The candidate will submit a 2-3 page (approximately 1000 words) written summary of their research

plan, and a proposed timeline for the 6-9 months leading to Confirmation of Candidature, to the
supervisory team at least 10 business days prior to the scheduled Pre-CoC meeting.
The written summary must include an overview of the research problem/questions, overview of key
readings/literature, potential methodology/methods for the project, an outline of any anticipated
feasibility issues (e.g., access to a data collection site; software needs), and a brief reference list.
Typically, students who require research ethics approval will submit their applications following the
Confirmation of Candidature review, so that the panel can provide input on the research design prior
to submission. However, in cases where ethics approval will be sought prior to confirmation,
candidates must discuss their ethics application at the Pre-Confirmation of Candidature meeting.
5.5.4 Meeting Format
There is no oral presentation required for the Pre-CoC. Candidates will be asked to discuss their
written submission and timeline with the panel and to address questions during the session.
Supervisory team must attend the meeting, preferably in person though videoconferencing may be
used for those unable to attend in person.
The Pre-CoC meeting will be 60 minutes long and consist of the following structure, with suggested
timing as follows:
1. Discussion among the panelists and candidate – 25 minutes
2. Candidate leaves the room. Supervisors are given an opportunity to discuss with the panel the
candidate’s progress and any issues – 10 minutes
3. Supervisors leave the room. Candidate returns to room. Candidate is given an opportunity to
discuss with the panel their progress and any issues – 10 minutes
4. Candidate leaves the room. Panelists confer on their own, without the candidate or supervisors
present – 5 minutes
5. Supervisors and candidate return to the room. Candidate receives feedback and the proposed
recommendation that the panel will make to the Faculty. Candidate is advised of next steps in relation
to the progress of their research, including work required for Confirmation of Candidature – 10
minutes.

The Panel Chair/Principal Supervisor is responsible for completing the review report during the
meeting, with input from the rest of the panel. The report must contain enough detail on progress to
allow sign-off of the recommendations by the relevant officers. The report must be submitted to the
Graduate Studies office within 10 business days of the meeting.
5.5.5 Pre-Confirmation of Candidature Outcomes
There are two possible outcomes of the Pre-CoC review:
Satisfactory: The candidate has demonstrated a clear plan for the development of a research
proposal and may now move ahead to the Confirmation of Candidature planning stage.
Unsatisfactory: The project plan requires additional development and/or there has been a lack of
timely progress to this stage of candidature. Research Training Statement of Practice: Candidature
Handbook 16
The Candidate, in consultation with the Principal Supervisor will develop an Action Plan within 10
business days of the Pre-Confirmation review meeting. The Action Plan requires endorsement from
the Pre-Confirmation of Candidature Panel Chair.
The candidate is also required to undertake a follow-up progress review. The candidate is required to
work with their supervisory team to prepare for the follow-up meeting, which is to be held within 15
business days of the initial review meeting.
If, after the follow-up review, progress is deemed satisfactory, candidature will continue with the Confirmation
of Candidature review meeting to be held on the usual timeline. If progress is still deemed unsatisfactory after
the follow-up review, the candidate will receive a formal warning and the ‘At Risk’ process will begin.