1. Professor Garry Allison
HDR Update
Trends and changes over the last three years
Professor Garry Allison
4 October 2016

2. HDR Update ACOLA report Trends Good practice in supervision
Student load
Scholarships
Completions
Register of Supervisors
Good practice in supervision
Training
Australian Code
Policies around HDR
Student feedback
PREQ
Initiatives for students
What’s new
Curtin Graduate Research School
Web site
Sanctions
What’s coming
New course structure
Policy

3. ACOLA Review Australia’s Research Training System
Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA)
Key findings in relation to
Communicating HDR outcomes to future students
Scholarships – flexibility for institutions to extend to 4 EFTSL, flexible entry pathways
Imbed broader transferable skills, Increase student engagement with industry – national industry placements, Assessment beyond thesis
Data gaps in determining performance/value of RTS to Australia’s economic/social well-being, indigenous participation

4. Trends in HDR
Steady growth in both domestic and international enrolments
Figure 3 Total HDR Load 2011 – 2015 (Source: Business Intelligence Tool, Student Load and Enrolments Dataset, generated 19 January 2016)

5. HDR - Headcount
Source: Business Intelligence Tool, Student Load and Enrolments Dataset, generated 19 January 2016)

6. Scholarship Programs - Domestic
Domestic: Round open August – October each year
Australian Postgraduate Award (APA)
Curtin University Postgraduate Scholarship (CUPS)
CUPS for those applying with Equity considerations
Curtin Research Scholarship (CRS)
Domestic, given as top-up to APA and CUPS and external scholarships
Other scholarships
Advertised on scholarships website

7. Scholarship Programs - International
IPRS/CSIRS round open June - August
International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS)
Curtin Strategic International Research Scholarship (CSIRS)
Curtin International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (CIPRS)
Tuition fee scholarship
Only provided where an APA equivalent stipend is available
Supervisor must nominate, approval by HoA/Faculty
Curtin Offshore Partner Research Scholarships (COPRS)
Other scholarships
Advertised on scholarships website
Change –
Double numbers
2. Reduce non-competitive applications - Self assessment online system
Candidate inserts details
Receives indicating that they are not competitive (or otherwise).

8. Scholarships – Domestic APA/CUPS Awarded 2012-2016
2013
2014
2015
2016
Curtin Business School 5 6 7
Health Sciences 21 27 26 24 22
Humanities 33 34 31 23
Science and Engineering 42 50 54 43
Total
101
116
121 94 95

9. Scholarship Extensions
Majority of scholarships for 3 years with possibility of 6 months extension
What reasons are given by students requesting extensions to their scholarships?
To what factors do students attribute effective progress in their research?
How can their research best be facilitated?

10. Scholarship Extensions - Reasons
Equipment failure
Data analysis harder than expected
Unable to find study participants
Change of topic/supervisor
Bureaucracy – especially with ethics applications
Lack of facilities
Outsourcing or external partner issues
The laboratory did not have the equipment available.
The lab was closed for the first year of my enrolment
The supervisor went on leave / left and I did not have a supervisor for 6 months
I have a large data set and the calculations take a long time
I want to (or my supervisor wants me to) write more papers

11. Scholarship extensions – Implications
What about a mid -term presentation & review?
Scholarship extensions – Implications
Support for students – supervision and culture – are paramount
Equipment issues are common in Science and Engineering
Difficulty of topic rarely an issue but data analysis is
Important to ensure topic is “doable” at candidacy
Realistic time-frame and contingency planning are essential in ensuring students complete
Candidacy must be a very clear assessment of the feasibility and timelines
Thought bubble……

12. Higher Degree by Research Completions
Result
2011
2012
2013
2014*
2015 P
15%
11% 9%
13% A
79%
82%
86% R 6% 7% 4% 8% F 0%
<1%
Totals (n)
224
250
284
300
293
Key to Result Column:
P: Pass, no amendment
A: Pass, having been amended (includes B1 and B2 options)
R: Pass, having been resubmitted
F: Fail

