weeds, insects and plant diseases, and investigate new management protocols for production of high quality crops.

MSc Program
The Department of Plant Agriculture offers a MSc program in three broad fields of the Plant Sciences: 1) plant genetics and breeding; 2) plant physiology and biochemistry; and 3) crop production systems. Students conduct basic and/or applied research on topics within these fields.

Admission Requirements
Applicants should have a baccalaureate degree in an honours plant science/biology program, or the equivalent, from a recognized university or college with an average academic standing of at least 'B' during the last two years of full-time study (or equivalent). To assist in identifying a suitable thesis advisor(s), applicants should submit a short statement of research interests. Supportive letters of reference are essential and should outline the applicant's strengths and weaknesses. Students may be admitted in the Fall, Winter or Summer semesters. The University of Guelph requires that applicants from some foreign institutions have a MSc (or equivalent) degree before they are considered for admission to the University of Guelph's MSc program.

Nov. 2010

Degree Requirements
A program of prescribed courses (at least 1.5 credits of 6000 level courses) and additional courses is established with the student's advisory committee. All MSc candidates must complete a thesis and present a seminar in conjunction with the final oral examination. Students are required to participate in the Seminar PLNT*6400 and in a Departmental Colloquium course dealing with current topics. Students are expected to participate in Departmental events, with particular emphasis on the seminar series and poster day.

PhD Program
The Department of Plant Agriculture offers a PhD program in three broad fields of the Plant Sciences: 1) plant genetics and breeding; 2) plant physiology and biochemistry; and 3) crop production systems. Students conduct research on topics within these fields.

Admission Requirements
The usual requirement for admission into the PhD program is a MSc degree by thesis in a field appropriate to their proposed area of specialization with a minimum 'B' average and supportive letters of reference. Direct admission to the PhD program is permitted to applicants holding an honours baccalaureate degree and demonstrating extraordinary academic and research capabilities. It is also possible for a student to transfer from the MSc without completing the requirements for that degree if the student has an excellent academic record and has strong research progress that can be expanded to the doctoral level. The request for transfer must be initiated by the student and must be done no earlier than the end of the second semester and no later than the end of the fourth semester. Applicants should submit a statement of research interests, background experiences, and career goals to assist in the identification of an appropriate faculty adviser with the resources necessary to support the thesis research. Students may be admitted in the Fall, Winter or Spring semesters. In some instances, applicants who already hold a MSc may be required to initially register in the MSc program.

Degree Requirements
The major emphasis in the PhD program is on research and the preparation and defense of an acceptable thesis. All PhD candidates must complete a thesis and present a seminar -in conjunction with the final oral examination. Students are required to participate in the Seminar PLNT*6400 and in a Departmental Colloquium course dealing with current topics. There are no other specific course requirements. It is usual for most students, in consultation with their advisory committee, to select some appropriate courses in preparation for the qualifying examination and thesis research. The qualifying examination is in two parts (written and oral) and evaluates the student's knowledge of their field of specialization and related topics. The qualifying examination is taken no later than the fifth semester. For students who have transferred from the MSc program or have been admitted directly to the PhD program from a BSc, the qualifying examination is taken no later than the seventh semester. The advisory committee is required to submit a written evaluation of the student's performance in research and the student's potential as a researcher. Upon completion of the qualifying examination, the student becomes a candidate for the PhD degree. All students are expected to participate in Departmental events, with particular emphasis on the seminar series and poster day.

Collaborative Programs
Toxicology MSc/PhD
The Department of Plant Agriculture participates in the MSc/PhD program in toxicology. Please consult the Toxicology listing for a detailed description of the MSc/PhD collaborative program. http://www.uoguelph.ca/toxicology/

Nov. 2010

course profiles
Plant Genetics and Breeding
PLNT*6100 Advanced Crop Breeding F [0.50]
The practical consideration of genetic theory and biological limitations to improving plant populations and developing cultivars will be discussed. Current and emerging breeding methodologies and sources of variation used to achieve plant breeding goals will be examined through lectures, paper discussion, site visits and invited talks.

PLNT*6130 Corn Breeding W [0.25]

Principles of corn breeding with emphasis on germplasm enhancement and methods of improving breeding populations as sources of inbred lines for hybrid programs and for direct use as improved varieties. External Course Code(s): Offered in even years

PLNT*6150 Plant Breeding -The Profession W [0.25]

The course will address professional aspects of plant breeding including: legal/regulatory issues, ethical issues related to germplasm, and rights and responsibilities related to intellectual property under UPOV and World Patent Organization conventions. External Course Code(s): Offered in odd years

PLNT*6160 Quantitative Genetic Variation in Crop Populations W [0.25]

Fundamentals of quantitative genetics. Topics will include gene and genotype frequencies, forces affecting equilibrium, small population size, inbreeding, means, variances, covariances and resemblance among relatives. Lecture topics will be expanded through discussion of classic and current papers. External Course Code(s): Offered in even years

PLNT*6250 Colloquium in Plant Genetics and Breeding U [0.25]

An open discussion course designed to review and critically analyse contemporary issues in plant genetics and breeding.

