What Expectations Does the University have of Supervisors?

Professor Rod Devenish,Academic Director, MIGR

Code of Practice for Supervision of Doctoral and Research Master’s

Candidateshttp://www.monash.edu.au/migr/research-degrees/handbook/

chapter-five/5-2.html

This is the code governing supervisory

practice at Monash!

28th February 2011Presentation title 2

5.2.2.2 Supervision arrangementsThe proposed supervisory team is sufficiently expert and interested in the area of research to offer the candidate appropriate supervision.

The proposed supervisor(s) meet the University’s requirements for Research Supervision Accreditation.

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5.2.2.3 Workload for academic staff

The supervision of graduate research candidates is appropriately identified in performance development profiles which are used to manage the overall workloads for academic staff.

The workload of the supervisor is such as to allow sufficient time to give proper supervision to the candidate, according to the guidelines in this Code.

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5.2.2.5 Appointment of supervisors

The appointment of the supervision team is determined and agreed upon in consultation with the candidate.

On appointment, all members of the supervision team should agree on their respective roles and responsibilities, and this should be communicated to the candidate.

One member, normally the main supervisor, is responsible for administrative tasks.

5.2.3.2 Guidance to candidate

Guidance is given to candidates regarding the requirements and timelines for progress reviews including confirmation of candidature.

The supervisor is to be particularly sensitive to the need to ensure productive use of the candidate’s time, especially in the first year of candidature.

Constructive feedback on the quality of English expression and editing skills is given along with appropriate referral to support services if required.

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5.2.3.3 Establishment of timelines

A schedule of regular contact (every two weeks for full-time candidates and at least monthly for part-time candidates) is established and maintained with the candidate. Meetings may include tools that allow real time interaction, such as telephone and Skype.

Regular written work, interim reports or research results, including the final draft of the thesis, are requested as appropriate and such work returned with constructive criticism, normally within two weeks for chapter-length drafts and as negotiated for longer pieces but normally within one month.

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5.2.3.7 Responsible research practice and ethics

The candidate and supervisory team are aware of the Australian Code for the Responsible Practice of Research

The candidate and supervisors follow ethical practices appropriate to the particular discipline and relevant profession, and as specified by the relevant University committees and by the ethics guidelines set by any relevant funding body.

The candidate and main supervisor obtain all necessary clearance with respect to ethics in research on humans, animal experimentation, hazardous materials and biosafety.

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5.2.3.11 Publication and co-authorship with candidates

The candidate is encouraged, where appropriate, to publish anddisseminate the results of his/her research responsibly

The candidate is made aware that works of others are citedaccurately and appropriately

Agreement is reached with the candidate concerning authorshipof publications and acknowledgment of contributions duringand after candidature.

Refer to Section 4 (Publication and dissemination of research findings) of theAustralian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research and the UniversityResearch Outputs and Authorship Policy .

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5.2.3.13 Intellectual property

The candidate is fully aware of the University policy andguidelines on intellectual property and implications forhis/her research.

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5.2.3.14 Regular advice on progress

The candidate is required to consult the supervisor whenpreparing for the confirmation of candidature.

The candidate is made aware, of inadequate progress, by thesupervisor who specifies the problems and suggests ways ofaddressing them.

Reports are made regularly as required on the candidate’sprogress to the relevant bodies as appropriate.

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5.2.3.17 Retention of data

Original data are recorded in a retrievable, confidential, durableand appropriately referenced form and stored safely for aperiod appropriate to the discipline. The period for most casessuggested in the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct ofResearch is at least five years from the date of publication.

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5.2.3.18 Absence of the supervisor

The supervisor must notify the candidate of his/her intention togo on leave for a period of two weeks or longer.

5.2.3.19 Resignation or retirement of the supervisor

The supervisor must notify the candidate of his/her intention tocease employment at the University as soon as practicable.

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In cases of poor supervision performance or serious violation of the Code and on the advice of the GRC, limits may be placed on the supervision load and level of an academic staff member.