Part 9 Additional Information for Head of School

Responsibilities of a Head of School

The Head of School assesses all applications for admission to research higher degree candidature. After assessing the qualifications of the student and consulting with the potential Supervisor(s) about the research topic, the Head of School will:

1. 1.

   determine that the candidate has adequate preparation to undertake the proposed program of research;

2. 2.

   ensure the school has the appropriate financial and physical resources to guarantee, as far as is reasonably possible, suitable supervision throughout the term of candidature; and

3. 3.

   establish that the school has the resources and facilities to accommodate and support the candidate at least in accordance with the University’s policy document, Minimum Standard of Resources and Facilities and other Support Provided for Research Higher Degree Students. (Appendix D).

Resources and Facilities

In deciding whether or not to accept a student, Schools must be mindful of the availability of resources within the time constraints imposed by limits to the student’s length of candidature and possible scholarship funding. The policy document, Minimum Standard of Resources and Facilities and other Support Provided for Research Higher Degree Students is generally accepted as the minimum standard for research higher degree students.

Appropriate Supervision

The Head of School normally nominates a Principal Supervisor, a Co-supervisor, and if applicable, an Associate Supervisor. The Principal Supervisor will normally be a member of a school in which the candidate is enrolled. The appointment of a second Supervisor ensures continuity of supervision and can provide additional supervisory expertise. Heads of Schools should ensure academic and research staff nominated as Supervisors are currently listed at the appropriate level on the University’s Register of Supervisors. There must always be a Level One Supervisor on the Supervisory Committee. The Head of School also nominates a Research Student Monitor as part of the candidate's Supervisory Committee.

During Candidacy

The Head of School's primary responsibilities during candidature involve the monitoring of academic progress. This is achieved through the confirmation of candidature process, the submission of annual progress reports and the pre-completion seminars.

The confirmation of candidature process is designed to provide feedback to candidates on the viability of the research project and on performance. The Supervisors, Head of Discipline, Head of School and Research Student Monitor must attend the candidate's seminar and meet with the candidate afterwards to discuss the outcome.

Annual progress reports from all research higher degree candidates are due in November each year. The Head of School should be aware that as there is a year between each report, if unresolved problems are identified in the report, the Dean of Graduate Research Studies will routinely contact the Head of School and ask that they be followed up. These problems may be academic, but are often about access to resources or supervision.

Changes in Terms and Conditions of Candidature

The following changes in the conditions of research higher degree candidature require approval from the Principal Supervisor, Head of School, and the Dean of Graduate Research Studies:

1. i.

   change in attendance status between part-time and full-time;

2. ii.

   change of enrolment (on-campus, off-campus);

3. iii.

   extension of candidature;

4. iv.

   suspension of candidature (and scholarship if applicable (only granted in extenuating circumstances));

5. v.

   change of field of study or research and/or of school in which the candidate is enrolled;

6. vi.

   change of Supervisor or appointment of additional Supervisor(s); or

7. vii.

   any other change in the original conditions of acceptance.