sfu thesis office

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Thesis and Defence

Keep in mind to submit any forms in the correct signature convention . 

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• Exam Committee

Defence Process

• Thesis Publication Postponement
• Archived Thesis at SFU Library

Composition of   Exam Committee

Exam Committee is not equivalent to Supervisory Committee .

According to General Graduate Regulation  1.2 , supervisory committee helps the student define and develop a program of studies and reports on the student’s progress to the graduate program committee. The supervisory committee forms  part of  the student’s final examination committee.

The examining committee is to ensure that the student receives a fair and rigorous examination and that the University's policies and requirements are met. 

Please ensure you have updated your supervisory committee by  submitting the paperwork  before requesting for defence. Any inconsistency of the exam committee with the supervisory committee WILL CAUSE DELAY in processing the defence request.

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Masters defence exam committee.

According to General Graduate Regulation 1.9.1 , The masters examining committee for examinations shall have the following minimum composition :

• A non-voting chair who is a faculty member at SFU, while is not a member of the student’s supervisory committee.
• All members of the student’s supervisory committee.
• An examiner who is a member of faculty, or a person suitably qualified, who is not a member of the student's supervisory committee. 

PhD Defence Exam Committee

According to General Graduate Regulation  1.9.3 , the PhD examining committee for examinations shall have the following  minimum composition :

• A  non-voting chair  who is a faculty member at SFU, while is not a member of the student’s supervisory committee.
• All members  of the student’s supervisory committee.
• An external examiner who shall be specifically qualified in the field of the thesis and not be a faculty member at SFU.

The minimum composition for the supervisory committee consists  the supervisor (or co-supervisors)  and  at least one committee member  chosen in consultation with the student. The committee member must be internal to Simon Fraser University serving as a faculty member, adjunct professor or research associate. A suitably qualified individual who is not in those positions (eg. professors external to SFU) may be eligible to serve as an additional committee member (i.e. you must have an internal committee member to include an external committee member) . 

Scheduling defence is a rigorous process with lots of deadlines. Please allow at least 3 business days of turnaround time for the graduate program committee chair's signature for any forms. Therefore, we encourage you to include the turnaround time into the deadlines mentioned in this section, or submit any finalized paperwork and forms as soon as they are ready. 

SUBMIT PAPERWORK

If you wish to defend, discuss with your supervisor and the following documents should be  submitted by your supervisor on behalf of you. 

• Form for Masters Defence 
• Form for PhD Defence
• Finalized Version of Student's Thesis for PhD, or Thesis Abstract for MASc
• A full, comprehensive external examiner CV if the examiner is not from SFU; or
• A bio for non-faculty committee members being added
• All research plans involving human or animal subjects must receive ethics approval. Read more on GS' website .
• A project will be scheduled for Research Ethics Board (REB) review only when the Office of Research Ethics (ORE) determines that the information and materials submitted are sufficient to enable the REB to make an informed review of the ethical acceptability of the research.
• The letter should expire after proposed defence date, or else the request will not be approved. 

For MASc students, completed paperwork must be provided to the Graduate Program Assistant  a minimum of 4 weeks  prior to your defence. 

For PhD students, completed paperwork and your thesis must be provided to the Graduate Program Assistant  a minimum of 6 weeks  prior to your defence.

*The deadline for PhD defence is a HARD DEADLINE ; we will need to allow as much time as possible for the external examiner to review the thesis since their participation is voluntary. 

There is no guarantee your request will be approved if the request is submitted less than 4 - 6 weeks prior to your proposed defence date. We encourage you to submit the paperwork early for admirative processing. For more information, please visit GS’s website:  Masters Defence    PhD Defence .

Do not forget to  apply for graduation . The deadline to apply for graduation can be found on  GS's website .

AFTER SUBMITTING THE PAPERWORK

The request will follow the process below:

• Graduate Studies (GS) will the review and approve the request and confirm the thesis is ready to be defended.
• The Graduate Program Assistant will proceed with room booking if the defence is held in-person.
• For PhD defences, GS will distribute the thesis to the exam committee. 
• For MASc defence, the supervisor should distribute the thesis. 
• Graduate Program Assistant will send reminder to exam committee and advertise the defence to the School one week prior to the defence. 

