Faculty of Arts

Frequently Asked Questions - HDR students

 Contents

 

 Facilities and resources

Can I get an office and computer?
Arts HDR students can request an office with access to a computer, by emailing the Research Support Team with their requirements.  Current students can let the Research Support Team know about any changes to their requirements during their candidature.  The Research Support Team will arrange for office keys and any other requirements.

I have a problem with my computer or access.
HDR students having any problems with their computer should phone ITS on x3000, letting them know their name, room number, username, and that they are an HDR student in Arts.  Students can also email them on its@uow.edu.au, giving them the information as above, as well as letting them know what the problem is.

My UOW password has expired.  How do I get access again?
HDR students should see the staff in the ITS kiosk, on level 1 of building 17, next to the Library.

I am nearing quota on my mailbox or someone has told me my mailbox is full and can’t send emails to me, what do I do?
HDR students should see the staff in the ITS kiosk, on level 1 of building 17, next to the Library.

Where do I print and photocopy?
HDR students can print to Printers 10 and 20, in room 19.1070, and also use the photocopier in that room.  Printing and copying is free but students should only print and copy what is necessary.

How can I scan a document?
HDR students can scan documents on the photocopier in room 19.1070 (or any other photocopier in Arts) and use the email function on the copier to send the document to their email address as a PDF (or in another format).

How do I get stationery?
Stationery supplies are located in a cupboard in 19.1005. HDR students should only take what they need. Specific stationery requests can be made to the Teaching & Learning Team at Arts Central.

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 Administrative matters and policies

What is a Research Proposal Review (RPR)?
Research Proposal Reviews (formerly known as First Year Proposal Reviews) are compulsory for all HDR students and are held within the first 12 months of their candidature.  Students make a presentation to a panel about their research proposal and progress.  Students should read the UOW and Faculty of Arts guidelines, available on the Faculty of Arts website, under Higher Degree Research Information. http://www.uow.edu.au/arts/postgraduate/index.html

What is an Annual Progress Report (APR)?
All HDR students must complete an Annual Progress Report (APR) at the end of each year of their candidature.  This is done online, and involves five sections, to be completed by the student, their supervisor, the Faculty Head of Postgraduate Studies (HPS) and the Dean.  APRs must be completed to ensure enrolment for the following year, and failure to complete the APR may lead to students being unenrolled from their degree.  More information about APRs can be found at: http://www.uow.edu.au/research/rsc/hdrhb/UOW008952.html

What do I do if I need leave for a period of time?
HDR students can take a Leave of Absence (LOA) from their study.  PhD students can take no more than 4 sessions of leave during their candidature, MA Research students can take no more than 2 sessions of leave during their candidature.  Requests to take more than this amount of leave will be considered by the Faculty and the University.  Requests for leave during Autumn session of any year must be lodged by 31 March, requests for leave during Spring session of any year must be lodged by 31 August.  All requests need the approval of the student's supervisor(s), and need to include a Leave of Absence form and a written letter.  The form can be downloaded at: http://www.uow.edu.au/student/forms/UOW008135.html

Can I change my topic after enrolment?
HDR students who wish to change their research topic should firstly discuss it with their supervision team and the Faculty Head of Postgraduate Studies (HPS), as a change may require the appointment of new supervisors.  If a change occurs after the Research Proposal Review presentation, students may be asked to make another presentation on their new topic..

Where do I go if I have a problem or conflict with my supervisor?
Grievance procedures will be updated shortly.

Is there a grievance procedure?
Grievance procedures will be updated shortly.

