The Cambridge (Survival) Guide - Cambridge University Students ...

22Graduate Study Essentials (cont.)Meetings with your supervisorWhat you can expectThe mutual responsibilities of you and your supervisor are explained in full in the University’sCode of Practice for Graduate Students (see box). These are the main points:• You should expect your supervisor to take the initiative to set up the first meeting. Yoursupervisor should make clear when and how often you are going to meet, and whoseresponsibility it is to arrange these meetings. The BoGS recommends formal meetingsat least twice a term.• It is your supervisor’s responsibility to respond promptly to your requests. If youask for a meeting, you shouldn’t need to wait for longer than a week before a meetingis arranged. If he or she is away from Cambridge for an extended period, the DegreeCommittee should make backup supervisory arrangements.• Your supervisor is expected to advise you on relevant literature, methodology andacademic conventions in your field, and on how to avoid plagiarism.What is expected of youPostgraduate research is much more self directed than pursuing an undergraduate degree,and thus relies more heavily on your organisational skills and on your time management. Withthe help of your supervisor, draw up a rough schedule for your work and try sticking to it. Ifyou’re having difficulties, tell your supervisor.If things go wrongMost students get on fine with their supervisor, but sometimes it can happen that therelationship breaks down. Changing supervisor is possible, but can be a delicate business, andyou should seek advice before taking further steps. If you are concerned, talk to your GraduateTutor or your Director of Graduate Education, who is often the Secretary or Chairman of theDegree Committee. The Postgraduate Student Rep in your faculty may be able to tell youwhether previous students have encountered similar problems with that same supervisor.The Student Advice Service, provided by CUSU and the Graduate Union, is always available forindependent advice, information or just an informal chance to vent.