Dean's Message
Welcome to the Faculty of Graduate Studies
KPU is today building our graduate school. It will be reflective of the unique nature of this academic community – polytechnic, just and, to use our namesake, tireless. I hope that you see on the Graduate Degree Studies Policy and in our actions our deep commitment to expanding access not only to superlative Masters programming, but also to a wider set of academic experiences, forms of knowledge, and voices. Inspired by the teachings of First Nations leaders KPU’s Faculty of Graduate Studies began with a deep commitment to a decolonial approach to graduate education – less about supervision and defence, and more about bold journeys taken together – journeys that will weave rich connections between community and university. This will be a long and challenging experience but it is, quite certainly, worthwhile. We need your help.
David P. Burns, Ph.D.
Associate Vice President, Academic
Dean, pro tem, Faculty of Graduate Studies
Establishing Faculty of Graduate Studies at KPU
Section 47.1 of the University Act stipulates that Special Purpose Teaching Universities are to provide, inter alia, academic programs leading to certificates, diplomas, baccalaureate and master's degrees that meet the needs of the region and beyond. KPU currently offers two graduate diplomas (Global Business Management, Green Business Management and Sustainability) and one graduate certificate (Sustainable Food Systems and Security).
The Office of the Provost and Vice-President, Academic undertook the initiative to propose the establishment of a Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) at KPU, as the University develops the program proposal for its first master’s degree, Master of Operations and Supply Chain Management, in 2024.
On April 22, 2024, Senate recommended that the Board of Governors approve the establishment of the Faculty of Graduate Studies at KPU, effective September 1, 2024.
On May 22, 2024, the Board of Governors approved the establishment of the Faculty of Graduate Studies at KPU, effective September 1, 2024.
You can read the Faculty of Graduate Studies Full written proposal here.
Contact Us
For inquiries related to graduate studies at KPU, please contact us at graduatestudies@kpu.ca
Graduate Studies at KPU
The Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) at KPU is a centre for collaboration with and between existing Faculties to develop and support master’s programs. Master’s studies at KPU will be applied, polytechnic and interdisciplinary, uniquely positioned to serve the diverse needs of our community and industry. The FGS is envisioned to be a crucial site to recognize and include Indigenous and Black, People of Colour knowledges, epistemologies and pedagogies in pursuit of decolonization, reconciliation, anti-racism, equity and inclusion. The teachings of our host Nations’ leaders are the guiding values of graduate studies at KPU: to cultivate connectedness, reciprocity and community and provide education that is open-ended, non-confrontational, non-judgmental and nurturing.
Policy AC5 Graduate Degree Studies, a foundation and guiding vision for the FGS, details the vision, mission and values of graduate Studies at KPU.
Policies, Procedures and General Regulations
Graduate Studies General Regulations
- Currently under consultation and development to be approved by Senate in fall 2025/spring 2026
Policies and Procedures
Student Related Policies and Procedures:
- AC4 Student Evaluation and Grading / Procedure
- AC6 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) / Procedure
- AC14 KPU Credential Framework / Procedure
- AR2 Admission / Procedure
- RS1 Research Involving Human Participants / Procedure
- RS2 Integrity in Research and Scholarship / Procedure
- RS5 Intellectual Property / Procedure
- SR14 Sexual Violence and Misconduct / Procedure
- ST2 Student Academic Integrity / Procedure
- ST3 Grade Appeals / Procedure
- ST7 Student Conduct (Non-Academic) / Procedure
- ST12 Academic Renewal / Procedure
- ST13 Course Withdrawal / Procedure
Policies and Procedures related to program development:
Policies and Procedures related to minimum qualifications for faculty:
For a list of KPU Policies and Procedures that apply to all students and Senate-approved programs, please visit KPU’s Bylaws and Policies webpage.
For questions related to Policies and Procedures at KPU, please contact policy@kpu.ca
Governance
Graduate Studies Council Bylaws
The Graduate Studies Council Bylaws were approved by Senate on October 21, 2024.