1. HDR Supervisor Induction Role of the Supervisor
Professor Garry Allison
20 July 2017

2. The Supervisor’s Role Supervisors are very important in
Maintaining links with the professional and/or practice base of the discipline
Providing a role model and/or mentor role to students
Providing a mentor role to newer supervisors
Maintaining quality for Curtin in research training

3. Student Rights
Equity: all students should receive equitable advice and instruction
Quality: all students should receive high quality teaching and learning experiences that are delivered professionally
Access: all students should have reasonable access to advice and support throughout their program
The student is here to obtain a Doctoral Qualification through a meaningful and valued research training experience.

4. Student Responsibilities – Student Charter
Students also have responsibilities and are expected to:
Inform themselves of, and comply with, all relevant laws, University Statutes, rules, by-laws, the University’s Guiding Ethical Principles, policies and procedures relating to their rights as a student.
Participate constructively in the learning experience.
Be aware of course requirements and their individual academic progress.
(Student Charter, 2008)

5. Student Responsibilities (continued)
Behave in an appropriate manner within the learning environment, showing respect for both staff and fellow students at all times.
Use University facilities and services in an honest and responsible manner.
Recognise that cheating, plagiarism and fabrication or falsifications of data are not acceptable.
Embrace and recognise diversity.
Adhere to the proper use of copyright material.
(Student Charter, 2008)

6. Professional Conduct – institutional / legislation
Ensure that confidentiality of student grades is maintained at all times.
Ensure that all contact with students is undertaken in a professional and equitable manner and complies with all University protocols, policies and procedures and relevant, appropriate legislation.
Meet Occupational Safety and Health, anti-discrimination, equal opportunity and other legislative requirements in accordance with the parameters of the position.

7. Things you need to know (& understand & enact)
Policies/Procedures that all academics are required to be comprehensively cognisant of, include:
Conflict of interest;
Plagiarism;
Grievance resolution;
Student appeals;
Risk management;
Discrimination and harassment prevention;
Prevention and management of bullying.
Authorship, Peer Review and Publication of Research Findings
(Full copies available at
Responsible Conduct of Research;
Research Management
Cultural diversity;
Inclusive language;
Gifts and benefits;

8. Sources of information
ORD webpages
Student policies and procedures (for HDR)
Student forms (for HDR)
Resources for HDR students
Applying for Candidacy (includes Guide for students and proposal examples)
Resources for HDR Staff
Notes and iLectures from previous seminars
fIRST – for Improving Research Supervision and Training
Rule 10 (Doctoral) and 11 (Masters)

9. Overview of the Research Degree Process Stage 1:
Internal school / area - review
Oral presentation (open +2 staff reviewers)
Reviewed by 2 Faculty researchers
Application for Admission
Application for Candidacy
Enrolment
Proficiency English Language Assessment (PELA)
Research Integrity Training
Turnitin
Ethics Clearance

10. Overview of the Research Degree Process Stage 2
Research and Writing of Thesis
Annual Progress Reports
International Sponsored Students Reports

11. Preparation for Supervision
Guidelines for Establishing the Higher Degree by Research Supervisory Relationship
Apply for the Register of Supervisors – next slide
Seminars and training and the GRS Website
Faculty Seminars / Mentoring Programs
fIRST – for Improving Research Supervision and Training
(first.edu.au) is supported by the Australian Council of Graduate Research
Questions to ask:
Am I on the register? At what level can I supervise?
How much time do I have? In what areas can I supervise?