PLNT*6260 Advanced Crop Genetics W [0.50]

A lecture and discussion course on some of the recent advances in genetics as they pertain to crop improvement. Topics will include: the molecular basis of selected agronomic traits, molecular marker assisted selection, isolation of plant genes and plant transformation systems.

PLNT*6500 Applied Bioinformatics W [0.50]

The goal of this course is to provide an introductory understanding of the databases and methods used in computational molecular biology research. Topics covered will include: reviewing major molecular databases and their structures, constructing sequence alignments, constructing phylogenics, and finding motifs and genes in biological sequences. Lab sessions will include an introduction to Unix and Perl for the biologist and hands-on use of several molecular data analysis programs. Prerequisite(s): Undergraduate level statistics class (such as STAT*2040 or STAT*2100) and undergraduate level molecular biology class (such as MBG*2020).

Plant Physiology and Biochemistry

PLNT*6010 Physiology of Crop Yield W [0.50]
Physiological and environmental principles as they relate to the growth of crop plants and communities. Plant and environmental characteristics determining transpiration, photosynthesis, leaf growth and reproductive growth and development. Simulation of plant growth. External Course Code(s): Offered in even years.

PLNT*6110 Postharvest Physiology W [0.50]

Discussion of the physiological effects of controlled and supplemental environments or treatments on horticultural crops. Emphasis is on current problems and research. External Course Code(s): Offered in odd years.

PLNT*6220 Advanced Studies in Pomology W [0.50]

Discussion of current problems and research on fruit crop production and physiology. External Course Code(s): Offered in even years

PLNT*6230 Colloquium in Plant Physiology and Biochemistry U [0.25]

An open discussion course designed to review and critically analyze contemporary issues in plant physiology and biochemistry.

PLNT*6290 Physiological Genetics of Higher Plants F [0.50]

A lecture and discussion course examining classical and molecular genetic investigations for understanding the genetic basis and regulation of physiological processes in plants. External Course Code(s): Nov. 2010 Offered in odd years.

PLNT*6320 Metabolic Processes in Crop Plants F [0.50]

A comprehensive examination of the metabolic mechanisms and versatility whereby autotrophic organisms sustain themselves. Emphasis will be placed on our current understanding of the regulation and integration of metabolic processes in plants and their physiological and agricultural significance including available research methodologies. Prerequisite(s): Restriction(s): one undergraduate course in biochemistry no auditing without permission of Instructor

Crop Production Systems

PLNT*6240 Colloquium in Crop Production and Management U [0.25]
An open discussion course designed to review and critically analyze contemporary issues in crop production and management.

General
PLNT*6050 Principles and Application of Plant Tissue Culture F [0.50]
The course involves lecture and discussions of fundamental and applied aspects of plant tissue culture. Topics will include the role of tissue culture in understanding plant development, physiology and genetics, and its commercial applications in horticulture and forestry. External Course Code(s): Offered in odd years.

PLNT*6080 Plant Disease Epidemiology and Management F [0.50]

Epidemiology and management of plant diseases caused by fungi, viruses, and bacteria. (Offered in alternate years.)

PLNT*6170 Statistics in Plant Agriculture W [0.50]

The application of statistical techniques to research in plant agriculture. SAS will be the software used to perform data analysis. Emphasis will be placed on statistical principles, the design of experiments, the testing of hypotheses, and communication of findings to other scientists.

PLNT*6400 Seminar F,W [0.25]

All graduate students present a departmental seminar on their research proposal no later than the second semester. Each student is expected to participate in the seminars of colleagues and faculty.

PLNT*6450 Plant Agriculture International Field Tour U [0.25]

A field course designed to increase student's knowledge of primary field and animal agricultural production systems. To explore the environmental and political issues related to international agriculture and to understand the role of agri-business in the rural economy. Restriction(s): CROP*4260 if PLNT*6450 is field tour to mid-west USA

