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Registration of Research Higher Degree Supervisors Procedures

This is not a current document. It has been repealed and is no longer in force.

Section 1 - Overview

(1) The University recognises that quality supervision is fundamental to providing a high quality research training experience, leading to successful learning outcomes and timely completions for higher degree research (HDR) students. The University is obligated to ensure the delivery of quality supervision to each student and the timely completion of research degrees of the highest standard.

(2) These procedures outline a process for establishing and maintaining a register of (a) experienced and skilled supervisors and (b) new supervisors who do not yet meet all criteria for full registration.

(3) All supervisors of HDR students will be recorded on the Register of Supervisors. No HDR student can be supervised by anyone who is not on the Register of Supervisors.

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Section 2 - Scope

(4) The purpose of the register is to recognise, encourage, support, and develop good supervisory practice.

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Section 3 - Procedures

Criteria for Registration of Supervisors

(5) To be eligible for entry into the Register, supervisors must meet certain criteria. The Register will provide for two categories of supervisor — Principal Supervisor and Co-Supervisor.

(6) To be registered as a Principal Supervisor of HDR students, all of the following criteria must be satisfied:

  1. Be a member of academic staff (including adjunct and emeritus staff) of the University.
  2. Be research active as per the 'Guidelines on Research Activity and Publication for Higher Degree Research Supervisors.'
  3. Principal Supervisors must have appropriate experience in research supervision, and/or have completed UNE Supervisor Accreditation Training, as approved by the Head of School.
  4. Research Supervisors must normally have a Research Masters or Research Doctorate degree in order to supervise a Research Masters candidate, and have a Research Doctorate degree in order to supervise doctoral candidates.
  5. Have agreed to supervise Higher Degree Research students in accordance with UNE's Higher Degree by Research rules, policies and guidelines, and in accordance with the UNE Research Degree Supervision Agreement.

(7) To be registered as a Co-supervisor, all of the following criteria must be satisfied:

  1. Be a member of academic staff (including adjunct and emeritus staff) of the University. Under special circumstances a proposed co-supervisor, who does not meet this criteria, may be approved by the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) on the recommendation of the Head of School.
  2. Be research active as per the 'Guidelines on Research Activity and Publication for Higher Degree Research Supervisors' or have appropriate expertise as approved by the Head of School.
  3. Research Supervisors must normally have a Research Masters or Research Doctorate degree in order to supervise a Research Masters candidate, and have a Research Doctorate degree in order to supervise doctoral candidates.
  4. Have agreed to supervise Higher Degree Research students in accordance with UNE's Higher Degree by Research rules, policies and guidelines, and in accordance with the UNE Research Degree Supervision Agreement.

The Registration Process

(8) Registration - Staff who wish to be registered should complete an Application for Registration form (available from the Research Services website) and submit it to their Head of School to sign and forward to Research Services. Applications will be administered by Research Services, overseen by the Graduate Research Subcommittee. The Register will be maintained in Research Services.

(9) Co-supervision - Staff who do not have previous experience of supervision should be encouraged by Heads of Schools to gain experience by acting as co-supervisors with an experienced colleague, and/or to undertake UNE Supervisor Accreditation Training. Staff should also simultaneously be encouraged to develop and maintain good supervisory skills and knowledge of UNE's HDR policies and guidelines by such means as attendance at relevant workshops/seminars offered by the School or UNE, or attendance at appropriate conferences/workshops external to the University, or participation in established online programs.

Extenuating Circumstances/Special Cases

(10) Periods of Leave - In the case of a Principal Supervisor going on leave from the University (for periods exceeding 2 weeks), the Co-supervisor may be appointed as Principal Supervisor for the period of leave. However, where the Co-supervisor does not meet the necessary criteria, appointment of appropriate supervisors is at the discretion of the Head of School.

(11) Resignation/Retirement - In special cases where the Principal Supervisor has left UNE, the Co-supervisor may be appointed as Principal Supervisor. However, where the Co-supervisor does not meet the necessary criteria, appointment of appropriate supervisors is at the discretion of the Head of School.

Review Process

(12) Heads of Schools will be required to review continuation of staff on the register as part of the annual performance review.

Deregistration

(13) Heads of Schools may recommend deregistration of supervisors on any of the following grounds:

  1. The supervisor leaves UNE or ceases honorary or equivalent appointment;
  2. The supervisor fails to meet the registration criteria; or
  3. The supervisor is guilty of academic misconduct at the University or another university or research institution.
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Section 4 -