school of health and human performance …...for the honours program must complete hahp 3100 prior...

School of Health and

Human Performance

Guidelines for Honours in

Health Promotion, and

Recreation and Leisure Studies

2015-2016 Academic Year

June 2015

2

Approved, HPRO Meeting, April, 2005; Recreation Meeting January 2012

Revisions Approved June 2009; February 2011; May 2013; July 2014; May 2015

Table of Contents

GUIDELINES FOR HONOURS IN HEALTH PROMOTION AND RECREATION/LEISURE

STUDIES ........................................................................................................................................ 3

HONOURS REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN THE BSC

(HEALTH PROMOTION) AND BSC (RECREATION) AND BSC (RECREATION

MANAGEMENT) PROGRAMS ................................................................................................... 4

ADVANCED STANDING ............................................................................................................. 5

HONOURS CONVERSION PROGRAM ...................................................................................... 5

HONOURS ROLES AND PROCESSES ....................................................................................... 6

(A) The Honours Supervisor ....................................................................................................... 6

(B) Honours Thesis ..................................................................................................................... 6

(C) Financial, Technical, Equipment And Space Support For Thesis Projects .......................... 8

(D) Expectations Of Students ..................................................................................................... 8

(E) Expectations Of The Honours Supervisor ............................................................................ 8

(F) Expectations Of The Honours Coordinator .......................................................................... 9

(G) The Schedule ....................................................................................................................... 9

(H) Thesis Format ..................................................................................................................... 13

(I) Evaluation Components ....................................................................................................... 13

STUDENT GUIDE TO THE HONOURS THESIS ..................................................................... 14

HONOURS PROGRAM TIME LINE SUMMARY (STUDENTS) ............................................ 17

SUPERVISOR’S GUIDE TO THE HONOURS THESIS ........................................................... 20

APPENDICES .............................................................................................................................. 24

A. Application Checklist ........................................................................................................... 24

B. Health Promotion or Recreation Honours Application ........................................................ 24

C. Health Promotion or Recreation Honours Conversion Application..................................... 24

D. Health Promotion or Recreation Honours Thesis Agreement ............................................. 24

E. Time Line ............................................................................................................................. 24

F. Reader’s Agreement ............................................................................................................. 24

G. Financial, Technical, Equipment and Space Support Required Form ................................. 24

H. Health Promotion or Recreation Honours Thesis Progress Report ...................................... 24

I. Health Promotion Advanced Standing ................................................................................ 24

J. Recreation/Leisure Studies Advanced Standing .................................................................. 24

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School of Health and Human Performance

GUIDELINES FOR HONOURS IN HEALTH PROMOTION AND

RECREATION/LEISURE STUDIES

The Honours Program

The Honours Program is an independent research project, conducted under the supervision of a

permanent faculty member (including Limited Term Appointments) from the respective

programs and under the administrative direction of the School of Health and Human

Performance (HAHP) Health Promotion/Recreation Honours Coordinator. The purpose of the

Honours program is to allow students to design and implement their first complete research

project.

The Honours program consists of 6 credit hours of course work.

Winter term (4101): The first 3 credit hours are taken as HPRO/LEIS 4101 (Advanced

Research Methods/Honours Research Proposal hereafter referred to as 4101). During this

course, students:

Develop their research question and complete all elements of the research proposal.

Normally, this consists of the first three chapters of the Honours Thesis: Chapter One – The

Introduction; Chapter 2, the Literature Review; and Chapter 3, Research Methodology.

Attend or present at 2 research seminars, either as part of the HAHP graduate series or any

outside seminars (such as Crossroads) approved by the Honours Coordinator.

Present their Honours research proposal twice, the first time in 4101 under the direction of

the course instructor and a second time at the Crossroads Conference organized by HAHP

graduate students.

Late Spring: Following successful completion of 4101, in the Spring of the academic year,

students with their research supervisor, prepare and submit the Research Ethics Proposal to the

HAHP Ethics Committee. Once ethical approval has been received the ethics proposal is sent to

the Dalhousie Research Ethics Board appropriate for their research project. Ethics approval must

be received by August 1 for the students to register for the Fall course HPRO/LEIS 4102

(hereafter referred to as 4102 -Honours Thesis).

Fall term (4102): The final 3 credit hours of course work are taken as 4102 (Honours Thesis).

This course functions as an independent study with the faculty supervisor, under the

administrative direction of the Honours Coordinator. During this course students:

Gather and analyze their data as well as discuss their findings through the formal completion

of the Honours thesis. The final thesis incorporates an updated version of the first three

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chapters from the Honours proposal as well as the results and a discussion of the results

sections of their Honours project.

Attend several classes/seminars organized by the Health Promotion/Recreation Honours

Coordinator.

Present their Honours thesis as a poster to the School at a time arranged by the Health

promotion/Recreation Honours Coordinator.

Attend at least two research seminars (this may include an academic conference or the

regular HAHP graduate seminar series). The Honours Coordinator must approve seminars

outside those normally held at the university.

Winter/Spring final year: Students are encouraged to present their Honours thesis at the

Dalhousie Crossroads Conference.

HONOURS REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS CURRENTLY

ENROLLED IN THE BSC (HEALTH PROMOTION) AND BSC

(RECREATION) AND BSC (RECREATION MANAGEMENT)

PROGRAMS

Students wishing to be considered for entrance into the Honours Program must meet the

minimum requirements listed below. Acceptance to the program after meeting these

requirements will depend on a program faculty member being willing to supervise the honours

thesis. The Honours Coordinator decides final acceptance.

1. Completed a minimum 75 credit hours towards his/her undergraduate degree. Normally

students will have completed 5 semesters prior to beginning the honours component of

their program.

NOTE: Transfer students’ credits will be assessed on an individual basis.

2. Obtained a GPA of 3.5 based on the previous 45 credit hours of work.

3. Completed HAHP 3100 with a minimum grade of B. Students wishing to be considered

for the honours program must complete HAHP 3100 prior to commencing the honours

program, normally in the first semester of the third year of the program.

4. Completed a 3000 level or higher HPRO/Leis course most related to the area of research.

5. Completed the Financial, Technical, Equipment, and Space Support Form indicating the

financial needs of the thesis can be met.

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Placement of Honours Course in Undergraduate Programs

The 6 credit hours of Honours courses are part of the 120 credit hours required for the respective

Bachelors degree.

In Health Promotion:

Community Health Promotion Stream: These 6 credit hours replace 6 credit hours of

open or health-related electives.

Research and Policy Stream: 4101 is already a program requirement. 4102 replaces any

open or health-related elective.

