Recent Changes to HDR Policy and Procedures Felicity Roddick Associate Dean Research and Innovation

RMIT University© School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical Engineering 2 Overview Research proposal Confirmation of candidature Progress reports Roles and responsibilities of supervisors, students and schools

RMIT University© School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical Engineering 3 The Timetable and Process Enrolment Research Proposal 2 mo. Progress Report Confirmation of Candidature 12 mo Progress Report Panel of Examiners Submit thesis Receive Examiners Comments Year 1 Year 2Year 3 Reports, Papers, Chapters Master or Doctor Year 4 (max. time) Progress Report

RMIT University© School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical Engineering 4 Research Proposal Registration of candidate Selection of supervisors Provisional thesis title Problem to be investigated Likely pathway Research Proposal Form on GRO website Must be completed within 2 months of enrolment

RMIT University© School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical Engineering 5

RMIT University© School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical Engineering 6 Confirmation of Candidature Candidate must satisfy panel that progress justifies continuation Oral presentation Full written research proposal using Confirmation of Candidature form from College website

RMIT University© School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical Engineering 7 Confirmation of Candidature Master Candidates Within 6 months of enrolment Panel comprises (as minimum): –Senior supervisor –School Higher Degrees by Research Coordinator (or nominee) as chairman

RMIT University© School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical Engineering 8 Confirmation of Candidature PhD candidates Within 12 months of enrolment Panel comprises (as minimum) –Senior supervisor –2 further academic staff members –School Higher Degrees by Research Coordinator (or nominee) as chairman Optional –Member external to RMIT University….desirable

RMIT University© School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical Engineering 9 Confirmation of Candidature: Criteria Demonstration (at appropriate level) of: Planning of research program –Full written proposal Critical review of relevant literature –Fully referenced literature review Practical conduct of the research –Research achievements to date Presentation and defence of program and its progress as an oral presentation –Content and delivery of presentation and responses to resultant questions

RMIT University© School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical Engineering 10 Confirmation of Candidature Panel must meet and make a recommendation to the school, to either: Confirm candidature or Deny confirmation of candidature If confirmation denied, then candidate has one month to re-present material to satisfy the panel If material not re-presented, or deemed unsatisfactory, candidate is placed “At risk”.

RMIT University© School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical Engineering 11 Progress Reports Every 6 months Both student and supervisors see the comments Extremely important! Vital that both supervisor and student accurately reflect the situation! Tool for reflection and improvement

RMIT University© School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical Engineering 12 RMIT University©2009 College of Science, Engineering and Technology 12 Everyone has a responsibility… The University The School The Supervisor The Candidate Code of Practice - Research Degree Supervision at RMIT ( RMIT Rights and Responsibilities of Students (

RMIT University© School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical Engineering 13 RMIT University©2009 College of Science, Engineering and Technology 13 Some student responsibilities Enrolment: Provide accurate information at enrolment Enrol online in November to continue studies the next year Late enrolment will result in a $175 fine Maintain Contact Details Update mailing address and emergency contact details if they change Regularly check RMIT address (or forward to personal account)

RMIT University© School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical Engineering 14 RMIT University©2009 College of Science, Engineering and Technology 14 Know RMIT’s Policies and Procedures on: Occupational Health and Safety Follow safe study/research practices relevant to the field of research and health and safety guidelines in places of study and work at all times Ethics Be aware of any necessary ethics approvals before beginning data collection and ensure that data are collected in the manner approved by the Ethics Committees Intellectual Property Understand RMIT’s policy on intellectual property and how it may affect their research Plagiarism and Authorship Give credit when due and in the proper way Other policies on Discrimination, Bullying etc

RMIT University© School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical Engineering 15 RMIT University©2009 College of Science, Engineering and Technology 15 Student Relationship With Supervisor Keep regular contact with supervisor (eg, weekly meetings) Maintain the progress of work in accordance with the stages as discussed and agreed with supervisor Take the initiative in raising problems or difficulties encountered in research and in proposing and discussing solutions to these with supervisor Discuss any plans to take leave with supervisor and obtain approval in advance Manage up the Supervisor!!

RMIT University© School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical Engineering 16 RMIT University©2009 College of Science, Engineering and Technology 16 Supervisor’s Responsibilities Be familiar with the policies and regulations for Higher Degrees by Research Provide guidance to ensure student complies with University policies and procedures, including: - Research and professional standards expected - Management of candidature - Ethics - Intellectual property - Collaborative research with industry Give student advice on appropriate research methods and techniques Ensure that student has adequate access to the human and physical resources needed to conduct their research Offer student guidance about the productive use of time, particularly in the first year of candidature

RMIT University© School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical Engineering 17 RMIT University©2009 College of Science, Engineering and Technology 17 Supervisors are also required to: Act as a panel member at Confirmation and PhD Completion Seminars Work with student to set targets and milestones and provide with guidance and direction to ensure these are met Ensure that student’s work is of an appropriate standard, is properly presented, conforms to the HDR Policy and Procedures and is ready for examination Nominate appropriate examiners