SUPERVISOR REGISTRATION

Commencing April 2007 the Academic Board has approved the introduction of a Register of Supervisors who have met the necessary requirements to supervise HDR students at the University of Adelaide.

The policy governing the Register may be found at https://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/2063

The Register may now be viewed by Postgraduate Coordinators, Heads of School/Discipline and Faculty Executive Deans at: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/graduatecentre/staff/supervisorregister/secure/

Eligibility for Principal and Co-Supervisor Status

As from April 2007, new staff who have a record of successful supervision prior to joining the University, and who have completed the Supervisor Induction workshop, may be eligible to join the register as Principal Supervisors.

New staff without a demonstrated prior record of successful supervision may join the register as Co-supervisors. Co-supervisor registration will be valid for a maximum period of 4 years, subject to earlier removal.

How to Apply 

To apply for entry onto the Register new staff/affiliates/titleholders must lodge the 'Request For Entry onto The Register of Eligible Supervisors' form.

All completed forms must be endorsed by the Head or Postgraduate Coordinator of the School/Discipline and the Executive Dean of the Faculty. Nominations by the Executive Deans should then be forwarded to the Graduate Centre for final approval by the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Supervisors who are admitted to the Register will be required as part of the conditions of initial and continuing registration, to:

• comply at all times with the Statutes, Rules and By-laws of the University, and with all policies adopted by the Council of the University
• complete the first available Supervisor Induction workshop conducted by Research Education and Development, and
• maintain subscription to the HDR supervisors' mailing list.

Progressing from Co-Supervisor to Principal Supervisor Status 

Seeing a student through a complete cycle

Progress from the role of Co-supervisor to one of Principal Supervisor is normally achieved by seeing a student through a complete cycle of candidature as a Co-supervisor under the mentorship of an experienced Principal Supervisor.

The Exploring Supervision Program

The Research Education and Development Committee has however determined that it will recognise satisfactory completion of the 'Exploring Supervision' training package as an alternative to a three year apprenticeship. The Exploring Supervision training package involves participation in three workshops, and completion of an assignment and reflective journal, as well as the undertaking of a short research project.

Whilst this alternative pathway will provide a rapid entry to the Principal Supervisor level for new staff, it will be a requirement that they have, working as their co-supervisor, an experienced colleague with a responsibility for a minimum of 40% of the supervision, until such time as their first student completes their PhD.

For further information on supervisor education and development programs please see:
Supervisor Induction Workshop:  
Exploring Supervision Program:  

External Supervisors

External Supervisors who are not Academic Staff, Affiliates or Titleholders will apply for entry onto the Register via the individual student's 'Application for Remote Candidature' form or via the 'Request for Entry onto the Register of Eligible Supervisors (External)' form
A Curriculum Vitae must accompany all applications. All completed forms must be endorsed by the Head or Postgraduate Coordinator of the School/Discipline and the Executive Dean of the Faculty. Nominations by the Executive Deans should then be forwarded to the Graduate Centre for final approval by the Dean of Graduate Studies. External Supervisors who are admitted to the Register will be required as part of the conditions of initial and continuing registration, to:

• comply at all times with the Statutes, Rules and By-laws of the University, and with all policies adopted by the Council of the University
• complete the first available Supervisor Induction workshop conducted by Research Education and Development, and
• maintain subscription to the HDR supervisors' mailing list.

Maintenance of Supervisor Register

Graduate Centre staff will maintain the Supervisor Register, will keep records of participation in the Supervisor Induction workshop and Exploring Supervision Program as appropriate, and  will review the registrations of Co-Supervisors and External Supervisors prior to the four year expiry date.

Further enquiries

Any questions regarding applications and maintenance of the Supervisor register may be directed to: Rosie Wilkes