• Section 1 - Overview and Scope
• Section 2 - Policy
• Part A - Policy Principles
• Part B - UNE Scholarships, Prizes and Awards
• Eligibility
• Application and Offer Process
• Period of Support
• Termination
• Part C - Chancellor’s Doctoral Research Medal
• Eligibility
• Criteria
• Graduation Ceremony
• Appeals
• Section 3 - Authority & Compliance
• Authority
• Compliance

Section 1 - Overview and Scope

(1) The HDR Scholarships, Prizes and Awards Policy outlines eligibility requirements for UNE’s HDR scholarships, prizes and awards.

(2) This Policy is for the governance of UNE HDR scholarships, prizes and awards and is for the use of applicants, enrolled HDR Candidates, HDR Supervisors, research administrators and UNE Representatives.

(3) Within this Policy:

1. Part A – outlines the principles of this Policy;
2. Part B – covers the eligibility requirements for UNE scholarships, prizes and awards; and
3. Part C – covers the eligibility requirements for the Chancellor's Medal.

Section 2 - Policy

Part A - Policy Principles

(4) HDR scholarships support suitably qualified candidates to undertake research training programs at UNE.

(5) HDR scholarships are used to support the research excellence, research capacity, and the equity and diversity goals of the University.

(6) The purpose of a HDR scholarship is to provide financial support to the recipient so they can enrol at UNE to carry out their research for their higher degree by research.

(7) Scholarship providers must conduct a competitive process for selecting scholarship recipients that is equitable and fair.

(8) Applicants must meet the conditions and application requirements for HDR admission, which can be found in the HDR Admission and Enrolment Policy.

Part B - UNE Scholarships, Prizes and Awards

(9) The University of New England may offer financial support outside the Research Training Program (RTP) provisions outlined in the Research Training Program Scholarship Policy. Part C of this policy refers to all UNE financial support, prizes and awards outside of RTP provisions.

Eligibility

(10) All applicants must be enrolled in a HDR course, or have submitted a candidature application for an HDR course, unless otherwise specified.

(11) Additional eligibility will be specified on the scholarship/prize/award terms and conditions. This information can be found on the HDR Scholarships webpage.

Application and Offer Process

(12) HDR Candidates must apply during the specified scholarship/prize/award opening and closing dates.

(13) HDR Candidates will normally be notified of the outcome of their applications within eight weeks of the closing date unless otherwise specified.

Period of Support

(14) The period of scholarship/prize/award will be specified in the advertisement and in the terms and conditions of the scholarship/prize/award offer letter.

Termination

(15) Scholarships, Prizes or Awards may be terminated on one or more of the following:

1. if the HDR Candidate ceases to meet the eligibility criteria as specified in specific terms and conditions of their scholarship, prize or award;
2. on completion of the HDR course of study; and
3. if UNE determines that the HDR Candidate has not complied with a requirement specified in the RTP Scholarship Policy, terms and conditions of scholarship offer letter, Course Rules and all other relevant UNE policies.

Part C - Chancellor’s Doctoral Research Medal

(16) Chancellor's Doctoral Research Medals will be given for doctoral research that is of exceptional merit and at the forefront of the field.

Eligibility

(17) Candidates, eligible for shortlisting, have met the following:

1. the degree has been conferred since the previous awarding of Medals; and
2. at least two thesis examiners have recommended a Medal.

Criteria

(18) The Graduate Research Committee will decide on the Medals to be awarded each year. Considerations in determining the quality of the theses are recommendations and supporting statements from the thesis examiners regarding:

1. international standing of the research work;
2. impact of the research both actual and potential;
3. refereed publications or other research outputs from the doctoral work, for example patents, exhibitions, performances and other creative works; and
4. awards or other recognition of the research quality.

(19) The evidence to be used will include examiners reports and the nominating examiners' statements.

Graduation Ceremony

(20) Chancellor's Doctoral Research Medals are awarded at the next available Graduation Ceremony.

Appeals

(21) Chancellor's Doctoral Research Medals are a discretionary award by the University for outstanding academic merit. There is no appeal against decisions that confer or do not confer a Medal. Review of the decision-making process may be provided by the NSW Ombudsman.

Section 3 - Authority & Compliance

Authority

(22) The Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 29 of the University of New England Act 1993 (NSW), makes this University policy.

(23) 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.

(24) Rule/Policy Administrator for this Policy is the Director Governance and University Secretary, who is authorised to make minor administrative updates to this Policy.

Compliance

(25) Applicants, enrolled HDR Candidates, HDR supervisors, research administrators and UNE Representatives must observe this Policy in relation to HDR UNE Scholarship, Prizes and Awards. Non-compliance may be a breach of the Code of Conduct and may be addressed under the disciplinary provisions of the relevant Enterprise Agreement.

(26) This Policy operates as and from the Effective Date. Previous policy on HDR Scholarships, Prizes and Awards and related documents are replaced and have no further operation from the Effective Date of this new Policy.

(27) Notwithstanding the other provisions of this University 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 the 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.