Graduate Research Degree Orientation 2013

Decision Making and Governance

Graduate Research Programs – valued university degrees

The Graduate Research Committee (GRC)• Ensures excellence in research training and the

timely completion of theses and programs of study.• Administers the relevant research degree

regulations, and advises the Monash University Academic Board on all matters of policy relating to these programs.

• Administers graduate research scholarships and grants

• Approves all new graduate research courses and units and amendments to existing programs

GRC Membership• Chair: Professor Zlatko Skrbis (PVC, Research and

Research Training)• Deputy Chair/Convenor of Steering Committee:

Professor Rod Devenish• Director, MIGR• Faculty Academic Representatives• Remote Campus Representatives (Gippsland,

Malaysia, Monash South Africa)• Student Representatives (Monash Postgraduate

Association)• Representation from Faculty Research Offices

Monash University Institute of Graduate Research (MIGR)

• Established in July 2012• Members comprise accredited academic

supervisors while the MIGR Office attends to the management and administration of all MIGR-related activities

Role of the Monash University Institute of Graduate Research• Administers University-wide research degrees, including

all doctoral and research master’s degrees.• Implements the research training strategies and targets

of the University.• For Faculties – processes enrolments, monitors graduate

research candidature and co-ordinates the examination process.

• For graduate research students - administers graduate research admissions, enrolments and course completions.

• Scholarships and other awards.• Research training activities and graduate research policy

development.

Doctoral and Research Masters Handbooks

Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 2 Admission to candidature

Chapter 3 Conditions of candidature

Chapter 4 Changes to candidature

Chapter 5 Supervision and the Code of Practice

Chapter 6 Intellectual Property

Chapter 7 Thesis and examination matters

Chapter 8 Grievance and appeal, discipline and termination

Chapter 9 Fees, scholarships and grantsChapter 10 Facilities and servicesChapter 11 DirectoryChapter 12 Appendices

CODE OF PRACTICEfor supervision of doctoral and researchmasters candidates – 5 parts

A. Responsibilities at the University level

B. Responsibilities at the academic unit and faculty level

C. Responsibilities of the Supervisor

D. Responsibilities of the Candidate

E. Conflicts of Interest

Responsibilities at the academic unit and faculty level

Associate Dean with responsibility for Graduate Research Training

Faculty Research Office

Co-ordinator of Graduate Studies

Academic Unit/Research Officer

Responsibilities of the Supervisor

• Guidance to candidate• Establishment of timelines• Employment• Occupational health and safety• Responsible research practice and

ethics• Intellectual property• Regular advice on progress

Responsibilities of the Candidate

• Regulations and guidelines• Use of resources and facilities• Academic Unit activities and meeting with other

researchers• Safe working practices• Ethical research practices• Retention of data• Meetings/communications with supervisor(s)• Employment• Documenting progress

Grievance procedures

• Take the initiative in raising problems or difficulties and seek solutions to these problems

• Be aware of University grievance procedures, but seek negotiated solutions to any problems before recourse to those procedures (see chapter 8 of the relevant Handbook)

• Independent advice – The Monash Postgraduate Association(see http://mpa.monash.edu.au/)

Confirmation of Candidature• All probationary candidates are required to

present their work in progress to a review panel and submit a confirmation of candidature report at the end of their probationary period

• The probationary period can vary depending upon the degree in which the candidate is enrolled (See Chapter 3 of the relevant Handbook)

• MIGR sends out confirmation due date notifications

Confirmation Requirements

1. Review Panel

2. Written report – minimum 1000 words

3. Oral presentation – to Review Panel

4. Review Panel report and recommendation to MIGR

(See Chapter 12 of the relevant Handbook for faculty-specific requirements, at http://intranet.monash.edu.au/migr/handbook/index.html)

Mid Candidature Review and Pre-Submission Seminar

• Doctoral candidates commencing 1 January 2010 onwards must undertake a mid-candidature review and pre-submission seminar.

• System supports candidates and supervisors to keep on track and focused.

• Some candidates are exempt from this requirement (See http://www.monash.edu.au/migr/research-degrees/handbook/chapter-three/3-8.html)

Study Away and Travel Warnings

• Important element of international graduate research experience

• Duty of care• No study away in first 6 months• Study Away form to be sent to MIGR well

in advance of travel(Form can be accessed from http://intranet.monash.edu.au/migr/forms/index.html)

Skills Essentials (formerly exPERT) Seminar and Workshop Series

• An enhanced suite of free seminars, workshops, online and short training courses introduced to support and be in line with the new Monash PhD programs

• Online Podcasts and Powerpoints

MIGR Contact Information

Telephone: +61 3 9905 3009Email: migr@monash.eduFax: + 61 3 9905 5042Address: Building 3D

Clayton CampusWellington RoadMonash UniversityVictoria 3800, Australia