POST DEFENCE

• You will revise your thesis and get approval from your supervisor about the revision completion.
• Your supervisor will sign the  Results, Approval & Degree Recommendation (RAD)  from and return the form to the Graduate Program Assistant for the Graduate program Committee chair's signature. The assistant will send a copy of the signed form to you afterwards.
• You will submit the finalized version of your thesis to the library's  Thesis Registration System by   deadline , along with the RAD form. For the Fall term, the deadline is the last working day before the holiday closure (usually December 23 or 24) at 12 noon (PST). 

PREPARING THE RAD

• The RAD form will be prepared and send to the exam committee chair by the Graduate Program Assistant prior to the defence.
• The student completed the defence. The exam committee shall provide comments to the student thesis and vote for the result.
• The  exam committee chair shall collect the signatures of all exam committee members  during the defence on the RAD form "examination result" section, then  return the signed form to student's supervisor . 
• The  supervisor  shall sign under "approval & degree recommendation" section and send the RAD to Graduate Program Assistant at  [email protected] .
• The Graduate Program Assistant will return the RAD form signed by the graduate program committee chair to the supervisor and the student.
• The student makes the subsequent changes to the thesis with the exam committee's comments and submit the finalized thesis.

As per the Library and Graduate Studies' update, the graduate program committee chair's signature is NOW REQUIRED upon students' thesis submission. 

For assistance with defence procedures, please email the Graduate Program Assistant at  [email protected] .

Thesis publication postponement 

A  postponement  will delay the inclusion of a thesis in the institutional repository for a period of 12 months from the end of the term in which the thesis is submitted to the Library, in order to protect confidential commercial information, patentable material, pending application, or where immediate commercial publication in a restrictive venue is anticipated. 

A postponement request should be made in writing at least 30 days  prior  to submission of the thesis to the Library.  The submission process and timeline remains the same, however, a copy of the thesis or project shall not be made available in the Library institutional repository during the restricted period.

In order to receive a postponement, please complete the  Thesis postponement of publication request form  and email it to  [email protected] . If approved, this form needs to be included in your submission to the library thesis registration system and “Postponement being requested” must be selected to “yes.” Please also email  [email protected]  with your approved postponement form attached so that the library can set the postponement.

Note: If these steps are not followed, your thesis will be published and accessible online.

• Library Catalogue

Formatting your thesis: Required formatting standards and organization

The Library's Theses Office assists with formatting theses, projects and extended essays for submission to the Library and for publication. You are encouraged to use the Library's thesis template to help format your thesis.

If your document uses non-standard formatting and fonts, you are encouraged to contact the Theses Office early in the writing process.

Formatting standards and details

• Overall layout and specifications
• Declaration of Committee page
• Footnotes / endnotes
• Tables, figures, & illustrations
• Appendices & supplemental material
• File Format

If your thesis includes reproductions of copyrighted material (e.g., maps, figures, diagrams), you must in most cases obtain permission to use this material from the copyright owner. See the Copyright and your Thesis FAQ  for more information.

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School of Criminology

In memory of Robert M. Gordon

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The School of Criminology is deeply saddened to announce the passing of professor emeritus Robert Gordon on April 25, 2024. Rob was a key figure in shaping the School as it is today and his contributions will be felt for years to come.

Known affectionally by some as “the captain”, Rob held several pivotal roles during his time at Simon Fraser University, including a six-year stint as associate dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), and 15 years as the director of the School of Criminology . He was also a founding director of the International Cybercrime Research Centre , co-founder of the Centre for Restorative Justice, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Institute for Forensic Research.

As associate dean, Rob was instrumental in the start-up of the FASS One program for first-year students and shepherded the creation of the Department of World Languages and Literatures . He also designed, implemented and directed the University’s highly-renowned Master of Arts in Applied Legal Studies program.