In Recreation and Leisure: The 6 credit hours may be attributed as open electives or as

recreation-related courses.

ADVANCED STANDING

Undergraduate students are eligible to take a maximum of two graduate courses in the final year

of their Honours program. These courses count towards BOTH the undergraduate degree and the

Dalhousie Leisure Studies or Health Promotion Master of Arts degrees. See Appendix I for

Health Promotion eligibility (p. 34) and Appendix J (p. 35) for Recreation Honours eligibility.

HONOURS CONVERSION PROGRAM

Students who have completed their degree and who wish to complete the 6 credit hour Honours

program may do so as an Honours Conversion student. Honours Conversion students must work

with a faculty member for this project and must secure permission from the faculty member prior

to entering the Honours Conversion program. All regulations in this manual pertaining to the

Honours program apply to Honours Conversion students.

Students wishing to be considered for entrance into the Honours Conversion Program must meet

the minimum requirements listed below. Acceptance to the program after meeting these

requirements will depend on a program faculty member being willing to supervise the honours

thesis. The Honours Coordinator determines final acceptance

1. Obtained a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better on the final 90 credit hours of the respective

program

2. Completed HAHP 3100 with a minimum grade of B.

3. Completed a 3000 level or higher of a respective program course most related to the area

of research.

4 Completed the Financial, Technical, Equipment, and Space Support Form indicating the

financial needs of the thesis can be met.

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HONOURS ROLES AND PROCESSES

(A) The Honours Supervisor

The honours thesis is to be an original piece of research designed and conducted by a student

under the supervision of a program area faculty member*. It is the responsibility of the individual

student to find a supervisor under whose direction their research project can be performed. If a

proposed project requires the cooperation or direct supervision of a person or agency outside the

program area, a program area faculty member must first agree to be the official supervisor of the

project. That faculty member, not the outside person or agency, is fully responsible for the

content of the project and for assigning grades, as outlined below.

Note: Faculty members with one year limited term appointments (July to June) must co-

supervise with a regular program area faculty member to ensure continuity of the research

project; those with longer appointments must co-supervise in the final year of their contracts.

Changing supervisors: Honours students are highly discouraged from changing supervisors after

submitting their Honours application. Should a student choose to change to a new supervisor,

this change must be finalized prior to the beginning of the 4101 course. Any student

contemplating a change of supervisor should contact the Honours Coordinator to discuss this.

*SUPERVISORS EXTERNAL TO THE PROGRAM AREA

In rare circumstances, a supervisor may be external to the program area. In this instance, the

Honours Coordinator will assign a supervisor-of-record (a co-supervisor) from within the

respective program area. The co-supervisor conveys supervisory requirements to the external

supervisor. The external supervisor submits a grade in consultation with the internal co-

supervisor. The external supervisor may attend the final supervisors’ meeting via speaker

telephone if he/she is unable to attend in person.

(B) Honours Thesis

The scope of the work conducted in the honours thesis may vary considerably, depending on the

nature of the subject matter and the student’s previous experience of research in this area. The

common feature expected in all theses is that the work represents an original study. An original

study is interpreted as one that has the objective of providing new knowledge to a given field.

Repeating work using advanced techniques, better research designs, or other innovative methods

to increase our knowledge of a subject would qualify. Literature reviews or theoretical papers1

do not, typically, qualify as theses, although each may be included in a thesis report. If a student

1 Under exceptional circumstances where a student might have greater knowledge and comprehension about a given

field than is normally found in undergraduates, a theoretical paper could be done.

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is in doubt as to whether a proposed project is appropriate, she or he should consult with the

faculty supervisor at an early stage of planning.

The Honours project will involve enrollment in two courses: 4101 to develop a proposal. Upon

successful completion of 4101 and before enrollment in 4102 the student completes the Ethics

application. The project must receive ethical approval from both the HAHP Ethics Committee

and the appropriate Dalhousie Research Ethics Board, by August 1, to be eligible to enroll in

4102. The student enrolls in 4102 (Honours thesis) to complete the study. Normally students

will complete 4102 as an independent study with their Honours Supervisor.

Note: If after completion of 4101 you decide you do not wish to continue with your

Honours project, you will still receive course credit for 4101 as either an open or

health/recreation-related elective.

Because of the expected scope and nature of an honours thesis, students will have to work

diligently throughout the calendar year in order to achieve an acceptable standard for the thesis.

It is very unlikely that a high quality thesis can be developed and executed in the last few months

of the academic term. The schedule described on pp. 10-12 will encourage work on the thesis

project throughout the year. It is expected that the work associated with an honours thesis

approximates that required for a full credit course.

It is the joint responsibility of the thesis supervisor and student to ensure that the proposed

research project can be completed within this time frame. Honours students should discuss

carefully with their supervisor the scope of their Honours projects to ensure these are

manageable given the limited timeframe for completion of Honours.

The supervisor and student should also agree on alternative plans should circumstances arise

which prevent the original contract from being fulfilled.

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the Honours Coordinator is fully

informed about any problems that develop during the course of the study that may result in

the contract not being met.

In the event that a problem cannot be resolved through the Honours Coordinator (if for

example, the Honours Supervisor is also the Honours Coordinator), the student is directed to

consult with the Respective Division Head or if that person is one of the above parties, with

the Director of HAHP.

The student must complete an Honours Thesis Agreement form with the supervisor before the

end of January in the year that the thesis is being undertaken. This contract should include the

title of the thesis, description of the proposed project and a time schedule for the completion of

each phase of the project.

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(C) Financial, Technical, Equipment And Space Support For Thesis Projects

It is the responsibility of the research supervisor to provide or arrange for financial support for

the project of any student she or he agrees to supervise. When the supervisor is not able to secure

such financial support, the student may choose to fund the project him/herself. Otherwise the

project will not proceed.

(D) Expectations of Students

All students are expected to:

1. Work independently.

2. Meet with their supervisor on a regular basis.

3. Spend an average of 6 hours per week on the project throughout the academic terms in

addition to time required for the Ethics submission.

4. Attend seminars organized by the Honours Coordinator.

5. Present in or attend two research seminars/events each academic term.

(E) Expectations of the Honours Supervisor

The following section has been adapted from University of Toronto document on

Graduate student supervision (University of Toronto, 2008).

The supervisor should provide guidance on the progress of the research and the standards

expected. Good supervisory practice includes the following:

1. Guiding the student in the selection and planning of an original research topic that can be

successfully completed within the expected time frame.

2. Establishing with the student a realistic timeline for completion of various phases of the

program.

3. Providing students with realistic times for provision of feedback and ensuring student

adheres to the timetable.

