Research Higher Degrees Committee
(Current Members)

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A.B. 27/8/98, 17/12/98, 24/6/99, 28/3/02, 12/12/02, 24/3/05, 23/3/06, 22/3/07, 01/02/08

1. Membership

Pro Vice-Chancellor, Graduate Research
Deputy Dean, School of Graduate Research
The President of the Academic Board or nominee
Chairperson of the Postgraduate Scholarships Committee or nominee
Chairperson of the Postgraduate Coursework Programs Committee or nominee
Vice-Principal & Academic Registrar or nominee
Six members of the academic staff, who are active in research and supervision of higher degree candidates, elected by the Academic Board (3 year term)
Up to six co-opted members to be determined annually, chosen to balance the discipline, experience and gender of membership
Three students enrolled for a research higher degree of which at least one should be from a science based discipline, and at least one from an humanities or social science based discipline, nominated by the Postgraduate Association.

In Attendance: General Manager and Research Higher Degrees Manager, School of Graduate Research

2. Chairperson

The Committee shall be chaired by the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Graduate Research or nominee.

3. Terms of Reference

3.1 To advise the Academic Board through the Research and Research Training Committee on all matters of policy relating to postgraduate courses in which the research component is at least 66%, including the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy and Masters by Research, and to other doctorates comprising research and coursework.

3.2 To review and make recommendations on all proposed new research higher degrees as specified in 3.1 and major course changes. (Faculties have delegated responsibility for all minor course changes unless the matter involves two or more faculties.).

3.3 To receive advice from the Chair of the Postgraduate Coursework Programs Committee in regard to consideration of the details of coursework requirements (for example subject level, content descriptions, assessment requirements, workload, etc.) of research higher degrees and professional doctorates.

3.4 To provide policy advice to the Postgraduate Coursework Programs Committee through the Postgraduate Coursework Programs Sub-Committee in regard to the research components of coursework higher degrees (postgraduate courses in which the research component is less than 66%) on matters such as requirements of research supervision and guidelines on the appointment of examiners.

3.5 To ensure consistency in adherence with regulations governing research higher degree courses administered by the School of Graduate Research. For this purpose, admissions of candidature and appointment of examiners approved by the Chair or the Chair’s delegate shall be reported to the Research Higher Degrees Committee.

3.6 To advise the Academic Board through the Research and Research Training Committee on non confirmation or non-acceptance of conversions and terminations of candidature for all courses administered by the School of Graduate Research.

3.7 Rank potential candidates for specified postgraduate prizes and awards.

4. Delegated Authority

4.1 The Chair, and persons with signing authority delegated by the Chair, are authorised to approve routine matters affecting candidature and examination, including approval of admissions to candidature, confirmation of candidature, variations in conditions of candidature, annual reports and the appointment of examiners, referring to the Research Higher Degrees Committee for consideration only those cases that create precedents or require new or modified guidelines, or requires final selection for prizes (eg. Chancellor’s Prize for excellence in the PhD thesis).

4.2 The Chair and members with delegated signing authority are authorised to act on behalf of the Committee where an urgent matter relating to an individual candidature is concerned. The Chair may also refer such urgent cases to the President of the Academic Board for approval on behalf of the Board.

5. Appeals

5.1 All appeals against Committee recommendations should be referred to the Academic Board.

6. Quorum

No question shall be decided unless at least six members are present.

7. Reporting

   To the Research and Research Training Committee.