Outside SFU, Rob was a consultant to different levels of government in Canada and beyond, serving on advisory boards and panels dealing with a range of legal and criminal issues, such as adult guardianship, adult protection, and mental health law. Rob worked tirelessly for many years in drafting legislation in B.C., Yukon, and other Canadian jurisdictions, as well as working on similar reforms in Eastern Europe on behalf of the Council of Europe. In 2013, the Governor General of Canada awarded him the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his work on these issues.

He was also a prolific writer, having authored numerous books, book chapters, journal articles, and official reports on youth crime and youth gangs, adult guardianship law, adult protection law, health law, the abuse and neglect of the elderly, and restorative justice. He was a member of several professional associations including the American Society of Criminology and the Western Society of Criminology .

Well-known as British Columbia’s go-to expert for analysis on crime and policing, Rob became a sought-after voice for all major Canadian and international news outlets over the years. Whether he was out on his tractor or taking a well-deserved vacation, Rob was always quick to pick up the phone or return an email when a reporter contacted him. With more than 1,500 media mentions, he received his first SFU Newsmaker Award in 2007 and a Lifetime Achievement Award later in 2023 .

Although he will be deeply missed, Rob Gordon's contributions to the School of Criminology and Simon Fraser University will keep his spirit alive. We extend our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to professor Gordon's family and friends during this difficult time.

Tribute messages

The memory of Robert Gordon will be cherished by those who knew him, including his colleagues, students, and friends. If you wish to share a message of condolence, please send an email to  [email protected]

It is with deep and heartfelt sadness that I learned of the passing of Dr. Rob Gordon. While Rob was a great scholar, commentator and a person who provided great service to SFU, what I will remember most about Rob was the great down-to-earth human being he was. Rob was a great friend to me and the SFU Surrey campus. In meetings and gatherings, he would make us laugh, he would hold us accountable and he would pat you on the back when he saw a job well done. Rob may be gone but his legacy and influence will forever be with me.

Steve Dooley, Executive Director, SFU Surrey.

Though I only knew Professor Gordon superficially, his kindness, warmth and sincerity were immediately palpable. His vocational and allied accomplishments speak for themselves. Certainly, his rich legacy and proactive ambitions live on in those many students and colleagues whose studies and work he helped shape and enrich.

Gary Brown, former SFU Distance Education student

I had the good fortune of knowing Rob when we were fledgeling graduate students in sociology at the University of British Columbia in the early 1980s. I was amazed that he could fit his frame into a tiny midget MG sports car!  There was more amazement to follow. 

Rob demonstrated his leadership skills throughout the program, whether representing the departmental graduate students’ association, standing on principle for students, staff and students alike, encouraging us by example, and generous sharing of his time and skills.  He and I were office mates, drawing on one another’s humour, problem-solving, and shared commitment to seeing this doctoral program through.

We had a good fortune of securing tenure-track positions at SFU, thereby continuing our close friendship as colleagues from any decades. Once again, Rob stepped up as a leader in many roles, most significantly IMHO as a longtime Director of the School of Criminology. Devoted husband, father, colleague and friend, he has left a formidable legacy for the School and many other sectors. I will miss his friendship and comradeship. 

Brian Burtch, professor emeritus, Criminology, and former associate member, Gender, Sexuality, and Women Studies, SFU 

Rob Gordon was a force to be reckoned with in so many ways. In addition to being a dedicated teacher, prolific scholar and omnipresent media commentator, he was a major contributor to the life of SFU in his multiple roles as an academic administrator, member of the Senate and other bodies, and institutional sage. As President, I could always count on Rob for insight and advice which he dispensed with good humour and generosity. And while he took it upon himself to jokingly refer to me as “boss,” I never doubted who in the university truly merited the right to be called “captain.” 

Andrew Petter, CM, OBC, KC, president emeritus, professor emeritus, School of Public Policy, Simon Fraser University

I send my condolences to Rob’s family, friends and colleagues. I worked with him for many years when I was dean and vice-president academic, and he contributed so much to SFU. Beyond his research and teaching he gave his time selflessly to collegial governance of the School of Criminology and FASS, as well as his work in Senate. He was very influential in developing and administering policy in areas of student discipline. Rob exemplified SFU’s commitment to the broader community and it sometimes seemed that he was CBC’s resident broadcaster on crime.

