(1) Charles Darwin University (CDU) is committed to providing an environment that enables and supports transformative education through higher degrees by research (HDR) and drives world-class research in areas critical to the sustainable and prosperous development of Northern Australia and the wider region. (2) This document outlines the minimum resources that HDR candidates should receive, such as computer resources and workspaces. The College or Institute in which these candidates are affiliated primarily supply these resources. (3) This procedure applies to all HDR courses, candidates enrolled in HDR courses, and University staff responsible for supporting HDR candidates and courses. (4) All HDR candidates should be allocated a minimum level of resources, the cost of which should be independent of the location in which they study, the field of education, or whether these individuals are enrolled part time or full time. (5) Minimum resources should be supplied within the first month of candidature. (6) The level of resources that first year HDR candidates receive should not decrease over successive cohorts. (7) Because the needs of candidates vary, whether due to the requirements of the research project or the needs of the individual, the specific items purchased may vary across individuals. (8) The College or Institute with which the candidates are affiliated (the Home College) is responsible for supplying these minimum resources because these units can accommodate the diverse needs of candidates. (9) If the Home College cannot provide the minimum resources, they must inform applicants of this shortfall before these individuals enrol and contact the Dean of Graduate Studies to discuss alternative arrangements. (10) If HDR candidates are studying on campus, they are to be provided an individual workspace, either in a separate office or in a lockable shared area, within one week of commencement. At minimum, this workspace should: (11) Whenever possible, especially on larger campuses, the workspace should be located as close as possible to other HDR candidates and early career researchers, either in the Home College or not attached to any particular institute or centre. (12) If candidates need specialised support, for example, because of a medical condition or disability: (13) For projects that depend on laboratory space, the Home College will grant HDR candidates access to this space. Laboratory spaces are to be furnished with the equipment and facilities that are standard in the corresponding field of research. (14) All HDR candidates need to be assigned a standard computer within the first month of candidature. Specifically: (15) These resources will be available to all enrolled HDR candidates, even after an extension has been granted. (16) If candidates do not want to be assigned a standard computer they should be permitted to choose and to receive other items that are comparable in cost, including equipment that past candidates have purchased and used successfully. (17) The University will provide candidates working with a non-standard computer or software with an appropriate level of support. However, candidates should be aware that the University may be unable to provide the same level of support for non-standard equipment as for standard equipment. (18) In addition to workspaces and computers: (19) Colleges should allocate all HDR candidates a minimum level of funding to pay other expenses, such as stationery, materials, software, and conferences. Specifically: (20) This funding may come from the RTP stipend budget for the maximum duration of candidature before extensions, four years for PhD candidates and two years for Masters by Research candidates. After this time, the college may continue this funding although it can no longer come from the RTP budget. (21) Funding for this minimum amount may come from other sources, such as funds available for a specific project. Any such funds are instead of and not additional to funding from the RTP budget. (22) All HDR candidate purchase requests are to be approved by their Principal Supervisor. (23) In addition to this minimum amount, Home Colleges can allocate additional discretionary funding to HDR candidates. The Home College should develop and publicise a systematic approach to allocate these discretionary funds. (24) Should unforeseen circumstances impede the progress of HDR candidates, these individuals should be granted priority access to these funds. (25) HDR candidates occasionally shift from one Home College to another. In these circumstances the relinquishing Home College will provide a statement to the accepting Home College that details funding available to the candidate, including expenses to that point; and (26) The accepting Home College will ensure the candidate receives the minimum level of funding or more. (27) If HDR candidates are working with a third party, such as a private institution or Government agency, this third party could offer the minimum resources in lieu of the Home College. The Home College must approve these arrangements and any resources the candidate can access must be documented. (28) Each year, Research and Innovation, in collaboration with Colleges and the Menzies School of Health, will assess the minimum resources available to HDR candidates and may adjust them accordingly. (29) Non-compliance with Governance Documents is considered a breach of the Staff Code of Conduct or the Student Code of Conduct is treated seriously by the University. Reports of concerns about non-compliance will be managed in accordance with the applicable disciplinary procedures. (30) All staff members have an individual responsibility to raise any suspicion, allegation or report of fraud or corruption in accordance with the Fraud and Corruption Control Governance Framework, Fraud and Corruption Control Policy and Whistleblower Reporting (Improper Conduct) Procedure.Higher Degree by Research - Minimum Resources Procedure
Section 1 - Preamble
Section 2 - Purpose
Section 3 - Scope
Section 4 - Procedure
Funding Other Expenses
Transfer to Another Administrative Unit
Third Parties
Review
Section 5 - Non-compliance
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