13. Higher Degree by Research Attrition
2011
2012
2013
2014
(as at )
2015*(as at
18/12/15) WD 95
119 73
128
131 T 17 25 37 31 4
AWOL 32 48 55 33 66
Totals (n)
143
172
139
192
201
Key:
WD: Withdrawn
T: Enrolment terminated
AWOL: Absent without leave

14. Register of Supervisors
Purpose: is to identify those staff of the University eligible to be Supervisors of HDR students and assist in the promotion of good supervisory practice.
Two levels – Level 1 and Level 2
Criteria:
Be research active and published in the area; and
Have taken steps in the last three years to develop and maintain good supervisory skills and knowledge; and
Have successful research supervisory experience (L1 only).
Did you know….
An Associate Supervisor (no completions) can apply for level 1 status if they have supervised for 2 years and that the primary supervisor (with good student progress) provides a letter of support indicating that they have actively participated in the supervision (including the admin processes).

15. Register of Supervisors
Supervision of HDR Students Policy
Supervision of HDR Students Procedures
Schedule A - Application for Entry to Register of Supervisors of Higher Degree by Research Students - to be completed and returned to the Graduate Research School
List of Registered Supervisors

16. Register of Supervisors
1500 FTE Load
About 1100 Staff
<1.5 students per registered supervisor
Registrant Breakdown (as at end 2015):
Faculty
Doctoral and Masters
Masters Only
Grand Total
Level 1
Level 2
Total
CBS 99 48
147 2
149 HS
175
105
280 4
284
HUM
116 75
191 11
202
SAR 34 39 73 12 10 85
S&E
268
141
409 VC 7 9 16
699
417
1118 29
1145
* Vice Chancellory includes the Centre for Aboriginal Studies, the Office of Research and Development, Curtin Teaching and Learning and Student Services.

17. Good Practice in Supervision
Training
Australian Code
Policies around HDR
Students and workload

18. Training for Supervisors and Students
Policies, Rules and Procedures – for students & researchers
Australian Code for the Responsible Practice of Research
Essential Facilities for HDR Students (On-campus/Off-campus)
Enriching Postgraduate Teaching and Learning Seminar Series
Web pages – start with GRS
Research Integrity Professional Development

19. For students and staff Research Integrity Professional Development:
Developed by Epigeum in collaboration with Australian Universities
Discipline specific modules:
Arts and Humanities, Biomedical Science, Engineering and Technology, Natural and Physical Sciences, Social and Behavioural Sciences
Compulsory for all HDR students and staff involved in research
Current students must complete before Candidacy

20. for Improving Research Supervision and Training (fIRST) http://first
Reading material only.
Just a resource.
Not training

21. Essential Facilities for HDR Students
Essential Facilities documents include reference to :
Supervisory Time Allocation
Access to On-Campus Accommodation (or during visits to Curtin)
Computer Access
After-hours Access
Library Support
Conference support (Doctoral only) $2,500
Consumables and Fieldwork support per student per year of $2000 (high cost) and $1400 (low cost)
Conference support – sign off….
Student-> Supervisor, -> PVC*, GRS…
Send Money to Faculty
Ask for budget line and names of students, Student tick in APR.
Reconcile (pay GRS back if not spent.)

22. Students and workload
Students should not be pressured into working more than a standard 37.5 hour week
Students in receipt of a scholarship administered by Curtin can work no more than 8 hours of the normal working week
Students undertaking work for their supervisor or other person in the department must be paid accordingly
Example: research assistant must be paid at research assistant rates and be provided with a contract of employment
Students can refuse to carry out work for a member of staff if the work is not directly related to or part of their research program

23. Policies, Rules and Procedures – Rules
Rules 10 and 11 Pursuant to Statute 12 – Enrolment
Rule 10 – Degree of Doctor by Research
Rule 11 – Degree of Master by Research
Admission & Enrolment
Application for Candidacy
Supervision
Progress
Examination process
Termination
Appeals

24. Policies, Rules and Procedures & Australian Code
Data: Data Storage detailed under “Research Data and Primary Materials policy”. See also Research Management Policy
Authorship - see Information Regarding Authorship and Joint Authorship for Higher Degree by Research Students and Their Supervisors and the Authorship, Peer Review and Publication of Research Findings Policy.
Aust. code for Responsible Conduct of Research (esp. s3 Supervision of research trainees; s5 Authorship)
Intellectual Property: As a general rule the University does not claim ownership of Intellectual Property created by Students. For exceptions see “Ownership of Intellectual Property Policy”
Conflict of Interest: Declare your interests. Declare early.