Rob was a wonderful person to work with. He was thoughtful and thorough and tried to see all sides of an issue. His kindness shone through his rather gruff exterior. He had a great sense of humour and approached running a university with a twinkle in his eye and a kindly mockery of the foibles of senior administrators.

Jon Driver, professor emeritus, Department of Archaeology

I am so sorry to hear of Rob Gordon’s passing, and my heartful condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues and all those whose lives he touched. Over the years I relied on Rob’s wise counsel, and I was fortunate enough to work on the foundation he laid across so many programs and activities in FASS. Rob had a way of cutting to the heart of an issue (there is NO space), but always with humour and never unkindly. Rob was also a leader in my hometown, New Westminster, where his legacy lives on various civic and charitable organizations. Cheers Rob, and thank you.

Peter Hall, vice-provost and associate vice-president, academic, professor of urban studies, SFU

As the director of the then-World Literature Program and the founding Chair of WLL, I benefited from Associate Dean Gordon’s support over several years. Without his ongoing help in merging the Language Training Institute and the World Literature Program, we wouldn’t have the lovely department we have today. His support was invaluable to the department, and to me personally, and I’ll never forget it.

Melek Ortabasi, associate dean, undergraduate programs, teaching and learning, and student experience, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Such a loss. I can only fathom the amount of students and colleagues that feel this. I can still remember his voice so clearly and the accompanying eyebrow lift. He trusted my abilities, my intelligence and my commitment to the school. For that, I am forever grateful. Condolences to family and friends. His light will never dim and his voice echoing wisdom and confidence never waiver.

Jacqueline Faubert, PhD Crim

I was very saddened and shocked to learn of Rob Gordon's death. The notion of a world without Rob in it had never occurred to me, to be honest.

Always larger than life, Rob made a big impression when we first met at one of the annual gatherings of the Western deans' group. We had many memorable conversations over the years, particularly around the never-dull topic of academic integrity.

My condolences to Rob's friends and family. I had not seen him in a while and now I'm really going to miss him.

Julia Denholm, dean, Lifelong Learning, Simon Fraser University 

Rob Gordon was a true character. You sensed his presence when he entered a room. Larger than life, with piercing eyes, Rob was a man of great impression. During meetings and discussions, Rob was candid and pragmatic yet respectful and personable. Some individuals were ruffled by his no-nonsense, honest approach. When placed in command, he was an outstanding "Captain" navigating many stormy seas and troubled waters with ease. The School of Criminology was very fortunate to have him at the helm for so many years.

He gave so much of his time and energy into fostering positive change.  Rob really put his heart into the organization and.....into people. He cared. His influence was great and I know he will missed by many.

Rick Parent, police officer and associate professor (ret.), School of Criminology

I am saddened to hear of Rob Gordon’s passing. I first met him while I was a visiting professor of criminology at SFU in the early 1980s. He asked me to supervise a reading course in the Sociology of Law for his Ph.D. program. I happily did and realized that a student with his intelligence, wit, great social skills and ambition would do very well in his subsequent career.  He hit the ball out of the park in his career as a scholar, leader and someone concerned about connecting academics with real-world change and social justice. Over the decades I have had the good fortune to get together with him and it was always a delight.  He will be sorely missed by many.

Chuck Reasons, professor emeritus, Law and Justice, Central Washington University

Rob and I met when we were 16 years old and joined the Metropolitan Police cadets in London, UK, an educational and apprentice program for policing. We trained together and, at 19 years old, we became constables on the streets of London. He was stationed in North London, and I was in the centre of town.  We met frequently to chat about our lives as young constables dealing with the rigours of London in the 60s.

After a few years, I decided to move to Vancouver and joined the Vancouver Police Department. Robert departed the UK to join the Hong Kong Police. Discretion, and self-preservation, being the better part of valour, he moved on to Australia and joined the Melbourne Police. Our discussions of policing now broadened to an international perspective.

