Appointment of Supervisors
Deans of Divisions are required to nominate at least two supervisors to oversee the program of studies with a Principal or Acting Supervisor being nominated at the point of admission to candidature. Candidates should normally be interviewed by Division staff before supervisors are appointed where practicable and generally it is expected that an applicant for candidature will have discussions with a potential supervisor before lodging an application. Applicants will not be admitted to candidature before the Division has confirmed that appropriate supervision is available and that any special requirements, such as specialised facilities or equipment, are available or obtainable.
The appropriateness of an appointed supervisor should be reviewed as a matter of course by the end of the first semester of candidature. No supervisor should supervise so many candidates that his/her ability to supervise effectively or fulfil other academic duties is diminished or impaired.
The University is unable to guarantee the continuing availability of a supervisor of the candidate’s choice. Where such supervision becomes unavailable through staff resignation, for example, the University will assist with seeking a suitable alternative supervisor, including an Adjunct Supervisor if appropriate.
From 2008, Macquarie will maintain a Supervisor Register and registration will normally be for a period of three years. Continuing registration as a supervisor requires supervisors to maintain research active status; to supervise HDR candidates in a manner consistent with the Macquarie University Code of Supervisory Practice; to participate in an annual HDR supervisor professional development update session and to evaluate supervisory practice annually as part of a performance management review.