4. Ensuring that students have an understanding of the relevant theories and the

methodological and technical skills necessary for the research, including provision of

information through an ethical review process where applicable.

5. Being accessible to give advice and provide feedback.

6. Making arrangements to ensure continuity of supervision during leaves or an extended

period of absence.

7. Ensuring that the research environment is safe, equitable, and free from harassment and

discrimination.

8. Avoiding personal or business relationships that may constitute a conflict of interest.

9. Being honest with the student when academic performance is not meeting expectations.

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Students sometimes experience personal difficulties. These can include family difficulties,

problems in personal relationships, cultural adjustments, financial pressures, and problems

associated with employment. The importance of these various problems should not be under-

emphasized.

(F) Expectations of the Honours Coordinator

1. Oversees the process of Honours students’ programs including acceptance into the

Honours program, organizing the proposal and final thesis presentation events, and

evaluating the final thesis.

2. Offers periodic workshops/seminars in the thesis stage of the process.

3. Ensures each student has completed the requisite two seminars per term in the Honours

program

4. Oversees conflict resolution that may occur during the time of the honours program. This

is first attempted with an informal meeting between the student and the supervisor or

person with whom the student has a conflict. Failing resolution at that level the Honours

Coordinator will enter into a more formal phase of conflict resolution as defined by the

Faculty of Graduate Studies.

5. Ensures that the student’s thesis is read and evaluated in a fair-minded manner by the

supervisor, one outside reader, and the Honours Coordinator him/herself.

6. Submits the final grades for 4102.

(G) The Schedule

Students wishing to pursue the honours thesis are required to contact the professor they would

like to work with for the thesis project and to make the request formally, in writing, to that

professor. A professor who agrees to work with a student will respond in writing to formally

agree to supervise the honours project. This agreement will normally occur by November 1 of

the academic term preceding the year of the honours thesis. Applications must be submitted to

the Honours Coordinator by November 15. If a student fails to meet the deadline of November

15 the School cannot guarantee that a supervisor will be available. It is the responsibility of the

student to be aware of the prerequisites for an honours degree as listed in the University Calendar

of his/her year of entry to the Health Promotion or Recreation program. It will be left up to the

individual supervisor to accept eligible candidates. Notification of acceptance by the Honours

Coordinator will be mailed to the student by December 1.

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Schedule for the Honours Year

4101

1. January– Register for 4101 (Advanced Research Methods/Honours Proposal)

At the beginning of classes there will be a group meeting of all Health Promotion/Leisure

honours students, supervisors, the course instructor of 4101 and the Honours Coordinator.

Students will follow the course requirements of 4101 and may also consult with their

Honours supervisors as their research develops.

2. By the end of January - the student must complete an Honours Thesis Agreement form

with the supervisor in the year that the thesis is being undertaken

3. By February 1 - students must submit a one-page outline of their project to their

supervisor. This will be signed and forwarded to the Honours Coordinator.

4. During the first week of March -or as designated by the 4101 schedule, students are

expected to submit an Introduction and comprehensive Review of Literature on the topic

of their research to the course Instructor of 4101. It is expected the review will be no

more than 25 pages double-spaced and will be weighted at 40% of the 4101 final grade.

5. During March – or as designated by the 4101 Instructor, the student completes the

research protocol for the study (Chapter 3 of the proposal). This section will be weighted

at 30% of the final 4101 grade.

6. During the last week of March - students must submit a one- or two-page progress

report to their supervisor. The supervisor will add his/her assessment of the student’s

progress and submit this assessment along with the progress report to the Honours

Coordinator. Appended to this report should be a completed Financial, Technical,

Equipment and Space Support form.

7. During the first week of April or at a time designated by the 4101 course Instructor -

the student must present the thesis proposal to class members. The presentation will be

weighted as 10% of the 4101 grade. At the conclusion of the course a second presentation

of the thesis proposal will occur, for all honours students organized by the Honours

Coordinator. Value is 10% of 4101 grade. This final presentation is required to receive a

4101 grade.

Ethics Approval

8, Between early and mid-April - students must submit the 4101 Research Proposal, for

ethics approval (see School’s Ethical Review Guidelines and forms). Once approval has

been received at the HAHP level the ethics submission will proceed to the appropriate

Dalhousie Research Ethics Board. This document will include all sections of the HAHP

11



Ethics submission forms. No grade will be assigned to the submission; however, it is

required for entry to 4102.

9. By August 1: All honours theses must have received ethical approval from the School

of HAHP and Dalhousie Research Ethics Board before studies begin, unless approval

has already been given by a recognized body, e.g. hospital ethics review board, Faculty

of Health Professions Ethics Committee. Registration in 4102 is contingent upon

ethical approval.

4102

10. Early in September (Year 4) (before the deadline for dropping courses) -students who

have completed 4101 and received ethics approval will register for 4102. There will be a

group meeting of students and supervisors and the Honours Coordinator to present

progress reports.

NB: If insufficient progress has been made, the student will be advised to

consider withdrawing from the honours program.

11. During September - students are expected to collect their data. Students will have regular

meetings with their supervisor to receive and address feedback on drafts of the thesis.

12. By mid-October - any data collection should be completed and data analysis should be

underway.

13. November 15 - Requests for extensions in submitting theses. Extensions may be granted

only on the basis of (1) a medical excuse, or (2) a letter from the student’s supervisor

arguing for extreme, unavoidable circumstances causing a delay in completion. Requests

for extensions must be formally submitted, in writing, to the Honours Coordinator by

November 15. In other words, students should not anticipate automatically receiving an

extension beyond December 15. Students should allow plenty of time to write to ensure that

they make the deadline.

These strict regulations have been put in place for students’ benefit. Being aware of these

deadlines at the very beginning of their final year will ensure (1) that the students and the

supervisors design a project which truly can be reasonably completed within the available

time period, and (2) that students carefully and consistently manage their time throughout

the year so that they can complete everything to the best of their abilities.

14. By mid-November - the student should have obtained the signatures of one individual

who has agreed to be a reader. * The form must be submitted for approval to the Honours

Coordinator. Each Honours student should work with their reader to decide on the date

on which they will submit their thesis to their reader for review. This must occur by

December 15.

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* Readers – The Honours Coordinator, the supervisor, and one additional reader will provide

comments on the thesis. The supervisor in discussion with the student identifies potential

readers for the thesis. The Supervisor confirms a reader and informs the Honours Coordinator.

The Honours Coordinator must approve the reader, if the Reader is not a Dalhousie faculty

member. Except in exceptional circumstances, Readers are expected to have academic

appointments.

15. End of Fall Term: Students are expected to have their final thesis written by the end of

the term in which they are registered for the 4102. Data collection is not to occur while

a student is on internship.

