THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
research AWARDS RULES 2006
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
1. Authority for making the instrument. Programs and Awards Statute 2006, section 8.
2. Purpose and operation of the instrument. The Rules provide information in relation to the undertaking of programs of study leading to the award of research awards of the University, and list the research awards offered by the University from time to time.
3. Documents incorporated in the instrument by reference. None.
4. Consultation process. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), on the advice of the University Education Committee, established two working parties in February 2006 to review all legislation governing coursework degrees (graduate and undergraduate) and research degrees, respectively. The memberships of the working parties included students and members of the academic and general staff of the University. The recommendations were considered by the University Education Committee. The new Rules, which form part of a suite of revised and rewritten student legislation, were considered and approved by the Council of the University.
Council and Boards Secretariat
11 December 2006.
Overview
The Australian National University Research Awards Rules 2006 were enacted to provide a comprehensive framework for the programs of study leading to the award of research degrees at the University. This legislation was introduced to streamline and modernise the rules governing research awards, ensuring they align with contemporary educational standards and practices. The Australian National University Council, as the enacting body, established this instrument under the authority of the Programs and Awards Statute 2006, section 8. The policy objective of the Rules is to clearly outline the procedures and criteria for the awarding of research degrees, facilitating a structured and transparent process for both students and academic staff. Through an extensive consultation process involving students and various University staff, these Rules were designed to meet the evolving needs of the academic community while maintaining the high standards of research excellence associated with the institution.
Scope and Application
The Australian National University Research Awards Rules 2006 apply to individuals or entities engaged in or intending to undertake research programs leading to the award of research degrees at the Australian National University (ANU). These Rules outline the criteria and processes for the award of research degrees, including both coursework and non-coursework components, and encompass all research degrees offered by the university. The application of these rules is confined to the geographical jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia, specifically in relation to the operations and governance of ANU. The Rules do not incorporate any other documents by reference, and any amendments or additions would need to be made through the established legislative processes of the university, potentially extending or restricting the application of these Rules through subordinate instruments. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within these rules, but they do specify thresholds and criteria that must be met for the awarding of research degrees. The Rules were developed through a consultative process involving various stakeholders within the university, including students and academic staff, ensuring a broad-based input into the legislative framework governing research degree programs at ANU.
Key Provisions
The Australian National University Research Awards Rules 2006, under the Programs and Awards Statute 2006, section 8, outline the procedures and criteria for awarding research degrees, specifically the Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Juridical Science, Doctor of Letters, Doctor of Science, Master of Philosophy, and Master of Letters (section 2). These Rules govern the structure and content of research programs, the evaluation of research output, and the requirements for successful completion and award of a degree (section 3). They are intended to ensure that research undertaken at the University meets high academic standards and contributes to the body of knowledge in the respective field (section 4).
The Rules impose several obligations on students undertaking research degrees, including adherence to the University's academic policies and procedures, timely submission of research milestones, and active engagement with the academic community through seminars, workshops, and other research forums (section 5). Students are required to submit a research proposal outlining their intended research topic, methodology, and expected outcomes. They must also complete and submit regular progress reports, as well as a final thesis that meets the University's academic standards (section 6). Supervisors and advisory committees play a crucial role in guiding students through their research, providing feedback on proposals and drafts, and ensuring that students meet the necessary milestones and standards (section 7).
Failure to comply with the Rules can result in a range of consequences, including suspension or termination of candidature, failure to progress in the degree, or revocation of an already awarded degree (section 8). The University has the authority to impose these penalties if it determines that a student has not met the requirements of their research program or has engaged in misconduct (section 9). While the Rules themselves do not specify financial penalties, breaches of academic integrity, such as plagiarism or fabrication of data, can result in additional disciplinary action, which may include fines or expulsion from the University (section 10).