Higher Degree by Research (HDR)

HIGHER DEGREE BY RESEARCH (HDR)

This guide covers the basic Frequently Asked Questions for students undertaking a higher degree by research.

How often should I meet with my supervisors?

The frequency of meetings between a student and supervisor should be expected to change as the project progresses. During periods when you require more support, the meetings might be every fortnight or even more frequently. In periods when you are working with greater independence, meetings may be once every month.

Meetings can be in-person, over the phone, or online.

If you would like to increase the frequency of your meetings with your supervisor, we encourage you to identify why you are looking for more support. You should discuss the matter openly with your supervisor.

If you do not feel comfortable having this conversation, or the conversation is not resolved to your satisfaction, raise the matter to the Chair of your Thesis Committee.

Can I get an extension to my milestone or my thesis submission date?

If your project has been delayed due to circumstances outside of your control, it may be possible to get an extension for your milestone due date or your thesis submission date. We recommend discussing the matter with your supervisor.

How should I raise concerns about my supervisor(s)?

Professional relationships between students and supervisors should always be respectful.

If you have concerns that you are not being supported academically, or concerns of an interpersonal nature about a member of your supervisory team, you are encouraged to first try to resolve the matter directly with the supervisor if you feel comfortable to do so.

If this does not resolve the matter, or if you do not feel comfortable raising the matter directly to them, it is recommended that you contact your Chair of Thesis Committee. Part of the Chair’s role is to mediate disagreements and resolve conflicts between students and supervisors.

If the concern about your supervisor involves sexual harassment or assault, we encourage you to immediately report this to Safer Communities.

If you are considering raising a concern about your supervisor, we encourage you to make notes and gather evidence. What has gone wrong and how has this not met your expectations? What evidence do you have to support this concern?

We understand that students are sometimes worried about rocking the boat. We acknowledge that there is a power imbalance between supervisors and students which may discourage you from raising a concern. If this is the case, we encourage you to make an appointment with Student Assist. Discussions with Student Assist are kept confidential. We will be able to work with you to find the optimal solution which seeks to minimise any potential damage to your professional relationship with your supervisor.

Can I get a new supervisor?

If problems arise between you and your supervisor(s), you are encouraged to address this as early as possible to find a pathway forward. Discuss the matter with your supervisor if you feel comfortable to do so. If you do not feel comfortable talking to your supervisor, or the conversation does not address the matter to your satisfaction, contact your Chairperson of your Thesis Committee.

The University will often encourage you and your supervisor to do your best to repair a fractured relationship. However, if the professional relationship between you and your supervisor is irreparably broken, it is possible for you to request a new supervisor.

Your Thesis Chair and/or Director of Graduate Research can work with you to find an alternative supervisor. Please be mindful that staff members’ availability as a supervisor depends on many factors, such as research expertise, workload, and what level of supervision they are qualified to provide.

In all cases, we recommend contacting Student Assist before making the decision to change supervisor.

How should I raise concerns about my project?

Sometimes a project can be delayed unexpectedly or begin drifting in a direction which we do not anticipate. If there have been any delays to your project, it is important to keep a record of what has occurred. As soon as you become aware of any delays or potential delays, we recommend informing your supervisor. If there needs to be any extensions to your milestone or thesis submission, providing evidence that you identified and addressed the delays when they occurred may be helpful.

Delays may be related to your research, such as problems with data collection, but they may also be of a personal nature, such as illness or bereavement.

If you project is drifting in an unexpected direction, this is something to address with your supervisor. It is common for research to evolve and change as you become more knowledgeable about your field or more familiar with research methodologies, but it is less common for the scope of a project or topic to change completely. If you do not feel comfortable raising the matter to your supervisor, or your supervisor does not offer a solution, we recommend contacting Student Assist.

What does Conditional status mean?

Conditional status means that the University is concerned that a student is not making adequate progress in their course. Conditional status might be applied if the student;

is overdue for a milestone;
fails to have their milestone approved;
does not submit their thesis by the due date; or
if the supervisor has raised concerns about the student’s progress.

Conditional status is not a punishment. It is a framework to help guide you back towards a Good Standing status. As part of this framework, you are given Conditions which you must meet in order to return to Good Standing. Conditions could be things like redoing a failed milestone presentation, submitting a draft chapter of a thesis, or undertaking data collection by a specified date. Students are encouraged to discuss their conditions with their supervisory team.

Good conditions should aim to follow the SMART EAR acronym:

Specific – Are the conditions clear?

Measurable – Is it clear how to determine whether you have met the condition or not?

Achievable – Is this condition realistic in the scope of your project and its timeframe?

Relevant – Is the condition relevant to your project?

Time-bound – Are there clear deadlines for all conditions?

Equitable – Are there any circumstances outside your control which impact your ability to meet these conditions?

Accountable – Is it clear who is responsible for both undertaking and assessing each condition?

Robust – Does the successful completion of the conditions support a shift back to Good Standing status? Alternatively, does a failure to meet these conditions reasonably justify a cancellation of your enrolment?

If your conditions do not satisfy the SMART EAR acronym or if you do not agree with them, we recommend raising these concerns to your Chairperson and main supervisor. You are encouraged to give feedback. Conditions should be agreed upon by all parties before they are implemented.

What do I do if my milestone is not approved?

If your milestone is not approved, you may be asked to redo part or all of your milestone application. This might include a repeat of your milestone presentation.

Your academic status may change to Conditional if your milestone is not approved.

There is no appeal option if your milestone is not approved. You are encouraged to discuss the matter with your supervisory team to work out the next steps. You may be asked to repeat the milestone at a later date.

I’ve received a notification of intent to cancel my enrolment. What do I do?

A cancellation of enrolment means you will no longer be able to continue in your HDR course at Curtin.

An enrolment can generally only be cancelled if you are currently on conditional status and your progress towards your conditions has been deemed to be unsatisfactory. There are some exceptional circumstances where students on Good Standing can have their enrolment cancelled – if this happens, we recommend contacting Student Assist as soon as possible.

When you receive a notification of intent to cancel your enrolment, you have 28 days to provide a show cause statement to the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research for why the cancellation should not proceed. A show cause statement – also known as a show cause letter or show cause appeal – should aim to explain the reason behind any delays in your research, and if there are exceptional circumstances which exist which have impacted your ability to meet your conditions.

Student Assist has prepared a template for a show cause statement.

Student Assist is available to help students construct their show cause statement.

Where do I go for HDR resources and policies?

The Graduate Research School has a range of resources and guides for students.

Policies and procedures concerning HDR students can be found here.