Where do I find the policies and guidelines for the Faculty and the University?
Faculty HDR policies can be found at: http://www.uow.edu.au/arts/postgraduate/index.html

The University Policy Directory can be found at: http://www.uow.edu.au/about/policy/index.html

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 Student funding and casual tutoring

Where can I get information on scholarships available to me?
Information about Scholarships can be found at: http://www.uow.edu.au/research/rsc/student/scholarships/UOW009030.html

Where do I go for funding for my research?
Information about applying for funding from the Faculty to support your research can be found at: http://www.uow.edu.au/arts/fundingsupport/index.html

Where do I go for funding for conferences?
Information about applying for funding from the Faculty to attend a conference at which you are presenting can be found at:
http://www.uow.edu.au/arts/fundingsupport/index.html

Where can I find out about casual tutoring work in the Faculty?
HDR students can ask the Faculty's Finance and HR team about getting a form to submit their expression of interest for tutoring work.  Students need to submit the form and their CV to be added to the Casual Teaching Register.

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 Assistance

I am having problems with my English language skills, is there somewhere I could get advice on this?
You can talk to the staff in the Learning Development Centre, which is located in Building 11 (UniCentre), room 11.209, on level 3.  For more information, go to their website: http://www.uow.edu.au/student/services/ld/index.html

I am struggling with my academic skills, is there somewhere I can go?
You can talk to the staff in the Learning Development Centre, which is located in Building 11 (UniCentre), room 11.209, on level 3.  For more information, go to their website: http://www.uow.edu.au/student/services/ld/index.html

I would like to talk to someone about personal issues, is there someone on campus I can speak to?
You can talk to the Faculty's Student Support Advisor (SSA) – details are available at: http://www.uow.edu.au/arts/current/adviser/index.html

You can also talk to staff in the University's Counselling Services, which is located on Level 3 of Building 11 (UniCentre), or you can phone x3445.

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 Student Matters, Events and Staying in Touch

How do I find out about Faculty and University research events, seminars, workshops and conferences?
Information about about research events within the Faculty can be found by going to: http://www.uow.edu.au/arts and clicking on the News & Events or and Research Newsletter buttons.

The Research Student Centre (RSC) also run a range of workshops throughout the year. Details can be found at: 
http://www.uow.edu.au/research/rsc/news/UOW008974.html

Are there any events specifically for Arts HDR students?
The Faculty run short workshops throughout the year, which may include topics such as preparing for Proposal Reviews, how to get work published, and writing an academic CV and grant or job applications.  There may also be writing workshops and workshops on stress managements.  Emails will be sent to HDR students with information about these workshops and other events.

Is there an email list I can post messages to other Arts HDR students?
Students can email other Arts HDR students by sending an email to: arts_all_postgrads@uow.edu.au This list is used by staff to notify students about upcoming events, conferences and opportunities, and should only be used by students for similar matters, or to notify other students about proposed HDR student events.

Is there a postgraduate student association for the University?
WUPA (Wollongong University Postgraduate Association) are the peak body for representing postgraduate students on campus. Their website is: 
http://www.uow.edu.au/wupa

Are there HDR student representatives for the Faculty of Arts and who are they?
Each Unit has at least one HDR Student Representative, one of whom also represents HDR students on the Faculty Research Committee (FRC). HDR students can find out who they are at: http://www.uow.edu.au/arts/current/UOW045738.html
Nominations for the roles of student representatives are called for in March/April of each year and any HDR student who has successfully passed their Research Proposal Review (formerly First Year Proposal Review) is eligible to nominate themselves or be nominated by other HDR students. Student representatives attend Research Proposal Reviews for students within their Unit and monthly Unit meetings.
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 Submitting your thesis and finishing

Where do I go to find out about submitting my thesis?
HDR students who are getting close to submitting their thesis should look at the Research Student Centre's Thesis Submission website for more information: http://www.uow.edu.au/research/rsc/student/thesis/UOW009045.html This should be done several months in advance of the expected submission date, to allow for the completion of forms and the selection of examiners for the thesis.

What colour should I bind my thesis?
More information about binding a thesis can be found on the Research Student Centre's Thesis Submission website at: 
http://www.uow.edu.au/research/rsc/student/thesis/UOW009045.html

There is no set colour for Arts theses, although the traditional colours used are black, dark blue, red or dark green.

Last reviewed: 18 April, 2011