Canadian Association of University Teachers

 
Home > CAUT Policies > General CAUT Policies > Rights of Graduate Students

CAUT Policies

Policy Statement on the Rights of Graduate Students

Graduate students are engaged in scholarly activity, and shall be treated as members of the academic community from the outset. Academic staff, as well an institution’s administration, have a responsibility to secure and respect conditions required for graduate students’ freedom to learn, research and teach. Graduate students have a right to:

1) academic freedom;

2) freedom from discrimination and harassment;

3) a clear statement of the requirements for their degree and an assurance that these requirements will not be altered;

4) adequate supervision and advice regarding their educational progress and career prospects;

5) adequate and secure financial support;

6) recognition and protection of their intellectual property;

7) support for professional development, including publishing, attending conferences, and preparation for an academic career;

8) leaves and/or interruptions from their program due to family responsibilities, illness or other unforeseen circumstances;

9) due process to resolve conflicts and address injustices regarding all aspects of their academic status, endeavours and responsibilities;

10) participation in governance at the program, department, faculty and institutional levels;

11) representation by a student association at local, provincial and federal level and participation in student association activities without reprisal;

12) assistance in searching for employment and access to placement dossiers and files.


Approved by the CAUT Council, November 2001.