Progress report
What is a progress report?
The progress report is a document required by the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (FGPS), which allows the faculty to better monitor the progress of students in their thesis activities. The information provided in the report allows the FGPS to ensure that all students are making systematic and consistent progress in their research.
It’s also an opportunity for you and your thesis supervisor to take stock of your research and adjust accordingly. If your report is satisfactory, you will be able to continue with your research knowing that you are on the right path.
Who has to submit a progress report?
All students registered in a thesis program must submit an annual progress report.
Students who receive scholarships from the Social sciences and humanities research council of Canada (SSHRC) or from the Natural sciences and engineering research council of Canada (NSERC) must also submit progress reports.
To whom must you submit your progress report?
You must submit your progress report to your thesis supervisor.
Take the opportunity to sit down with your supervisor and review your goals and agree on expected progress in the months to come. It is possible that you will have to submit the document several times to get the final version and it is completely acceptable.
Your supervisor will then assess your progress. He or she will decide if the report is satisfactory or not, based on mutual objectives previously established.
If you do not reach these objectives your progress report could be deemed unsatisfactory. Therefore, it is very important to always communicate with your thesis supervisor throughout your studies, to ensure that you understand everything that is asked of you.
Once reviewed by your thesis supervisor, your report will be submitted to your
program director and
academic unit, who will also analyze your report. Your report will then be sent to the
FGPS for a final evaluation. In certain cases, the FGPS will make some recommendations to the academic unit.
When do you have to submit a progress report?
First report: During the second year of your program, specifically during the 4th session that you are registered.
Following reports: You must submit one report per year until the submission of your thesis. If the progress is unsatisfactory, a report may be demanded at each session until getting a satisfactory report.
Please note:
- If you have been granted an extension to complete your program, you will have to submit a progress report each session.
- If you request a leave of absence with the FGPS, you must submit a progress report at the same time in order for your request to be approved.
What is an unsatisfactory progress report?
As previously stated, your progress report may be deemed unsatisfactory by your thesis supervisor, program director or the FGPS.
A report can be unsatisfactory for several reasons. For example:
- Your thesis supervisor thinks that you should be more advanced in your research;
- External factors are influencing your research;
- You are not meeting up with your supervisor often enough;
- Your research findings are not clear or do not support your thesis sufficiently.
In the case of an unsatisfactory report you will be informed of the imposed recommendations to follow. For example:
- Submit a detailed study plan;
- Establish more detailed goals with your thesis supervisor;
- Meet with a thesis committee.
Please note: Four months after being informed that your report was unsatisfactory, you will be asked to submit a new progress report, by following the same process as the first report. You must make sure that you follow the proposed recommendations in order to remedy the situation as soon as possible.
What are the consequences if you do not submit a progress report?
If you fail to submit a progress report,
your access to registration will be blocked until you remedy the situation. Not registering could have major financial impact and may eventually lead to your academic file being closed without further notice.
Any scholarship may be suspended or cancelled, and you could also be denied your eligibility to the Dean Scholarship.
Tips for establishing an effective communication with your thesis supervisor
- Make sure you are keeping in contact with your thesis supervisor and meeting often to ensure he or she is well informed of your progress;
- Prepare self-evaluation reports on a regular basis and give them to your director for feedback;
- After each meeting, make a list of points that were discussed and note the general progress reached to that day;
- At the end of each meeting, plan the next meetings and establish objectives to be met. If possible, set the date of your following meeting.
Are you ready to submit a progress report?
As previously indicated, complete the «
Annual research progress report » form and submit it in to your thesis supervisor. You can do so in person, by fax or by e-mail. To find out your supervisor's contact information, consult your
academic unit.