INTRODUCTION University policy requires that research higher degree students, in conjunction with their supervisors, review and report annually on their progress. The review should report on the work that has been completed in the previous 12 months and outline plans for the future. The review period is from 1 August 2011 to 31 July 2012. All research higher degree students who been enrolled for at least three calendar months during the review period, including those who commenced their candidature and those who had a period of intermission during the review period, are required to submit an Annual Review of Progress report. The main purposes of the Review are:  to facilitate student progress towards completion of their degree  to assist the process of work planning at the various stages of the research  to help resolve issues that may be standing in the way of effective progress

PREPARATION The Annual Review of Progress is an opportunity for honest appraisal of progress and careful planning by both the student and their supervisor. Prior to completing the Annual Review of Progress Form, students should arrange to meet with their supervisors to review progress over the last twelve months, discuss and agree on a plan of work for the next twelve months, set milestones and goals by which progress against the plan can be measured, and identify any issues or problems that might have interrupted or delayed progress. The Review asks students and supervisors to consider achievements and progress with respect to 6 aspects of higher degree research and research training: Research Planning, Literature Review, Data Collection, Analysis, Thesis Writing, and Research Skills. Depending on the stage of candidature, some aspects will be more relevant, and hence more important, than others. For example, the Literature Review is often conducted early in the candidature, while Thesis Writing usually occurs mainly during the latter stages, and training in Research Skills is a continual process. Although each project will involve a different mix of the 6 aspects, considering the research from the separate perspectives will help to clarify what stage the project has reached and what work remains to be done.

COMPLETING THE ANNUAL REVIEW OF PROGRESS FORM 1. Student Details Students should review the pre-printed details about their candidature provided on the Student Details sheet (sent by mail) and contact the relevant Faculty Research Administrative Officer to advise of any changes or corrections. Note that changes relating to candidature—including supervision, intermission, extension of candidature, research topic, transfer between full time and part time study, transfer between internal and external candidature, and transfer between Masters and PhD—must have Faculty approval. 2. Review Report If possible the Review Form should be completed electronically so that it can easily be read and kept for future reference. The form can be downloaded from.http://www.flinders.edu.au/scholarships/ The form is designed so that the Review can be completed in the following stages, with most of the information entered electronically and the form only printed once parts A, B, and C have been completed:  The student and supervisor should jointly complete Part A – Candidature Report.  The student should complete Part B – Student Report, then forward the report to their Principal Supervisor.

 The Principal Supervisor should complete Part C – Supervisor Report, then complete and sign the relevant sections of Part D – Certification and forward the report to the Head of AOU or nominee.  The Head of AOU should separately interview the student and principal supervisor, then complete and sign the relevant sections of Part D – Certification and return the report to the student.  Finally, the student should note the comments and recommendations made by the supervisor and Head, then complete and sign the relevant sections of Part D – Certification.

SUBMISSION It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the completed and signed paper copy of the Annual Review of Progress Form, together with the pre-printed Student Details sheet, is returned to Student Finance Services in the Student Centre by 30 September 2012. Failure to submit the Review by the due date may result in the discontinuation of enrolment, and for scholarship holders, suspension of their scholarship payments until the Review is submitted. Students and Principal Supervisors should keep a copy of the completed Review for their own records.

Queries about the Annual Review of Progress Form can be directed in the first instance to the Student Finance Services on ph: (08) 8201 3115 or email: [email protected] These guidelines and the Annual Review of Progress form can be obtained from Student Finance Services or can be downloaded from the Scholarships website at http://www.flinders.edu.au/scholarships/

2