Communication Studies
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

What scholarships are available to graduate students at the University of Windsor?

There are many scholarships available to students who have first class standing (i.e., at least 11.0 (A-) GPA or above). The most widely available scholarships are the University of Windsor Postgraduate Scholarships. These are offered through an annual competition in February. There is no application form for these scholarships. All applicants whose file is complete by February 1, and all eligible continuing students, will be considered by their program for the competition. Recommendations are then made to the Graduate Awards committee who will make the final decision. The scholarships available are:

Internal Graduate Scholarships and Awards

University of Windsor Scholarships and Bursaries
The following scholarships will be offered annually for full-time postgraduate study in any field at the University of Windsor. All students who apply for admission to graduate studies at Windsor and whose file of documentation is complete by January 31 will be considered by their program as potential candidates for the scholarship. Eligible continuing students will also be considered. The awards are competitive and open to university graduates with high standing. They may be held concurrently with a Graduate Assistantship and/or Research Assistantship.

* C. P. Crowley Scholarships
These prestigious awards, established in honour of the founder and first Dean of the College of Graduate Studies at this University, provide tuition for one calendar year beginning with Summer term in the year of the award, and an annual stipend of $5,000.

Strategic Scholarships
These are special scholarships for Canadian citizens and permanent residents in areas designated by the University as of strategic importance to its mission. They provide tuition for one calendar year beginning with Summer term in the year of the award, and an annual stipend of $4,000.

* University of Windsor Tuition Scholarships
These awards provide full tuition for one calendar year beginning with Summer term in the year of the award.

* University of Windsor International Graduate Student Scholarships
International students are obliged by the Government of Ontario to pay a higher tuition rate than Canadians and permanent residents. Award of an international graduate student scholarship reduces the fee required of an international student. This scholarship covers the Canadian portion of the fee, so that students will pay only the differential amount payable by international students. These awards are made for one calendar year beginning with Summer term in the year of the award.
Summer Research Scholarships - value = tuition for the summer term plus $1000.00. These scholarships are intended for students who are completing their thesis or dissertation during the Summer term.


Scholarship and Award Databases

Student
Awards.com

This link will connect you to a comprehensive database containing information on various Graduate awards available nationally and internationally. Online application as well as printable forms are available. Access to the site is free to all users upon registration.

One of Canada's largest free scholarship websites, this new and exhaustive database contains over 9,000 different scholarships and awards currently valued at over $57 million. GraduateAid.com also provides free email, information on resumes and careers, as well as other helpful tools.
Scholarship Links via the World Wide Web
Canadian Federation of University Women:
www.cfuw.org

Commonwealth Scholarship:
www.scholarships-bourses-ca.org

Mensa Canada Scholarships:
www.canada.mensa.org/info.html

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council:
www.nserc.ca

Ontario Graduate Scholarship:
osap.gov.on.ca/eng/not_secure/fellowships.htm

Social Science and Humanities Research Council:
www.sshrc.ca


For further information on scholarships and awards at the Graduate level, please contact the Office of Graduate Studies.
I am going to a conference to present the findings of my research. Are there any funds available to help with my expenses?

Conference Travel Awards are available on a competitive basis to students who will be giving a presentation at a conference. There are two competition deadlines: April 15th and September 15th. The amount of award is modest and varies, depending on the number of applications received and awards granted. The applications for these awards are available in the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. Additionally, some internal funding may be made available to students.

When am I required to have a committee formed for my Master's thesis?

All students registered in a thesis are required to have a committee submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies and Research by the end of the first term of registration in course number 40-797.

How do I appeal a grade?

If you believe you received a lower grade than you deserved, you should first approach the instructor for an explanation or informal review of the grading process. If you are not satisfied with the results, and if you feel you have sufficient grounds to contest the grade, you should file an appeal. All students have the right of appeal under Senate Bylaw 51. You may submit an appeal of grade to the Executive Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. A clear statement of the basis of your appeal, along with supporting documents and the fee of $20.00 should be submitted to the Executive Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, who will request that your program chair conduct an investigation into the appeal. The instructor and one other faculty member will be consulted by the program chair who will then submit a report on the findings to the Executive Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. The Graduate Appeals Committee will review the case and make a final decision. If your appeal is successful, your $20.00 fee will be refunded.

How do I apply for a leave of absence from my graduate program?

All full-time graduate students are required to be registered on a continuous basis, including the summer term, but it is recognized that certain situations arise where a leave of absence from graduate studies may be desirable. In the following situations, students may apply for a leave.

Maternity Leave: Graduate students may request a maternity leave for no more than three consecutive terms without prejudice to their academic standing.
Paternity Leave: In recognition of a father's role, a graduate student may request paternity leave for no more than one term without prejudice to academic standing.
Parental Leave: Parental leave is intended to recognize the need for a pause in studies in order to provide full-time care in the first stages of parenting a child. Either or both parents may request one term of leave. The request for leave must be completed within twelve months of the date of birth or custody.
Financial Leave: In the case of financial necessity, primarily as evidenced by the support awarded through the University, a student shall be granted a leave of no more than one term out of three upon application.
Medical Leave: Graduate students may apply for a leave of absence on medical grounds for up to three terms without prejudice to their academic standing. Students are required to provide documentation to support a medical leave of absence.
Personal Leave: Graduate students may apply for a leave of absence on grounds of serious personal circumstances for up to three terms without prejudice to their academic standing. Examples, though not wholly inclusive, are death in the immediate family, psychological difficulties, and educational opportunities.

A term is defined as a four-month period coinciding with the academic calendar (January to April; May to August; and September to December). While on leave, a student may NOT continue the formal thesis process. This includes regular access to and guidance by faculty members, and the continuation of laboratory experiments and computer research applications.

To apply for a leave of absence, complete the form "Application for a Leave of Absence" available from the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. Once completed, submit the form to your program chair who will make a recommendation to the Executive Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. If approved, you will be required to pay the $50.00 fee (payable through the Cashier's Office).

Depending on the type of leave that has been approved, the time limit for your program may or may not be affected. If the leave is for maternity, paternity, medical or personal reasons (see above), the time limit for your program will be extended according to the length of your leave. If the leave is a parental leave or for financial reasons, your original time limit will not be extended.

I am hoping to defend and complete my thesis soon after the beginning of the term; do I have to register?

Students are expected to maintain continuous registration and even if you will be completing your thesis at the beginning of the term you should be registered.

Tuition refunds are available depending on when you complete all your requirements. There are two phases of completion:

Phase I - If you complete during the first 3 or 4 weeks into the term (the date varies by term) you will be entitled to 100% tuition refund. The full refund date by semester; is available at the Faculty of Graduate Studies web page.

Phase II - If you complete all your requirements by the end of the seventh or eighth week into the term (the date varies by term), you are eligible for 50% tuition refund.

Do I have to apply to graduate?

Yes. You must complete the “APPLICATION FOR GRADUATION” form available from the Registrar’s Office or the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. The deadlines for application are February 15th for June Convocation, and June 30th for October Convocation. There is a $20.00 non-refundable fee. Apply to graduate even if you have not completed all requirements for graduation, e.g. your thesis, by the application deadline. If you miss the deadline, consult your Program Chair.