In addition to the CHM3000 modules, PhD students must complete a minimum of 18 hours (24 hours for direct-entry students) of professional development training by the end of their program. This requirement is separate from and in addition to the CHM3000 course.

Hours must be divided evenly across three categories:

1. Communication
2. Personal Effectiveness
3. Research and Teaching Skills

This means that students must complete 6 hours (8 hours for direct-entry) in each category.

Suggest an opportunity!

There are a wealth of opportunities available to build your skills, offered both internally at U of T and externally by other organizations. While we make an effort to regularly add new events and opportunities as we learn about them, we recognize that this guide does not include all opportunities that may offer meaningful professional development.

If you are interested in participating in an event or opportunity that you do not see listed here and that you think should be eligible for PD hours, please contact Madeline Gerbig and/or Professor Mark Taylor with your suggestion and we would be happy to consider it.

PhD students are responsible for keeping track of their PD activities, including evidence of membership, attendance, registration, and/or participation.

Download the Professional Development Tracker from the link below. Before graduating, this form needs to be shared with the Graduate Office to confirm that you have met the requirements. You may be asked for additional documentation upon submission of the form.

PhD students will also discuss and receive feedback on their professional development activities at annual committee meetings, in addition to one-on-one meetings with their supervisor. As part of this process, a section of your annual Supervisory Committee Form will ask you to report on your progress towards completing your PD requirement.

The goal of the PD requirement is to encourage students to make time in their schedule for professional development, and build skills in a variety of areas. To ensure that students benefit from participating in multiple different types of professional development opportunities, the maximum number of hours that can be claimed for any single opportunity cannot exceed the total required hours in one category.

Example: A student who serves on a departmental committee can claim up to the 6 required hours (or 8 hours for direct-entry) for completion of their Personal Effectiveness category, even if the real amount of time spent on the activity exceeds this number.