16. In early December, a mini-conference will be held during which each student will give a

short poster presentation of his/her thesis research followed by a short question period

(time to be determined by the Honours Coordinator). All HAHP faculty, honours thesis

readers and students will be invited to attend. This presentation will account for 15% of

the grade for 4102.

17. December 15 or earlier - submission of the honours thesis. Each reader, supervisor, and

the Honours Coordinator will receive a copy of the thesis to assess. The student will ask

each of these individuals if he/she prefers an electronic or hard copy. The student will

provide a hard copy if requested to do so.

The final project will normally consist of the following sections/chapters: Revised

Chapters One, Two and Three from the proposal stage, Chapter Four: Findings/Results,

Chapter Five: Discussion, Conclusions and Recommendations, References and

Appendices. This final thesis will be weighted at 85% of the 4102 grade.

16. One week following submission of thesis to reader (mid-December) - The reader will

provide written comments on the thesis to the student’s supervisor and the Honours

Coordinator. The student will have one week to incorporate feedback, making revisions

based on feedback from readings and in discussion with the supervisor. The supervisor

will oversee the corrections/additions and then recommend a grade for the thesis to the

Honours Coordinator. The Honours Coordinator will make the final grade decision in

consultation with the supervisor. The student will submit a final copy of the thesis to their

supervisor, the Honours Coordinator, and the School of HAHP.

17. Early January: The Honours Coordinator will submit a final grade for 4102.

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(H) Thesis Format

The final thesis is in chapter form that includes an introduction, literature review, methodology,

findings/results, and discussion. It is also recommended to include the Dalhousie Ethics

Approval letter in an Appendix.

(I) Evaluation Components

A. Process

i) During 4101 the student works with the Course Instructor to complete the first

part of the Honours proposal (normally the first three chapters) as well as any

other course requirements. The Course Instructor establishes the time for the

proposal presentations. A second presentation of the proposal occurs under the

organization of the Honours Coordinator.

Students attend or present in two seminars/research events in this course.

ii) During 4102 the student works with his/her thesis supervisor to complete the

written thesis and the poster for the final presentation. Throughout the term the

student also attends seminars organized by the Honours Coordinator. At the final

poster presentation of the thesis all faculty members and readers who are in

attendance contribute to the final grade for the poster.

Students attend or present in two seminars/research events during this course.

B. Grading

i) 4101 is assigned a grade based on the following weighting:

Oral presentation of honours thesis (a) In class presentation of 10 minutes plus 5-minute question

period or as allotted by the Course Instructor

(graded by Course Instructor) 10%

(b) Outside class presentation of 10 minutes plus 5 minute

question period or as allotted by the Honours Coordinator)-

(graded by Honours Coordinator, faculty, and

Supervisor in attendance) 10%

Literature review (Chapter Two) and Introduction (Chapter One) 40%

graded by Course Instructor

Research Protocol (Chapter Three) graded by Course Instructor 30%

Other (Designed by course instructor) 10%

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Research Seminars/Events PASS/FAIL

Students attend or present in two seminars/research events

during this course.

*If the student fails the oral presentation of the thesis, he/she will be given a second opportunity

to present prior to the first week of May. If the student fails the second time, he/she will not be

permitted to continue with the Honours thesis, however the course credit will be awarded as an

open or health-related/recreation elective if the appropriate grades have been achieved.

ii) 4102 is assigned a grade based on the following weighting:

Poster Presentation of the Thesis graded by Supervisor, 15%

Honours Coordinator, other faculty and readers in attendance

Written thesis graded by Supervisor in consultation with 85%

the Honours Coordinator considering comments by the

reader.

Research Seminars/Events PASS/FAIL

Students attend or present in two seminars/research events

during this course.

*If the student fails the poster presentation of the thesis in early December he/she will be given a

second opportunity to present in the first week of January. If the student fails the second time,

he/she will not be permitted to graduate with honours; however the course credit will be awarded

as an open or health-related elective if the appropriate grades have been achieved.

4101/ 4102

STUDENT GUIDE TO THE HONOURS THESIS

This year you will be conducting a research project under the direction of your thesis supervisor.

Your written report of this project will constitute your honours thesis. In our various programs,

the thesis proposal course and the Honours thesis course are worth a full course credit (6 credit

hours). You should consider the time and effort you devote to your thesis as being equivalent to

one rather heavy class and allow approximately one-fifth or a little more of your time for it. Both

you and your supervisor should recognize this time limitation: you are not writing a graduate

thesis, nor are you an unpaid graduate research assistant expected to do your own work only if

time permits.

In order to prevent any future problems, be sure to have a frank, open discussion with your

supervisor as to what your project will involve and what will be expected of you. Be sure from

the onset to clarify your research relationship with your supervisor. Such an understanding

15



can be critical in determining the final successful and satisfying completion of your thesis and

your undergraduate Health Promotion or Recreation experience.

To assist you in managing your time over the next 8 months and to get you to finish by mid-

November we shall require the following.

4101

1. By the end of January - you must complete an Honours Thesis Agreement form with your

supervisor in the year that the thesis is being undertaken.

2. Feb. 1 - submit a brief one-page outline of your project to the Honours Coordinator signed

by you and your supervisor.

3. First week of March – or as determined by the Course Instructor for 4101, submit an

Introduction and Literature Review on the topic of your research. It is expected that the

review will be no more than 25 pages double-spaced and will be weighted as 40% of the final

4101 grade.

4. Last week in March - or as designated by the 4101 Course Instructor submit your completed

proposal. Submit as the final part of your proposal, the research protocol (30%) to the 4101

Course Instructor.

5. Last week of March - Submit a one or two page progress report to supervisor along with

completed Financial, Technical, Equipment and Space form.

6. During the last week of March/first week of April - or as designated by the 4101 Course

Instructor. Oral presentation of the thesis proposal (10%) to class members.

7. During the first two weeks of April – Honours Coordinator schedules a second presentation

to other Honours students, faculty, readers, and supervisors as the final part of 4101.

Ethics Approval

8. Between early and mid-April - submit an ethics proposal of the research for approval to the

School of HAHP Ethics Review Committee. After receiving feedback, submit for Ethical

approval to the appropriate Dalhousie Research Ethics Board. Ethical approval is required to

proceed to registration for 4102.

9. By August 1: All honours theses must receive ethical approval from the School and

Dalhousie before you may begin gathering data and before registering for 4102, unless

approval has already been given by a recognized body, e.g. hospital ethics review board,

Faculty of Health Professions Ethics Committee.

