Research Awards Rule 2017

Overview

The Australian National University Research Awards Rule 2017 was enacted to streamline the process of undertaking programs of study that lead to the award of research degrees at the university. This legislative instrument operates under the authority granted by the Vice-Chancellorship Statute 2013, specifically section 9.5, and aims to modernise and automate the thesis submission and examination procedures. By removing the requirement for physical hard copies of theses and incorporating digital workflows, the Rule seeks to improve efficiency and accessibility for both students and administrative staff. This initiative aligns with the university's broader objective to digitise and automate administrative processes, thereby enhancing the overall student experience and operational effectiveness.

Scope and Application

The Australian National University Research Awards Rule 2017 applies to individuals undertaking programs of study that lead to the award of research degrees at the university, as well as the university itself in its capacity to administer such programs. The Rule operates within the jurisdiction of the Australian National University, governed by the Vice-Chancellorship Statute 2013. The purpose of this Rule is to provide a structured framework for the execution and administration of research degree programs, focusing on the transition to digital processes for thesis submission and examination. This amendment to the existing Rule removes the requirement for physical submission of thesis hard copies, reflecting the university's commitment to modernising its administrative processes. While the Rule is tailored specifically to the operations of the Australian National University, its impact is felt directly by students and academic staff involved in research degree programs within the institution. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the Rule itself, although it is subject to the broader governance and legal framework of the university and applicable Australian legislation.

Key Provisions

The Australian National University Research Awards Rule 2017 (the "Rule") provides a framework for the undertaking of programs of study leading to the award of research awards by the University. Section 1 (1) of the Rule stipulates the purpose and operation of the instrument, establishing a systematic approach to managing research awards. Section 2 (1) references the Vice-Chancellorship Statute 2013, section 9.5, as the authority for making the Rule, ensuring its legal standing and compliance with overarching university statutes. Section 3 (1) outlines the specific changes to the 2016 Rule, which primarily involve the removal of the requirement for submission of physical copies of theses, aligning with the University’s move towards digitised and automated thesis submission and examination processes. The Rule imposes several obligations on the parties it governs. Section 4 (1) details that students must adhere to the University's new digital submission processes, including the electronic submission of theses and the use of automated workflows for thesis examination. Section 5 (1) stipulates that the University will manage and track these digital processes, ensuring that all attachments and correspondence are handled electronically. Section 6 (1) requires students to self-manage their thesis examination progress, utilising the University’s digital tools for tracking and communication. Failure to comply with the provisions of the Rule may result in various consequences. Section 7 (1) notes that non-compliance with the digital submission requirements could lead to delays or refusal in the processing of thesis submissions, potentially affecting the timely awarding of research degrees. Section 8 (1) indicates that continued non-adherence to the new processes may be subject to disciplinary action by the University, as outlined in the University's disciplinary policies. While the Rule itself does not specify financial penalties, the associated administrative or academic penalties for non-compliance are governed by the broader University policies and regulations.