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Guidelines for Supervision and Candidature of Doctoral Research Students

1.   Supervisory Panels

• 1.1 Supervisory Panels
• 1.2 Provisional Supervisor(s), Supervisors and Advisors
• 1.3 Changes in Supervisory Panels
• 1.4 Change in Student Status and Supervisory Panels
• 1.5 Acting Supervisors - Arrangements During the Absence of a Supervisor
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1.1   Supervisory Panels

The Australian National University provides supervision and advice for each doctoral research student through a supervisory panel (rather than a single supervisor only). A supervisory panel consists of at least three members, with a usual maximum of five, including at least one supervisor and two other members who may be supervisors or advisors. Each panel has a chair who is a supervisor, and includes a supervisor who is a full-time member of the academic staff of the Australian National University.

Supervisors are normally appointed from amongst the full-time academic staff of the University, have research expertise and experience relevant to the area of the student's proposed research, and are expected to hold a university appointment for the duration of the course. Where it is appropriate to appoint a panel member from outside the University, who has particular expertise unavailable within the University, an additional supervisor or advisor may be appointed. Advisors are appointed to provide access to additional expertise, and to provide wider contacts for the candidate.

1.2   Provisional Supervisor(s), Supervisors and Advisors

When an applicant is recommended for admission to the University, Heads of Departments or areas nominate a provisional supervisor(s) to the Prescribed Authority (normally the Director of a School, Dean of a Faculty or Head of a Centre), and obtain the agreement of the provisional supervisor. The Prescribed Authority will not accept applicants for admission unless appropriate supervisory arrangements can be made for the specific field and course of study.

Where possible applicants are told the name(s) of their provisional supervisor(s) and panel chair when they are offered a place, preferably after direct consultation between applicant and prospective supervisor. The student is enrolled and normally located in the School, Faculty, or Centre to which the panel chair is appointed. Supervisors are initially appointed by the Prescribed Authority within one month of the admission of a candidate to a course. Supervisors for professional doctorate candidates are normally confirmed within one month of the start of the thesis component or earlier.

1.3 Changes in Supervisory Panels

Candidates or panel members may request changes in supervisory panel arrangements during candidature, and may seek advice on this from the Head of Department/area, Graduate Studies Convenor, Prescribed Authority, Dean of the Graduate Research School, the Research Students and Scholarships Office or from the Postgraduate and Research Students' Association (PARSA). Changes must be approved by the Prescribed Authority/ies.

1.4 Change in Student Status and Supervisory Panels

Any proposed change in student status which has implications for supervision arrangements, such as a temporary move to another location for research purposes or a move to take up employment elsewhere, requires approval by the Prescribed Authority, with the written support of the supervisor, well in advance of any such proposed move. It may be necessary to appoint another supervisor in any new location to ensure adequate day-to-day supervision, in addition to maintaining email or other communication between the chair of the panel and the candidate.

1.5 Acting Supervisors - Arrangements During the Absence of a Supervisor

When a sole supervisor on a supervisory panel goes on extended leave for more than three consecutive months, it is necessary for an acting supervisor from within the University to be nominated. It is the responsibility of the Head of Department to make a nomination to the Prescribed Authority, normally at least a month before the supervisor departs, and after consultation with the candidate. It is expected that the original supervisor will continue to have regular contact with the candidate when practicable, but the acting supervisor will be responsible as chair of the supervisory panel and for day-to-day assistance required by the candidate.

Where there is more than one supervisor, the supervisor remaining on campus when the other goes on study leave or other approved leave will normally assume responsibility as chair of the panel.

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