II. General Regulations

Admission

Internal Program Transfer Application Procedures

Transfer requests, including all required documentation, must be submitted before the end of the fourth semester (unless otherwise specified below). Requests must not be initiated prior to the end of the student’s second semester of study.

Transfer requests must be submitted using the “Transfer Application” form. Along with the request to transfer, the student must include a written report of progress in research. The report should include a review of research conducted for the master’s thesis and any papers presented, published or submitted, research seminar title, etc.
Confirmation of funding through the submission of a “Funding Form” (which accompanies the transfer application) from the department into which the student wishes to transfer is required.
The request to transfer, along with the research progress report, shall be reviewed by the student’s Advisory Committee which shall provide written commentary and a recommendation on the candidate’s aptitude for doctoral-level research, and on the suitability of the master's research project for expansion to a doctoral project.
The student must be recommended highly by the Advisory Committee, supported by a written recommendation from Department Chair and the Graduate Program Committee. All the materials – including the application, the funding form, the research progress report, and the written recommendations, shall be forwarded to the Admissions & Progress Sub-committee for a final decision
In all cases, a transfer fee is payable to the Office of Registrarial Services when the application is submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies

Additional Information Regarding the Criteria for Transfer

From Master's to Doctoral (i.e. when the student does not hold the equivalent of a master's degree from a Canadian University)

The “Application for Transfer to Another Program” form must be initiated by the student during semester 3 or 4.
The student must have an accredited undergraduate degree with an equivalent 77- 89 % (normally B+ to A) average.
The student must have completed at least 1.0 graduate level course credits (two 0.5-credit graduate courses), plus a seminar or equivalent course recognized for credit at the University of Guelph, with at least grades of 80% (A-).
A statement from the Graduate Program Committee and the Department Chair/ Director concerning research aptitude, capability, and proficiency is an essential element of the criteria
Supporting documentation from the Advisory Committee commenting on the candidate’s aptitude for doctoral-level research, as well as the suitability of the master’s research project for expansion to a doctoral-level project must be included
A doctoral-level Funding Form and a new Advisory Committee Form (listing the new additional committee member) must be included with the application

From Master’s to Doctoral (i.e. when the student holds a recognized master’s degree in a related field)

The “Application for Transfer to Another Program” form must be initiated by the student during semester 3 or 4
The student must have accredited undergraduate and graduate degrees with an equivalent (normally) of 77-89% (B+ to A) average
The student must have completed at least 0.5 graduate level course credits (one 0.5 credit graduate course), plus a seminar or equivalent course recognized for credit at the University of Guelph, with at least grades of 80% (A-)
A statement from the Graduate Program Committee and the Department Chair/Director concerning research aptitude, capability, and proficiency is an essential element of the criteria
Supporting documentation from the Advisory Committee commenting on the candidate’s aptitude for doctoral-level research, as well as the suitability of the master’s research project for expansion to a doctoral-level project must be included
A doctoral-level Funding Form and a new Advisory Committee Form (listing the new additional committee member) must be included with the application

From Graduate Diploma to DVSc

The “Application for Transfer to Another Program” form must be initiated by the student no later than the end of the student’s second semester
The student must have successfully completed a DVM degree with high academic standing as set out in the admission requirements.
The student must have achieved a “superior record to date” in the Graduate Diploma program and must show a particular aptitude for applied studies (see the degree regulations for the Doctor of Veterinary Science, Admissions section, Chapter IV)
Supporting documentation from the Advisory Committee, the Graduate Program Committee and the Interdepartmental DVSc committee commenting on the candidate’s aptitude for doctoral-level research is required.
A doctoral-level Funding Form and a new Advisory Committee Form (listing the new additional committee member) must be included with the application

From DVSc to PhD

The “Application for Transfer to Another Program” form must be initiated by the student
In cases where the student was admitted on the basis of a good quality (i.e. high academic standing as set out in the “Admission Requirements”) master’s degree but has not yet completed the DVSc Qualifying Examination, transfer requests are normally approved
Where the student has successfully completed the DVSc Qualifying Examination, consideration may be given by the Graduate Program Committee to deem it equivalent to the PhD Qualifying Examination. In cases where there is a considerable change in the field of study, the Graduate Program Committee may require that the student complete the PhD Qualifying Examination
Supporting documentation from the Advisory Committee, the Graduate Program Committee, and the Department Chair/ Director is required
A doctoral-level Funding Form must be included with the application; funding must be guaranteed for a minimum of nine semesters, inclusive of funding already provided in the DVSc program

