(1) This policy provides a quality assurance framework for the effective monitoring and delivery of higher degree by research supervision, recognising that supervision is the most significant support the University provides to its (2) The University of New England is responsible for the delivery of high-quality research training programs that are academically rigorous, promote responsible research conduct, and provide enriching experiences for (3) This Policy outlines the fundamental principles and appointment provisions underpinning higher degree by research supervision at UNE, to ensures that: (4) This policy applies to (5) Within this policy: (6) The University is committed to establishing a supervisory environment where: (7) Each (8) Supervisors must work with each other and the (9) Two supervisors must be members of academic staff and have an appointment at UNE that extends for the expected period of candidature. One will be nominated as Principal Supervisor. (10) The key functions of a Principal Supervisor in a supervisory team are to: (11) All members of the supervisory team must: (12) Additional supervisors may be appointed to fulfil specific roles in the candidature. These supervisors must meet the requirements outlined in clause 24 and 25 below. (13) The composition of a supervisory team will depend on: faculty arrangements, the interdisciplinary nature of the research project, other criteria as determined by the faculty, project, and as appropriate to the project, the candidate and the degree. (14) The supervisory team must: (15) The Head of School or nominee may review and change supervisory arrangements as required throughout the course of the candidature. (16) The Head of School or nominee must inform the HDR Candidate about all such changes. (17) The University must appoint an academically qualified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supervisor on supervisory panels wherever appropriate. (18) Supervisors assist (19) All HDR Supervisors must keep up to date with, and implement, UNE policies, procedures and guidelines governing the conduct of research and research degrees at the University of New England. (20) HDR Supervisors must guide, monitor, review and oversee (21) Supervisors should be particularly mindful of the power imbalance that exists between (22) All individuals providing supervision to (23) The Director Graduate Research, in consultation with the relevant Associate Dean, Research is responsible for establishing and maintaining the register of all individuals eligible to be appointed as Supervisors. (24) To be registered as a Principal Supervisor of HDR Candidates, all of the following criteria must be satisfied: (25) To be registered as a Co-Supervisor including External and End-User Supervisors of HDR Candidates, all of the following criteria must be satisfied: (26) All supervisors must be compliant with the University’s Conflict of Interest Policy, the UNE Code of Conduct, and the UNE Code of Conduct for Research. (27) The maximum supervisory load for a registered supervisor is normally 6.0 (six) EFT. (28) Each year the Graduate Research School will undertake an administrative review of all registered supervisors. (29) Following the review, the Graduate Research School will make one of the following recommendations to the relevant Head of School or nominee: (30) The Director, Graduate Research will report annually to the Academic Board on issues relating to the Supervisor Register, including but not limited to the: (31) Reports must include a summary of actions taken and any recommendations relating to the operation of the Supervisor Register. (32) All supervisors employed by UNE are required to maintain current knowledge of supervisory practice and an awareness of UNE research and research training policies through attendance at a Supervisor’s Refresher program (face‐to‐face or online module) every two years from their anniversary date or re‐registration date. (33) All prospective supervisors who wish to be included on the register must undertake supervisory development activities and must familiarise themselves with current supervisory practices and expectations by completing the University’s supervisor training courses or workshops. (34) If a potential supervisor has already undertaken an equivalent course or has substantial suitable experience in supervising HDR Candidates to completion, the Director, Graduate Research may exempt them from taking the University’s supervisor training course. (35) When a Principal Supervisor is expected to be absent and unable to provide supervision for an extended period (more than two months), then an Acting Principal Supervisor must be formally appointed. (36) 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 Director, Graduate Research on the recommendation of the Head of School. (37) HDR Candidates and/or Supervisors have the right to lodge a complaint if the Principles of the Policy (PART A) have not been upheld and it has impacted the research and/or research progress. (38) Complaints can be made to the Head of School (or nominee) in the first instance and should follow the process as outlined in the HDR Supervision Procedures. (39) If not resolved at the School level, the matter can be raised with the Graduate Research School. The Graduate Research School may refer the matter to the appropriate area which includes, but not limited, to: (40) Complainants have the right to appeal under the appropriate unit investigating the matter. (41) Once all internal avenues of appeal have been exhausted complainants can appeal to the NSW Ombudsman on matters of process only. (42) The Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer (VC&CEO) pursuant to Section 29 of the University of New England Act 1993 (NSW), makes this University policy. (43) The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research (DVCR) is authorised to make procedures and processes for the effective implementation and operation of this policy, and to publish as associated documents any tool that will assist with compliance. (44) Policy Administrator for this policy is the Director Governance and University Secretary, who is authorised to make minor administrative updates to this policy. (45) (46) This policy is consistent with all legislative standards and regulatory frameworks, including the Higher Education Support Act (HESA), the Higher Education Standards Framework (HESF), the Education Services for Overseas Students Act (ESOS Act) and the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students. Further information regarding compliance obligations is available via the Compliance Register. (47) This policy operates as and from the Effective Date. Previous policy on HDR supervision are replaced and have no further operation from the Effective Date. (48) Notwithstanding the other provisions of this policy, the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer may approve an exception to this policy where the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer determines the application of this policy would otherwise lead to an unfair, unreasonable or absurd outcome. Approvals by the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer under this clause must be documented in writing and must state the reason for the exception. (49) FTE (Full-Time Equivalent)- means supervision of a HDR Candidate studying at a full-time capacity.HDR Supervision Policy
Section 1 - Overview & Scope
Top of PageSection 2 - Policy
Part A - Policy Principles
General Principles
Part B - Roles & Responsibilities
Supervisory Teams
Principal Supervisor
Co-Supervisor
General Roles & Responsibilities of Supervisors
Part C - The Supervisor Register
Criteria for Principal Supervisor Registration
Co-Supervisor Registration
Conflicts of Interest
Supervision Load
Annual Review of Supervisor Registration
Supervisor Register Reporting
Part D - Supervisor Development and Training
Part E - Administrative Requirements
Absence of Supervisors
Resignation/Retirement
Part F - Complaints and Appeals
Section 3 - Authority & Compliance
Authority
Compliance
Section 4 - Definitions (specific to this Policy)
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