1996 Swinburne Higher Education Handbook

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are expected to:
4.4.1 Advise the candidate, at an early stage, of
concerns over progress and/or standard of
work and recommend courses of action by
which the work mav , be ' ~roeressed - or
brought to the appropriate standard.
4.4.2 Discuss with the student the possibilities of
(a) changing the topic, (b) sal;aging the
work by ~ublication, (c) converting to a
lower degree, if the project turns out not to
be feasible.
4.4.3 Notify the Head of School and, if necessary,
the Higher Degrees Committee, of any
continuing problems between reporting
periods. (See Statute, Section 8, paragraphs
3 and 4.)
4.4.4 If the need arises, notify the candidate in
writing, of unsatisfactory progress and the
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fact that the supervisor may be obliged to
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recommend termination of candidature.
E 4.4.5 Discuss the matter with the Head of School
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and consult Swinburne's Higher Degrees
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Committee if there are major concerns over
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whether the project, when completed,
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would merit the award.
. 4.5 Completion of the Project and Thesis Submission
W g In the course of a student's preparing a thesis for
submission, supervisors are expected to:
4.5.1 Peruse the thesis drafts and assist the candidate.
where necessary, towards the production of a
thesis of appropriate quality. A supervisor
should not be obliged to read an excessive
number of drafts of the same section or
chapter. Again, it is important that criticism is
given in a constructive, supportive and
sensitive fashion.
4.5.2 Remind the candidate about Swinburne's
requirements for presentation and
submission of a PhD thesis. (See Statute,
Section 9.)
4.5.3 Recommend suitable examiners to the
Higher Degrees Committee via the relevant
faculty board/research committee. While
the identities of the examiners are not
revealed to the candidate, the supervisor
should invite the candidate to name
individuals whom they do not wish to be
appointed as examineis. The coordinating
supervisor should also discuss the auestion
of examiners with the second supervisor
before making a recommendation.
Candidates should be advised of courses of
actions which examiners may recommend.
(See Statute, Section 10.)
4.5.4 Be prepared to certify that the thesis is ready
for examination, in accordance with
University requirements. (See Statute,
Section 9.5.)
4.5.5 Remind the candidate that any restrictions
on publication due to confidentiality
requirements should be clearly specified.
(See Statute, Section 12.)
4.5.6 Note that any communication between
supervisor and examiner concerning the
thesis, while the thesis is under examination,
should normally only take place through the
Secretary or Chair of the Higher Degrees
Committee.
4.5.7 Work with the candidate to interpret the
comments and guide the rewriting process,
in the event that examiners request rewriting
of the thesis.
5. Guidelines for Condidotes
PhD candidates are expected to:
Understand the administrative processes and
requirements concerning application for
candidature. Candidates should be aware of
the timeframe in which the degree should be
completed. (See Statute, Section 5.4.)
Become familiar with relevant Swinburne
policies, especially the University's Statute for
the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy and its
Code of Conduct for Research.
Develop a project, in consultation with the
proposed supervisors, of suitable quality for
the degree of PhD. (See Statute, Section 4.)
Liaise with supervisors to produce a suitable
research plan for the proposed project.
Become familiar with any departmental
procedures.
Be aware of the facilities and expertise
available for conduct of the project.
Endeavour ro maintain the progress of the
work in accordance with the plan as
approved by the Divisional and Higher
Degrees Committee.
Justlfy any changes in the plan, its direction,
and/or time frame. Candidates should inform
the supervisor at an early stage of factors
which might affect the progress of the project.
Take the initiative in raising problems or
difficulties and work with the supervisor to
resolve them.
Provide formal reports in a timely fashion as
deemed necessary by the Higher Degrees
Committee, the Division and/or the
supervisor, and ensure sufficient time is
available to adequately investigate and discuss
the work. (See Statute, Section 8.)
Be aware of the University's Occupational
Health and Safety guidelines and adopt safe
working practices relevant to the field of
research.
Become familiar with any relevant procedures
as determined by the Swinburne Animal