information on financial assistance

Graduate students have a number of funding options. This section explains how employment, awards, grants, loans and bursaries may factor into your funding equation. For the most up-to-date list of awards please see http://www.uoguelph.ca/graduatestudies/calendar/gradawards/index.shtml A listing and description of external scholarships/fellowships/ awards that students may hold while registered at Guelph are maintained in Student Financial Services. Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships There is an annual competition for entry-level/continuing master's scholarships and entry-level/continuing doctoral scholarships. NSERC eligibility regulations are subject to change. Eligible applicants must be Canadians or permanent residents and have at least an 'A-' average (first-class standing) in each of the last two years of full-time study or equivalent part-time study, as of August 31 of the year of application. Eligible undergraduate students must apply in the September that is at least eight months prior to entering a graduate program. Eligible graduate students must apply in the September that is at least eight months prior to when the award would begin. Students currently registered at a Canadian university must apply for NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships (PGSM or PGSD) through the appropriate office at the university of registration and follow its procedures and deadline dates for application submission. At Guelph, applications for postgraduate scholarships are made through the Student Financial Services. Students who are not currently registered (more than 12 months since the last month of registration) in a Canadian University must apply directly to NSERC and follow NSERC application procedures and submission deadlines. Applications are available at any Canadian university or write to NSERC just prior to the September application period at: Scholarships and Fellowships Division, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Constitution Square, Tower 11, 14th Floor, 350 Albert Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 1H5.

Nov. 2010

NSERC offers a limited number of specialized postgraduate awards which are listed in the application materials each September. Students in the appropriate disciplines are advised to review these annually. NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowships Application forms are available for Canadians and permanent residents in the office of research at Canadian universities. There are various application deadline dates and postdoctoral award programs; doctoral students should note that some awards require application up to one year before doctoral degree completion. Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS) These are awarded through an annual competition for students. OGS eligibility regulations are subject to change. There are two competitions: (i) for applicants who are Canadians or permanent residents, and (ii) for international students who are in a graduate program in Ontario and on a student visa. Eligible applicants must have at least an 'A-' average (first-class standing) in each of the last two years of full-time study or equivalent part-time study, as of the September of application: Eligible undergraduate students must apply in the September that is at least eight months prior to the tenure of the award. Continuing graduate students must apply in the September before receiving an award for the second year of a master's program or any of the first five years of a doctoral program. Students registered at an Ontario university must apply for an OGS through the appropriate awards office at the university where they are currently registered and follow its procedures and deadline dates for application submission; students should investigate this opportunity early in September. At Guelph, applications for OGS are made through Student Financial Services. Canadians and permanent residents who are not currently registered must apply directly to the OGS program and follow OGS application procedures and submission deadlines. Applications are available at any Ontario university or write to the OGS program just prior to the September application period at: Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program, Student Support Branch, Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, P.O. Box 4500, 189 Red River Road, 4th Floor, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7B 6G9. Ontario Graduate Scholarships in Science and Technology (OGSST) The Ontario government, in partnership with the private sector, rewards excellence in graduate studies in science and technology through Ontario Graduate Scholarships in Science and Technology which are valued at $5000 per semester. Full-time Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are registered up to semester six of a master's program and semester fifteen of a doctoral program and who have a first class standing in each of their last two years of study are eligible for consideration. Students do not apply for these awards; graduate co-ordinators nominate students each semester on the basis of academic excellence as evidenced by transcripts, research ability or potential, communication and leadership skills. The OGSST is tenable with all other awards up to a total of $10,000 per fiscal year and cannot be held at the same time as an Ontario Graduate Scholarship. It can be held for two years as master's student and for four years as a doctoral student to a lifetime maximum of four years. Awards Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) Graduate students may be supported through research grants received by faculty members from external agencies or governments. The student's research must contribute to the research of the faculty member under whose direction it is conducted. It must be used in the preparation of the student's thesis

The dollar value of GRA stipends are based on the external granting agencies' guidelines on support of graduate students through research operating grants. GRAs must be approved by the department chair or school director on the recommendation of the adviser. The university provides a T4A tax information slip each year to students with GRAs. For income tax purposes, the T4A documents the funds received through any graduate research assistantships. These slips are mailed to students in late February each year, for the previous tax year Scholarships http://www.uoguelph.ca/graduatestudies/calendar/gradawards/index.shtml The Graduate Calendar has a complete list of internal awards grouped by student eligibility, i.e., by college or department affiliation and/or as awards for which students are eligible from across campus. The university reserves the right to amend these awards subject to the availability of funds. Full-time and part-time students are eligible for all internal awards, unless otherwise stated in the eligibility clause. Students are eligible for internal award consideration from the time they have accepted an offer of admission to a graduate program until they have graduated from that program (or exceeded the semester limit for their program); students must be registered in order to receive these awards. Students granted a leave of absence (see section 3.4) may defer acceptance of internal awards or interrupt acceptance of continuing awards until after the approved leave with the permission of the appropriate awards committee The university provides a T4A tax information slip to students each year. For income tax purposes, these forms document the money received by students in the form of awards, including department, school, college and university awards. These slips are mailed to students in late February each year, for the previous tax year. Please note that Student Financial Services will apply all internal awards against outstanding balances on student's accounts unless prior arrangements have been made. Travel Research Grants Graduate students may receive travel research grants to assist them in their research. Travel research grants are given to cover your traveling expenses, including all reasonable amounts for meals and lodging, while away from home in the course of your research work. The University provides a T4A tax information slip to students each year. Although it should be reported as income as provided in the Income Tax Act, you are able to deduct the full amount of the described expenses up to the amount of the grant. You should attach to your income tax return a list of the expenses you are deducting from the research grant. These expenses should only include those listed above. You do not have to attach receipts but should keep them in case you are later asked for them. Entrance awards Entry-level (semester-one) students in all departments are considered without award application for most internal awards prior to arrival and registration (see also college/school and university award descriptions). Students will normally be included in entrance-award competitions held after the date on which they accepted an offer of admission. It is strongly recommended that a completed application for graduate study be received at least six months prior to the date when the student hopes to begin graduate study. This will ensure consideration for all possible entrance awards for which the student is eligible. Students who apply less than six months in advance may miss some internal award competitions but will still be considered for appropriate awards not yet distributed. Nov. 2010

