Resources

Faculty and school administration

Important websites

Graduate Studies Academic Calendar

The Graduate Studies Academic Calendar is the main contractual document between the student and the University. It is very important that you read through the general information and regulations sections, as graduate student administration is completely different from undergraduate student administration – there are several important things that you need to be aware of, such as registration (tuition payment), continuous enrolment, residence requirements, and changes of enrolment status.

Important dates website

The Important Dates website includes all important dates including those associated with financial and academic deadlines, registration, and university closures. 

Graduate schedule of clasess

Use the graduate schedule of classes to determine when and how courses will be delivered. 

Quest

Quest is the University of Waterloo's student information system. You will use Quest to enroll in courses, obtain your fee statement, view financial aid, change your address and/or email and other personal information, view your unofficial transcript for grades and view your course schedule.

Learn

LEARN is web-based learning management system that enables instructors to manage course materials, activities and assessments, and to interact easily and efficiently with their students outside the physical classroom. 

Email account

Learn how to set up Office 365 email on your computer or phone.

Tuition fees

The Finance Office will post your tuition fees on Quest approximately one month prior to the beginning of each term in your graduate studies program. You may print your fee bill from your Quest account (see below). Payments/fee arrangements can be made at a bank, online, by personal cheque, through payroll deduction for TA/RA earnings, and from scholarship/bursary payments. Visit Student Financial Services web page for more information on tuition fee payment deadlines.

If you have funding as part of your offer, you can submit a promissory note to have your tuition paid from your funding each term. Teaching Assistant (TA)/Research Assistants (RA) funding letters will be sent by email a minimum of a week before fees are due and if you have a scholarship or Graduate Research Stipend (GRS), it will show as anticipated aid normally a minimum of a week before the tuition is due. More details on submitting a promissory note. Promissory notes need to be submitted each term.

Funding packages are indicated in your offer of admission and are normally based on 12 terms for PhD students and two years for MES students. Normally there is no additional funding past the end of the term indicated in your offer letter. Each individual student is unique, and we encourage students to plan accordingly based on their funding package, progression through the program and financial needs. There are a range of resources available through the Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA) to augment funding opportunities, including scholarships, bursaries and emergency support.

Enrolment regulations

Students are expected to maintain continuous registration, either active status or inactive status, throughout their program. Failure to register and pay any required fees each term will mean you will have to apply for readmission. Special permission is required to change your registration status from full-time/part-time to inactive. If you do request inactive status, you must submit a change of enrolment status form. A rationale explaining the reasons for the request must be submitted. Requests for inactive status will not always be approved. Students are encouraged to discuss program changes with faculty supervisors or graduate administrators if issues or concerns arise about maintaining registration status.

Students are required to enroll and pay fees each term that they are active in the program. Terms when students are working on their research and thesis/major research paper are considered active terms.

Learn more about enrolment status change.

Required and elective courses

Required courses can be found on the following links:

Students are encouraged to discuss elective options with faculty supervisors before choosing courses. Course descriptions are available in the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar and course syllabi can be accessed through the SERS graduate course outline web page or Course Outline Repository 

Services and resources

Library services

Library services include study spaces, research and data management, systematic reviews support, copyright support, as well as many workshops for skills-building. The library also offers a SERS department guide and an assigned librarian familiar with departmental research initiatives.

Career planning resources

The Centre for Career Development (CCD) supports undergraduate and graduate students, alumni and employees. Career Advisors can help with career planning, career management strategies, graduate and professional school preparation, work search methods and setting meaningful career goals.For more information visit CareerHub.

Writing and communication skills

The Writing and Communication Centre offers many services and strategies that augment your academic program, including skills for public speaking, writing, and revising your work.

Faculty supervision: Roles and responsibilities

Faculty supervisors play an important role in the experience of graduate students. Ongoing communication between graduate students and supervisors about expectations, timelines, funding and opportunities for professional development is central to an effective partnership. The GSPA provides a helpful overview of roles, responsibilities and expectations for both supervisors and students. When in doubt about an issue, talk to your supervisor, or reach out to SERS graduate administrators for assistance: Guide for Graduate Research and Supervision.

Other helpful resources

Here are some helpful resources that can assist you before and during your graduate program.