FACULTY
Te Here Tāura Rangahau
Constitution
The Faculty of Graduate Research shall consist of the Faculty Board and the Faculty staff.
Aims
The Faculty of Graduate Research is the guardian of and is responsible for Victoria University’s postgraduate research degrees and will advance the University’s purpose, roles and responsibilities as specified in the Education Act, 1989 and as defined in section 4.3 of the Academic Board Statute.
Responsibilities
The Faculty of Graduate Research (FGR) is responsible for oversight of the quality of Victoria’s postgraduate research degrees and enhancement of the student experience of our postgraduate research students. The FGR will:
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Establish and maintain policies and procedures that foster high academic achievement.
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Ensure consistent and effective management of candidature.
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Develop, communicate and review postgraduate research policies and practices on an ongoing basis.
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Monitor compliance with policies and equitable application of procedures.
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Maintain equitable processes for the recruitment and admission of high calibre students to meet University goals and targets.
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Encourage the timeliness of degree completions, to ensure the currency and relevance of the research and to maximise funding to the University.
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Monitor the quality of research degree outcomes.
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Enhance the postgraduate student experience through the provision of appropriate professional development for academic staff.
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Provide mentoring, induction and support for postgraduate research co-ordinators.
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Provide students with appropriate support and skills development to facilitate their development as early career researchers.
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Co-ordinate the provision of new student orientation/induction, generic research skills workshops and interdisciplinary graduate seminars.
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Maintain a strong, cooperative and mutually beneficial partnership between the University and the postgraduate student body (including the PGSA).
FGR roles and responsibilities
FGR 14/24B 2 October 2015

The Dean
The Dean of Graduate Research is head of the Faculty of Graduate Research and is formally appointed by the Vice-Chancellor, who may consult with members of the Board of the Faculty of
Graduate Research.
The responsibilities of the Dean of Graduate Research will include:
1.
Maintaining oversight of all statutes and policies relating to PGR candidature.
2.
Working with other Faculties and with Central Service Units to ensure that the University implements a strategic approach to managing PGR students, including: recruitment; induction; collaboration; and quality assurance.
3.
Exercising executive authority to ensure the timely approval of key aspects of PGR candidature, including transition to full enrolment, the appointment of examiners and the scheduling of oral examinations.
4.
Acting as an independent arbiter for appeals, disputes and grievances.
5.
Ensuring quality skills development programmes are available for candidates, supervisors and postgraduate coordinators and administrators.
6.
Representing the University on relevant national and international boards and committees.
7.
Advising the Vice-Provost (Research) and the Provost on postgraduate research programmes and coordinating responses to government initiatives and imperatives.
8.
Delegating authority for the following: o Conversion of Master’s thesis enrolment to a PhD o Approval of candidates moving from provisional to full registration o Approval of suspensions (other than retrospective suspensions) up to twelve months in total during PhD candidacy o Change of enrolment status between full and half time o Termination of enrolment of [fully registered] PhD candidates due to lack of sustained satisfactory progress or failure to pay fees.
The Deputy Dean
The Deputy Dean is appointed from the permanent academic staff of the University for a fixed term of three years.
The responsibilities of the Deputy Dean will include:
1.
Providing advice and support to the Dean
2.
Chairing Faculty Board meetings in the Dean’s absence
3.
Deputising for the Dean in his/her absence
4.
Providing leadership on specific projects as and when required.
The Faculty Office
The role of the Faculty Office is to support the Dean in the achievement of the Faculty’s objectives as outlined in the Faculty annual plan.
FGR roles and responsibilities
FGR 14/24B 2 October 2015