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

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


The Timetable and ProcessE

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Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

Reports, Papers, Chapters

Master

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Year 4(max. time)

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Research Proposal

• Registration of candidate

• Selection of supervisors

• Provisional thesis title

• Problem to be investigated

• Likely pathway

• Research Proposal Form on GRO website http://mams.rmit.edu.au/zyxlnlbzuwri.doc

• Must be completed within 2 months of enrolment

http://mams.rmit.edu.au/zyxlnlbzuwri.doc

http://mams.rmit.edu.au/zyxlnlbzuwri.doc



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



• Master Candidates

• Within 6 months of enrolment

• Panel comprises (as minimum):

–Senior supervisor

–School Higher Degrees by Research Coordinator (or nominee) as chairman



• 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


Confirmation of Candidature: CriteriaDemonstration (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



• 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”.


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 12RMIT 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 (http://www.rmit.edu.au/research/hdr/policy)

RMIT Rights and Responsibilities of Students (http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/enrolment/responsibilities)

http://www.rmit.edu.au/research/hdr/policy

http://www.rmit.edu.au/research/hdr/policy

http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/enrolment/responsibilities




Some student responsibilitiesEnrolment:

• 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 email address (or forward to personal account)


Know RMIT’s Policies and Procedures on:

• Occupational Health and SafetyFollow safe study/research practices relevant to the field of research and health and safety guidelines in places of study and work at all times

• EthicsBe 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 PropertyUnderstand RMIT’s policy on intellectual property and how it may affect their research

• Plagiarism and AuthorshipGive credit when due and in the proper way

• Other policies on Discrimination, Bullying etc


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!!


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


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

Documents

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