THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
RESEARCH AWARDS RULE 2021
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
1. Authority for making the instrument. The Governance Statute, section 68(1) (General power to make rules and orders).
2. Purpose and operation of the instrument. The Rule provides a framework in relation to the undertaking of programs of study leading to the award of research awards of the University. The substantive changes in the revised Rule relate to program leave and program extensions, alignment of timelines for appeals and clarification of appealable and reviewable decisions.
3. Documents incorporated in the instrument by reference. None.
4. Consultation process. The changes to the Rule were developed and consulted by the Higher Degree Research Committee between 2018 and 2021, endorsed by the University Research Committee on 9 June 2021, and endorsed by Academic Board for the Vice-Chancellor’s approval on 29 June 2021. The Rule was made by the Vice-Chancellor on 15 July 2021.
Corporate Governance and Risk Office
15 July 2021
Overview
The Australian National University Research Awards Rule 2021 was enacted to provide a framework for the undertaking of programs of study leading to the award of research degrees by the University. This legislation addresses issues related to program leave, program extensions, and the alignment of timelines for appeals, as well as clarifying which decisions are appealable or reviewable. The Rule was developed and consulted by the Higher Degree Research Committee between 2018 and 2021, and subsequently endorsed by the University Research Committee and Academic Board before final approval by the Vice-Chancellor on 15 July 2021. The purpose of these changes is to ensure that the research award process is fair, transparent, and efficient for all involved parties. The Rule was enacted under the authority of the Governance Statute, section 68(1), which grants the power to make rules and orders.
Scope and Application
The Australian National University Research Awards Rule 2021 applies to students enrolled in research programs at the Australian National University (ANU) who are pursuing research awards, such as Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degrees. This Rule is specific to the ANU and does not extend beyond its jurisdiction. It establishes a framework for the management and administration of these research programs, including provisions for program leave, extensions, and the timelines for appeals concerning academic decisions. The Rule does not incorporate any other documents by reference and was developed through a consultation process involving the Higher Degree Research Committee, the University Research Committee, and Academic Board, with final approval by the Vice-Chancellor. It is important to note that the Rule does not extend its application to other institutions or research programs outside of the ANU. The Rule’s application may also be extended or clarified through subordinate instruments as deemed necessary by the University’s governance bodies.
Key Provisions
The Australian National University Research Awards Rule 2021 (Rule) establishes the parameters for programs of study culminating in the award of research degrees at the university. Section 2 outlines the general framework for these programs, including the conditions under which students can undertake their studies and the requirements for the completion of their degrees (s 2). The Rule further specifies the types of leave that can be granted to students, the conditions for these leaves, and the procedures for extending program durations (s 3). Additionally, Section 4 delineates the timelines for lodging appeals against certain university decisions, ensuring that students are aware of the procedural steps and timeframes for contesting decisions that may impact their research progress (s 4).
The Rule imposes several obligations on students and the university. Students are required to adhere to the timelines and conditions set out for program leave and extensions (s 3). They must also follow the stipulated procedures for lodging appeals against decisions, ensuring that these are submitted within the specified timeframes (s 4). The university, in turn, is obligated to provide timely notifications to students regarding decisions that are subject to appeal and to ensure that these decisions are made in accordance with the Rule's provisions (s 5). Furthermore, the university must maintain records of all decisions and the processes followed, to facilitate any potential reviews or appeals (s 6).
Failure to comply with the provisions of the Rule may result in several consequences. Section 7 outlines that any student who does not adhere to the specified timelines for lodging appeals or who fails to meet the conditions for program leave or extensions may be subject to disciplinary actions, including the potential suspension or termination of their enrolment (s 7). The Rule also specifies that decisions made in breach of its provisions may be subject to review or appeal, with the potential for those decisions to be overturned (s 8). In cases of non-compliance, the university retains the right to impose penalties, which may include fines or other sanctions as deemed appropriate by the university authorities (s 9). The maximum penalties are not explicitly stated in the Rule but are subject to the university's disciplinary procedures.