Graduate Program 2007

Discussion for Departmental Retreat

Graduate enrollment

Currently 177 studentsGrowing PhD component

15% FemaleEssentially unchanged

Gender distribution

Distribution by research area

Strong recent growth in Theory and CM Experiment

Time spent in the graduate program

Median time in PhD program is presently 4.25 yearsTypically 7 years for MSc + PhD

Fraction holding external awards

Currently ~ 25%NSERC fraction declined over past 3 years

%

Career path of our recent graduates

50% follow academic career path (PhD or PDF)33% have positions in industry or research institutions

%

Students transferring to PhD program

40% of all second-year MSc students transferred last yearRecent increase coincides with reduction in credits req’d

Countries of origin of our students

53% Canadian16% China (including Hong Kong and Taiwan)

Discussion topics

Web pagesWhat we are doingSuggestions for improvement?

AdmissionsAdmissions now explicitly consider faculty demandShould we go to a single admission date (Sept 1)?

Language proficiencySome students have poor English language skillsThis is an issue for teaching (TAs)What can/should be done?

Discussion topics - continued

Demographic balanceCan we reduce the gender imbalance?Can we attract more students from the US?

Student spaceWe are currently at (or beyond) capacitySome space is of poor qualityThis is an issue for recruiting and for student well being

Financial supportNew GSI policy will provide increased flexibilityHow do we address declining number of NSERC awards?

Discussion topics - continued

Course requirementsIs the PhD course requirement appropriate? (12 credits) Are the MSc required courses appropriate? (PHYS 500 and for physics, one of 501, 504, 508, 516, 526)Should we have a comp exam study course?

TA workload and trainingSuccessful TA training program - to be continuedIs TA workload too high?

Grad student trackingShould we introduce an “exit poll” for graduating students?