25. Policies, Rules and Procedures & Australian Code cont’d
Confidentiality: During and after your association with Curtin take all reasonable steps to keep confidential all information that is disclosed to or obtained by you as a result of or during the course of your association with Curtin.
Plagiarism: Student Misconduct Policy and Procedures
Academic Integrity: Academic Integrity - Staff guidelines for managing plagiarism booklet available from

26. Policies, Rules and Procedures & Australian Code cont’d
Collaborative Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Policy
Collaborative Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Procedures
Supervision of Higher Degree By Research (HDR) Students Policy
Supervision of Higher Degree By Research (HDR) Students Procedures

27. Questions… rest…

28. Postgraduate Research Experience Questionnaire (PREQ)
Curtin Scale Scores (% Agreement)
Percentage Agreement (%)
2013
2014
2015
Overall Satisfaction 89 90
Clarity of Goals and Expectations 96 95 93
Infrastructure 82 80
Intellectual Climate 75 70 66
Quality of Supervision 85 84
Skills Development 92 94
Thesis Examination 83
Source: Postgraduate Research Experience Questionnaire (PREQ) Reports (data collected from students completing in the previous year)

29. Postgraduate Research Experience Questionnaire (PREQ)
Curtin Scale Scores (% Agreement)
Source: Postgraduate Research Experience Questionnaire (PREQ) Reports (data collected from students completing in the previous year)

30. Postgraduate Research Experience Questionnaire (PREQ)
Questions relating to ‘Intellectual Climate’
A good seminar program for postgraduate students was provided.
I was integrated into the departments community.
The department provided opportunities for me to become involved in the broader research culture.
The department provided opportunities for social contact with other postgraduate students.
The research ambience in the department or faculty stimulated my work.

31. Engaging HDR students
A good seminar program for postgraduate students was provided
Seminars and presentations?
Candidacy
Invite the school / department staff and HDR student. Provide a Chair of the seminar. This is a positive process to build support and triangulate the opinions of the supervisory team and the student.
It should not be ……

32. Initiatives for HDR Students
InSPiRE - Interuni School for Postgrad Research Excellence - run jointly by 5 WA uni’s. 5 days of workshops/networking opportunities. To be combined with ResBaz on 30 Jan – 3 Feb 2017
ResBas – ‘Software Carpentry’ run by the Curtin Institute for Computation
Three Minute Thesis Competition: to improve communication and presentation skills - see Curtin website and UQ 3MT website:
iPREP scheme for under examination PhD students
ATN eGSA online modules – see next slide

33. What eGSA Offers Support for the development of research students
Online modules in the LEAP and MORE series:
Leadership and Communication
Research Commercialisation
Global Sustainability
Entrepreneurship
Project Management
Public Policy
Developing Your Career
Critical and Creative Thinking
Practice-led Research in Creative Arts, Media and Design

34. ATN - IDTC ATN Industry Doctoral Training Centre: Maths and Stats
Run across 5 ATN Universities with funding from Govt
Loosely based on UK model
How it works:
University – Industry partnership
Industry related project – maths rich
Students enrolled for 4 years - cohorts
Coursework, networking to add value to the PhD
ATN Industry Doctoral Training Centre and Curtin IDTC

35. Important Webpages Forms for Staff Forms for Students
Forms for Students
Guidelines for Thesis Committee Members
Information for Current Research Students
Seminars for students and supervisors
Supervisor Induction Handouts

36. What is the Graduate Research School
The GRS brings together all support and non-discipline based HDR management under one umbrella
GRS will eventually (may) become the sole enrolling area for courses
The GRS is responsible for:
Day to day administration
Support services (scholarships, training, etc.)
Examinations
Strategy, policy, quality and reporting
Provision of supervisor and HDR student information seminars

