Becoming familiar with the Rules for the degree of PhD, the Guidelines for the Responsible Practice of Research, for Supervision, on Minimum Allocation of Resources, and on Intellectual Property. http://www.anu.edu.au/graduate/pubs/papers.html

The Chair of the panel/the major supervisor is responsible for the following:

1. Early in the course:

1. Advising on and discussing with the candidate at the beginning the aims, scope and presentation of the thesis.
2. Advising on any orientation or supplementary training necessary for the research project, including identifying any English-as-a-second-language candidate who needs assistance and referring the candidate for appropriate academic skills assistance.
3. Clarifying the candidate's and the supervisor's respective expectations of supervision and of the operation of the supervisory panel.
4. Obtaining agreement on the frequency of student contact with supervisors and/or other panel members (not less than once a month with supervisors), recognising that there are different needs at different thesis stages,
5. Provision of necessary material resources to complete the thesis, including fieldwork or other research travel support, computing and space necessities;
6. Advising the candidate on health and safety working practices relevant to the field of research (including the occupational strains hazard), the ethical practices appropriate to the discipline (including Human Research and/or Animal Experimentation Ethics requirements),
7. Advising the candidate on requirements regarding the retention of primary data,
8. Advising the candidate on requirements of The University's Guidelines relating to Intellectual Property in relation to the research;
9. If the research is funded by a contractual arrangement, discussing with the candidate any particular contract terms or conditions that could either restrict disclosure or affect the extent to which communication with colleagues is possible during the research and on its completion. Any restrictions, e.g. confidentiality agreements, must be consistent with the Degree Rules and related papers. When restrictions exist, the candidate is advised to seek independent legal advice, and the discussion should culminate in a written agreement on the conditions of disclosure;
10. Submitting the report of the three-month panel meeting on the student’s project;

2. During the remainder of the candidature:

1. Advising and negotiating with the candidate in respect of any publication or joint publication arising during or on the basis of the research project, appropriate and adequate recognition of the candidate's and the supervisor's contribution to the publication;
2. Strategies for contact with and introductions to other researchers in related areas, including external agency, industry, or other institutional links.
3. Orientation, learning support, prescribed course work, training courses, and conference support as required,
4. Assisting the candidate to prepare a provisional three year research plan and research timetable, including any proposed fieldwork, as the basis for a program of study for submission to the Prescribed Authority for approval not later than six months after the candidate's enrolment.
5. Initiating and holding frequent and adequate discussions with the candidate on the candidate's research program. Supervisor and candidate are jointly responsible for initiating such discussions; and there should normally be contact between the supervisor and the candidate at least once each month even if a formal meeting is not always possible.
6. Ensuring that any major decisions about the candidate's research program made in conversation between the supervisor and the candidate, or any major variations to agreed expectations and guidelines, are confirmed in writing and a copy given to the candidate, and to any other supervisor or advisor, and noted in the annual progress report;
7. Arranging for the First year Review, after notification by the School secretary’s Office including notification of the requisite seminar, the Panel meeting and submission of reports.
8. Encouraging and ensuring that the candidate is actively engaged in the research course in a manner likely to produce significant results by the time of the First year Review and subsequent annual reports, and by the time the thesis is due to be submitted, or advising the candidate in writing that progress is unsatisfactory and identifying improvements necessary for continuation of candidature;
9. Encouraging and ensuring that the candidate participates in the intellectual activity of the School through activities such as attendance and presentations at seminars and conferences;
10. Reviewing drafts of submissions for the First Year Review, commenting critically to the candidate on the First Year Review presentation,
11. Reviewing drafts of the thesis and providing written and/or verbal comments within a mutually agreed period (not exceeding one month from time of submission), and providing written and/or verbal comments on the completed thesis before it is submitted for examination;
12. Submission of annual reports on the progress of the candidate, noting significant achievements, difficulties and problems discussed with the student, including inadequate progress if applicable, and the action taken or advice given. A supervisor who considers that a candidate has failed to pursue the course satisfactorily or has not observed the Degree Rules shall report accordingly to the Prescribed Authority;
13. Advising the student of any plans for extended supervisor's absence during the candidature and the proposed arrangements for supervision, where possible with at least six month's notice;
14. After giving the candidate an opportunity to comment on possible examiners for the thesis, nominating examiners for approval normally at least two months before the thesis is due to be submitted;
15. In consultation with the Head of Division, advising the candidate on any examiners' recommendations for amendments to the thesis, and if nominated as the `appropriate person' under Rule 23B 1(a), advising the candidate during the revision process for re-submission and re-examination;
16. Advising the candidate, throughout the candidature on post-doctoral or visiting fellow appointments and other career options, and on any prospective publications arising from the final thesis.