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Knowledge exchange

Memorial, St. Francis Xavier launch collaborative Atlantic agreement

Teaching and Learning

By Jennifer Batten

Students completing master’s programs at St. Francis Xavier University will have the opportunity to enrol in doctoral programs at Memorial University and benefit from a model of joint supervision, thanks to a new agreement between the two universities.

Students accepted into doctoral programs at Memorial under the new agreement will benefit from the expertise and knowledge of supervisors at both institutions, which will enrich the academic experience for all and facilitate increased access and exposure to diverse approaches to research and scholarly activity.

From left are Dr. Richard Isnor and Dr. Aimée Surprenant.
From left are Dr. Richard Isnor and Dr. Aimée Surprenant.
Photo: Chris Hammond

“This collaboration will enable productive academic and research collaborations between Memorial and St. Francis Xavier University,” said Dr. Aimée Surprenant, dean, School of Graduate Studies at Memorial. “I am confident that the agreement will enrich the academic experience for graduate students across disciplines and help us build strong research connections.”

Eligible students may be admitted to doctoral programs beginning in September 2016. Interested students should discuss the possibility of doctoral studies at Memorial with identified co-supervisors at both universities and consult with graduate officers in the relevant unit at Memorial prior to applying. Once there is agreement on a project and start date, graduate students at St. Francis Xavier can apply to Memorial for admission to a doctoral program under Memorial’s normal procedures and timelines.

“It will also help to provide additional pathways and opportunities for students pursuing graduate studies in the Atlantic region through the collaboration of our two institutions.” –Dr. Richard Isnor

“This new agreement will help to strengthen the possibilities for research collaboration between St. Francis Xavier University and Memorial University through joint supervision and training of PhD students,” said Dr. Richard Isnor, associate vice-president, research and graduate studies at St. Francis Xavier University. “It will also help to provide additional pathways and opportunities for students pursuing graduate studies in the Atlantic region through the collaboration of our two institutions.”

Recruiting excellent doctoral students aligns with the goals of Memorial’s Strategic Research Intensity Plan and Enrolment Plan.

The memorandum of understanding was signed June 21 at Memorial’s St. John’s campus and will last for a period of three years with the possibility of renewal.

For more information, please contact Andrew Kim, director, graduate enrolment services at Memorial University.


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