Your supervisory panel can be made up of a combination of supervisory roles, as defined this table below:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Supervisory Panel | A minimum of two University Staff, with contracts commensurate with the expected duration of enrolment, one of which must be Category C. |
| Principal and Co-Principal | Supervisor who takes the lead in terms of overall accountability. |
| Associate supervisor | Supports the Principal Supervisor to provide academic input or guidance and mentoring for the progress and development of the candidate. 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. |
Whilst the primary responsibility for the undertaking, active pursuit and completion of the research rests with you as the research candidate, your supervisor panel will support and assist you in your research journey through:
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.