Graduate education at the University of Calgary is evolving, shaped by ambition, collaboration and a shared commitment to excellence.
The Faculty of Graduate Studies’ 2026–2030 Action Plan outlines how we will strengthen the graduate student experience and advance our collective impact over the next five years. Grounded in the university’s Ahead of Tomorrow strategy and informed by extensive consultation, the plan focuses on meaningful supports, innovative programs, strong partnerships and a clear path forward.
Together, we are creating the conditions for graduate students, faculty and staff to thrive, now and into the future.
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FGS Purpose Statement
Graduate students are at the centre of our purpose. FGS leads the campus graduate community in shaping graduate education and building awareness of the vital role graduate students play in research, innovation and society. In collaboration with our campus partners, we enable the delivery of high-quality programs and credentials, providing resources, opportunities and guidance that support the success, well-being and professional growth of graduate students, faculty and staff.
Our mandate at the University of Calgary
As the Faculty of registration for all graduate students, FGS has accountability for providing both academic leadership and administrative services, supports and resources for graduate education university-wide. Our leadership ensures effective governance, quality, innovation, and service integration are at the forefront, resulting in strong outcomes for UCalgary graduate students.
Why this matters
This Action Plan reflects a shared commitment to building a graduate experience that is coordinated, accessible and designed for success.
“Graduate education is a shared effort. Together, we are strengthening our community to better support students, advance innovation and create a graduate experience that stands out nationally.”
Tara Beattie, PhD Dean and Vice-Provost, Graduate Studies
Our core values
Collaboration
We work together to achieve shared goals
Healthy Culture
We foster trust, respect and open communication
Inclusivity
We create environments where everyone feels valued and empowered
Leading Accountably
We lead with integrity and transparency
Innovation
We generate new ideas to enhance the graduate experience
Service Excellence
We provide clear, responsive and effective support
Our priorities
We’re focused on strengthening every stage of the student and graduate experience through clear, high-impact priorities that advance our academic mission. By enhancing supports, modernizing systems and investing in quality and innovation, we aim to create an environment where our community can thrive. Our priorities outline the key areas that will guide our work as we continue to elevate the graduate student journey and empower future success.
What we heard
Through consultations across the graduate education community, several priorities emerged:
A stronger focus on engagement and collaboration
A clear, forward-looking vision for graduate education
Simpler, more streamlined systems and processes
A desire to stand out as a leading institution
Increased support for funding, supervision and student services
How we will deliver
Over the next five years, we will focus on: