Non-Traditional Theses

1. Build a Supportive and Aligned Committee

• Work with your supervisor to select committee members who understand and value interdisciplinary, community-based, creative, or non-traditional approaches.
• Confirm early that committee members are familiar with — or willing to engage with — the methods and outputs of your work.

2. Understand Academic Rigour and Evaluation

• Work with your supervisor and program to define clear, appropriate evaluation criteria for your thesis format and methods.
• Review guidance from the Faculty of Graduate Studies Non-Traditional Thesis page on expectations, rigour, and acceptable formats.
• Ensure that your methods and outputs demonstrate contribution to knowledge, critical analysis, and scholarly merit.

3. Prepare for Defence

• Review the official Thesis Defence Process, including procedures for examinations, conflict of interest, and committee conduct.
• Recognize what supervisory harm might look like (e.g., misunderstanding non-traditional work, inappropriate standards, or gatekeeping) and know available supports if issues arise.
• Practice articulating the academic contributions of your work in language that will be legible to your examination committee.

Evaluation and Defence Resources:

Supervision Best Practices: