1. science
2. medicine
3. medical research

FactPack 2015
A Guide for Humanities
Research by Higher Degree Students
‘Abstract Landscape’ image by Vera Ioannidi
Office of Research and Graduate Studies
Faculty of Humanities
February 2015
FactPack 2015
This information in this FactPack has been compiled by various people over the years. Julie Lunn has edited and
added information since 2010, with the exception of 2014 when Jacqui Sherriff edited, reformatted and added the
section on university life.
FactPack — A Guide for Humanities Higher Degree by Research Students at Curtin University is produced by the
Humanities Office of Research and Graduate Studies, Curtin University. Reproduction and quotation permitted,
provided proper reference to the source is given.
The FactPack is also available online - hgso.curtin.edu.au/student_info/factpack.cfm.
Please note information is up to date at time of printing but may change throughout the year.
© Copyright Curtin University 2015
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J (WA), 02637B (NSW)
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
FactPack 2015
Contents
Welcome
Part One: The frameworks in which you study
1.1
1.2
1.3
Your School/Area Research Community
Your Thesis Committee
Your School/Area Postgraduate Coordinator
Your School/Area Research Community
Your Faculty Research Community
Humanities Office of Research and Graduate Studies (ORGS)
The Humanities Research, Creative Production and Graduate Studies Committee
(HRCPGSC)
Your University Research Community
Graduate Research School (GRS)
University Graduate Studies Committee (UGSC)
Curtin University Postgraduate Association (CUPSA)
Postgraduate Open Door Society (PODS)
Postgraduate Mentor Program
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Part Two: What you need to know
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
University Rules for Doctoral and Masters (Research) Students
Research facilities in Humanities
Humanities Postgraduate Research Hub
HDR Humanities Laptop Scheme
Funding for consumables and fieldwork
Student OASIS
Information Technology Support and Usage
Getting started
Application for Admission
Application for Candidacy
Your Summary of Research Proposal
Ethics Approval for Research Involving Humans
Scholarships
Empowering Supervision
Finding a supervisor
The ideal relationship
Getting started with your supervisor
What can go wrong – and how to fix it
As you progress
Change of Enrolment
Application for Leave of Absence
International travel in relation to field work
Application for Change of Thesis Committee
Application for Change of Thesis Title
Annual Progress Report (APR)
International Sponsored Students Reports (ISSR)
Conference Funding
What if I go overtime?
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FactPack 2015
2.6
2.7
Final stages
Nomination of Examiners
Editing your thesis
Checklist of things that matter to examiners
Submission of thesis for examination
Graduation
Grievance Procedures
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Part Three: Making the most of your HDR community
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
ORGS Website
Humanities Postgraduate Research Skills and Careers Workshop Series
Graduate Research School Training Seminars and Workshops
ATN-LEAP Project
Curtin Humanities Graduate Research Conference
Conference Proceedings Series
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Part Four: Support services for students
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
Curtin University Library
Library Website
Databases
Guides and Training
Digital Theses
Individual Services
A note about your information sources
Humanities Faculty Librarian
The Learning Centre
The Curtin Careers and Employment Centre Support
Counselling Service
Disability Services
Multi-Faith Service
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Part Five: University Life
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.7
5.8
5.9
Bentley Campus Map
Getting to and from campus
Public Transport
Driving
Cycling
Security
Curtin Courtesy Bus
Security Escort
Emergencies
Housing and Accommodation
Health Services
Child Care
Health and Fitness
Curtin Student Guild
Food and Retail Outlets
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FactPack 2015
Welcome
Welcome to the Faculty of Humanities at Curtin University, and to its graduate research community.
You are beginning, or continuing, a research program that is foundational to your career and significant
to the community of humanities scholars, at Curtin and beyond.
The Faculty of Humanities supports your study in a variety of ways. Your home
School/Department/Centre arranges your Supervisors, provides administrative support through its
Postgraduate Coordinator, and offers social and academic activities.
At the same time your research is supported at a Faculty level through the Humanities Office of
Research and Graduate Studies (ORGS) and the Faculty Research, Creative Production and Graduate
Studies Committee (HRCPGSC), which work closely with Supervisors and Postgraduate Coordinators to
give you the special support that comes with being an integral part of the Faculty’s research community.
Humanities ORGS provides administrative support, as well as the resources, activities and career
opportunities described in this FactPack— such as access to the Humanities Postgrad Hub, workshops,
seminars, conferences, editorial positions on publications, links with other researchers, and the like. The
HRCPGSC assists you as the body that endorses the key administrative elements of your progress,
including candidacy proposals, changes to programs, and examination results.
This FactPack is designed to help you make the most of your research program. It describes the
frameworks within which you study and the many research activities and opportunities available within
the Faculty of Humanities. When you strike a situation not catered for in the FactPack, do not hesitate
to ask for advice from your Supervisor, your School/Area Postgraduate Coordinator or staff in the
Humanities ORGS Office. They are all sources of help to you as you make your study program a success.
I hope that the FactPack will be one of several good resources that will help to make you feel at home in
the Faculty’s varied, strong and exciting research community. Your work is important to the vibrancy
and success of that community. I wish you every success in your research.
Prof Erik Champion
Acting Dean, Research and Graduate Studies
February 2015
FactPack 2015
Part One: The frameworks in which you study
1.1
Your School/Area Research Community
When you apply to a research program in Humanities at Curtin University, your first substantive contact
is often with the School relevant to your research project, or with one of the Faculty Level Research
Centres or Institutes in Humanities—such as the Centre for Human Rights Education (CHRE) or the
Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute (CUSP).
Each School/Area canvasses applications, consults with and advises applicants, and makes
recommendations to the Humanities Research, Creative Production and Graduate Studies Committee.
The School/Area also:
 Recommends HDR Thesis Committees. Each Thesis Committee is comprised of a Chair, a
Supervisor and Associate Supervisor(s) and/or Co-Supervisor(s).
 Provides Postgraduate Coordinators.
 Upon approval of candidacy, provides consumables funding for such things as fieldwork,
interlibrary loans and images.
 Nominates Thesis Examiners.
 Provides information and advice.
 Provides an immediate intellectual and social community with School/Area and Departmental
peers.
Your Thesis Committee
The most significant relationship you will have at the University during your period as a Doctoral or
Masters (research) student is with your Supervisor(s). It is important to understand at the outset the
roles of each person on your Thesis Committee.
Your Committee Chairperson
The Chairperson of your Thesis Committee:
 Takes overall responsibility for ensuring that University procedures are followed across your
study program.
 Is your first contact if you have any concerns regarding your work with your Supervisor(s). [Your
School/Area Postgraduate Coordinator and the Dean of Research and Graduate Studies are
additional contacts.]
 Receives examiners’ reports and presides over meetings with you and your Supervisor to guide
your response to the reports.
 Submits a Thesis Examination Report of Chairperson to the Faculty Research, Creative
Production and Graduate Studies Committee for consideration and recommendation to the
University Graduate Studies Committee.
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Your Supervisor
Your relationship with your Supervisor(s) has several dimensions. Your main Supervisor:
 Is an advisor, consultant and editor as you work through the several stages of your research
program. This includes the initial literature review, framing of the candidacy proposal,
assembling and analysing information and writing (and re-writing!) the thesis.
 Is your first point of contact regarding to the various administrative processes and forms that
mark each stage of your research program.
Take care to sort out your supervisory relationships:
 Who is your ‘main’ Supervisor - the person to whom you mostly report?
 What are the roles of your Co-supervisor(s) and/or Associate Supervisor(s)?
 Who will deputise if your main Supervisor is away for an extended period?
These roles are set out in University policy and procedures for Doctoral Students as well
Masters (Research) Students. They can be found at:
research.curtin.edu.au/guides/guidelines/tcm.cfm
The Humanities Research Skills and Career Workshop series provides sessions designed to
help you make your relationship with your Supervisor work.
The Workshop Series can be found at hgso.curtin.edu.au
Your School/Area Postgraduate Coordinator
Each School/Area appoints a Postgraduate Coordinator. They also have an important advisory role as
you progress through your research program. She or he:
 Tracks the needs of research students and their Supervisors, helping both to make decisions and
process the necessary paperwork, etc.
 Normally attends the Faculty Research, Creative Production and Graduate Studies Committee
and contributes to its work.
 Contributes to research activities and professional opportunities organised though the Research
and Graduate Studies Office.
2015 School Postgraduate Coordinators
School of Built Environment
Associate Professor Dianne Smith
Telephone: 08 9266 2716
Email: dianne.smith@curtin.edu.au
Curtin University Sustainability Policy (CUSP)
Institute
Professor Dora Marinova
Telephone: 08 9266 9033
Email: d.marinova@curtin.edu.au
School of Education
Professor Rhonda Oliver
Telephone: 08 9266 2169
Email: Rhonda.Oliver@curtin.edu.au
Centre for Human Rights Education
Prof Baden Offord
Telephone: 08 9266 7186
Email: baden.offord@curtin.edu.au
School of Design and Art
Dr Ann Schilo
Telephone: 08 9266 2972
Email: A.Schilo@curtin.edu.au
School of Media, Culture and Creative Arts
Dr Robert Biggs
Telephone: 08 9266 3326
Email: r.briggs@curtin.edu.au
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Your School/Area Research Community
Many School/Areas run seminars, including:
 Seminar series for students and staff to present and discuss ideas – including trailing candidacy
proposals. These seminars can be of great benefit to you – you not only learn about the
research interests of others, but you also have the opportunity to present papers in a small
supportive atmosphere.
 Other research seminars for students.
 Staff and Postgraduate Research seminars, where staff, research students and visiting scholars
from across disciplines within Humanities come together to exchange ideas.
1.2
Your Faculty Research Community
Humanities Office of Research and Graduate Studies (ORGS)
The Office of Research and Graduate Studies (ORGS) has a number of key functions:
 Coordinates the activities of the Faculty Research, Creative Research and Graduate Studies
Committee (HRCPGSC).
 Administers the Postgraduate Hub.
 Conducts research workshops and research seminars.
 Organises the Humanities Graduate Research Conference and publishes a follow-on collection
of research papers.
 Maintains a website with information for prospective and current students.
Contact:
Humanities Office of Research and Graduate Studies (ORGS)
Building 209 Fourth Floor
Website: hgso.curtin.edu.au
Email:
humgraduatestudies@curtin.edu.au
Facebook: Curtin University Humanities Office of Research and Graduate Studies
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FactPack 2015
Who
Acting Dean of Research and Graduate Studies,
Humanities *
Professor Erik Champion
Office: 209.422
Graduate Studies Research Culture Officer
Ms Julie Lunn
Office: 209:423
Humanities Faculty Librarian
Ms Marilyn Coen
Office: 209: 419
* A new Dean will be appointed mid-year.
Telephone:
Email:
08 9266 2614
erik.champion@curtin.edu.au
Telephone:
Email:
08 9266 4747
humgraduatestudies@curtin.edu.au
Telephone:
Email:
08 9266 4279
m.coen@curtin.edu.au
Essential facilities administration
ORGS is responsible for administering matters relating to the essential facilities provided for your
research program:
 Access to the Postgraduate Hub
 Computer access (laptops)
 After-hours access to Postgraduate Hub
 Email and internet facilities (in conjunction with Curtin Information Technology Services (CITS)
Humanities)
 Printing facilities
Research activities and opportunities
ORGS is responsible for providing research activities and opportunities for Humanities postgraduate
students, including:
 Email information regarding matters related to research students, such as conference
opportunities, scholarships and grants
 A Staff/Postgraduate Research Seminar Series when visiting fellows are able to participate
 Postgraduate/Supervisor Research Skills and Careers Workshop Series
 A webpage detailing current and completed Postgraduate Research Projects
 The Curtin Humanities Graduate Research Conference
 A refereed collection of papers following each Humanities Graduate Research Conference,
published by Black Swan Press. This provides research students the opportunity to publish their
work and/or to serve as a co-editor of refereed papers—a significant curriculum vitae entry.
See this link for Conference details: hgsoconference.curtin.edu.au/
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The Humanities Research, Creative Production and Graduate Studies Committee (HRCPGSC)
The Humanities Research, Creative Production and Graduate Studies Committee (HRCPGSC) is a
standing committee of the Faculty Management Board. The role of the Committee is to foster
excellence in Humanities’ research, creative production and graduate studies and to support and
improve the research community in which you study.
In pursuit of this objective the Committee:
 Provides advice on strategies, priorities, initiatives and innovation that promote excellence in
research, creative production and graduate studies for the Faculty.
 Identifies and articulates the Faculty’s current and emerging research strengths and their
desired strategic development.
 Promotes and disseminates the research, creative production and graduate studies
development activities of the Faculty.
 Considers and makes recommendations to the Pro Vice-Chancellor, to the Faculty Management
Board, to the DVC Research and the University Research and Development Committee on
matters related to University-funded research programs including research fellowships,
strategic research grants and research scholarships.
 Provides advice on the development, monitoring and review of achievements under the Faculty
Strategic Research and Graduate Studies Plan, and other Plans which are central to the
University's research, creative production and graduate studies activities.
 Facilitates the Faculty’s strategic management of the ERA processes.
 Considers and endorses the recommendation of the Head of School or designated
representative on applications for admission, applications for candidacy and applications for
degree conversion, by research and doctoral by research students.
 Considers and endorses the recommendation of the Head of School or designated
representative on: Variations to Candidacy, Applications for Leave of Absence, Doctoral
Conference Support and Nomination of Examiner.
 Considers Annual Progress Reports recommended by the Head of School or designated
representative as ‘on-going’ or ‘conditional’.
 Considers and recommend Terminations of Enrolment and Examination Report of the
Chairperson to the University Graduate Studies Committee.
 Ensures Faculty representation at relevant fora.
Members may be called on from time to time to interact with external stakeholders and funding
agencies.
HRCPGSC membership includes:
 the Dean, Research and Graduate Studies (Chair)
 Research Coordinators from each of the Schools: Built Environment (BE); Design and Art (SODA);
Education (ED) and Media, Culture and Creative Arts (MCCA)
 One Head/Director of faculty Research Centres and Institutes
 Curtin University Postgraduate Students Association (CUPSA) Representative.
The Faculty of Humanities Librarian and Manager, Research Quality, Office of Research and
Development, attend as observers. The Executive Secretary (ex officio) also attends the meeting.
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1.3
Your University Research Community
Although most of your research activity will take place within your School/Area and Faculty
communities, you also belong to the University’s research community. Curtin has a strong commitment
to excellence in research.
Graduate Research School
The Curtin University Graduate Research School (GRS) seeks to promote best practice in all aspects of
research training for Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students and their supervisors. The GRS is
responsible for administration related to HDR student candidature, support and advice on scholarships,
training and thesis examination, supervisor registration, and the development of policy and strategy.
Research program administration
GRS is responsible for administering key aspects of your research program:
 Application for Admission
 Enrolment and/or change of enrolment
 Application for Candidacy
 Application for Leave of Absence
 Application for Change of Thesis Committee
 Application for Change of Thesis Title
 Annual Progress Reports and International Sponsored Student Reports
 Application for Conference Support Funding
 Nomination of Examiners
 Thesis Examination Report of Chairperson
 Co-ordinates Scholarship Assessments.
You need to take the time to look through the Graduate Research School website at
postgraduateresearch.curtin.edu.au/. Here, you will find:
 The University Rules for Doctoral and Masters (research) students.
 The policies and procedures for research at Curtin.
 All the forms you need.
 Information on workshops, seminars and so on.
 The University’s Register of Supervisors
 Information about ethics and research safety.
Forms on the GRS website are the most up to date.
You will find the link under postgraduateresearch.curtin.edu.au/current-researchstudents/forms/
Contact:
Graduate Research School
Office hours: 8:30am - 5:00pm Monday to Friday.
Building 101, Level 1
Email:
graduatestudies@curtin.edu.au
Website:
postgraduateresearch.curtin.edu.au/
University Graduate Studies Committee (UGSC)
The University Graduate Studies Committee (UGSC) is located in the Office of Research and
Development. USGS is responsible for:
 Establishing the Rules for Doctoral and for Masters (Research) programs in the University, and
Guidelines for those programs.
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 Administering the submission of theses for examination.
 Giving final approval to Thesis Examination Reports of Chairperson, and awarding research
degrees.
 Ranking scholarship applications (after Faculty rankings) and awarding University scholarships.
These include the Australian Postgraduate Award (APA), the Curtin University Postgraduate
Scholarship (CUPS) and International Postgraduate Scholarships.
The University Human Ethics Research Committee (HREC) is also located in the Office of Research and
Development. HREC approves Applications for Ethics Approval for Research involving Humans (Level A).
Curtin University Postgraduate Student Association (CUPSA)
Formed in 1990, the Curtin University Postgraduate Student Association (CUPSA) is the representative
body of all postgraduate students studying at Curtin University.
CUPSA is managed by the Postgraduate Student Committee, a subsidiary of the Curtin Student Guild in
recognition of the needs and diversity of postgraduate research and study, as well as the variety of
commitments and responsibilities of its members.
CUPSA is committed to:
 Representing the interests of the Curtin University postgraduate student community within the
University and Guild systems.
 Promoting the common interests of postgraduate students.
 Promoting quality postgraduate education and research.
 Fostering a collegial atmosphere in which postgraduate students from all disciplines can
interact, network and socialise.
Social Events and Workshops
CUPSA organises social events such as coffee mornings and afternoons, drinks at The Tav and other
gatherings. These provide a sense of community and provide networking opportunities for all
postgraduate students at Curtin.
CUPSA also aims to run a variety of workshops each year. These are usually held on the Bentley Campus,
but notes and so on may be available for off-campus students.
Email Mailing List and Newsletter
CUPSA maintains an email list which aims to keep postgraduates aware or events and issues occurring
around the campus, state and nation. The CUPSA Newsletter contains information about social events,
student needs, activities, job opportunities, seminars, conferences, scholarships and news.
An Invitation
CUPSA represents all postgraduate students and wants to know about your own experience. If you have
any issues you would like to raise with the Committee, please contact your School or Faculty
Representative. Alternatively, if you would like to become more personally involved with CUPSA at
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either the Faculty or University level, or through their social, education or policy committees, please
contact CUPSA by email or phone.
Contact:
Curtin University Postgraduate Students Association (CUPSA)
Building 106 (next to Guild Administration)
Telephone: 08 9266 4911
Fax:
08 9266 2996 (marked ‘Attention CUPSA’)
Website:
www.guild.curtin.edu.au/Clubs/Club.aspx?CID=65
Email:
cupsa@guild.curtin.edu.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Guild.CUPSA
Postgraduate Open Door Society (PODS)
PODS is a student initiative aimed at enriching the postgraduate experience by providing a friendly and
supportive environment in which to develop research skills and cross-field knowledge of methodologies
and philosophical debates. PODS is a university-wide network of postgraduate students who come
together on a regular basis to share and collaborate on contemporary fields of graduate research work.
All postgraduate students have an open invitation to the presentation sessions. Bookings for
presentations can be made once a Call for Papers is released at the beginning of the semester, or
subject to availability during the year. The group is affiliated with CUPSA, and currently hold monthly
gatherings (times to be advised).
Email CUPSA for more information:
cupsa@guild.curtin.edu.au
Postgraduate Mentor Program
The Curtin Student Guild is excited to be able to continue to offer the Postgraduate Mentor Program in
2015. The program aims to provide new postgraduate students with access to a mentor who can
provide guidance and support during the first six months of your degree.
The transition into postgraduate study can be a daunting experience, particularly for international
students or students who have been away from university for a significant period of time. The program
is the first of its kind at Curtin specifically targeted at postgraduates. It is open to both research and
coursework students.
Who can apply?
Mentees will be postgraduate students in their first six months of study. The program is available to:
 Students studying a PhD, Masters, Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate.
 Students studying at the Graduate School of Business
 Students studying at the Kalgoorlie WASM Campus
 Students studying externally.
 Part-time students.
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How does it work?
 The Program runs in both semesters for coursework students and runs continuously throughout
the year for research students.
 New students are assigned to a senior postgraduate who is in the same school or who has
similar research interests.
 Mentors meet with their mentees several times each semester and provide advice when
needed.
 By linking research students to those studying in similar areas, the Student Guild hopes to
promote a cross-disciplinary research culture.
Who are the mentors?
Mentors are senior students enrolled in the same school as their mentees. Mentors are trained at the
beginning of each semester.
Mentors provide guidance and advice on issues such as:
 How to prepare for exams
 Working with supervisors
 Workload management
 Surviving the research candidacy process
 How to prepare for assessments
 Balancing study and social life
 Learning strategies
 General campus information, including support services.
What are the benefits of being a mentor?
 Leadership training and experience
 A Certificate of Participation
 Communication, motivation and time management skills
 A greater involvement in the Curtin student community
 Peer networking opportunities
 The positive feelings associated with helping a fellow student.
If you are interested in becoming a mentor or mentee, or simply to find out more, contact the
Postgraduate Mentor Program Coordinator.
Contact:
Andrew Cameron
Postgraduate Mentor Program Coordinator
Building 106F (near Guild Administration)
Telephone: 08 9266 2913
Email:
a.cameron@guild.curtin.edu.au
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Part Two: What you need to know
2.1
University Rules for Doctoral and Masters (Research) Students
Curtin’s Higher Degree by Research Rules for Doctoral Degrees and its Higher Degree by Research Rules
for Masters (by Research) Degrees give details on the policies and procedures the University has in place
to regulate the conduct of Doctoral and Masters (Research) programs.
Guidelines keyed to the Rules are available to help students through their research program. The
Guidelines over topics in the sequence in which they are likely to be encountered – from admission to
candidacy, to submission of the thesis and examination.
There are other guidelines on other matters such as Essential Facilities, Supervisor Arrangements,
Student Rights and Responsibilities.
The Rules and Guidelines can be found at:
postgraduateresearch.curtin.edu.au/future-research-students/enrolment/
2.2
Research Facilities in Humanities
Research facilities for postgraduate students are provided in line with the University’s Guidelines for
Essential Facilities for On-Campus Higher Degree by Research Students and Guidelines for Essential
Facilities for Off-Campus Higher Degree by Research Students.
The University, the Office of Research and Graduate Studies (ORGS), and the Schools in the Faculty of
Humanities cooperate in providing these facilities.
The guidelines for Essential Facilities cover several topics, including:
 Supervisory time allocation
 Support for consumables and fieldwork
 Support for conference attendance
 On-campus accommodation access
 Computer access
 After-hours access
 Library support
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The Guidelines can be found at:
postgraduateresearch.curtin.edu.au/files/2014/12/GS-EssFac-OnCampus-06-12-13.pdf
Humanities Postgraduate Research Hub
The Humanities Postgraduate Research Hub is a fully equipped research facility designed to foster a
supportive and collaborative research environment for the diverse range of Curtin’s Humanities Higher
Degree by Research (HDR) students. The Hub is located on Level 1 of Building 209 on the Bentley
campus and is accessible 24/7. It is equipped with fast WiFi connectivity, storage lockers, devicerecharging lockers, multifunction copying and printing services, common room and meeting rooms. The
Hub is managed by the Humanities Office of Research and Graduate Studies (ORGS) located on Level 4
of building 209.
Hot Desks
Workspaces are available for Curtin Humanities HDR students to help them pursue and complete their
studies. All workstations are available to students on a hot desk basis. That is, no workstation is
allocated for the exclusive use of an individual student. However, storage lockers are assigned to
students. Workstations in Rooms 118/119 and 136 are available to all Hub users on a first come/first
served basis. Space cannot be reserved in this these areas, and students are asked not to leave their
belongings on a hot desk in order to ‘claim’ a space for extended periods, beyond taking reasonable
short breaks. Students will also be asked to observe reasonable time limits when the hot desk area is
working at capacity, to ensure everyone enjoys fair access.
Storage Lockers
Individually lockable storage units have been provided to enable the HDR hub to function as a hot-desk
space. These storage units enable students to leave study materials in a safe and secure manner in the
HDR hub which are accessible when and as they need them. This also enables all workstations to be
available to all students on an equal basis. Although storage is provided near workstations the location
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of storage does not entitle the occupant of that storage space to the nearest workstation. All
workspaces in the Hub are hot-desk spaces and are available to all students on equal terms.
Storage is allocated by the Humanities Research and Graduate Studies Office for a period of one year.
Allocations normally remain valid between 31 March of the year of allocation and 30 March of the next
year. Students will need to reapply for storage at the end of this year. If no reapplication is made the
Humanities Research and Graduate Studies Office has the right to remove any items from the storage so
they can be reallocated. Items removed will be kept for a period of three months and the Humanities
Research and Graduate Studies Office will try to contact the relevant student via email. Any primary
research materials that are left in these lockers will be archived as per the University’s Research Data
and Primary Materials policy. Once students have submitted their thesis they should vacate the storage
space. Any student on a leave of absence or on extended fieldwork should notify the Humanities
Research and Graduate Studies Office so arrangements can be made regarding their storage space.
A storage use audit will be conducted regularly throughout the year. An allocated space must be used
on a regular basis. Storage not used on a regular basis will be allocated to someone else.
Combinations are set by the students. Humanities Research and Graduate Studies office have an
override master key for all storage units.
The black coin operated lockers are for daily use only. If items are left in the lockers for longer periods
they will be removed at the discretion of the Humanities Research and Graduate Studies Office. These
items will be kept for a period of three months and the Humanities Research and Graduate Studies
Office will try to contact the relevant student via email.
Meeting Rooms
There are two bookable meeting rooms in the Hub:
1.
2.
Room 209:104 with seating for 10, teleconference and projection equipment;
Room 209:107 with seating for 8, teleconference and video-conferencing equipment.
The two bookable meeting rooms are available to all Hub HDR users and Humanities staff. Bookings are
made via Microsoft Outlook [go to Meeting Room 209-104: MeetingRoom209-104@curtin.edu.au or
Meeting Room 209-107: MeetingRoom209-107@curtin.edu.au] Meeting Room 209-104 can also be
accessed casually whenever it is free, as long as it is vacated for bookings. These meeting rooms are not
intended for solo work or primarily social activities, and work-related use by groups will take
precedence over casual users. The common room 209:101 may be booked for organised social activities,
although bookings will only be approved sparingly to maximise for all HDR students and associated staff.
Bookings are managed through ORGS, generally on a first come/first served basis, although the Dean
may intercede in exceptional circumstances. Any group seeking to establish a repeat booking must first
discuss their planned usage with the Office.
Access
All Curtin Humanities HDR students may apply for general access to the Hub, which will allow them to
use the hot desk workstations, storage lockers and all of the common facilities 24 hours a day, seven
days a week. Overseas-based Curtin Humanities HDR students planning to visit the Bentley campus are
encouraged to apply for general access to the Hub for the duration of their visit. Once ORGS has
approved your application to access the Hub, you will need to activate the electronic building access on
your student ID card in order to gain access. The Cardax – Electronic Building Access Request form can
be downloaded from here or collected from ORGS on level 4 of building 209.
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Conduct within the HDR Student Hub
The hot desk areas within the Hub are scholarly work areas, and users are asked to respect the quiet
working environment. These dedicated workrooms are mobile-free zones. Noise levels in these areas
should be kept to a reasonable minimum, and all research students should ensure that non-work
activities are conducted in such a manner and in such locations as to prevent disturbance to their fellow
students. While scholarly progress is often favoured by a degree of peace and quiet, people do
sometimes make noise when they get together and collaborate. As a general matter of mutual respect,
requests to keep it down or take it elsewhere should be made without rancour, and honoured with
good grace. In contrast, the meeting rooms and the common are intended for group discussion and
creative interaction. Users should still ensure they do not interfere with the productivity of colleagues in
other areas of the Hub. All of the policies, laws and regulations that apply generally on campus apply
within the Hub as well. Failure to observe these, as well as egregious or repeated breaches of common
courtesy, will result in exclusion from access to the Hub. Serious breaches, in the judgment of the Dean,
will be grounds for removal of access rights.
For more information about the Humanities Postgrad Hub:
hgso.curtin.edu.au/
Please send any enquiries about the Hub to
Email: humgradstudies@curtin.edu.au
HDR Humanities Laptop Scheme
Curtin Humanities HDR students may apply for a Faculty-supplied laptop computer for use during the
duration of their enrolment. However, students who cease studying after having had a laptop on loan
for at least 18 months may apply to ORGS to acquire its ownership. Students assigned a laptop will be
required to agree to the Curtin HDR Student Laptop Scheme Terms and Conditions, which include policy
and regulations relating to Curtin’s requirements of use.





R&GS will provide each candidate with one laptop only under this scheme. If the laptop is
stolen, lost, misplaced or damaged beyond repair it will not be replaced by the University.
Students will be responsible for payment of the insurance excess fee in cases of beyond
warranty repairs, damage, or a stolen or lost laptop.
Students are responsible for the management of all data stored on this laptop. Curtin IT Services
(CITS) will provide NO support for data retrieval, backup or transfer should the laptop need
repairing, replacing or re-imaging.
Students will not use this laptop for any illegal purpose, as defined by local, state,
Commonwealth and international law.
Students agree to surrender the laptop to CITS for servicing or update if requested by CITS or
the Dean of Research and Graduate Studies.
A full list of the Terms and Conditions are available when you collect your laptop.
Cost of Personal damage / theft
Curtin is charged an insurance excess fee of $250 for equipment that is stolen, lost or damaged beyond
warranty repair. The responsibility for maintaining and securing the laptop remains with students. In
case of loss, theft or damage beyond warranty repair, the insurance excess fee of $250 will be charged
to students.
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Retention of Laptop
Students who cease studying prior to the expiry of the minimum 18 months after receiving the laptop
will be required to return the laptop, in accordance with the laptop agreement. Students who cease
studying more than 18 months after receiving the laptop may apply to ORGS to retain the laptop. Such
applications will ordinarily be approved (other than in exceptional circumstances); if so, and after the
software has been removed by CITS, the Faculty will transfer title to the student. At this point the
university ceases to be responsible for the laptop, including usage, insurance and maintenance. All CITS
support is provided on a return to base arrangement – including transfer of ownership following
completion of studies as outlined in Curtin HDR Student Laptop Scheme – Retaining your Laptop
information and application form, available from ORGS.
The Cardax Electronic Building Access Request form can be downloaded from:
properties.curtin.edu.au/services/forms/Cardax-ElectronicBuildingAccessRequest.pdf
For information about access to the Hub and the HDR Humanities Laptop Scheme:
Email: stephanie.oleksiuk@curtin.edu.au
Funding for consumables and fieldwork
Curtin University’s guidelines for Essential Facilities recommend that each full-time non-laboratory
student annually receives from her or his Faculty the equivalent of $1,400 (in cash and/or services) to
help defray the costs of consumable items such as photocopying, printing, telephones, interlibrary
loans, travel related to research and so on. Part-time research students qualify for 50% of such support.
It should be noted that:
 Printing costs, toner, paper and maintenance. Costs are calculated through a charge per page
printed. The rate is half that of printing charges for undergraduates.
 ORGS sets aside funding that in almost every case is sufficient to cover all research related
internet usage of each enrolled student. Streaming of audio and visual materials IS ONLY
allowed where the Dean of Research and Graduate Studies has given specific permission.
 The University and ORGS, working with Curtin IT Services, closely monitor internet usage for
each student. Computer access may be withdrawn should a user persistently exceed the
allotted funding.
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Claiming for Expenses
Students can claim expenses against the remaining portion of their consumables allocation:
 The Consumables and Fieldwork Expense Application form spells out what may and may not be
claimed.
 All claims must be supported by receipts and signed-off by both your Supervisor and
School/Area Postgraduate Coordinator.
 The forms then should be submitted to the relevant School Administrative Officer for processing
and following reimbursement.
 ORGS is only responsible for processing claims from Centre for Human Rights Education (CHRE).
These still have to be signed off by your Supervisor and Postgraduate Coordinator.
If you wish to claim expenses, you need to complete the Consumables and Fieldwork
Expense Application form:
research.curtin.edu.au/local/docs/graduate/GS-EssFac-form.pdf
Student OASIS
OASIS is Curtin University’s portal for staff and students. Student OASIS is an essential tool for managing
and accessing your contact information, enrolment and study plans and checking your fee status. OASIS
is also a powerful tool for accessing important sites such as Curtin Library. You also access your student
email account through OASIS.
Keeping your details up to date
It is important to keep the University informed of your current contact details: email, telephone and
postal address. This can be done through OASIS.
Accessing Email
To access your student email account, simply log on to Student OASIS.
To access OASIS go to the website at oasis.curtin.edu.au.
Enter your Student Number and password, then click on the ‘log in’ button.
If you have not logged in to OASIS before, your password is your date of birth in
ddmmyy format. For example, if your birthday is 5 October 1960, your password is
05151960. You can then change your password.
Contact:
OASIS Central
Oasis Central Counter on Ground Floor of Building 501
Online:
portal.curtin.edu.au/http://sm-portal.curtin.edu.au:8080/portal/dt
Click on the ‘Contact Us’ tab
Telephone: 08 9266 1222
Email:
OASIScentral@exchange.curtin.edu.au
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Information Technology Support and Usage
IT support to the Postgraduate Research Hub is provided through Curtin Information Technology
Services (CITS). The CITS Service Desk is open during normal business hours with extended operating
hours during teaching periods.
Your responsibilities in relation to computing and internet facilities
Research students (like all users of computing facilities at Curtin) need to be fully aware of the
regulations that govern their access to computer facilities, as well as their responsibilities as members
of Curtin’s research community.
Regulations cover a range of topics, including:
 Electronic messaging
 Web publishing
 Copyright issues
 Internet charges
 Security
 Use of computing and networking facilities.
All the relevant documents, codes and guidelines can be found at:
policies.curtin.edu.au/findapolicy/ and copyright.curtin.edu.au
Queries and concerns should be directed to the University’s Information Security Manager
at info-security@curtin.edu.au
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Appropriate IT usage
The Appropriate Use of ICT Procedures applies equally to everyone using Curtin ICT facilities and
services, including people using their own computers or portable electronic devices connected to the
Curtin ICT network. Following are some examples of what is considered appropriate and inappropriate
use of Curtin ICT facilities and resources.
DO
Use only those ICT facilities and services for
which you have authorisation.
Use ICT facilities and services only for their
intended purpose.
Abide by applicable laws and University
policies and respect the copyrights and
intellectual property rights of others, including
the legal use of copyrighted software.
Respect the privacy and personal rights of
others.
Use Curtin ICT facilities and services in a
manner which is ethical, lawful and not to the
detriment of others.
Use Curtin ICT facilities and services for
teaching, learning and academic purposes.
Use ICT facilities for personal use where such
use is incidental and does not impose upon or
adversely affect the University, such as using
ICT facilities and services for occasional emails
and web browsing
DON’T
Access, copy, alter or destroy information,
electronic mail, data, programs, or other files
without authorisation.
Use resources you have not been specifically
authorised to use.
Use someone else’s username and password
or share your username and password with
someone else.
Upload, download, distribute or possess
pornography, pirated software, movies, or
other unlicensed digital media.
Send unsolicited emails (spam).
Use electronic resources for harassment or
stalking.
Possess any “hacking tools” such as packet
sniffers, password crackers, vulnerability
scanners without written authorisation from
the Chief Information Officer (contact the
Information Security team for assistance).
Wilfully waste resources associated with
Curtin’s ICT facilities and services
Exemptions
Users may be granted an exemption to particular aspects of the Appropriate Use of ICT Procedures by
the Chief Information Officer (CIO) where it can be clearly demonstrated that it is required for teaching,
learning or research purposes. Users wishing to apply for an exemption should contact the Information
Security team by emailing info-security@curtin.edu.au. For more information please see
cits.curtin.edu.au/local/docs/ICT-AppropriateUse.pdf
Contact:
CITS Service Desk
Website:
cits.curtin.edu.au
Telephone: 9000 urgent issues only
Email:
service.desk@curtin.edu.au to do a service request
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2.3
Getting Started
Application for Admission
Your application for admission to a Doctoral or Masters (Research) program entails applying for
admission and writing a short proposal of the research you hope to undertake. All applications are done
online through the Graduate Research School. Once your application has been lodged, it will be
forwarded the relevant School for assessment. If your application is approved by the School it will then
be forwarded to the Dean for approval.
Enrolment
A letter of offer with an enrolment form will be sent to you once your application has been approved by
both the School and the Faculty.
If you are enrolled in a program that entails thesis unit only (that is, no coursework units), you only need
to enrol the once. If you are enrolled in a program that entails coursework unit(s), you will need to reenrol for each semester that you undertake the coursework. You will need to complete the forms titled
Enrolment/Change of Enrolment: Higher Degree by Research Students and submit to ORGS.
eApplication form for Admission can be found at:
postgraduateresearch.curtin.edu.au/future-research-students/enrolment/
The Enrolment form can be accessed at: postgraduateresearch.curtin.edu.au/currentresearch-students/forms/
Application for Candidacy
The period between enrolment and your Application for Candidacy being approved is called ‘provisional
candidacy’. During this time, you work intensively with your Supervisor to develop a concise, coherent
and persuasive Summary of Proposed Research.
‘Candidacy’ is the process whereby provisional research students have their research program and
supervisory arrangements approved by the Faculty Research, Creative Production and Graduate Studies
Committee in accordance with University Rule for Masters (research) and for Doctoral degrees. It is a
critical step that marks the move from being a provisional Doctoral or Masters (Research) student to an
approved candidate.
If you are not doing any coursework units, you apply for candidacy:
 within six months of enrolment for full time Doctoral students
 within three months of enrolment for full time Masters (Research) students.
 Times are adjusted pro-rata for part time students.
 Where coursework units are required, you apply for candidacy either six or three months
(depending if you are a Doctoral or Masters student) after the completion of the required units.
Things you should know:
 When you apply for Candidacy, you must also carefully consider if you need to apply to the
University’s Human Research Ethics Committee for Ethics Approval for Research Involving
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




Humans. Take care with this aspect of your research as doing so can help define other aspects
of the proposal (your objectives, methods and so on). [See section below.]
Your School/Area considers your Application for Candidacy and, if accepted, ‘stamps’ it as
feasible and significant.
The Dean, Research and Graduate Studies approves your Application for Candidacy after it has
been approved by your School/Area.
Sometimes applications are approved outright, or they may be approved with
recommendations for amendments.
In the cases where applications are not approved, they are returned to the candidate for
revision and resubmission. Students should consult with their Supervisor before resubmitting
their Candidacy proposal.
The Candidacy process is very similar to the one in which your thesis will eventually be
examined.
Once your candidacy, and, if necessary your ethics application have been approved, you then work on
your research in order to submit your thesis within the appropriate time frame:
 Four years (full-time equivalent) for Doctoral students
 Two years (full-time equivalent) for Masters (research) students.
Forms and information regarding Application for Candidacy are available from the Graduate
Research School website at postgraduateresearch.curtin.edu.au/current-researchstudents/about-candidacy/
Powerpoints of previous workshops on candidacy from the Research Skills and Careers
Workshops series can also be found of the ORGS website at
hgso.curtin.edu.au/student_info/workshops.cfm
Further advice can be found on the University website at:
postgraduateresearch.curtin.edu.au/current-research-students/during-candidacy/ and
postgraduateresearch.curtin.edu.au/staff/thesis-committee-members/
Your Summary of Research Proposal
The Summary of Proposed Research is the most important early document you will write as a research
student. It is a statement that summarises your proposed research project according to prescribed
rubrics:
 Title
 Abstract
 Objectives
 Background
 Significance
 Research Methodology
 Ethical Issues
 Facilities and Resources
 Time Schedule.
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You might find it helpful to look at one or more examples of successful documents. ORGS has a file with
several successful Candidacy Applications (minus the forms and information identifying the author). Feel
free to come by the ORGS office and consult the file.
Brief Advice Regarding the Summary of Proposed Research 1
 Format
o Word processed in 11-12 point font. Do not use smaller font.
o Margins should be reasonable (approximately 1.5 – 3cm)
o Line spacing should be single or 1.5.
 Length
o Maximum of 10 pages for doctoral applications, excluding references.
o Maximum of 5 pages for Masters (Research), excluding references.
 Title
o Keep it concise but informative.
o Avoid acronyms and jargon.
o This title becomes the title of your thesis. This can be changed at a later date via the
appropriate forms.
 Abstract
o A half-page summary of (not an introduction to) the entirety of the 10-page Summary
of Proposed Research, written in plain English.
o It should provide the reader with an understanding of the research question and
objectives, a sense of the theoretical and practical contexts of the research, a general
understanding of what methodologies will be used, and a sense of the project’s
significance and its likely outcomes.
 Objectives
o Begin by clearly stating your central research question. If the Research Question is well
focussed/conceived, it will generate your Research Objectives, which [in turn] will
generate your Research Methodologies.
o Then, clearly state the objectives of the research. These are the small number of
matters that need to be investigated in order to find an answer to the central research
question.
o If you have more than five objectives, you may be in trouble!
 Background
o Explain the contexts of the proposed research program - the institutional/practical
circumstances that generate the research question, the theoretical/critical discussions
that inform your investigation of that question, and so on.
o Show how the proposed research relates to previous work in the area.
o Indicate the thoroughness of the literature review by citing key authors/texts as part
of your discussion and the contexts of the research.
o If you are involved in creative production research you will need to account for the
backgrounds that inform both the exegesis and the creative production, that is both
the theory and the practice. This may include historical and methodological contexts
as well as reference to the work of relevant practitioners in your field.
1
This section is based on a similar document written by Professor Will Featherstone, Department of Spatial
Science, Faculty of Science of Engineering, Curtin University.
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o
o
o
The papers, scholars/works you cite should be relevant to your project, central to the
topic, and fairly comprehensive.
A candidacy application will fail examination if the work has been done before, so a
comprehensive literature review is essential.
For help in conducting a literature review and locating key references, consult your
Supervisor(s) and/or the Humanities Senior Librarian for the Faculty of Humanities.
 Significance
o State the significance of your proposed program. For example, does it contribute to an
established body of knowledge? Will it attempt to solve an important practical
problem? Will it add to important socio-cultural debates?
o List any likely or intended benefits of your research.
 Research Methodology
o This is a critical aspect of your summary of proposed research, and so should be
detailed, and considered.
o Arrive at your methods by considering what you need to do in order to meet the
objectives you have formulated. That is, think through (write and rewrite) your
objectives and methods in tandem.
o Show an awareness of the range of qualitative and quantitative methodologies
appropriate to your field and topic, and why you have chosen the ones you propose to
use in your research.
o Provide as much detail as can be reasonably provided at this stage of your research.
The description of your methods should be clear, detailed, and concise. For example,
with regard to quantitative methods employed, include your intended sample
selection, instrumentation, data collection and data analysis.
o If your research is in the field of creative production you will need to account for how
you will undertake the research activities associated with both aspects of your project:
the creative production ( studio work) AND the exegesis ( the archival / theoretical
work).
 Ethical Issues (see Section below)
o Demonstrate that all ethical issues have been closely considered.
o State the manner in which you will address these issues.
o Where the issues are such that your project requires ethics clearance (that is, approval
by an ethics committee), you must complete an Application for Ethics Approval for
Research Involving Humans (Form A) or an Application for Approval of Research with
Minimal Risk (Form C).
o Include a statement on how you will store your data during and after your research
program.
 Facilities and Resources
o List the facilities and resources provided by your School/Centre, and (if applicable) any
external organisations.
o Where an external organisation contributes in cash or kind to your project, it is
advisable to have a written agreement with that organisation setting out the support
provided and, especially, the ownership of intellectual property.
 Time Schedule
o This can be difficult to complete. The schedule does not have to be exact, but it should
be as realistic as possible.
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o
Your Supervisor will be able to advise you in this regard.
 Reference List
o Try to use key references: critical texts in the field, refereed articles, substantive
review papers, and the like.
o Present your references in a recognised bibliographic style and carefully proof read
these pages for precise conformation to that style.
o Indicate clearly if you are listing only references cited in the text of your summary
(Works Cited) or if you list both these texts and also other critical texts consulted
(Works Consulted).
o A typical reference list is 3-4 pages.
 Finally, and not least
o Take great care to present your proposal in a professional manner.
o Proof read for clear sentencing, good paragraphing, and accurate punctuation.
o Incomplete candidacy submission or those with incorrect details will be returned,
thereby jeopardising your submission.
Ethics Approval for Research Involving Humans
The University requires that all research students (and all researchers in the University) carefully
consider the ethical dimensions of any research involving humans:
 Your Application for Candidacy includes a checklist for thinking through the matter.
 You should fill it out carefully, and if you check ‘yes’ to any question, apply for either Level A or
Level C Ethics Approval for Research Involving Humans.
 Level A clearance is granted by the University’s Human Research Ethics Committee.
 Level C clearance is granted by reviewers in the Faculty of Humanities.
To help you determine whether or not you will need to apply for ethics approval, the University
provides excellent Guidelines. The checklist that comes with your Application for Candidacy is also a
useful starting point. Use these resources and, if you decide you need to apply for ethics approval, think
through how to ensure that the various dimensions of your research conforms to required protocols
such as Information Sheets, Consent Forms, Confidentiality Agreements and provision for storage of
data.
The Dean, Humanities Research and Graduate Studies makes the final decision as to whether or not
your project requires ethics approval - and at what level – when your Application for Candidacy is
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considered. You will be informed of that decision in an email that let you know the outcome of your
Application for Candidacy.
Guides for ethics approval and forms for both Level A and Level C approval are available at:
research.curtin.edu.au/ethics/human.cfm#application
Scholarships
A number of scholarships exist to assist international and domestic students in undertaking Higher
Degree by Research:
Details of various scholarships are available at www.scholarships.curtin.edu.au
To sign up for scholarship alerts, go to scholarships.curtin.edu.au/subscribe/
2.4
Empowering Supervision
Your relationship with your Supervisor is important. You need to understand it, recognise that it
changes over time, and feel comfortable throughout its different stages. As in all relationships,
responsibility rests with both parties.
To understand your role and responsibilities as a research student, it will help to know that your
relationship with your Supervisor is different from those which you have previously experienced with
academic staff. Your Supervisor serves not simply as a teacher or instructor, but as a guide, mentor and
editor, and your relationship with her or him should be collegial in nature and based on a sense of
partnership.
Finding a Supervisor
Students often approach a potential supervisor because they know her/him (and that person has the
right of refusal for reasons of workload or whatever). Alternatively, where the student (e.g., an overseas
student) does not know an appropriate person to approach, they are relayed to the relevant
Postgraduate Coordinator in the School/Area, who then sets about inquiring of relevant staff whether
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or not they are interested in this particular supervision. If the Supervisor is willing, the student is put
into touch with the prospective supervisor and they meet in person or by email and work together on
an application or whatever else is needed given the particular circumstance.
If all goes well with the first step, the student enrols with the help of a supervisor who has indicated
she/he is willing to work with the student. Both the supervisory committee and the student at this point
are provisional. The Supervisor works with the provisional candidate to devise a strong Candidacy
Proposal. If, during this stage, either party is dubious about the productivity of the relationship, each
has the ‘right of refusal’ - with the provisional Supervisor having the extra responsibility of helping the
student find another Supervisor; in this s/he is supported by the work of the relevant Postgraduate
Coordinator and by the Dean of Research and Graduate Studies.
Usually, all goes well from now on. But again the principle is that the Supervisor and student always
have the right to renegotiate the student’s supervision. On occasion, the student may become
dissatisfied with the relationship, or the Supervisor becomes so. In either case, there are support
mechanisms (via the Postgraduate Coordinator and the Dean of Research and Graduate Studies) to
renegotiate the supervisory committee. (See the section ‘What Can Go Wrong—and How to Fix It!’)
The University has guidelines for Supervisors and students wishing to plan and discuss the
establishment of a productive and professional supervisory relationship that suits their particular
circumstances.
For more details go to postgraduateresearch.curtin.edu.au/staff/thesis-committeemembers/
The Ideal Relationship
The ideal relationship between you and your Supervisor is one in which your Supervisor:
 Is knowledgeable about, and interested in, your research topic.
 Is sufficiently available in order to allow for meetings as needed.
 Reads your submitted work promptly.
 Gives constructive critical feedback.
 Is friendly, open and supportive.
 Makes it easy during meetings for you both to exchange ideas.
 Is able to offer support for the management of your project (that is, information management
and time management).
 Is ethical in all dealings with you.
 Is supportive of your overall long-term career plans and makes opportunities available to you,
including advice and support for attending conferences, meeting people, publishing your work,
and the like.
This is a large task for anyone and it is the responsibility of Schools to allocate sufficient supervision
allowance for your Supervisor to be able to meet her or his commitment.
You also have responsibilities and commitments. You should undertake to:
 Be committed to your project—even eager and enthusiastic.
 Keep arranged meetings, not postponing them unnecessarily.
 Be prompt in handing in work and attending meetings.
 Be willing to take guidance and receive constructive criticism.
 Commit to attending seminars and conferences, and presenting papers through these activities.
 Understand your Supervisor’s other commitments.
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 Be frank and open in your discussions with your Supervisor.
 Take responsibility for yourself, your work, and your progress.
Trying to be the ideal graduate student and finding the ideal supervisory response to your efforts is not
easy. Try to keep the relationship ‘on track’. Your Supervisor is engaged in teaching, administration,
other supervisions, her or his own research, and (like you) the demands of a personal life. Your best
strategy is to take charge of your research program from the outset and help your supervisor to
organise her or his contacts with you.
Getting Started with your Supervisor
Here are some topics you could discuss during your initial meeting with your Supervisor(s), with a view
to clarifying expectations and responsibilities. Remember too that the supervisory relationship is a
growing/changing one, and what is negotiated initially may need to be revised at a later time. 2
What is a thesis?
Issues to discuss might include:
 What does ‘thesis’ mean?
 What is the appropriate structure?
 What is the difference between a thesis that passes and one that is first class?
 What are some good examples of good theses in the relevant field?
 Why have these examples been recommended (what qualities do they exemplify)?
 What is meant by ‘originality’?
 When should (thesis) writing occur?
 Intellectual property—that is, authorship of papers arising from the research, as well as patents,
industry collaboration agreements, etc.
Meetings
Issues to discuss might include:
 Frequency and duration of meetings.
 Access to Supervisor outside of scheduled meeting times.
 Who has responsibility to initiate meetings (if not scheduled regularly)?
 Protocol for when one person can’t make the meeting.
Advice and Support
Issues to discuss might include:
 Development of the research proposal: how much input from the Supervisor, and how will this
proceed?
 Expectations of feedback, feedback style used: how much? how often? in what form? how
soon?
 Strategies to use when comments/corrections are not understood.
 Who else should you seek feedback from about the work?
 Support with content, resources, and or contacts: how much can be expected from your
Supervisor?
 What other kinds of knowledge are needed (e.g., of the research process, of academic writing,
etc.); what resources does the Supervisor know of (e.g., language and learning support); and
how much help can s/he give?
 Are there relevant personal circumstances that might make the supervision or completion of
the thesis difficult, e.g., financial hardship, pregnancy or relationship difficulties on the part of
the student, or leave to be taken by the supervisors, etc.?
2
Adapted from A Graham, and B Grant, ‘Guidelines for Discussion’ (Auckland: HERO, University of
Auckland, 1993).
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 Attitudes to Supervisor/student relationship: what attitudes do you and your Supervisor have,
and are they shared or different (i.e., mentor/mentee; teacher/student; colleagues)?
Joint Supervisors
 What roles will be taken by each Supervisor?
 If there is disagreement about methods, etc., between joint Supervisors, how is this to be
resolved?
What expectations does the Faculty/School have of the student?
 Seminar presentation of thesis in progress.
 Progress reports.
 Conference presentations.
What Can Go Wrong - and How to Fix It!
You would not be wrong to anticipate some tension and/or problems in the relationship with your
Supervisor. It is, after all, a relationship occurring over a considerable period of time, constantly
evolving, and revolving around something very important to you. If problems do arise, don’t panic and
don’t think you are the only person to whom this has happened.
If not dealt with, any problem in your relationship with a Supervisor - large or small - has the potential
to negatively impact on your research and successful completion of your thesis. Be assured that most
difficulties can be remedied through discussion. This requires some bravery on your part, but take the
matter in hand - bravery is not a bad asset for an early-career researcher.
At all times, know that it is your right to address problems as they arise and, if discussions with your
Supervisor are not successful, seek assistance in other places.
Here are some of the problems that might occur – mostly they do not. But it is important for you to
have an understanding of measures that can be taken if they do.
Divergence of Understanding about the Thesis
As you move through your research, your views and ideas about your topic will change. This is normal
and to be expected. If there is not a frank exchange of views on such developments between you and
your Supervisor(s), it may happen (not often) that you and your Supervisor(s) develop totally different
ideas about what you are trying to achieve. In some cases your views and ideas may change to such an
extent that your Supervisor no longer feels qualified to support your research.
This is a significant but not unsolvable problem. First, try to discuss it with your Supervisor(s). If that
doesn’t work, you can seek assistance elsewhere. The Chairperson of your Supervisory Committee, the
School Postgraduate Coordinator and the Humanities Dean of Research and Graduate Studies are there
to help in such situations. They have experience in handling matters like these in a non-confrontational
manner. In addition, you should feel free to contact your CUPSA representative for advice.
You Feel your Supervisor is Providing Inadequate Support
This covers a variety of issues, but often revolves around meetings and/or prompt feedback. You may
feel that meetings with your Supervisor are inadequate in their frequency or duration, or that they
achieve little in terms of supporting your research. You may also find that your Supervisor has not
adequately read material you submitted in advance of meetings, or has not given you adequate
feedback.
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These problems may be the result of over-commitment on the part of your Supervisor, or a lack of
organisation. Supervisors are busy people and have responsibilities other than your thesis, yet they have
made a commitment to you (and the University) and you are entitled to their time. You need to ensure
that this time (and your own time) is not wasted.
First, make sure that meetings are arranged at mutually agreed upon times and with a frequency that is
acceptable to both of you. If you feel you need more meetings than your Supervisor indicates, explain
why you need the meetings. If you feel you need less, then ask why your Supervisor appears to want
more. There are no ‘rules’ here, just an understanding that meetings will occur at times and frequencies
that are mutually agreed upon—and that both parties should be flexible. Keep in mind that the pattern
of meetings can (should) change across the length of your research program—sometimes there will be a
need for more frequent meetings, sometimes for fewer. Also know that the University guidelines for
Essential Facilities has set as a standard of 1–1½ hours per week as the norm for supervisory contact—
always understanding that this ‘time’ can be clustered across fortnightly meetings, or in a comparable
fashion (email contact, studio contact and so on).
Second, you need to ensure that the purpose, or agenda, of a meeting is clearly understood when you
organise it. In doing so, recognise that it is not strategic to give your Supervisor a chapter of your thesis
a few days before a meeting and expect it to be read on the day. Comparably, you are entitled to
feedback within a reasonable time so, when you organise a meeting that relates to written work,
indicate the approximate length of that work, and schedule the meeting for a date that allows for
sufficient time for your work to be read. Similarly, if you wish to meet to go over ideas, or just to find
some pastoral or procedural support, let your Supervisor know your sense of the purpose of the
meeting.
If all this has been your normal practice over time, and still things are not working out, then seek
assistance. Again, approach the Chairperson of your Supervisory Committee, your School Postgraduate
Coordinator, the Dean of Research and Graduate Studies, or your CUPSA representative.
Your Supervisor and Your Associate (or Co-) Supervisor Do Not Agree
This too can be a problem—not frequent, but not uncommon. Different advisers will have their own
ideas about your thesis: how you should approach the topic, how you should conduct the research, and
how you should write up the outcomes. At times you may find that your Co-Supervisors or your
Supervisor and Associate Supervisor provide different, even contradictory, feedback and suggestions.
Ideally, your main Supervisor should co-ordinate the efforts of all those on your Supervisory Committee
to ensure the best possible results for you, but this may not always happen. And, ideally, you could
profit by such divergence—that is, learn how to negotiate disparate opinions of scholars to the benefit
of your own thinking/research.
But sometimes the divergences are dysfunctional. When a difficulty of this type occurs, and cannot be
overcome by discussion with your main Supervisor, then you should refer the matter to the Chair of
your Committee. If this means of help does not work, or is unavailable, then contact your School/Area
Postgraduate Coordinator and after that the Office of Research and Graduate Studies for assistance in
working out the problem.
When you feel there is a ‘Personality Conflict’
As with all relationships, there is no guarantee that you will ‘get on with your Supervisor. It is not
necessary to become firm or lasting friends in order to work together effectively, but a good personal
relationship will ease the intellectual communication necessary for achieving the outcome best for you.
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Your Supervisors are there to help you and, if you have a less than happy personal relationship with
them, it will be difficult for you to find the support you need.
If you do not feel confident about the interpersonal relationship underpinning your professional one,
you have a number of recourses. First, think through the matter carefully. It is normal to displace
frustrations with your research—and your Supervisor is a prime target. But, if you work through that
possibility, and yet assess that you have an unproductive interpersonal relationship, you have two
recourses.
First, you can decide that you can work on a professional basis without the easing of a comfortable
personal one. Such a decision can be pragmatic—your main Supervisor may have intellectual inputs or
professional contacts to offer you that you don’t want to dismiss. Moreover, such a decision can reflect
your movement toward independence as you reach the writing up stages. If you take this decision—to
work professionally with a main Supervisor with whom your personal relationship is minimal—it is
important that you feel that your Co- or Associate Supervisor is available to you for the sort of pastoral
and procedural advice that you will need up through the final moments of your research study.
Second, you can decide that you need to consult about the matter with others. Your avenues of appeal
and consultation are the same as those already discussed. You should talk with the Chairperson of your
Supervisory Committee, your School/Area Postgraduate Coordinator, the Dean of Research and
Graduate Studies, or your CUPSA representatives. This is the usual progress of finding assistance—and
do not hesitate to look for it. If you have clarified the problem (or problems) through consultations and
discovered that there is no resolution to be had, then you need to consider changing main Supervisors.
This is a difficult step for a research student, and you will need assistance to take it. Feel OK about
taking up the matter with either your School/Area Postgraduate Coordinator or the Dean of Research
and Graduate Studies. Be assured it is not unheard of to change Supervisors in this way, and be
reassured that both your School/Area Postgraduate Coordinator and the Dean of Research and
Graduate Studies are there to help you achieve your goals—and that Supervisors often will be
sympathetic.
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2.5
As you progress
Change of Enrolment
There are four situations that require you to complete a change of enrolment:
 You change from full-time to part-time study or vice versa
 You withdraw from a coursework unit (if you are required to be in one)
 You change your coursework unit
 You withdraw from your course.
You must submit the Change of Enrolment form to the GRS. The form is available at:
postgraduateresearch.curtin.edu.au/files/2014/12/GS-Enrolment.pdf
Application for Leave of Absence
University Regulations allow you four years on a full-time basis to complete your Doctoral study and two
years on a full-time basis to complete your Masters (Research) study.
However, there are situations, such as illness, family bereavements, or difficulties in fieldwork, which
prevent students being able to complete in this time period. In these situations, there is a provision for
you to take leave of absence for a period of up to twelve months in total across the duration of your
research enrolment.
After consultation with your Supervisor, complete the required form. Remember you need to get
signatures and submit it to the GRS for processing.
You must submit the Leave of Absence form to the GRS. The form is available at:
postgraduateresearch.curtin.edu.au/files/2014/12/GS-LOA-22-10-14-Secure.pdf
International On-Shore Students Leave of Absence
International on-shore students can only take a leave of absence of up to six months at a time in
exceptional circumstances, and must leave the country during this time. If you think you may require a
leave of absence, contact the International Visa Officer as soon as possible to discuss Department of
Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) issues.
International Travel in Relation to Fieldwork
The well-being and safety of the University’s students is of paramount importance to the University. The
University will not knowingly and deliberately send students to destinations overseas where there are
significant risks to physical safety or psychological well-being.
For current travel advice and information on travel approval and insurance for research
students, see the Corporate Risk and EduSafe website at:
corporaterisk.curtin.edu.au/insurance/corporate_travel.cfm
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Application for Change of Thesis Committee
It sometimes happens that students need to change the members of their Thesis Committee, for
example when one of your Supervisors is absent from the University for an extended period of time,
when your topic evolves significantly and a different Supervisor is needed, or if your working
relationship with your Supervisor becomes uncertain or breaks down.
You should first consult widely (see the section titled Empowering Supervision). Remember such a
change requires approval by your Supervisor and School Postgraduate Coordinator. The completed
variation form (with the required signatures) is submitted to the GRS for processing.
If you need to change your Thesis Committee, you will need to complete a Variation to
Candidacy details form:
postgraduateresearch.curtin.edu.au/files/2014/12/GS-VarCand_25-02-14-Secure3.pdf
Application for Change of Thesis Title
As your research progresses, it may become apparent that you need to change your thesis title. This is
not unusual.
Talk the matter over with your Supervisor and if you decide you need to change the title, complete the
necessary form (including signatures) and submit to the GRS for processing.
If you need to change your Thesis Title, you will need to complete a Change of Enrolment
form: postgraduateresearch.curtin.edu.au/files/2014/12/GS-Enrolment.pdf
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Annual Progress Reports (APR)
You will be required to submit an Annual Progress Report each year.
Students will sent a reminder via OASIS and emails as to the due date, along with advice on how to
complete the report online. The first step is to meet with your Supervisor to discuss your progress.
You and your Supervisor then separately complete online Annual Progress Reports, each commenting
on your year’s work. Both reports are submitted electronically. Reports are sent to your School
Postgraduate Coordinator, who convenes a Higher Degree Board of Review to review all progress
reports in the School/Area and determine the status of all research students. If your status is
determined as ongoing, you will be notified via OASIS.
If your status is decreed as conditional, you will be notified via Oasis and sent a letter explaining the
circumstances and outlining the conditions of your continued enrolment.
There are only two situations in which you do not need to complete an APR:
 You have submitted your thesis for examination on or prior to 31 March of the reporting year.
 You are a new student whose enrolment is after 1 January of the reporting year.
A helpful document to download is the Student Discussion Points:
postgraduateresearch.curtin.edu.au/files/2015/02/APR-Student-Supervisor-DiscussionGuide-2015.pdf
For further information including the link to submit your APR online, go to:
postgraduateresearch.curtin.edu.au/current-research-students/annual-progress-reports/
International Sponsored Students Reports (ISSR)
All international sponsored students who commenced their course of study before 30 June of the
reporting year are be required to submit an ISSR. Students in receipt of an International Postgraduate
Research Scholarship (IPRS) or a Curtin International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (CIPRS) are also
required to complete the ISSR.
A report is still needed, even if:
 You are currently on Leave of Absence and/or have been on Leave of Absence since the last
report
 You are undertaking coursework units only prior to being enrolled in the thesis
The report includes a timeline of work yet to be completed as an indicator of your intent to continue
enrolment in the following year.
Students who have submitted their thesis to the Thesis Examinations Office in the Office of Research
and Development on or prior to 31 August of the reporting year, or who have officially notified the
University of their complete withdrawal from their course on or prior to 31 August of the reporting year,
are not be required to submit an ISSR.
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All international sponsored students are notified of the ISSR round via the OCC through OASIS. As for
the APR, the ISSR is completed online.
General information about the ISSR process is available at:
research.curtin.edu.au/guides/hdrguidelines/issr.cfm
Conference Funding
Presenting papers at inter/national conferences is central to your research program. The University
recognises this by giving each Doctoral student with the opportunity of applying for funds up to a total
of $2,500 to support attendance at research conferences. Funds are not available to Masters (Research)
students.
This funding is available:
 Only after candidacy has been achieved
 For national and international conferences
 Only for conferences at which the applicant presents a paper.
To access this funding you must first have a paper accepted for presentation at a relevant conference.
You can then fill out the appropriate form and submit it to the GRS, along with proof of your acceptance
at the conference and conference details.
The Conference Funding form is available at:
postgraduateresearch.curtin.edu.au/files/2014/12/GS-ConferenceAttendance-06-12-13.pdf
What if I go overtime?
If a Masters (Research) or Doctoral candidate fails to submit their thesis for examination within the
prescribed time limits, they are identified as being Overtime.
The University has guidelines setting out what follows in these circumstances:
Masters (Research) and Doctoral Rule 4c (ii): A candidate failing to submit a thesis for
examination within the prescribed time limits shall be identified as Overtime. The candidate shall
also be placed on ‘conditional status’ and will be allowed a ‘grace period’ of a further six months
of full-time enrolment in which to submit the thesis. Further extensions of enrolment require the
written approval from the Supervisor and the Head of Enrolling Area and, upon the
recommendation of the Humanities Research Creative Production and Graduate Studies
Committee, the approval of the University Graduate Studies Committee. If the University
Graduate Studies Committee does not approve such an extension, the candidate’s enrolment will
be terminated. When a candidate identified as Overtime submits a thesis, the candidate’s
enrolment status shall be amended to Under Examination.
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2.6
Final Stages
Nomination of Examiners
When you near the end of writing up your research, members of your Thesis Committee will consult
with one another about examiners for your thesis:
 two for doctoral students, both external to the University
 two for Masters (Research) students, at least one external to the University.
Examiners have the right of confidentiality, and your Supervisor, Chairperson and other members of
your Thesis Committee will not let you know the names of your examiners. However, they may well
consult with you - usually via your Supervisor - by showing you a list of some four or five names under
consideration, so that you can either voice any concerns about a name on the shortlist, or suggest an
addition. Your Thesis Committee makes the final decision, and you will not be informed of the final
selection of examiners.
About three months prior to your submitting your thesis, your Supervisor will make informal contacts
with selected examiners to ensure that they are available; then she or he will formally nominate your
examiners by filling in and submitting the Variation to Candidacy/Nomination of Examiners form to the
Office of Research and Graduate Studies.
This form must be approved by the Dean, Research and Graduate Studies and must have been received
by the Thesis Examination Office (TEO) at thesis@curtin.edu.au in the Graduate Research School before
your thesis submission will be accepted.
For more information go to
postgraduateresearch.curtin.edu.au/current-research-students/thesis-submission/
Editing Your Thesis
The final editing process is a very important part of your thesis, and you should allow yourself at least
three months for this stage. Some students may seek assistance from professional editors for this part
of writing the thesis, and the University has guidelines which are intended to inform staff and students
about the extent and nature of professional editorial assistance that may be given in the preparation of
a research thesis.
Universities, including Curtin, are often approached by professional editors for guidance in how much
assistance they should provide to students who have requested help in editing their thesis.