From PhD to DVSc

The “Application for Transfer to Another Program” must be initiated by the student. The student must hold a DVM degree with high academic standing, as set out in the “Admission Requirements”
In instances where the student has not yet completed the PhD Qualifying Examination, transfer requests are normally approved
Where the student has successfully completed the PhD Qualifying Examination, consideration may be given by the Interdepartmental DVSc Graduate Program Committee to deem it equivalent to the DVSc Qualifying Examination. In cases where there is a considerable change in the field of study, the Interdepartmental DVSc Graduate Program Committee may require that the student complete the DVSc Qualifying Examination
Supporting documentation from the Advisory Committee, and the Interdepartmental DVSc Graduate Program Committee is required
A completed doctoral-level Funding Form must be included with the application; funding must be guaranteed for a minimum of nine semesters, inclusive of funding already provided in the PhD program

From Doctoral to Master’s (prior to completion of the Qualifying Examination)

The “Application for Transfer to Another Program” must be initiated by the student
Requests are normally approved on the basis of the student changing goals/career paths
In some instances, the Advisory Committee may recommend a transfer to a master’s program after having determined that the student’s aptitude and/or background preparation for research are not adequate for PhD/ DVSc studies. In cases where the student has failed the first attempt at the Qualifying Examination and has decided, in consultation with the Advisory Committee, that a transfer to the master’s program would be appropriate, such a transfer may be approved
Where the student had been admitted to the program with a master’s degree previously completed, the Advisory Committee’s recommendation must demonstrate that the recommended master’s degree is different in focus and content from the original master’s degree
Supporting documentation from the Advisory Committee, the Graduate Program Committee, and the Department Chair/ Director is required
A completed master’s-level Funding Form must be included with the application

From Doctoral to Master’s (after successful completion of the Qualifying Examination)

The “Application for Transfer to Another Program” must be initiated by the student
Requests are normally approved as a result of the student changing goals/career paths, or for medical/compassionate reasons
Where the student had been admitted to the program with a master’s degree previously completed, the Advisory Committee’s recommendation must demonstrate that the recommended master’s degree is different in focus and content from the original master’s degree
Supporting documentation from the student’s Advisory Committee, the Graduate Program Committee, and the Department Chair/ Director is required.
A master’s-level Funding Form must be included with the application

From Doctoral to Master’s (after 2nd failed attempt to successfully complete the Qualifying Examination or the Final Oral Examination)

No transfer will be permitted
A "Required to Withdraw" notation (RTW) will be entered on the transcript of the student's last PhD/ DVSc registration
In the event that the student wishes to enter the master’s program, the student must apply for admission to that program
Should the student be admitted to the master’s program, he/ she shall be placed in semester 1 of the master’s program
Where the student had been admitted to the program with a with a prior master’s degree, the Advisory Committee’s recommendation must demonstrate that the recommended master’s degree is different in focus and content from the original master’s degree
The master’s degee, if undertaken, must be completely self-contained; the student must complete all the required elements of the program, including required courses, thesis, thesis defence, etc. The Advisory Committee will make a recommendation regarding any credits to be transferred from the incomplete PhD/DVSc
A master’s-level “Funding Form” must be included with the application

From Master’s to Graduate Diploma (Type 1)

An opportunity to transfer from a master’s program to a Graduate Diploma (Type 1) is available only where there is an approved Graduate Diploma (Type 1) program in place for the particular program
In some instances, the Advisory Committee may recommend a transfer to a Graduate Diploma (Type 1) after having determined that the student’s aptitude and/or background preparation for research are not adequate for master’s studies
The “Application for Transfer to Another Program” must be initiated by the student
Students should consult with the Office of Graduate Studies for more information

University of Guelph2015-2016 Graduate Calendar