AGC e-News #11, 19 December 2018

Published: 19 December 2018

In this edition:

Professor Michael Liebelt

Message from the Dean - Retirement of Director and Appointment of Interim Director

 

I have only recently taken over the role of Dean of Graduate Studies from Professor John Williams.  John has moved into the role of Executive Dean of the Faculty of Professions after almost three years as Dean of Graduate Studies.  We are all indebted to him for his stewardship of the research training portfolio and in particular for his oversight of several important innovations including CaRST, progressive conversion to online research student processes, and implementation of the Supervisor Register Policy.  The University has seen a marked and sustained improvement in research degree completion rates over the past 5 years and this is due in no small part to leadership of John and his predecessor, Rick Russell.

2018 has been a year of some important developments.  Not only have we processed over 400 thesis examinations and research degree completions this year but we have also: introduced the online major review process; expanded the Career and Research Skills Training (CaRST) program to include more modules and an increasing number of online modules; revised the Integrated Bridging Program and brought it within the CaRST framework as the International CaRST (iCaRST) and worked with Technology Services to implement an online enrolment process which will be operational in the New Year.  The process of improving services to students and supervisors will continue in 2019.

As a newcomer to the Adelaide Graduate Centre it has been most impressive to see the commitment and professionalism that the AGC team applies every day to supporting the supervisors and students who undertake the research upon which the University’s reputation is founded.  I thank all of my new colleagues in the Centre for their dedication and hard work.

That the AGC team is so successful is a tribute to the leadership of Anne Witt, who has been Director of the Centre for the past 18 years.  Unfortunately for us Anne will be retiring at the end of this year. Her leadership, experience and wisdom will be greatly missed by many people across the University.  We wish her every happiness in her retirement, and on behalf of all who have been associated with the Centre of the past 18 years I thank her most sincerely.  I am pleased to advise that Donna Gould, currently Deputy Director, will take on the role of Interim Director in the New Year.

Donna Gould and Anne Witt

I would like to wish you all the very best with your continued research studies. I assure you that you will continue to find a receptive ear in the Dean’s Office if you should run into any difficulties.  It is important that if you do experience any difficulties with your candidature you seek advice sooner rather than later.  It’s best to deal with problems as soon as they arise, rather than allowing them to escalate and become major issues at the end of candidature.

On behalf of the AGC team I wish you all a safe and happy break over the holiday period.

Thesis Submissions in December 2018

Students planning on submitting their thesis before the end of the year are encouraged to submit as soon as possible. Thesis submissions will not be accepted on the afternoon of Wednesday 19 December due to a staff event, or on the morning of 24 December.

Adelaide Graduate Centre Christmas Close Down

The Graduate Centre will be closed from 12pm on Monday 24 December 2018 until 9am on Wednesday 2 January 2018.

The Hospital Research Foundation Scholarship Grant Round

Congratulations to our four PhD students who were successful for the 2019 State-Wide PhD Scholarship from The Hospital Research Foundation (THRF)!

We are grateful to THRF for offering so many funding schemes to support great research.

Please visit THRF website for the list of recipients of the 2019 State-Wide PhD Scholarships.

Research students (current and future) can check out the wide range of funding opportunities available at THRF by visiting their website.

IBP-R Relaunches as iCaRST in 2019

Big changes are coming to the Integrated Bridging Program – Research (IBP-R). Following an extensive review, IBP-R will relaunch in 2019 with a new structure and name as the International Career and Research Skills Training (iCaRST) program. iCaRST will continue to support international HDR students in their first 4-6 months of candidature but will now feature increased flexibility, greater transparency, and improved integration with CaRST. The redesign also includes expanded access to iCaRST training with lectures open to all HDRs through CaRST. For further information, please visit the iCaRST website.

ORCiD HDR Competition Outcome

The AGC is pleased to announce the names of the winning students in the recent ORCiD competition.  Randomly drawn from a large number of entries these students not only created and registered an ORCiD with the University of Adelaide but also encouraged their supervisors to do the same. The winners for 2018 are:

  •     Denvar Summers (Supervisor: Dr Aspa Sarris)
  •     Jirayus Jiarpakdee (Supervisor:  Dr Markus Wagner)
  •     Maki Hammond (Supervisor:  Dr Shoko Yoneyama)
  •     Sam Hutchinson (Supervisor: Professor Garrett Cullity)
  •     Susan Straub (Supervisor: Professor Helen Winefield)
  •     Trevor Smith (Supervisor:  Dr Jonathan Opie)

ORCiD Competition Draw

IBP-R Update

We are midway through our summer semester (Program 3, 2018) and all it seems that students are finally feeling more settled in terms of living in Adelaide and clarity in regard to their HDR programs.

2018 has been a busy year in IBP-R with the recommendations from the IBP-R Review (conducted by Professor Richard Russell in 2017) being put in place. A number of changes have been made with a new name and a stronger alignment to CaRST.

This means that this will be our final program as the Integrated Bridging Program-Research. From Program 1, 2019, we will be known as International Careers and Research Skills Training (iCaRST).

As this is our final contribution for the year, we would like to say thanks for all the support and Seasons’ Greetings to all in the HDR community.

News Corp Digital Subscription For All Staff and Students

University of Adelaide staff and students now have unlimited access to the latest news through a free News Corp digital subscription. The subscription covers online access to The Australian, The Advertiser and Sunday Mail (adelaidenow) and other News Corp news sites. Use your staff log in details to sign up.

Respect. Now. Always.

The University seeks to promote an inclusive, respectful and fair environment for all people whilst engaged in University-related activities. A range of services are available to assist students who have safety concerns or have experienced bullying, sexual harassment or assault. For further information, help, or to report an incident, please visit the Safer Campus Community website.

As a student of the University, you can help to keep your campus safe by looking out for your own safety, and the safety of others and by conducting yourself in a manner consistent with the Student Charter. Remember that unacceptable behaviours such as Harassment, Discrimination, Bullying and Victimisation are not tolerated at the University.

Free, Independent and Confidential Counselling Service

Did you know that as a Postgraduate Student you are entitled to access counselling services provided to students at The University of Adelaide. To find out more information visit the Counselling Centre website.

Free and Confidential Disability Service

As a Postgraduate Student you are also eligible for assistance from the Disability Service if you have a disability or ongoing medical condition. Information about the nature of your disability is not disclosed – information obtained from you about the functional impact of the disability is shared with academic staff solely for the purpose of assisting you with your studies. Details relating to the Disability Service and the on line registration process can be found on the Disability website.

Useful resources for staff can be found at the staff section of the Disability website.