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Research Progress

After probation has been completed and you have been confirmed as a HDR candidate of the University it is crucial that you maintain progress at a rate consistent with your timetable approved in your research proposal. The maintenance of adequate progress comes about through working with your supervisory team and is formally documented through six monthly progress reports.

Progress Reports

Annual progress reports need to be completed twice in each year of candidature. The standard procedure is that a Progress Report form is initially completed by the HDR candidate.

You are required to indicate what work you have completed in the previous 6 months (or from commencement). In part, you will be asked to indicate what stages of the project have been completed. In addition you will be asked to indicate how you have met your goals over the previous 6 months and will need to set goals for the next 6 months. Finally you will be asked to comment on any problems you have experienced and your level of satisfaction with the supervisory relationship.

After you have completed your report on your progress you will forward the report to your Principal Supervisor who will write a report and makes a recommendation about the continuance of candidature. The form is then forwarded onto the relevant Faculty Associate or Sub-Dean, Graduate Studies.

It is important to be honest and frank in your own assessment of your progress. Please set realistic and meaningful goals, these should be consistent with the approved timetable in your research proposal. It is important to identify any problems you are encountering in pursuing your studies. An important point to note is that if you are experiencing any difficulties with your supervisory team you can submit a separate report directly to your Faculty Associate or Sub-Dean, Graduate Studies who will deal with the report in confidence.

If you are experiencing supervision difficulties please do not wait until the annual progress reporting requirement to seek assistance, discuss any issues you have directly with your Faculty Associate or Sub-Dean when they arise. If your supervisor is a Faculty Associate or Sub-Dean then you should raise your concerns directly with the Director - Research.

Please note that from 2013, CSU will adopt six-montlhy progress reporting for all HDR candidatures.