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Figure 1: Policy Development

2. The administration of candidature

The administration of candidature is the domain of the Faculty Higher Degree Committee in consultation with the supervisor, co-supervisor and postgraduate student.

Figure 2: Administration of Candidature

3. Administration of the research project

The administration of the student's research project is the domain of the Head of AOU and the AOU Director of Higher Degree Studies. This includes things such as facilities, resources, space, computing and seminars.

Figure 3. Administration of the Research Project

4. Dispute resolution

For dispute resolution Flinders has its own unique system of Faculty-based conciliators and contact officers who consult with the Chair of the URHDC and the Postgraduate Students Association (PGSA).

Figure 4. Dispute Resolution

5. A summary of how postgraduate research supervision is organised at Flinders

Figure 5 integrates these systems to provide an overview of the sites of responsibility for postgraduate supervision and candidature.

Figure 5: How Postgraduate Research Supervision is Organised at Flinders

Funding

For many students the decision on whether or not to continue their studies in the form of a higher degree depends on what financial assistance is available. Therefore as a potential supervisor hoping to attract students it is useful for you to know about funding options for students. Information on scholarships and other forms of financial assistance can be obtained from the Higher Degree Administration and Scholarships Office. The office maintains a database of scholarship schemes, which is available to search and browse via their website.

Information on other scholarship schemes available for undergraduate and postgraduate study within Australia (including NH&MRC, CSIRO, government agencies and private foundations) and overseas (mainly Commonwealth countries schemes such as the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, Cambridge Commonwealth Trust and Rhodes Scholarships; and the more prestigious of the USA schemes such as Harkness Fellowships, Harvard University, Fulbright and Menzies Scholarships) is also available from the Higher Degree Administration and Scholarships Office.

Students and their supervisors are also advised to keep an eye on the print media for scholarship schemes and grants - particularly the Wednesday edition of The Australian and the Saturday edition of The Weekend Australian and The Advertiser, Campus Review, Scholarship News (available in the Student Centre, On Campus, Hot Tips, the Registry Noticeboard, and Faculty and AOU noticeboards. For more information and to access the scholarships database

Responsibilities of a Supervisor

In the new research climate it is essential that high quality supervision is provided to postgraduate students. This is now required by the federal government, but it also ensures that postgraduate students have the best possible chance of completing their higher degree successfully and on time. To ensure high quality supervision, it is essential that you understand your responsibilities as a supervisor.

1. Look after your student and understand their needs

Consider the individual background of your student and map out a program that will help them address any gaps early on. Consider any cultural issues that might confound communication between you or be the basis of any ethical dilemmas in completing the project. Some supervisors use a questionnaire to clarify both student and supervisor expectations early on in the supervisory relationship.

2. Balance planning the project and the development of students independent thought

Sometimes your student's planning and focus needs to be carefully managed so that they can bring their project to completion in the required time. However, there are also times where students need time and freedom to explore ideas and develop their own way of thinking. It is important to learn how to manage this tension.

3. Familiarize yourself with the policies and resources

As a supervisor you should become familiar with the policies and procedures in The Student Related Policies and Procedure Manual.

4. Introduce your students to university policies and resources

It is also important to ensure your students are aware of the existence of relevant policies and procedures as well as their rights and responsibilities.

5. Have regular meetings

To gain confidence and develop independence, students need rapid, constructive feedback from experts and peers. It is important to keep useful and systematic records of these meetings.

6. Use the support systems in your AOU and Faculty

Things can go wrong so Flinders University has a network of support for both students and staff that, if used wisely, can help prevent difficult situations, misunderstandings and failure. Flinders has developed a unique system of Faculty-based contact officers for quick clarification and resolution of concerns, and conciliation officers for more serious, drawn-out problems. Completing a research degree can be a very emotional time for students and this needs to be recognised by supervisors in the support they provide.

7. Ensure that progress reports are completed

Flinders University has a system of reporting on candidates' progress to your Faculty Higher Degree Committee on a regular basis. It is important to note the achievement of milestones in the student's progress and to note any constraints that may cause problems for meeting completion deadlines. Above all, recognise that the Chair of the Higher Degree Committee in your Faculty is there to ensure that all candidatures are as successful as possible. If you have any concerns, recognise the chairperson as your ally and seek their advice.