You and your supervisors

Working with your supervisors at Adelaide University

Your supervisors are your key partners throughout your research degree. Your supervisors bring valuable expertise in your research area and will support your learning and development. You can find more information on the responsibilities of supervisors in the Graduate Research: Research Supervision Protocol.

As a graduate researcher, you are expected to take ownership of your project and steer its direction. Over time, you will become the expert in your specific topic, with your supervisors there to guide and encourage you – not to control your research.

Building a strong supervisory relationship takes effort from both sides. You and your supervisors will work together to find the right balance between guidance and active listening. Within your first month, you will complete a Candidature Agreement that sets clear expectations for how you will engage throughout your research journey. From the time of commencing your candidature until your degree is awarded or you exit your program, you will have a panel of supervisors comprising a principal and at least one co-supervisor, appointed by the Dean of your School or delegate. Graduate research students completing a Master of Research may be supervised by a single Principal Supervisor, but a panel remains the preferred option.

All supervisors on your panel are required to be registered on the Adelaide University Supervisor Register and to complete regular professional development in graduate research supervision in accordance with the Graduate Research Supervision Procedure and related protocols.

Roles on your supervisory panel

Your supervisory panel brings together a team of experts to support your research journey. Please refer to the Graduate Research: Research Supervision Protocol for more detailed information.

The Principal Supervisor is a research-active academic staff member employed by Adelaide University or a Titleholder of the University who has primary responsibility for guiding the graduate research student and facilitating their progress, assisted by one or more other members of the Supervisory Panel.

A Co-supervisor is a research-active staff member or Titleholder of the University who provides support to the Principal Supervisor in guiding the research undertaken by the graduate research student.

An External Supervisor is a research-active person who assists with the supervision of a graduate research student, who is not a staff member, or Titleholder of the University. An External Supervisor may not undertake principal supervision. The External Supervisor may be a member of another academic institution, research entity, professional organisation or relevant industry, or other member of society with relevant qualifications and expertise. External Supervisors must be registered as an External Supervisor as per the Graduate Research Supervision Register Protocol.

An External Mentor is an individual external to the University who holds relevant professional or practice based experience and provides expert guidance to the Graduate Research Student but is not expected to be on the Adelaide University Supervisor Register or to have responsibilities for the progress of the Graduate Research Student. External Mentors are not required to hold specific academic qualifications but are expected to have significant expertise relevant to the Graduate Research Student’s project.

Setting expectations and communication

Within your first month, you will complete a Candidature Agreement with your supervisors. This outlines how you will work together, including:

• how often you will meet (at least fortnightly for full-time students)
• preferred meeting formats (in person or online)
• how you will share agendas, goals and feedback
• how you will keep records of meetings and decisions.

You are encouraged to take the lead in preparing for meetings, setting agendas and sharing your progress. You should provide your supervisor(s) with relevant readings or questions in advance. Before ending each meeting, spend time recording agreed actions and next steps. These records should be typed and shared with your supervisor and stored in a format accessible to your panel and Graduate Research Coordinator.

Open, regular communication is key. If expectations change or challenges arise, discuss them early with your supervisors, your Graduate Research Coordinator or the Graduate Research School.

Your responsibilities as a graduate researcher

You are at the centre of your research journey. While your supervisors will guide and support you, you are expected to:

• take responsibility for your research direction and progress
• prepare for and participate actively in supervisory meetings
• keep clear records of meetings, decisions and agreed actions
• submit polished drafts and progress reports as agreed
• communicate openly about your needs, challenges and feedback
• meet deadlines and respect your supervisors’ time.

If you need more (or less) support, let your supervisors know. If issues cannot be resolved within your panel, your GRC and the Graduate Research School are here to help.

Supporting your success

Adelaide University is committed to providing continuity of supervision and a positive, inclusive research environment.

If your principal supervisor is absent for more than four weeks, your School will arrange for another panel member to take over or nominate a replacement. If your panel only has two members, an additional staff member will be added to ensure continuity.

If your supervisor plans extended leave, they will notify you and your Graduate Research Coordinator in advance. The Dean of School or delegate will coordinate any necessary changes to your panel.

We encourage all graduate research students and supervisors to report any concerns early. We are committed to an excellent graduate researcher experience and are keen to hear about your experience.

Resolving supervision issues

If problems arise in your supervisory relationship, they should be documented and reported promptly. You and your supervisors are expected to engage respectfully with University processes to resolve conflicts.

If disagreements cannot be resolved within the panel, your Graduate Research Coordinator will escalate the matter to the Dean of School, Dean Research, or Pro Vice Chancellor Graduate Research Training. If a breakdown occurs, a replacement supervisor will be nominated. Refusing reasonable offers of replacement supervision may result in administrative withdrawal. For more information, see the Graduate Research Candidature Procedure and consider taking a period of leave while a replacement is appointed.

You are also always welcome to provide feedback or raise concerns about supervision confidentially with the Graduate Research School or directly with the Pro Vice Chancellor Graduate Research Training at: pvcgrt@adelaide.edu.au.

Conflicts of interest

Supervisors must declare any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest in line with the University’s Conflict of Interest Policy and Graduate Research Supervision Procedure.