Your supervisory panel can be made up of a combination of supervisory roles, as defined in this table:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Supervisory Panel | At least two supervisors, who can be Co-principal, or Principal plus Associate, Assistant or External supervisors. |
| Principal and Co-Principal | Supervisor who takes the lead in terms of overall accountability. |
| Associate supervisor | A member of the supervisor panel to provide specialist knowledge in a particular aspect of a candidate’s research. An associate supervisor will also ensure continuity of supervision during leave of the principal supervisor. |
| Assistant supervisor | A member of academic staff who provides specialist technical, subject matter expertise, or experience to an aspect of a candidate’s research project not catered for through the appointment of other panel members. |
| External supervisor | Supervisor who is external to ECU, including industry or another University. |
Your supervisor panel provides you with continuous support in researching and producing a thesis to the best of your ability.
Your panel will assist you by:
The primary responsibility for the undertaking, active pursuit and completion of the research rests with you as the research candidate.
Maintaining regular contact with your supervisor panel, submitting materials in time for feedback before scheduled meetings, and discussing issues with your supervisor panel as they arise will help you succeed in your degree.
The Candidate/Supervisor Panel Agreement and the policy on Supervision of Students Undertaking Higher Degrees by Research provide further information on the responsibilities of and expectations on your supervisor panel and you.