Supervisory panel
Each candidate will have a principal supervisor and at least one other supervisor to support their research. Depending on the research project and the available expertise within the Division and Department, candidates may have a larger or smaller supervisory panel.
Principal Supervisor
This title reflects the main supervisory responsibility as outlined in the Code of Supervisory Practice. The person must be a member of academic staff, either full-time or part-time and with an appointment of three years or longer. It is important to note that the principal supervisor remains responsible for directing the work of the candidate and for ensuring that the candidate meets all administrative and academic requirements. The Principal Supervisor must normally be located in the same Department as the candidate.
Associate Supervisor
This position has a lesser supervisory load compared to the Principal Supervisor and presumes a lesser input in comparison. Although considered to be professionally equivalent, the incumbent may be located in another Division or Department or may have specific research expertise which is required by the candidate and unavailable through the Principal Supervisor. The Associate Supervisor must be a member of academic staff, either full-time or part-time and with an appointment of three years or longer. The Principal Supervisor may provide guidance in the appointment of an Associate Supervisor.
Acting Supervisor
A person appointed as a short term replacement for the Principal Supervisor for periods of up to six months only and as the need arises due to illness or other approved absences. The title is also applicable to a person who, for a strictly limited period, holds administrative supervisory responsibility before the research component of the research degree commences. The person must be a member of academic staff, either full-time or part-time and with an appointment of three years or longer. This appointment must be a continuous appointment.
Co-Supervisor
This role recognises that academic staff members new to supervision may be assigned to a candidate, along with a Principal Supervisor (as mentor), in order to gain experience in, and knowledge of, supervisory practices. Casual academic staff and those with appointments of less than three years may undertake this role.
Adjunct Supervisor
This role is intended to cover all external supervisory appointments as well as the appointment of Honorary staff and Professors Emeritus to positions with some supervisory responsibility. An Adjunct Supervisor will not necessarily be a member of staff and, at the discretion of the Division/Faculty, may be paid for this work. The steps for arranging payment are outlined in a Procedures document called Procedures for the Appointment of an Adjunct Supervisor. Macquarie University Professors Emeritus may be appointed as Principal Supervisors if paid for a minimum of three consecutive years provided they meet the other requirements for such appointment as outlined in the Higher Degree Research Supervisor Appointment Policy. The payment process is the same as that outlined in the procedures for the appointment of an Adjunct Supervisor. A template Invitation for the Appointment of an Adjunct Supervisor letter is available for use.