Governing rules and regulations

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The Graduate Studies Academic Calendar

The Graduate Studies Academic Calendar (the "Calendar") is the primary contractual document between graduate students and the University of Waterloo. The Calendar contains information regarding:

  • General information and regulations
  • Academic deadlines
  • Admission and program requirements
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Guide for graduate research and supervision

The Guide for graduate research and supervision was developed to enhance the contribution of graduate education to the intellectual development and academic success of graduate students and the University.

The guidelines include roles and responsibilities of graduate students, advisory committees, supervisors, and the responsibilities of departments, graduate officers, and graduate co-ordinators.

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Guidelines for graduate student employment

Guidelines for graduate student employment pertain to full-time graduate students and their employment status at the University of Waterloo. Employment activities outside of the University are not monitored, and these guidelines do not apply to students who are on a full-time external placement (e.g., coop/internship) with the University as their employer, unless a student is requesting additional employment activities at the University that are separate from this external placement.

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Petitions process for graduate students

A petition is a request by a student seeking exception to or relief from normal faculty or University rules and regulations. Petitions at the University of Waterloo are governed by Policy 70 (Secretariat website).

Note: Petitions vary from grievances. With a petition, you believe the rules were fairly applied, but your circumstances are sufficiently unique that you deserve an exception. With a grievance, you believe the rules were unfairly applied and appropriate rules should be restored.