National Community of Practice on Graduate Supervision

The National Community of Practice on Graduate Supervision aims to bring together individuals with a shared commitment to advancing supervision practices and supervisor wellness through collaborative learning.

We invite you to join us in this national collaborative conversation for knowledge engagement and professional growth. Please share this webpage with graduate supervisors at your institution—we look forward to connecting with you!

Our Goals

To foster conversations and sharing of effective practices among supervisors across Canada
To foster strong research cultures that enable supervisors and students to flourish
To co-create and share a national set of principles on supervision
To co-create rich, open access resources & materials for supervisors
To support an annual online conference on supervision

Co-Chairs

Dr. Cheryl van Daalen-Smith, RN

Associate Dean (Academic)

Faculty of Graduate Studies

York University

fgsadacd@yorku.ca

Dr. Michele Jacobsen

Professor

Werklund School of Education

University of Calgary

dmjacobs@ucalgary.ca

Main Graphic - CoP - Horizontal - February 2025

National Conversations on

graduate supervision

Supervision of International Graduate Students

This conversation focussed on Supervision of International Students. York University shared its new tool for graduate supervisors. Developed following extensive consultation with York international, and reviewed by leading supervisors of International students, the Strong Start to Supervision: An International Student Companion Guide aims to bring awareness to the unique aspects of the international graduate student experience while fostering open dialogue between supervisor and student. When the supervisor understands what international students are managing at various stages of their graduate studies journey, as well as the ways in which diverse cultural differences can lead to misunderstandings related to expectations and other aspects, they are more able to adjust their supervisory style and focus through intercultural competence and support.

Strong Start to Supervision: An International Student Companion Guide (York University)

Learning to Supervise – On the Job

Supervising graduate students is a complex and evolving role shaped by personal experiences, disciplinary norms, institutional contexts, and ongoing learning.

This online conversation invited participants to reflect on their own doctoral supervision experiences and explore how those experiences influenced their current supervisory practices.
Through discussion and shared insights, we examine how supervision pedagogy develops over time, the ways mentors shape our approaches, and the resources that help us continue to grow as effective supervisors.
Whether you’re new to graduate supervision or looking to refine your approach, this online conversation will provide valuable perspectives and strategies for fostering meaningful student-supervisor relationships.

Inaugural Conversation

Our first meeting was held on 31 January 2025, in which we outlined some goals of the National CoP, explored common challenges in supervision, and featured a Best Practice Spotlight and Discussion with Dr. Jeff Casello.

Presentation Slides (Jeff Casello)

Digital Swag Bag