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 ProcessE

nro

lmen

t

Res

earc

h

Pro

po

sal

2 m

o.

Pro

gre

ss R

epo

rt

Co

nfi

rmat

ion

of

Can

did

atu

re 1

2 m

o

Pro

gre

ss R

epo

rt

Pro

gre

ss R

epo

rt

Pro

gre

ss R

epo

rt

Pan

el o

f E

xam

iner

s

Su

bm

it t

hes

is

Rec

eive

Exa

min

e rs

Co

mm

e nt s

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

Reports, Papers, Chapters

Master

or

Doctor

Year 4(max. time)

Pro

gre

ss R

epo

rt

Pro

gre

ss R

epo

rt

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

• 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: 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

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 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)

RMIT University© School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical Engineering 13RMIT University©2009 College of Science, Engineering and Technology 13

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)

RMIT University© School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical Engineering 14RMIT University©2009 College of Science, Engineering and Technology 14

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

RMIT University© School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical Engineering 15RMIT 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 16RMIT 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 17RMIT 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