(1) This Policy establishes the criteria for appointment of supervisory panels, the role and responsibilities of academic supervisors of research higher degree candidates and expectations of candidates by supervisors. (2) Research education is a complex and highly specialized form of teaching. This policy aims to ensure the highest standards of practice in conducting academic supervision of research higher degree candidates. (3) The apprentice-master model of research education has progressed to a model of supervision as a shared responsibility. Research education involves academic governing bodies such as the Research Studies Committee and School or Research Institute (Institute) Research and Higher Degrees Committee, Deans, and HDR Directors, or equivalent, acting within a policy framework to foster an enriched and successful candidature. (4) Definitions for the purpose of this policy: (5) Members of the supervisory panel will seek to impart knowledge of research methods to the candidates under their supervision and to guide them in becoming excellent researchers. The process of supervision should stimulate the candidate's intellectual and research potential. Success will be demonstrated by external examination. (6) The University uses a panel system of supervision. Each research candidate has a panel of at least two supervisors, one of whom is designated as principal supervisor, the other(s) as co-supervisor(s). Panels introduce additional expertise and some candidatures may have several co-supervisors, to access a range of knowledge and skills. The operation of the panel will be determined by the principal supervisor in consultation with the candidate and other panel members. (7) The Dean or Director, Research Institute holds the responsibility for ensuring the quality of supervision of higher degree research candidates in his/her School /Institute. (8) The Dean or Director, Research Institute shall approve the thesis topic and a supervisory panel. The supervisory panel will normally comprise a Principal Supervisor and at least one other member. Panels will be appointed in accordance with the Supervision of Research Candidates Policy. (9) The Dean or Director, Research Institute may approve changes of Principal Supervisor. The HDR Director may approve additions to the supervisory panel during the period of candidature. (10) Changes to the supervisory panel do not constitute grounds for an extension of candidature or scholarship. (11) All changes to candidature shall be reported to the Research Studies Committee. (12) It is a requirement that the full panel meet in person with the candidate at least once per session. The notes from these meetings will be signed by the panel members and candidate and lodged on the candidate's file (TRIM record). (13) A principal supervisor must: (14) Casual employees may not be appointed as principal supervisor. (15) Notwithstanding Clause (13) an academic staff member who holds an Adjunct appointment or who is an Emeritus Professor may continue in the role of principal supervisor where the candidate is in the final stages of candidature. In these cases the Adjunct or Emeritus appointee will have been the principal supervisor of the candidate before their appointment as Adjunct or Emeritus. (16) The criteria for admission to the Graduate Supervisors Register are that the academic must: (17) In particular circumstances where the capacity to supervise has been demonstrated, the relevant Dean or Director, Research Institute may approve that an exception be made to the requirement in Clause (13) c. that a principal supervisor should show an acceptable level of research activity over the past three years. (18) The principal supervisor will not normally be principal supervisor for greater than the equivalent of six full-time research candidates. The Research Studies Committee may approve more than the equivalent of six full-time candidates in circumstances such as where the principal supervisor is a research-only appointee. (19) The principal supervisor and co-supervisors shall normally hold qualifications at least at the level of the award for which the candidate is admitted. Where a Dean or Director, Research Institute recommends a principal supervisor who does not have a qualification at the level at which the applicant wishes to enrol or is enrolled, the Dean or Director, Research Institute will provide to the Research Studies Committee evidence of the research profile of the nominee through its monthly report to that committee (see Clause (8)). It is expected that such a nominee will hold the position of Professor or Associate Professor. (20) An acting principal supervisor must be appointed during any significant absence of the principal supervisor and always during periods of absence due to professional development leave. (21) Co-supervisors are encouraged to register on the Graduate Supervisor Register (see Clause (16)). (22) Co-supervisors may be non-Western Sydney University staff. (23) A co-supervisor may be requested to act as principal supervisor during an absence of the principal supervisor. (24) There must be at least one co-supervisor. (25) If there is a conflict between the candidate and the supervisory panel, the candidate may refer the matter to the relevant HDR Director. (26) The Principal Supervisor is responsible for making recommendations on proposed changes to candidature. These include: (27) The principal supervisor is responsible for ensuring that progress milestones are met. These include: (28) The principal supervisor is responsible for taking action if progress of the candidate is unsatisfactory. (29) The principal supervisor is responsible for ensuring that Ethics applications are submitted. (30) The principal supervisor is responsible for ensuring that Conflict of Interest Guidelines are observed. (31) The principal supervisor is responsible for ensuring that: (32) The principal supervisor is responsible for taking action for infringement by the candidate of the Student Misconduct Rule. (33) The principal supervisor is responsible for: (34) The principal supervisor has primary obligation for oversight of the candidate's progress and takes a leadership role in managing the panel and candidature. In addition to the responsibilities listed above the principal supervisor should consider the following matters in leading the candidature: (35) This policy should be read in conjunction with the following policies and guidelines:Supervision of Research Candidates Policy
Section 1 - Purpose and Context
Section 2 - Definitions
Top of PageSection 3 - Policy Statement
Part A - Panel Supervision
Part B - The Principal Supervisor
Eligibility
Number of Candidates
Qualifications
Part C - Acting Principal Supervisor
Part D - Supervisory Panel
Part E - Responsibilities of the Principal Supervisor
Examinations
Top of PageSection 4 - Procedures
Part F - Role of the Principal Supervisor
Top of Page
Section 5 - Guidelines
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