Postgraduate Commencement Programs in ELS
Central Commencement Program
The mandatory Commencement Program for Research Students is included in the first year of study of all students who start in 2005. The program has two components:
- The first is a general introductory presentation, the "Central Commencement Program". This program is run by the University Research Office, click on the link above to access the site which supports this program.
- The second is a component delivered within your Division or Department (ie. ELS - Environmental and Life Sciences), the "Divisional Commencement Program".
ELS Commencement Program
This consists of several compulsory components:
1. The ELS Welcome Session
The student will receive division-specific information, for example on Divisional resources (e.g. technical services) and funding schemes as well as safety and ethics. The student will also get to meet staff and other postgraduate students. Conducted once per half-year.
2. Department Sepecific Information and Policies for Research Students
- Department of Biological Sciences
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences
- Department of Health and Chiropractic
- Department of Human Geography
- Department of Physical Geography
- Graduate School of the Environment
3. Research Planning
In conjunction with the supervisor, student's develop a research plan that leads to the thesis.
This component includes literature reviews, review of theories and/or methodologies, revision of the research proposal attached to the candidature application (if necessary), development of a research plan that leads to the thesis, identification of milestones and a timetable. It should be completed and a written report should be submitted to the ELS Postgraduate Research Administrator within 6 months (12 months for part-time students) from the date of first enrolment.
Note: In addition to the above Commencement Program, there are also various Departmental review processes. The progress of all ELS postgraduate students (except those started very close to the review date) is reviewed annually, usually around September, by a process that includes a written document, a presentation to the Department and an interview with a Department Panel. In the case of new students, the Research Planning report (stated in item 3. above) may duplicate as the written document required for this review.
This component is an official part of the Central Commencement Program.
4. Research Training
In addition to the above, some Departments also require that a formal training unit be undertaken. For more information, please contact your Department's postgraduate academic advisor.
5. Candidature Progression Report
A report of completion of the above components, called the Candidature Progression Report is forwarded to the Higher Degree Research Unit. The Candidature of the student is confirmed by the HDRU upon receiving of this information. Student's progress through all the components of the Commencement Program will be recorded in a "Commencement Program Report", which the supervisor submits to the ELS Prograduate Administrator, in 6 months (EFT). This report will be checked by the Administrator and a copy will be sent to the HDRU. It will be updated in another 6 months, by the Administrator, and reported to the HDRU. This report will include assessment outcomes of all activities, for example whether the student completed the activity satisfactorily, was waived from the activity, or was allowed to postpone it to a later offering.