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The role of the Graduate Research Coordinator |
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Each school or discipline is required to appoint one member of academic staff who is a registered supervisor as the graduate research coordinator. The coordinator plays a crucial role in the successful management and experience of postgraduates within their particular school. Whereas the activities of the coordinator across the University may differ, the overall minimum tasks and functions are as follows:
- organise up to two induction sessions for new candidates per year (if required) and relevant internal seminars for candidates, which may cover research skills relevant to the discipline, and include oral presentations by candidates;
- attend the annual postgraduate training seminar;
- organise the annual review process;
- be available for candidates and supervisors on a regular basis to discuss matters in relation to research activity and candidature;
- assist the head of school in the assessment of scholarship applications and assist in recruitment strategies;
- monitor the progress of candidates within their school or discipline;
- ensure that the school web site (which is the site for potential and actual applicants) is current in relation to all postgraduate matters of interest to potential viewers;
- provide regular updates on research education and training to staff meetings; and
- communicate effectively with the head of school/discipline, staff in the Graduate Research Unit and the Dean of Graduate Research about candidature and supervision as necessary.
Induction program
When a candidate commences a degree, an induction program will be arranged by the school and/or coordinator. This will include a guide to the nature of research in the candidate’s field, a description of the facilities available in the school and elsewhere in the University and the school’s program of seminars. The following matters will also be discussed:
- a candidate’s responsibilities and rights as a graduate research candidate;
- the nature and process of supervised research in the discipline and the characteristic stages towards completion of the thesis;
- the role of the supervisor or co-supervisors and others involved in supervision;
- ethical matters in relation to research, and the Statement and guidelines on research practice;
- intellectual property and authorship of publications;
- the complaints procedures, under which a candidate may make representation if significant difficulties arise during their candidature;
- safety procedures appropriate to the discipline; and
- any special conditions which apply, such as restrictions on disclosure of research outcomes associated with sponsorship of the candidature or the research project.
It is important that candidates raise any other matters of interest or concern at this time.
Orientation seminars are conducted each year by the Dean of Graduate Research and the Graduate Research Unit with assistance from postgraduate representatives.
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