4102

16



10. Early in September (before the deadline for dropping X courses) - present your progress

report in a group meeting of Honours students and supervisors. If insufficient progress has

been made, you will be advised to consider withdrawing from the honours program.

11. During September - gather data, meet with Honours Coordinator for seminars if scheduled

(these seminars may continue throughout the term).

12. Mid-October– -by this time you should have completed your data collection. Even if you

have not gathered all the data that you had originally intended – END THE DATA

GATHERING NOW and START WRITING. Do not fall into the trap of spending a few

more weeks gathering data. The longer you delay starting your writing, the greater the stress

you will experience in November when all your term papers, and other assignments are also

due and as final exams approach. And NO – you will not be able to automatically get an

extension for completing your thesis (see below).

Remember, this honours thesis is meant to be an opportunity for you to see whether you

enjoy and can successfully carry out a research project. Incomplete projects are totally

acceptable. In this case, the exercise is for you to demonstrate in your written report that

you understand what is missing, what would be required to complete the work, and how best

to achieve these final results. The major basis we will have to evaluate your work for the

year will be your final, written thesis. Be sure, therefore, to allow yourself plenty of time to

prepare this to the best of your ability by the required date of submission.

13. November 15 - Requests for extensions. Extensions may be granted only on the basis of (1)

a medical excuse, or (2) a letter from your supervisor arguing for extreme, unavoidable

circumstances causing a delay in completion. Requests for extensions must be formally

submitted, in writing, to the Honours Coordinator by November 15. In other words, do not

anticipate automatically receiving an extension beyond December 15. Allow yourself plenty

of time to write to ensure that you make the deadline.

These strict regulations have been put in place for students’ benefit. Being aware of these

deadlines at the very beginning of your final year will ensure (1) that you and your

supervisor design a project which truly can be reasonably completed within your available

time period, and (2) that you carefully and consistently manage your time throughout the

year so that you can complete everything to the best of your ability.

14. Mid-November - identify and obtain signature of one reader. In consultation with the reader,

decide when you will submit your thesis to the reader for review. This must occur by

December 15.

Readers – the supervisor, Honours Coordinator, and one additional reader will assess the thesis.

The Honours Coordinator should approve the reader, if he/she is not a Dalhousie faculty

member.

17



15. In early December - you are expected to present your thesis as a poster at a mini-

conference scheduled for honours theses. These poster presentations will include a question

period by those viewing the posters. The Honours Coordinator will determine the time allotted.

You must spend some time in mid to late November preparing the poster presentation. Faculty

members, readers, Honours supervisors and the Honours Coordinator, will have input into this

15% of your grade.

If you fail the poster presentation you will be permitted one further opportunity to present – to be

arranged by the Honours Coordinator and your supervisor. A second failure will result in

graduation without Honours or in not receiving an Honours Conversion.

16. December 15 or earlier - Your original thesis in electronic form should be distributed to the

readers (external reader, supervisor and Honours Coordinator). If one of your readers

requests a hard copy you are obliged to provide it.

Your thesis will be evaluated by one outside reader and the Honours Coordinator who will

provide comments. The thesis should follow the usual format of a research report using APA

format and should be typed on standard 8.5 x 11 inch white paper, double-spaced with 1.5-

inch margins on the left to allow binding space.

17. You will receive comments from the reader and Honours Coordinator. You will have one

week to incorporate comments from the readers. The degree to which the comments are

incorporated is decided by the Honours supervisor.

18. Early January - Final grade assigned by the Honours Coordinator in discussion with the

Honours supervisor.

HONOURS PROGRAM TIME LINE SUMMARY (STUDENTS)

September of Year 3 Seek an appropriate program area Honours supervisor

November 1, Year 3 Secure an appropriate program area Honours Supervisor

November 15, Year 3 Final date for submission of Honours application to

the Honours Coordinator or, for Honours Conversion, also to the

Registrar’s Office.

December 1 Normal notification of acceptance by the Honours Coordinator

December 15 Last date for notification of acceptance

Early January Register for 4101 (Advanced Research Methods/Honours

Proposal)

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Early January Group meeting of all supervisors, students, 4101 Course Instructor,

and Honours Coordinator

By end of January Complete an Honours Thesis Agreement form with the

supervisor

February 1 Submit one two-page outline of thesis project to supervisor

First week of March (or as determined by the Course Instructor) submit Introduction

and Literature Review

Last week of March One-two page progress report to the Course Instructor and the

Honours Coordinator that also indicates which research

seminars/event you have attended or in which you have presented

Last week of March or as determined by 4101 Instructor, written proposal complete,

submitted to Course Instructor

Late March/early April as determined by the 4101 Instructor, oral presentation of the

thesis proposal in class and to the Honours group

First week of April or as determined by the Honours Coordinator, oral presentation of

the thesis proposal to faculty, readers and others

Early to mid-April Research proposal submitted for ethical review to the

School of HAHP Ethics Review Committee and, after feedback, to

the respective Dalhousie Research Ethics Board. Ethical

approval is required to proceed to registration for 4102

August 1 Ethical approval required to be eligible for 4102

Early September Year 4 Presentation by students of progress reports to group

meeting of students and supervisors. Registration in 4102

September Data Collection, attendance at Honours Coordinator seminars

Mid-October Completion of data collection, data analysis, attendance at

seminars if scheduled

Mid-October - November Write thesis, attendance at seminars if scheduled

Mid-November Signatures identifying a reader; student indicates in which research

seminars/event he/she has presented or attended

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Early December Poster presentation of the thesis

By December 15 Copy of thesis submitted to the various readers

Late Dec/early January Revisions to thesis based on readers’ feedback. Submission of final

thesis to HAHP Undergraduate Secretary. Assessment of the thesis

and poster presentation

20



4101/4102 (Honours Thesis)

SUPERVISOR’S GUIDE TO THE HONOURS THESIS

This year you have agreed to supervise a Dalhousie University Honours student who will be

designing and conducting an honours research project and writing a thesis under your direction.

To assist you in carrying out your supervisory duties and to clarify what the program area

expects of honours students, we are providing you with the following guidelines as well as a

copy of the detailed guide to the thesis that we have given to your student.

Your role in the early stages of the thesis proposal (4101) is limited to discussions with the

student. The Course Instructor for 4101 will have the primary responsibility for working with

students to develop their proposals. However we encourage you to meet with your student to

discuss ideas and approaches.

Your primary responsibility occurs after the completion of 4101 beginning with the Ethics

Approval process in April-May after completion of 4101.

NB: Limited Term program area faculty are eligible to supervise Honours students. To ensure

continuity of student progress, if the limited term contract is from June –July, a co-supervisor

from the program area is required. For longer-term contracts, a co-supervisor is only required in

the final year of the contract.