12. Register of Supervisors
Purpose: to assist in the promotion of good supervisory practice and to assist in identifying those staff of the University eligible to be Supervisors of HDR students.
Criteria:
Be research active and have published in your area
Have taken steps to develop good supervisory skills and maintain a knowledge of Curtin HDR policies, procedures and guidelines
Have successfully completed the Research Integrity Module (From 2015)
Two levels – Level 1 and Level 2
Level 1 supervisors will have had a successful supervisory experience

13. Register of Supervisors
Register of Supervisors of Higher Degree by Research (Applications - Schedule A (Entry); Schedule B (Renewal)
Supervision of HDR Students Policy and Procedures
Guidelines for Establishing the Higher Degree by Research Supervisory Relationship
Guidelines for Supervisor Load Limits
List of Registered Supervisors: Inclusion of your name and the level of supervision is compulsory for supervising HDR students. Future students can search the list by supervisor name, discipline or enrolling area.

14. Supervisors Responsibilities
Provide advice and assistance on student’s research project
Meet regularly with students (~every week)
Provide constructive feedback on progress
Facilitate training in techniques as needed
Complete APR for each student
Read carefully all written work and provide feedback
Be alert to full-time scholarship students overloading with paid work
Engage in conversations regarding research integrity

15. Setting the scene – the first meeting
Set expectations early – discuss during first few meetings
Supervisor responsibilities
Reporting/feedback/leave
Ethics:
Is approval needed ?
Forward planning
Plan/Back-up/conference and publication timeline/authorship
Thesis Examination
Graduation and Employment
Getting started:
Desk/lab space/computing needs
, library, research funds
Meetings
How often/where/who attends
Candidacy
Timeline/Facilities/Budget/research integrity training on Blackboard/Turnitin checking
Student responsibilities
Reporting/rules/leave

16. Possible Issues that supervisors should watch out
Special Needs for International Students from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds
Possible Issues that supervisors should watch out
Distinctive learning styles of students
Conflict between supervisor expectations and student intentions
New students try to find a place in the midst of Discipline-based cultures and Institution-based cultures
Some cultures support hierarchical structures of supervision
Some students hate to do teamwork: simply because this is not in their culture
Definition of what is independent research
Research Ethics…what is it?
Lab Safety…not many have heard of this!

17. Make the most of meetings
Regular meetings
Documentation of: - Benchmarks and milestones - Student Progress - Delays/Unusual Incidents - Complaint resolution
Communication with Thesis Committee members
Review Student Status
Lack of Progress….raise alarm bells ASAP.

18. Remember – Life happens
Let students know if your meeting schedule will be disrupted due to:
Conference; Teaching commitments; Grant writing etc.
Holidays; Health issues; LSL
If away for more that a few weeks, make sure alternative supervisor nominated
Ensure student lets you know about issues and problems affecting progress
Encourage them to detail in Annual Report

19. Don’t forget the paperwork
Forms – confirmation and approval - Application for Candidacy - Variation to Candidacy Details
- Nomination of Examiners Leave of Absence Extension of Time to Submit Thesis Extension of Time for Amendment and/or Re-submission of Thesis
Annual Progress Reports (14 Feb – 31 March)
International Sponsored Students Reports (1-31 August)

20. Scholarships Applications
New RTP scholarships
Fee offset scholarship
Living stipend (formerly APA)
NEW RTP legislation
“PhD’s are not FREE”
Scholarships
Applications
Aust. Govt. RTP also allows for International Fee Offset and stipend
CIPRS and CSIRS (Curtin funded for Internationals)
Extensions – 3 years with extension. Not 4 years
Setting up a scholarship
Contact: Sharon Hinchliffe, Scholarships Manager Telephone: (08) Web: or go to Research Scholarships

21. International Student Fees
Supervisors must be aware of:
who is liable for fees
how fees are calculated
what happens if fees are not paid
their role
International Sponsored Student Unit (ISSU)
Online fee information:
Fees stop when the thesis is formally submitted to the thesis examinations – NOT when the student gives it to you. ($100+ per day)
A thesis without approved examiners can not be submitted.

22. Additional Student Support - Guild
Representation
Social Events
Complaints; Student Assist;
Financial support/grants
Student Surveys
PG Mentor Program
Postgraduate Students Committee
Sub-departments (women; disabilities; internationals; indigenous)

23. END OF PRESENTATION
Thank You