A Master's or PhD level program is considered graduate education. Graduate programs are usually highly specialized programs which emphasize research. These programs may require students to complete qualifying comprehensive examinations, specialized independent research, and teaching responsibilities. Others may require completion of internships that culminate in demonstration of knowledge and skill mastery for entrance to practice.
Trent University recognizes that the design, intent and outcome of graduate education also necessitates creative and highly individualized approaches to academic accommodation that differ from academic accommodation at the undergraduate level.
Depending on the program, a graduate student may be required to complete a combination of coursework, research, work-integrated learning and/or funded learning experiences and opportunities. Student Accessibility Services will assist students with disabilities navigate their programs and identify barriers to participation that may occur at unique points along the timeline during their studies. We will address together the essential program requirements.
Essential Program Requirements
Graduate students may require support strategies to navigate essential requirements and program milestones may including but not limited to:
- Participating in graduate courses in laboratory settings or fieldwork requirements
- Internships & practicum, cooperative education or work terms
- Graduate seminar participation and seminar leadership
- Independent research
- Major writing components including but not limited to theses, dissertations and major research papers and projects
- Comprehensive and qualifying examinations
- Defense and oral examinations
Registering with SAS
Accommodation must be flexible to adapt to student needs and capacities while maintaining the integrity of the academic program and curriculum.
Students seeking formal accommodation with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) need to follow this process:
1. Incoming graduate students seeking accommodation should register with SAS to receive a formal accommodation. It is recommended incoming students register two months in advance of the start of term, (i.e. register July 1 for September 1 term start). Booking early is always recommended; however, intakes are done continuously throughout the year.
2. Following your appointment, you will receive an email from Student Accessibility Services.
Please note, if you are eligible for a pacing accommodation/reduced course load, The Director of Graduate Studies will be notified of this accommodation to ensure appropriate billing.
3. Following your assessment with SAS you are advised to meet with your Program Director and/or Supervisor to determine your revised plan of study/courseload. This plan might include discussion of moving to part-time studies or another means of reduced course load.
4. After meeting with your Program Director and/or Supervisor request an appointment with the Director of Graduate Studies to discuss your reduced courseload intentions, if applicable. Funding impacts surrounding tuition fees, scholarships, GTA hours will be discussed at this meeting.
5. Graduate Studies will send a revised letter noting any adjustments to tuition and funding as indicated by the accommodated plan of study.
6. Ideally your assessment is completed prior to the third week of your first term, which is when tuition is charged to student accounts. If the accommodation is assessed past week three of your first term and you are eligible for tuition reduction, your account will be credited when the accommodation has been formally assessed.
Accommodation Notification
When taking courses, the graduate student sends their confidential accommodation letter to their professor(s) through the SAS Portal.
Examinations
Graduate students may be required to complete a series of assessments as part of the degree. The most common examinations include but are not limited to comprehensive, qualifying, oral and research defense examinations. Discussing your current abilities and limitations with your SAS Advisor will assist in developing a personalized plan to ensure these assessments are accessible.
Academic Materials and Software
Access to reference and research material required to engage in studies can be challenging for students who present with sensory and related processing disabilities. Student Accessibility Service can support access with assistive software, and recommendations for devices to help make content more accessible. We work closely with the library around accessible academic materials, including journal articles, textbooks, videos and many other resources.
Advising and Technology Support
Graduate students often require learning strategy and assistive technology support to assist with organization, long-range planning and time management skills as part of their accommodation needs. These resources are offered through one-on-one support and referral to our partners on campus such as those offered by Academic Skills Instructors. Academic Skills offers individualized support, and a variety of workshops geared specifically for graduate students.
Workplace Accommodations
As part of their funding package, many students have employment in the CUPE 3908 Unit 2 bargaining unit. Ordinarily, this will come in the form of a GTA, for example, arranged in conjunction with their program and the hiring units in which they work. Students with disabilities may need accommodation for GTA assignments.
To begin exploring workplace accommodation, the student contacts the CUPE 3908 Unit 2 bargaining unit and the Human Resources department. Together a work accommodation plan can be negotiated.