37. 2 in each of Future students, Current students
Structure
Academics and professional staff in Faculties and Schools
ADVC-RT
Strategic Projects Officer
Admin Assistant
Manager GS Administration
Research Training Officer
Thesis Examination Officer
Senior Graduate Studies Officer X 3
Scholarship Manager
Graduate Studies Officer
2 in each of Future students, Current students
1 Scholarship, 1 Thesis

38. Transition to GRS Team based management of HDR:
Future students
Current students
Supervisor Register/Enquiries
Review processes to improve consistency and best practice across the university:
Application for admission/Candidacy/APR
Examinations/Terminations
Examinations-
Quality of examiners reports
Submission of thesis
Online submission with a checkbox for student and supervisor

39. Postgraduate Research

40. Contacts for GRS
Associate DVC, Research Training
Staff Enquiries (Register of SV’s and non-student related queries)
Prospective students/Application enquiries
Current Student enquiries
Thesis examination enquiries
Training and Seminars enquiries
Postgraduate Research Scholarships enquiries

41. What’s new past few years
Guidelines on Best Practice for Thesis Examination
Introduced in 2012
Includes conflict of interest between student/supervisor/university and thesis examiners
Turnitin for HDR students:
Available as part of the RI training unit on Blackboard
Compulsory check for student Candidacy proposal
Compulsory for thesis prior to submission from July-2016
Only available for student use

42. Australian Autonomous Sanctions
In addition to UN Sanctions, implemented in Dec 2011
Sanctions on Iran for oil and gas suspended
Further sanctions against Syria, and Iran relate to specific areas
Power engineering, computing (Syria only)
Software for integrating industrial processes (Iran only)
Sanctions related to Engineering and IT against Russia
Petroleum, gas, oil, civil engineering,
Chemical engineering, information technology
Financial transactions

43. Higher Education Standards – Research Training Take effect from 2017
Research training is provided in a supervisory and study environment of research activity or other creative endeavour, enquiry and scholarship and is guided by an institutional research training policy framework.
Students are admitted to research training only if the resources required for their project will be available and continuity of supervision is assured.
See TEQSA’s Higher Educations Standards Framework
New Funding Model
Research Training Program is driven by 2 factors
50% research grant Income
and
50% completions

44. Higher Education Standards – Research Training
Each research student is supported by continuing supervisory arrangements, including:
a principal supervisor who holds a doctoral degree or has equivalent research experience, is active in research and is publishing in a relevant field or discipline
at least one associate supervisor with relevant research expertise, and
at least one of the supervisors is a member of the staff of the higher education provider or is otherwise formally contracted to the provider for supervisory duties.

45. And don’t forget……… At candidacy, students must now have:
Completed RI Training
Put together a budget
Run their proposal through Turnitin
Have submitted a Data Management Plan
To get on the Register, supervisors must:
Be research active
Undertake professional development
Have completed RI training
Complete the Application for Entry to the Register of SV’s form

46. What’s coming
New Policy and Procedures

47. Changes to PhD programs at Curtin
Initially envisaged that 3 new PhD streams would replace the 49 PhDs on offer at Curtin.
Regulatory issues were identified with the registration of a wide range of research areas, costs and durations to a single PhD course.
GRS still committed to pursing the principle of a Collaborative PhD Program – marketed as a Program rather than an individual course.

48. Changes to PhD programs at Curtin (con’t)
Collaborative PhD Model at Curtin
Innovative PhD

49. What’s coming Collaborative Doctor of Philosophy Policy and Procedures
2 week university wide consultation period for proposed changes to the existing policy and procedures concluded on 27 September 2016 – to be presented to Academic Board in the October 2016 meeting for approval.
Student enrolled in a Collaborative PhD Program at both Curtin and partner institution .
Supervision by staff in both institutions.
Must spend minimum of ONE year (in country) at each institution.
Must be enrolled at Curtin for TWO years.
Agreement must be signed by DVC-R and equivalent at Partner institution. Please contact ADVC-RT for more information.