The School of Graduate Research has undertaken a comprehensive review of the Higher Degree by Research Policy suite over the course of 2021. The policy suite has been uplifted to align with the University Policy Governance Framework. The policy is now more principles-based and the procedures are more streamlined. This required the removal of detailed and duplicated processes. There is also greater alignment with and references to relevant RMIT policies, procedures, and legislative requirements. There is revised wording surrounding conflict of interest in the Higher Degrees by Research Policy and HDR Supervision Arrangements Procedure. The policy makes reference to the RMIT Conflict of Interest Policy and new Australian Council for Graduate Research Guidelines. Maximum supervisory loads have been revised and will now be measured by equivalent full-time supervisory load. For teaching and research staff, the maximum load is 8 FTE. For research-only staff, it is 10 FTE. Schools may set their own caps as long as they do not exceed the policy.



Clauses Amended:Procedure: All