Some of the key points found in the student’s guide that we would like to bring to your attention

are:

1. Faculty-Student Expectations. At the very beginning of your relationship with your student

you should have a frank discussion with him or her as to what you will expect, and what the

project will involve. The Student Guide to the Honours Thesis has outlined for the students

what is expected of them, but the key factor in determining the success and level of

enjoyment they derive from their honours year is, in fact, what you, the supervisor, expect of

them and the students’ clear understanding of these expectations in the very beginning. We

ask, for example, that students be allowed to work solely on their own projects and not be

recruited into other projects and expected to do their own work in their “spare time”. If this

policy does not adhere to what you and your student understand, and the student agrees to a

modified plan of action, and realizes that she or he may not complete the thesis in one year,

then all is well. The key factor is that the student understands from the onset what is involved

so that panic, confusion, and discontent do not occur in November.

2. Time Commitment for Conducting and Writing the Thesis. The honours thesis consists of

two three credit hour courses, 4101 – the Honours Proposal and 4102 – the Honours Thesis

covering a calendar year. It is part of their overall 120 credit hours (or their 150 hours for the

B.Rec/B. Management students. For Honours Conversion students the six credit hours of

courses is in addition to the student’s degree. Students are expected to devote approximately

one-fifth of their available academic time to conducting their research and writing their

21



thesis. This time limitation should be taken seriously when designing the research project.

Students are not expected to write a graduate dissertation. We ask that you please ensure that

your student embarks on a project where data collection can be reasonably completed by the

middle of October. It has been the School’s experience that students who do not seriously

begin analyzing their data or writing their thesis by mid-October, become very stressed trying

to fit in thesis completion with the rest of their course requirements later in the term, and

frequently, do not make the final submission date of December 15. Extensions for thesis

submissions will not be automatic for students who fall behind.

Final projects which fall short of what was proposed (e.g. fewer subject interviews) are

acceptable, provided the student is able to demonstrate that she or he understands what is

missing, what would be required to complete the work, and how best to achieve what was

proposed. This is with the understanding that the inability to complete the original proposal

was not due to a lack of commitment by the student.

However, in all fairness to students getting their first taste of a research project, incomplete

projects may not be as personally satisfying as those they have been able to see to

completion. We again ask therefore, that you carefully consider the extent of research that is

attempted and frequently monitor the progress that is being made.

3. To assist students in managing their time with the goal of submitting on time, ensure students

follow the schedule presented on pp. 10-12 of this Honours Guide.

4. Even though you will be not be evaluating the thesis proposal it is completely acceptable

and in fact desirable, for you to comment on your student’s initial drafts. You are involved in

the final thesis, so it is an important part of the experience for the student to improve her or

his writing skills through your comments. We would hope that the final product does not

totally become the style of the supervisor, but we do recommend that you give the student

feedback on writing skills along the way.

5. Oral presentation of the thesis– some time must also be spent preparing the oral presentation

of the thesis proposal for early April and for the final thesis poster presentation in early

December. If students do not pass the first oral presentation they will not be permitted to

continue in the Honours program. If they do not pass the thesis poster presentation part of the

course then they are unable to graduate with an Honours degree. Oral presentation of the

thesis proposal typically occurs at the Crossroads Conference.

6. Evaluation and Supervisor Commitments During 4101

a) In mid- October to early November – faculty member agrees to supervise the research

project.

b) In January - the thesis supervisor is expected to attend a meeting with his/her student(s),

with other thesis supervisors and their students, and with the 4101 Course Instructor

which the Honours Coordinator will chair.

22



c) By the end of January - an Honours Thesis Agreement form must be completed with the

student. You may wish to suggest to the student research events or seminars that you think

would be useful to attend, two are required for completion of 4101.

d) Feb 1 - students submit a one-two page outline of their project to their supervisor signed

by both and forwarded to the Honours Coordinator.

e) In the first week of March – or at a time designated by the 4101 Course Instructor, the

student submits an Introduction and comprehensive literature review of the

research topic to the research to the Course Instructor for 4101. You might also

request a copy of the chapters to see if there are areas you will recommend for further

development. These first two chapters account for 40% of the student grade. The mark is

assigned by the 4101 Course Instructor.

f) In the last week of March, students submit a progress report; the supervisor makes

comments and forwards it to the Honours Coordinator. Appended to this report is an

updated Financial, Technical, equipment and Space Support form.

g) In late March- early April, the student completes the thesis proposal. The 4101 Course

Instructor provides a mark for the research protocol: Chapter three (30%) of course

Grade. You may wish to comment on the methods to assist your student.

h) Early April - first oral presentation of the proposal, in class 410l - marked by Course

Instructor (10%). Second presentation organized by the Honours Coordinator. Marked by

the Supervisor, Honours Coordinator, and other faculty in attendance at the

presentation (10%).

Commitments for Ethics Approval

This is the first major commitment for the student and supervisor.

i) Early to mid-April - the students completes the ethics submission for HAHP and

after receiving comments, submits to the appropriate Dalhousie Research Ethics

Board. Supervisors should be overseeing this process.

Ethics Approval is required by August 1 for the student to continue with the

second part of the thesis process (4102).

j) Early September - supervisor attends a meeting of honours students and supervisors,

organized by the Honours Coordinator, where students present their progress reports. If

the student has made unsatisfactory progress he/he will not be permitted to continue in

4102.

k) November 15 - if required the student requests an extension beyond December 15 for the

thesis

23



OBTAINING AN EXTENSION FOR THESIS SUBMISSION Extensions may be granted only on the basis of (1) a medical excuse, or (2) a letter from the

student’s supervisor arguing for extreme, unavoidable circumstances causing a delay in

completion. Requests for extensions must be formally submitted, in writing, to the Honours

Coordinator by November 15. In other words, students should not anticipate automatically

receiving an extension beyond December 15. Students should allow plenty of time to write to

ensure that they make the deadline.

These strict regulations have been put in place for the students’ benefit. Being aware of these

deadlines at the very beginning of their final year will ensure (1) that the students and their

supervisors design a project which truly can be reasonably completed within the available time

period, and (2) that they carefully and consistently manage their time throughout the year so that

they can complete everything to the best of their abilities.

l) Mid-November - student and Supervisor obtain signatures from one reader who agrees to

review the thesis. Forms are submitted to the Honours Coordinator. The Honours

Coordinator must approve any reader outside Dalhousie.

m) In early December - supervisors attend the poster presentations and provide a mark for their

student (15%) as well as other honours students.

n) Mid-December – supervisors receive comments from the reader and Honours Coordinator.

