HDR Candidature Research Supervision Accreditation Procedures

Parent Policy

HDR Candidature Research Supervision Accreditation Policy

These procedures relate to the Monash supervisor accreditation process, the type of supervision (main or associate)  and the maximum supervision load permitted under level 1 and level 2 accreditation.

1. Levels of accreditation

   A supervisor’s level of accreditation is determined by reference to previous supervisory experience, and or training. The three levels are:

   • Unaccredited
   • Level 1
   • Level 2

   Previous supervisory experience and /or training associated with each level:

   Unaccredited: supervisor has taken no doctoral candidate through to completion either at Monash or other recognized university and has undertaken no Monash training.

   Level 1: supervisor has had one or two completions on or after 01/01/2006 or has been deemed level 1 by the Steering Committee of the Research Graduate School Committee or has completed the nine modules of the Level 1 training program.

   Level 2: supervisor has been a main supervisor prior to 2006 or has had a completion prior to 2006 or has had 3 completions on or after 01/01/2006 (and none prior to 2006) or has been deemed Level 2 by the Steering Committee of the Research Graduate school Committee or has completed Level 2 Master classes 1-4 inclusive and one other; 5 master classes in all.

   Completions may be related to either associate or main supervision.

   Responsibility

   Research Graduate School Committee
   Senior Research Administrator (Postgraduate Research Programs and Scholarships)
   Senior Administrative Officer (Research Policy and Supervisor Training)

2. Maximum supervision percentage allowed under the three accreditation levels

   Unaccredited: not more than 25% as an associate supervisor

   Level 1: 100% supervision as a main supervisor

   Level 2: 100% supervision as a main supervisor

   Responsibility

   Research Graduate School Committee
   Senior Research Administrator (Postgraduate Research Programs and Scholarships)

3. Maximum supervision load allowed under the three accreditation levels

   Unaccredited: 1 EFTSL or three students

   Level 1: 4 EFTSL or six students

   Level 2: 8 EFTSL or 12 students

   Responsibility

   Research Graduate School Committee
   Senior Research Administrator (Postgraduate Research Programs and Scholarships)

4. Level 1 training methods

   Trainee supervisors pursue their training under the guidance of an experienced academic mentor.

   Academic staffing seeking training for accreditation at Level 1 have two options:

   Apprenticeship model: trainees undertake the role of associate supervisor for the duration of at least one candidature from submission through to submission of thesis and successful award of degree

   Fast track model: trainees complete a series of nine modules each having up to two key tasks. This program can be self paced or undertaken through a combination of workshops, seminars, attendance at supervisor meetings and self directed learning. This structured program can be completed  in 3-6 months.

   The nine modules are:

   1. Postgraduate research training policy and preliminaries
   2. First meetings
   3. Initial three to four month period
   4. Monitoring student progress as candidate pursues research plan
   5. Reading and providing feedback on student’s work
   6. Problem solving
   7. Producing the thesis
   8. Examination process
   9. Final debriefing with mentor

   The majority of these modules may be completed through attendance at a one-day workshop program (except 5B; 7B; 8B, 9).

   Responsibility

   Module presenters
   Prospective supervisor
   Experience academic mentor
   Senior Administrative Officer (Research Policy and Supervisor Training)

5. Level 2 Training

   Level 2 training via a fast track mode consists of a program of master classes and are designed for both less experienced supervisors and more experienced supervisors wishing to refresh their skills.

   Core master classes are offered through MRGS while faculties also offer other specialised  workshops and seminars.

   Five units must be completed for Level 2 accreditation. Some workshops are offered via DVD replay

   Core units include:

   1. Case studies on the breakdown of the student- supervisor relationship
   2. External supervision and supervision in teams
   3. Power relationships and dealing with students from different cultures
   4. IP and authorship
   5. How to examine a thesis
   6. Case studies in building research teams

   Responsibility

   Module presenters
   Prospective supervisor
   Senior Administrative officer (Research Policy and Supervisor Training)

6. Exemption and credit

   Requests may be made to the Steering Committee of the Research Graduate School Committee for exemptions from training where academic staff have supervisory experience considered equivalent to that required for Level 1 and 2 accreditation.

   Responsibility

   Deputy Director, Monash Research Graduate School
   Prospective supervisor
   Senior Administrative officer (Research Policy and Supervisor Training)

7. Notification  that requirements have been met

   Certificates of level 1 and level 2 accreditation  are signed by the Deputy Director of the Monash Research Graduate School on behalf of the Research Graduate School Committee.

   Responsibility

   Deputy Director, Monash Research Graduate school
   Senior Administrative officer (Research Policy and Supervisor Training)

Contact Person: Policy Mrgs