ACCESS Awards Terms and Conditions To be eligible for an ACCESS AWARD students must meet government mandated terms under the Ontario Student Opportunity Trust Fund (OSOTF) program. Students must: be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident; be an Ontario resident as defined by: lived in Ontario for at least 12 consecutive months up to the beginning of full-time post secondary study; or the students spouse lived in Ontario for at least 12 consecutive months up to the beginning of the current year full-time post-secondary study period; or the students parent(s)/stepparent(s)/legal guardian/official sponsor has lived in Ontario for at least 12 consecutive months up to the beginning of the current year full-time postsecondary study period demonstrate financial need as determined by the University of Guelph Needs Assessment procedures. In-course awards Students continuing in a graduate program of study are automatically considered for some awards and must make application for others. A list and description of all internal awards is available at Internal Awards. http://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/graduate/current/gradawards/gradawards-uwia.shtml Bursaries A limited number of emergency bursaries and/or student loans are available for students who unexpectedly find themselves in difficult circumstances. Students should discuss these unexpected difficulties/costs with their adviser and graduate co-ordinator. If unresolved financial difficulties remain, they should then proceed to Student Financial Services. These funds are specifically designed to cover emergency/acute/unexpected/one-time-only situations requiring compassion and are not designed to cover registration and living costs associated with the normal continuation of study. Employment Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) Students appointed as graduate teaching assistants will be asked to perform only teaching-related duties. These may include preparing and conducting tutorials, laboratories and seminars; grading assignments, reports and examinations, and performing other related duties. Students may hold a GTA in a department in which they are not registered. A copy of the collective agreement between the university and CUPE local 3913 unit 1, covering GTA employment, is available for students appointed as GTAs. Students are expected to familiarize themselves with these regulations. The GTA rate of pay is established annually. The university provides T4 and T4A tax information slips each year to students with GTAs. These forms document the appropriate taxable portions of GTA funding. These slips are mailed to students in late February each year, for the previous tax year. Graduate Service Assistant (GSA) The university provides a T4 tax information slip each year to students with GSAs. For income tax purposes, these forms document the money received through any GSA appointment(s). These slips are mailed to students in late February each year, for the previous tax year.

Typically, the services provided by GSAs fall into two categories: Work that is directly related to the academic enterprise but not properly a GTA or GRA. Examples of these services include the preparation of academic or administrative reports and the compilation of statistics for departmental use. This work may not contribute to the student's thesis research. A copy of the collective agreement between the university and CUPE local 3913 unit 1, covering GSA(i) employment, is available for students appointed as GSA(i)s. Students are expected to familiarize themselves with these regulations. The GSA(i) rate of pay is established annually. GSA(ii): Work that is not directly related to the academic enterprise. Examples of these services include locking/unlocking doors, cooking, cashiering, snow removal, and lifeguarding. Students are paid at the appropriate hourly rate set by Human Resources for the appropriate kind of work. Grant Some governments/agencies provide research support for students to enter and complete graduate degrees. Common examples would be (i) international government agencies funding students from their home country to study abroad, including in Canada (students should review what is available through their home country) and (ii) Canadian agencies funding study in specific areas of research (students should review opportunities through the office of research and/or appropriate office at the university in which they are registered). Student Loans Each provincial government and the Canadian government provide loans for undergraduate and graduate education to Canadians and permanent residents (subject to minimum residency requirements). These funds are not available to international students. Students should review the student loan policies of their home province; student loan information is normally available through universities but students should note that provincial loan forms and initial application procedures may only be available through a student's home province. Bursaries Some agencies, clubs and private organizations provide student bursaries for members and their immediate families; students should review what is available through any of these organizations.

Nov. 2010