The student, under the direction of the supervisor, incorporates readers’ comments into the

final thesis. The supervisor then marks the final thesis

o) In late December/early January - the supervisor in consultation with the Honours Coordinator

assigns the final grade for 4102. The Honours Coordinator submits the final marks.

The School thanks you for offering to supervise one of our students and hopes you have a

mutually rewarding and enjoyable experience with your student. If you have any questions

throughout the year, please contact the Honours Coordinator or your respective Division Head.

SUPERVISORS EXTERNAL TO THE PROGRAM AREA.

In rare circumstances, a supervisor may be external to the program area faculty. In this instance,

the Honours Coordinator will assign a supervisor-of-record from within the program area. The

supervisor-of-record conveys supervisor requirements to the external supervisor. The external

supervisor submits a grade in consultation with the supervisor-of-record. The external supervisor

may attend the presentation and consult with the Honours Coordinator if required. .

24



APPENDICES

A. Application Checklist

B. Health Promotion or Recreation Honours Application

C. Health Promotion or Recreation Honours Conversion Application

D. Health Promotion or Recreation Honours Thesis Agreement

E. Time Line

F. Reader’s Agreement

G. Financial, Technical, Equipment and Space Support Required Form

H. Health Promotion or Recreation Honours Thesis Progress Report

I. Health Promotion Advanced Standing

J. Recreation/Leisure Studies Advanced Standing

25



Appendix A: Health Promotion or Recreation Honours Program

Application Checklist

B or better in HAHP 3100

B or better in course(s) most related to the thesis topic (please identify courses)

________________________ _______________________

Copy of my completed BSc. program of study form indicating grades and year taken

of 75 credit hours in my program (for Honours Conversion – a transcript of the

completed degree)

Met with Student Services Administrator to confirm a GPA of at least 3.5 on previous 45

credit hours in my BSc. program

Letter to the Honours Coordinator requesting Honours status and a general outline

of research interest

For Honours Conversion, copy of letter to the Registrar’s Office.

Completion of the Financial, Technical, Equipment and Space Support Form (if

this is known)

Agreement of a program area faculty member or other

_____________________________ to supervise. (name and affiliation)

26



Appendix B: Health Promotion or Recreation Honours Application School of Health and Human Performance

Dalhousie University

Steps to follow:

1. Make an appointment with the Student Services Administrator to determine eligibility. The

Student Services Administrator will review your transcript to verify that required courses

have been completed (including upper level courses in the area of proposed research) and

that a cumulative GPA of 3.5 has been achieved in your last 45 credit hours in the program.

2. Discuss your honours application with your potential supervisor by end of September of your

third year or post-program for Honours Conversion. If criteria are met, seek the potential

supervisor’s signature.

3. a) Complete the application,

b) attach a letter addressed to Honours Coordinator requesting Honours status and identify

the area in which research will be done,

c) attach a program of studies form indicating grades and the year in which the previous 75

credit hours in the program were taken,

d) attach a completed Financial, Technical Equipment and Space Support Form.

4. Send the complete application and letter to the Honours Secretary, School of Health and

Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 3J5. For Honours Conversion

complete this application and letter to the Registrar’s Office, provide copies to the Honours

Secretary in HAHP.

5. You will receive a letter to notify you of the decision.

N.B. Deadline for application is November 15

Please return application to the Undergraduate Secretary, School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie

University, Stairs House, Halifax, NS, B3H 3J5

27



HEALTH PROMOTION OR RECREATION HONOURS APPLICATION

Name: __________________________________ Banner I.D.: __________________________________

Email: __________________________________ Local Address: _______________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Permanent Address (if different from Local Address above): ____________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Home Phone: _______________________ Work Phone: _____________________________________

I have attached my program of studies form indicating I have completed 75 credit hours of the

BSc (Health Promotion) or BSc (Recreation) program. (circle one).

I met with my advisor and the Student Services Administrator at the School of Health and Human

Performance to discuss my eligibility for the Honours program.

_____________________________ _________________________

Student Services Administrator Date

I will be the above student’s supervisor for his/her honours thesis.

I will consider being the above student’s supervisor for his/her honours thesis.

_________________________________________ ________________________________

Faculty member – Print and sign Date

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

GPA of at least 3.5 based on previous 45 credit hours of academic work


B or better in course(s) most related to the thesis topic – identify course(s)

__________________________________________________________

Program of study form indicating completion of 75 credit hours, grades and year

(attached)

Financial, Technical, Equipment and Space Support Form (attached)

A letter requesting Honours status and indicating the area of research

This student is approved to enter the BSc (Health Promotion) or BSc (Recreation) Honours program _________

________________________________________ __________________________________

Honours Coordinator or designate Date


University, Stairs House, Halifax, NS, B3H 3J5 by NOVEMBER 15.

28



APPENDIX C: HEALTH PROMOTION/RECREATION HONOURS CONVERSION APPLICATION

Name: __________________________________ Banner I.D.: __________________________________

Email: __________________________________ Local Address: _______________________________

________________________________________ _____________________________________________

Permanent Address (if different from Local Address above): ____________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Home Phone: _______________________ Work Phone: _____________________________________

I have attached my BSc (Health Promotion) or BSc (Recreation/Recreation Management) transcript

(circle one) .

I met with my advisor and the Student Services Administrator at the School of Health and Human

Performance to discuss my eligibility for the Honours Conversion program.

I have included a copy of my application to the Registrar’s Office.

_____________________________ _________________________

Student Services Administrator Date

I will be the above student’s supervisor for his/her honours thesis.

I will consider being the above student’s supervisor for his/her honours thesis.

_________________________________________ ________________________________

Faculty member – Print and sign Date

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

GPA of at least 3.5 based on final 90 credit hours of academic work in the BSc (Health Education) or BSc

(Health Promotion) program.


