1996 Swinburne Higher Education Handbook

(See Statute, Section 8.). Schedules
may be re-negotiated as the research
proceeds.
Review scheduled interim reports
and/or research results with the aim
of assisting the candidate to produce
on-going work of such a calibre,
depth and extent as would qualify
for the award of PhD. Comments
should be made in a constructive,
supportive and sensitive fashion.
4.2.5 Ensure that reporting requirements
are met. This will involve
submitting a written report,
countersigned by the student, to the
Higher Degrees Committee at the
expiration of twelve months from
the date of admission to candidature
and at such other times as the
Committe may decide. (See Statute,
Section 8.)
4.2.6 Direct the candidate to any sources
of further assistance, whether these
be individuals with specialist
expertise or published work of
which the candidate may be
unaware.
4.2.7 Encourage the candidate to produce
and present papers as appropriate.
In doing so, supervisors should
ensure that agreement is reached
between the candidate and the
supervisor concerning authorship of
publications and acknowledgment of
contributions during and after
candidature. There should be open
and mutual recognition of the
candidate's and supervisor's
contribution to all published work
arising from the project. In this
regard, supervisors should note the
requirements for publications
contained in the University's Code
of Conduct for Research.
4.2.8 Be aware that a candidate's progress
may be impeded by personal crises
aswell as such things as equipment
breakdowns and difficulties in
obtaining resources. Supervisors
should be aware of the student
support networks of the University.
The supervisor should inform the
Higher Degrees Committee if there
is a need to suspend candidature or
negotiate an extension.
4.2.9 Endeavour to advise the candidate of
sources of funding as appropriate.
4.2.10 Support initiatives by candidates to
participate in the academic life of the
School, to meet other researchers
and to attend meetings or
conferences germane to the topic. A
supportive environment and sense of
collegiality are important influences
in timely completion of research
projects.
4.3 Change of Supervisor
In certain circumstances a change of supervisor may be
appropriate. Supervisors are expected to:
4.3.1 Recommend a replacement coordinating
supervisor if, for any reason, including
absence, this supervisor is unable to
effectively supervise the candidate for a
period exceeding three months. (See Statute,
Section 7, paragraph 4.)
4.3.2 Consider asking an appropriate colleague to
be joint supervisor in the situation where it
is recognised that more expert or varied
knowledge is required than was first
anticipated.
4.3.3 Advise the student that there is provision for
a change of supervisor if there are major
disagreements between a supervisor and the
candidate about conducting the project or
preparing the thesis. Students should be
assured that there will be no repercussions
and be aware that candidates may initiate
requests for a change of supervisor. The
Head of School and the Higher Degrees
Committee should be advised and approval
sought for a new supervisor.
4.3.4 Advise the candidate if a supervisor wishes
to withdraw from the supervisory role. The
possibility of a change of supervisor should
be discussed with the student and the Head
of School with the aim of producing a
solution which does not disadvantage the
student.
4.4 If problems arise
It is recognised that from time to time, problems may
arise. Long completion times and high attrition rates
have frequently been identified as hazards associated
with PhD study. Some difficulties may be
experienced in the progress of the project or in the
supervisory relationship, or candidates may have
personal or financial problems.
It is expected that supervisors and candidates would
attempt to work together to develop strategies to
alleviate any problems. Such strategies might include
referring a candidate to others working in the field for
additional advice, adding or changing supervisors (see
above), or referral to Swinburne student support
services, depending on the nature of the difficulties.
In the event of concerns over the work, supervisors