Frequently Asked Questions Canada Graduate Scholarships-Masters (CGS M) Program

Outline of Proposed Research

Are graphs and figures included in the one-page outline of proposed research? Yes. If an applicant wishes to use graphs and figures, they must be included in the one-page outline of proposed research. Can the outline of proposed research exceed one page if the space needed for citations is less than one page? No. The outline of proposed research cannot exceed one page. For more information, refer to the Outline of Proposed Research section (Attachment) of the Canada Graduate Scholarships-Masters Program Instructions for Completing an Application. The instructions indicate that a maximum of two pages is allotted to the outline of proposed research attachment: one page for the outline and another for citations. What do we mean by citations? Citations refer to the bibliography or to the works an applicant may have cited in his/her outline of proposed research.

Transcripts
What is considered an official transcript? Official transcripts must be those provided to the student from the university, not a copy of the students Web transcripts. Although transcripts might be stamped unofficial when issued to the student, they must have been issued by the university. For more information, consult the Transcripts (Attachment) section of the Canada Graduate Scholarships-Masters Program Instructions for Completing an Application. Who is responsible for ensuring transcripts are attached to an application? It is the applicants responsibility to ensure transcripts are attached to their application. Must transcripts conform to the Presentation standard (e.g. font size, margins)? No. Please scan and upload transcripts without manipulating the information.

Reference Assessments
Why are emails not being received by references? Please have the reference check their junk/spam folder. Applicants can also resend the original invitation e-mail by logging in to the Research Portal and clicking Resend under Manage Invitations. If this does not work, applicants can delete the reference invitation and re-enter the information to send a new invitation to the reference. We also advise university liaison officers to contact their information technology support unit to ensure NSERC and SSHRC e-mail addresses are not blocked by their institutions spam filter. How do references access the reference assessment form? When the reference receives the invitation e-mail, the system generates an authorization number which automatically links to the reference assessment form to the application. The form is automatically created when a reference clicks the link indicated in Step 2 of the e-mail and accepts the invitation. At this point, the authorization number is no longer valid.

If the reference wishes to return to the assessment form at a later date, they must sign in to the Research Portal using the appropriate URL (https://portal-portail.nserc-crsng.gc.ca or https://portal-portail.sshrccrsh.gc.ca). How do I know if a reference assessment form has been completed? A reference assessment form is automatically created once an invitation is accepted. The reference will complete the form (in part or in whole) and must click Save and validate once finished to attach it to the application. The first time a reference clicks Save and validate, a green checkmark will appear on the Application Overview page. The applicant will notice the status of the invitation change to Invitation Accepted and Completed. However, the reference assessment form may still be incomplete at this point. If uncertain, applicants should contact the reference directly to confirm whether the form is complete prior to submitting their application. When is the reference assessment form considered final? A reference can edit an assessment until the application is submitted to the institution. Once the application is submitted to the institution, the reference can only be view the form as a printer-friendly version. It becomes non-editable.

Technical Issues
What should I do if I forget my password and/or I am locked out of my account? The On-line Services Helpdesk will continue to unlock accounts and reinstate passwords daily (11:00AM ET) until the December 1 deadline. The following message and instructions are sent to users whose accounts have been unlocked: Our records show that you may have been experiencing login issues with the Research Portal. We have confirmed your account is now in an active state. Please log into your account. If you cannot remember your password after your first attempt, you must use the I forgot my password function located under the Sign In box. Further unsuccessful attempts at your password may render your account inactive and you will require live support. Steps to take after your first unsuccessful login attempt: 1) Click on I FORGOT MY PASSWORD. 2) Enter the email address that you registered with and click SUBMIT. 3) Answer the authentication question that you entered upon registration and click SUBMIT. 4) An email containing a new password will be sent to your registered email address. 5) Login with the new password. 6) It is recommended to update your password by clicking on PROFILE and then clicking on CHANGE PASSWORD. Enter the current password that was emailed to you. Enter a new password and again to confirm. (When choosing a new password, ensure that it contains at least seven characters, including one special character (e.g., !, $, %, ?)

NSERC Login: https://portal-portail.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/s/login.aspx SSHRC Login: https://portal-portail.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/s/Login.aspx

What should I do if I am having issues understanding the instructions? The CGS M program description, as well as the CCV and application instructions, provide useful information for applicants. They will be reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure applicants needs are met for future competitions. In the meantime, please contact the On-line Services Helpdesk if you require additional assistance. Why do I get an error message (exceed attachment limit) when I try to upload my CCV in the Research Portal? You will receive an error message if you try to upload a file larger than 10 MB (e.g. .doc, .xls, .ppts). All CCV files must be uploaded in .xml format in the Research Portal. Be sure to follow the step by step

instructions on how to submit and upload your CCV .xml file. Applicants must refer to the History tab within the CCV to download the appropriate file.