Welcome to the new website for the Canadian Association for Graduate Studies (CAGS). We are the national organization, which was formed in 1962, to integrate the perspectives of Canadian universities offering graduate programs. 
Our mission is to provide leadership and foster collaboration to advance excellence in graduate education, research, and scholarship. We accomplish our mission through partnership, advocacy, research, and innovation in policy and practice. The association works with a variety of other Canadian organizations, such as, the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC), the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT), and others on matters pertaining to graduate education. CAGS maintains a strong connection with our American counterpart, the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS).
The training of Master’s and doctoral students is fundamental to advancing Canada’s research and innovation agenda and to our competitiveness in the knowledge economy. Whether in a lab, the field, a library, or an archive, graduate students advance the frontier of knowledge, discovery, and creativity. An investment in graduate education is an investment in Canadian research, innovation, and scholarly activity. To this end CAGS supports: an increased investment in the three federal granting councils; the facilitation of graduate student mobility – both nationally and internationally; and the augmented development of professional and soft skills for graduate students.
Each year CAGS holds an annual conference to bring together those involved in graduate education. Our most recent conference in Vancouver drew a very strong turnout and ratified both a new Strategic Plan and Bylaws for the association. Our new Strategic Plan has four themes: encouraging internationalization of graduate studies; career path and the future of graduate degrees; student support; and the enabling environment.
As our 50th anniversary approaches in 2012, CAGS is better positioned than ever to be a strong voice for graduate education in Canada. Our 50th anniversary celebration and conference will be held in Ottawa at the Chateau Laurier from November 4 – 7, 2012. Please save the date. We look forward to your participation.
I encourage you to peruse our website to learn more about us. If you have any suggestions, comments, or concerns pertaining to graduate education and research, I invite you to contact myself or a member of the CAGS Board of Directors.
Wish you the best in graduate education and research,
John (Jay) Doering
50th ANNIVERSARY