Our lives continued a parallel course. Rob left the police and attended Monash University in Melbourne and I moved on to UBC, Cambridge, and Sheffield Universities.

On one of our international chats, he spoke of the desire to move. I described the many attractions of Vancouver and the then-somewhat-new Simon Fraser University with its Criminology Department. He applied and was accepted. 

Rob and I spent many hours hiking in the North Shore mountains. Our frequent stops were because of laughter rather than the gruelling terrain. They were fun times.

These were the early days of police research and governance of police. Our more cerebral moments were spent on discussion of how policing could be enhanced; how the police could be made part of the weft and weave of the community, to support public safety.   

I would like to think that these early discussions as young constables in London and, decades later, as we hiked, laid the foundation for Rob’s stellar academic career.  His collegial approach and his observations and insights on policing issues will be missed.

Keith Taylor

I was so saddened to hear of Rob’s passing and send condolences to his family and friends. Rob made a huge contribution in the early days of SFU Surrey in developing programs and also organizing community lectures and events. I was glad we awarded him a 2023 Newsmaker of the Year which should have happened earlier given his responsiveness and dedication in responding to media requests and making himself available.  Rob had great presence but didn’t take himself too seriously with a twinkle in his eye and a sense of humour. He will be missed.

Joanne Curry , VP External Relations

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Graduate Profile: Crow Stacy, MDiv '24

Favorite Class or Professor 

There are two professors that have made an immense impact on me.  

Dr. Catherine Brekus, my thesis advisor, who I also took three classes under. Being under her tutelage and mentorship has been an incredible honor and privilege. I deeply admire her as an ""old school"" academic who was strict and held me to a high standard, but was also encouraging, compassionate, and facilitated scholarly growth in me that I never imagined would have been possible. Dr. Brekus is both an incredible scholar and a wonderful human being who is an indispensable good to not only Harvard, but her community and country. The working and professional relationship I had with her was superb, and she truly is in a league of her own as a historian.  

Dr. Gina Zurlo, who I believe is one of the greatest rising stars in academia, had a class about women in world Christianity that changed me not only professionally, but personally. She facilitated a class where so many intellectually invigorating discussions were had, and one where everyone became close and very friendly with one another. I loved stopping by her office during office hours just to have conversations, as well as cooking meals and baked goods for her and my classmates in that class. Because of Dr. Zurlo and that class, I walked away not only learning about a myriad of women's issues as they relate to Christianity across the globe, but I even changed a few of my own views as well. I will forever be grateful for having her as a professor. These are two incredible women I owe so much to, and praise be to God for having had the privilege and opportunity to work with and learn from both of them. 

Message of Thanks  

Firstly, I would like to thank Virgen de Guadalupe, for being the greatest Mother I could ever have asked for, who has help me close, loved me, and remembered every tear I've cried. As she said to Juan Diego, ""No tengas miedo. ¿No estoy yo aquí, que soy tu Madre?"" 

I want to express gratitude for my friends and classmates who have been patient with me, and everyone who's given me the privilege of baking or cooking for them. Cooking for someone is how I show love, and I sincerely am overjoyed to have been able to feed and treat so many people to meals and baked goods made with so much love.  

Community is a vital aspect of the human experience, and my friends here have been so loving, gentle, compassionate, and patient. The HDS community has helped me grow and made me a better person, strengthened my faith, and were patient with me as I improved on my shortcomings and had bad days, showing me the beauty of grace. 

What I Hope to Be Remembered By 

I hope to be remembered as a whole person, both the good and bad aspects of myself. I see myself as a flawed and troubled person who always tries to live the values of boundless compassion and unconditional forgiveness, which are the guiding virtues of my day-to-day life. I want to be remembered as someone who made people feel as if they mattered, because they do. I regularly prayed for and cooked for my classmates, and often gave a listening ear if they needed, no matter who they were or how close I was to them, because love and compassion should always be unconditional. 

I also want to be remembered for my vociferous opposition to capital punishment, and I pray without ceasing that there will come a day where this country, the United States, no longer executes people.  

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