B or better in course(s) most related to the thesis topic – identify course(s)

__________________________________________________________

Transcript from BSc (Health Promotion/Health Education) or BSc (Recreation) degree (attached)

Financial, Technical, Equipment and Space Support Form (attached)

A letter requesting Honours status and indicating the area of research

This student is approved to enter the BSc Health Promotion or BSc (Recreation) Honours Conversion program

_________

________________________________________ __________________________________

Honours Coordinator or designate Date


University, Stairs House, Halifax, NS, B3H 3J5 by NOVEMBER 15

29



APPENDIX D: HONOURS THESIS AGREEMENT

Health Promotion or Recreation

Student-Faculty Member Agreement for Health Promotion or Recreation Honours Thesis

Program area_____________________________ (Recreation or Health Promotion)

Student name: ______________________ Banner I.D. __________________

Faculty member: ______________________

Thesis project title: ______________________________________________________

General description of the proposed project:

Equipment/Financial Assistance Required:

30



APPENDIX E: TIME LINE

Item Date

Honours Thesis Agreement form by end of January_____

1-2 page proposal Feb 1______________

Literature Review

Introduction _____________________

Statement of the Problem _____________________

Methodology _____________________

Complete Thesis Proposal _____________________

Thesis Proposal Presentation _____________________

Written Progress Report _____________________

Ethics Proposal _____________________

Presentation of Progress Report _____________________

Data Collection Completed _____________________

Data Analysis/Results _____________________

Signatures of reader obtained

Conclusion/Recommendations _____________________

Poster presentation preparation and presentation December

Complete and submit (3 copies) December 15______________

We agree to the above description of the project, its equipment and financial requirements and to

the proposed time line.

______________________________ _____________________________

Student signature/date Faculty signature/date

cc: Honours Secretary

31



Appendix F: Health Promotion or Recreation Honours Program


READER’S AGREEMENT

I, __________________________ agree to serve as a reader for the Honours thesis (Print name)

entitled ___________________________________ by ______________________. Title of honours thesis Student name

Please indicate program area as either Recreation or Health Promotion

______________________________

I will provide comments on the written thesis to the Supervisor and Honours Coordinator within

one week following receipt of the thesis from the student. I understand this will include

attending a mini conference in early December where Honours students will present their

research.

___________________________

Signature

___________________________

Date

32



Appendix G: Health Promotion or Recreation Honours Program


FINANCIAL, TECHNICAL, EQUIPMENT AND SPACE SUPPORT REQUIRED

Program: __________________________ (Recreation or Health Promotion)

The following will be required in order for me to complete my honours thesis research:

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Arrangements have been made via my research supervisor to ensure that the above will be

available to allow me to complete my research.

_______________________________ ____________________________

Student Signature Supervisor Signature

_______________________________ ____________________________

Date Date

33



APPENDIX H: HONOURS THESIS PROGRESS REPORT

Health Promotion or Recreation

Date:

Student Name: Banner I.D.

Honours Thesis Topic:

Program Area: ________________________________

Student comments about personal progress

Supervisor: __________________________ _Date: _______________________

Student is progressing well

Student progress is satisfactory although behind

Student progress is unsatisfactory

Supervisor comments about student progress:

Supervisor recommendation:

Continue

Recommend withdrawal

_____________________________________ ________________________ Student signature Date

_____________________________________

Supervisor signature Date

34



Appendix I Health Promotion Advanced Standing for Honours Students

Advanced standing allows students to apply 6 credit hours of graduate level courses to both their

current BSc (Health Promotion) and their future MA (Health Promotion) program.

For this option to be possible, students must plan their BSc (Health Promotion) program in

advance to ensure there is room for these 6 credit hours to apply to their program.

Criteria for Eligibility for Health Promotion students seeking MA Advanced Standing:

Please note: Successful completion of advanced standing does not guarantee entry to the

MA (Health Promotion).

1. Seeking to fill one or two open elective spaces for the undergraduate program.

2. Completed 4101 with a grade of either A or A+.

3. Obtained a grade of B or better in both a statistics course and an introductory research

methods course.

4. Have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better on the last 45 credit hours.

5. Have permission of the Course Instructor, FGS, Health Promotion/Recreation

Honours Coordinator and HAHP Grad Coordinator.

6. Provide a statement of intent and future career plans from the student to the 1) Course

Instructor, 2) Honours Coordinator, and 3) HAHP Grad Coordinator* about why the

student wishes to take the specific course(s) for advanced standing.

*These three will decide on acceptance for advanced standing.

Eligible courses for student to acquire advanced standing:

1. Required courses in the MA (Health Promotion) including Trends in Health

Promotion, Program Planning and Evaluation, Health Promotion Policy as well as the

elective courses Biopsychosocial Health Psychology and Women and the

Environment can be taken for Advanced Standing.

2. Courses related to developing the methods (Qualitative or Quantitative) or data

analyses (Statistics or Biostatistics) for the thesis portion of the MA are NOT open to

the Honours students for advanced standing.

3. A student may take a maximum of 6 credit hours (two, three-credit-hour courses) of

Advanced Standing. Only three credit hours (one, three-credit hour course) will be

permitted in each term of the student’s fourth/final year. **

** Students completing a Graduate course while placed on Internship, must have

permission from the Internship Coordinator and Internship Supervisor to allow time

for this course. Internship expectations and completion hours will remain the same. A

course taken during working hours may result in an extended Internship completion

date beyond the usual 14 weeks.

35



Appendix J Recreation/Leisure Studies Advanced Standing for Honours Students

Recreation - Advanced Standing for Honours Students

The policy on “advanced standing” allows Honours students to complete up to six credit hours of

graduate-level courses during their final year of undergraduate study. These credit hours can

contribute to both their current BSc (Recreation) and a future MA (Leisure Studies) programs at

Dalhousie. For this option to be possible, students must plan their BSc (Recreation) program in

advance to ensure there is room for these credit hours to apply to their undergraduate program.

Criteria for Eligibility for REC students seeking MA Advanced Standing:

Please note: Successful completion of advanced standing does not guarantee entry to the MA

(Leisure Studies).

Students who wish to pursue Advanced Standing must fulfill the following criteria:

1. Must not exceed the maximum 15 credit hour course load for that semester. Students

will not receive overload permission to enroll in more than 15 credit hours during any

term in which they hope to take a graduate level course during the undergraduate

degree.

2. Complete LEIS 4101 with at least an A.

3. Provide a brief statement about their reasons for taking the course for advanced

standing to the 1) Course Instructor, 2) Honours Coordinator, and 3) HAHP Grad

Coordinator*.

*These three will decide on acceptance for advanced standing.

Eligible courses for undergraduate students to acquire advanced standing:

Students interested in advanced standing are encouraged to enroll in the core Leisure Studies

graduate course, Interdisciplinary Basis of Leisure Science (LEIS 5592). Another option is

Measurement and Evaluation in Health Education and Health Promotion (HPRO 5595). Note

that the selection of available courses varies by year, and that decisions about whether or not to

offer a course are based on the needs of current graduate students. Undergraduate students

interested in advanced standing should seek advice from their Honours supervisor, the Graduate

Coordinator, and the Honours Coordinator to determine which graduate course(s) would be most

appropriate for them. Graduate-level methodology courses (Research Methods,

Qualitative/Quantitative Methods) are NOT recommended for advanced standing.

school of health and human performance …...for the honours program must complete hahp 3100 prior...

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