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Information for Current PhD Scholars

 

Below are the answers to some FAQs for current PhD scholars at the RegNet Program. For further information or assistance, please contact Professor Neil Gunningham, PhD Convenor or Dr Janet Hope, PhD Coordinator.

In addition, all current students should refer to the ANU Graduate School Postgraduate Research Guide for a complete overview of the rules, regulations and requirements of graduate study.

 

+ Who do I go to for Reporting and Process, Finance, IT, Thesis matters, day to day administration queries?

  • Reporting and process – HR Manager – Paulina Piira (Email: Paulina.Piira@anu.edu.au Phone: 51500)
  • Monies for fieldwork/conferences etc – Finance Manager – Sally Thompson (Email: Hilary.Greenhill@anu.edu.au Phone: 53799)
  • Computer problems – IT Support – Jin Ho (Email: Jin.Ho@anu.edu.au Phone: 57045)
  • PhD Convenor – Neil Gunningham (Email: Neil.Gunningham@anu.edu.au Phone: 51516)
  • PhD Coordinator – Janet Hope (Email: Janet.Hope@anu.edu.au Phone: 50172)
  • Anything to do with your thesis – contact the Chair on your panel, supervisor or adviser.
  • Day to day queries (stationery, photocopier, fax, use of common areas etc) - local administrator (usually the person who looks after your supervisor)

+ What financial support is available for fieldwork and conferences?

Fieldwork and conference allowance

Full-time and part-time PhD students can request access to a set funding allowance in support of fieldwork and conference travel during the course of their degree. In assessing requests to access the allowance, the Head of Program in consultation with the Graduate Student Convenor and the relevant supervisor are guided by the following principles:

1. For fieldwork expenses:

· are the likely costs of fieldwork going to exceed the allowance?
· if so, has external funding been obtained to subsidize the costs?

2. For conference attendance:

· is a paper being presented by the PhD scholar?
· has the conference been carefully considered and selected as the best possible option for advancing the scholar’s research and networks?

In the event that fieldwork expenses exceed the set allowance, and attempts to obtain external funding have been unsuccessful, support for additional funding will be determined on a case by case basis. Students are expected to document and discuss their needs with their Supervisors first and requests for additional funding will be discussed between the Head of Program, the PhD Convenor and the relevant supervisor.


+ What do I need to do if I want/need to travel for fieldwork or attend conferences?

Check Country, economy and regional information first

Check destination country risk rating from DFAT website. If a country is category 4 – Risk assessment needs to be done. You cannot travel to a category 5 destination unless it happens to be your home country. For further information on risk assessment refer to ANU Risk assessment procedure. A Fieldwork outline / conference flyer and budget needs to be submitted to your supervisor / PhD Convenor / Finance Manager for approval.


Forms

An Approval to Travel form must be submitted to the Finance Officer

A HDR Absenses form must be filled in and given to the Finance Officer along with your Approval to travel form

Form to be completed by Students travelling on an Authorised University Activity for 3 months or longer.


Further Information:


ANU Travel Portal

ANU Travel Portal


Business Travel Insurance

If your travel is paid for by ANU funds then you are automatically covered by the ANU travel insurer. The only time this does not apply is for Category 4 or 5 destinations. For further information, refer to ANU Insurance Office.


Vice-Chancellor’s Travel Grants Scheme

This scheme intends to supplement the financial support given to students from their home area. For information about the VC's Travel Grants Scheme and an application form. Visit ANU Travel Grants website


University preferred supplier is AMEX

AMEX - see travel portal for booking forms – AMEX not always competitive in pricing

Alternatives are: Student Travel Association (STA ANU) or Flight Centre to obtain quotes.


+ Do I need to purchase health and travel insurance when I go away on fieldwork?

Insurance

Procedures regarding health and travel insurance are complex and continually being updated. General university information is available at the Insurance Office, however students should contact RegNet HR Manager for assistance.


+ Do I need to apply for leave (including sick leave, annual leave or fieldwork)?

Accessing leave

It is a university requirement for all full-time PhD candidates that all leave is reported to the local administrative office and relevant paperwork completed prior to departure. Failure to do so will jeopardize the ANU's coverage of you for health and travel insurance. Contact RegNet HR Manager for further assistance.


+ Do I need Ethics approvals?

If you are unsure check this with your supervisor or email Kyla Tienhaara ANU Ethics Committee Member, Office of Research Integrity.


+ Are there laptops I can use?

Laptops

All on-campus PhD scholars are provided with a desktop computer and IT support to maintain the effective functioning of the equipment. In addition, PhD scholars may borrow a laptop computer for travel and special purposes. All loans are subject to availability and duration of use is limited. Contact RegNet IT Officer for assistance.


+ What should I do if I'm having problems with my supervisor?

Process for handling student complaints/concerns

If students feel unable to approach their supervisors/advisors about a particular issue, they should approach the PhD Convenor (Neil Gunningham) or the Head of Program (Hilary Charlesworth) with their concerns or complaints. Students are also encouraged to use student support services such as counselling.