In response, the Deans and Directors of Graduate Studies (DDoGS) collaborated with the Institute of
Professional Editors Limited (IPEd) to develop an agreed set of guidelines based on the Australian
Standards for Editing Practice:





Standard A
Standard B
Standard C
Standard D
Standard E
The publishing process, conventions and industry practice
Management and liaison
Substance and structure
Language and illustrations
Completeness and consistency
Standards A and B are not relevant to writing a thesis. Standard C relates to all substantive and
conceptual guidance that is given by the supervisory team. The supervisory team is also expected to
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provide tuition with regard to matters pertaining to Standards D and E, that is, matters pertaining to the
presentation of the thesis - overall structure, paragraphing, clarity, tone, grammar, spelling,
punctuation, illustrations and tables, citation and bibliographic formats, and the like.
Assistance with matters pertaining to Standards D and E may also be provided by professional editors in
the final stages of preparing the thesis for submission. Since the editorial process is an important part of
the learning experience for the student and should be regarded as part of their research training,
editorial assistance should be rendered on a hard copy of the thesis (see below).
Guidelines—Proof-Reading and Editing of Research Theses and Dissertations
Professional editors need to be clear about the extent and nature of help they offer in the editing of
research students’ theses and dissertations. Academic supervisors of research students also need to be
clear about the role of the professional editor as well as their own editorial role. The policy described
here, jointly agreed by the DDoGS and IPEd, has been developed primarily to give guidance to
professional editors. It also provides a guide for academic supervisors.
As indicated above, the policy has been developed with close attention to the current Australian
Standards for Editing Practice available from IPEd. Academic supervisors are encouraged to become
familiar with this very useful publication.
 It is expected that the academic supervisors of research higher degree students will provide
editorial advice to their students. This type of advice is covered in Standards C, D and E of the
Australian Standards for Editing Practice (see above).
 Students may use a professional editor in preparing their thesis for submission, but they should
discuss this with their supervisor and provide the editor with a copy of this policy before they
commence work. Professional editorial intervention should be restricted to Standard D and
Standard E (see above).
 Where a professional editor provides advice on matters of structure (Standard C), exemplars
only should be given.
 Material for editing or proof-reading should be submitted in hard copy. In electronic copy it is
too easy for the student to accept editorial suggestions without thinking about their
implications.
When a thesis has had the benefit of professional editorial assistance, of any form, the name of the
editor and a brief description of the service rendered, in terms of Australian Standards for Editing
Practice, should be printed as part of the list of acknowledgements or other prefatory matter. If the
professional editor’s current or former area of academic specialisation is similar to that of the
candidate, this too should be stated in the prefatory matter of the thesis.
Checklist of things that matter to examiners3
Questions examiners ask themselves when examining a thesis:
 How would they tackle the problem set out in the abstract and title?
 What questions would they like answers to?
3
This summary, provided by Professor Léonie Rennie, formerly University Dean of Graduate Studies, and slightly
edited, is based on a research paper entitled ‘‘It’s a PhD, not a Nobel Prize’: How Experienced Examiners Assess Research
Theses,’ by Gerry Mullins (Advisory Centre for University Education, Adelaide University) and Margaret Kiley (Centre for the
Enhancement of Learning, Teaching and Scholarship, University of Canberra). The paper was published in Studies in Higher
Education, 27.4 (2002). Permission to use it has been obtained from the authors.
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






Do conclusions follow on from the introduction and discussion?
How well does the candidate explain what he/she is doing?
Is the bibliography up-to-date and substantial enough?
Are the results worthwhile?
How much work has actually been done?
What is the intellectual depth and rigour of the thesis?
Is this actually ‘research’—is there an argument?
What makes a good thesis? Scholarship!
 Originality, coherence, and a sense of student independence.
 Development of a well-structured argument in stylish prose.
 Sufficient quantity as well as quality of work.
 Reflection: students make a critical assessment of their own work; recognise and deal with
problems.
 Meticulousness—grammar, punctuation, and citation/bibliographic formatting are free of
errors.
What makes a poor thesis? Sloppiness!
 Lack of a coherent argument across the thesis as a whole, and within sections of it.
 Sloppy grammar, punctuation, citation format, bibliography, and labelling of tables!
 Lack of confidence.
 Researching the wrong problem.
 Mixed or confused theoretical and methodological perspectives.
 Work that is not original.
 Positive indicators are:
 ‘Sparkle, élan and sense of confidence with the material.’
 Cohesiveness and clarity.
 A student who makes the ideas his/her own, with some originality of presentation.
 Professionalism—demonstrated by mature comments, accuracy of the logic, and careful
proofreading.
 Style (lucid sentencing) and sophistication (appropriate tone).
 Professionalism with regard to spelling, grammar, punctuation and citation/bibliographic
formatting.
Negative indicators are:
 Poor references: usually a sign of a poor thesis—‘the two go hand in hand’.
 ‘Irritating things in the thesis, such as typos and other careless textual mistakes that indicate a
lack of attention to detail—sloppiness in the text indicates sloppy research.’
The final, substantive judgement is determined by:
 The student’s confidence and independence.
 A creative view of the topic.
 The structure of the argument.
 The coherence of theoretical and methodological perspectives.
 Evidence of critical self-assessment by the student.
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Submission of Thesis for Examination
Thesis submission is managed by Curtin University’s Graduate Research School.
There are a number of important steps to follow when submitting your thesis to ensure its safe receipt
and forwarding to examiners:
 Title Page Check
 Declaration Page
 Release of Thesis for Examination and Copyright Release
 Temporary Binding
 Submission
 Final Binding
International Students and Thesis Submission
International (on-shore) students are eligible to remain in Australia for a maximum continuous period of
6 months during the marking of their thesis. Students will need to contact DIAC or the International
Student Adviser if they require an extension to their student visa for this reason.
Contact:
Graduate Research School
Building 101, Level 1
Office hours: 8:30am - 5:00pm Monday to Friday.
Telephone: 08 9266 2111
Website:
postgraduateresearch.curtin.edu.au/current-researchstudents/thesis-submission/
Email: graduatestudies@curtin.edu.au
Graduation
You graduate at the time the Award is conferred/approved by the University Council. The Graduation
ceremony that follows is a celebration of that conferral.
On conferral, the Graduations Office will send a Graduation Package (Gradpak) to you. The Graduation
Package contains an official Letter of Course Completion including the Award number, a list of
ceremony dates, and regalia information. Doctoral graduates may begin to use the title Doctor once
they have received this official notification. Please note that Conferral Dates for research students are
on a monthly basis.
Check the Graduations website for full details of Graduation ceremony dates during 2015:
graduations.curtin.edu.au/
2.7
Grievance Procedures
Curtin’s commitment to equity and social justice is embedded in its Mission Statement. Both within the
University and in the wider community, the University emphasises a commitment to social justice and
the development of students and staff as citizens of the world, prioritising an international outlook,
cultural diversity and an informed respect for Indigenous peoples.
Curtin is committed to the application of ethical principles and socially just practices throughout all
aspects of University life. In 1996 Curtin endorsed the following Ethics and Social Justice Commitment:
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

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Recognition of the rights and dignity of all individuals.
Equality of opportunity in education and employment for all.
Enhancing diversity in gender, age, culture, beliefs, attitudes, language and social circumstance.
Recognition of the particular place of Indigenous peoples in Australia.
Well-maintained, safe and enhanced environment.
The University’s Integrity and Standards Unit provides confidential advice and assistance to students
and staff regarding the management of complaints as well as facilitation services to assist in the
resolution of complaints.
Conflict and Resolution
In case of conflict, when you have a complaint that requires resolution, your first recourse is to consult
with the appropriate University staff in your Area, School or Faculty. Depending on the nature of the
conflict this may be:
 Your Supervisor.
 The Chair of your Thesis Committee.
 The Postgraduate Coordinator for your School/Area.
 Your Head of School/Department/Area.
 The Dean of Research and Graduate Studies, Humanities.
Harassment and Discrimination
Curtin University is committed to take all reasonable steps to ensure that students and staff are able to
study and work in an environment free from harassment and discrimination.
Harassment and/or discrimination/bullying consists of unwelcome, offensive, abusive, belittling or
threatening behaviours directed at students or staff. Harassment and discrimination of students or staff
is against University policy and in certain cases unlawful under both State and Commonwealth
legislation.
Harassment may include but is not limited to:
 Unwelcome physical contact or coercive behaviour that is intended or reasonably may be
expected to be received as offensive, intimidatory, derogatory or likely to cause humiliation.
 Insulting or threatening language and/or gestures.
 Interference with a person’s work space, work materials, equipment or property, apart from
what would be considered necessary for on-going work, in unjustified and unnecessary
comments about a person’s work or capacity, particular area, or as part of normal student work.
 Continual unjustified and unnecessary comments about a person’s work or capacity for work.
 Pictures, posters, graffiti, electronic images in written materials that are offensive, obscene or
objectionable.
 Phone calls, letters or messages on electronic mail or computer networks that are threatening,
abusive or offensive.
 Persistent following within, to, or from the University (stalking).
Discrimination may include but is not limited to:
 Continual exclusion of a person or group from normal conversation, work or student
assignments, work-related social activities and workplace or student networks because of
difference.
 Dismissive treatment or material expressing prejudice or stereotypic assumptions about the
group to which a person may belong.
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Members of staff should take suitable measures to avoid any situation in which they may have, or be
seen to have, a conflict of interest with a student or any other staff member. In particular, staff should
avoid situations that may require them to supervise or assess a student or staff member with whom
they have, or have had, a sexual, commercial, familial or other significant relationship.
Staff who undertake to supervise students have special obligations, including accessibility, loyalty,
honesty and respect for the ownership of intellectual property.
If you need to act consult the Integrity and Standards Unit student information:
students.curtin.edu.au/rights/
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Part Three: Making the most of your HDR community
The life of a research student can be an isolated one, comprised of daily encounters with book or
computer, punctuated by occasional meetings with a Supervisor and, sometimes, relatively
unsupported encounters with interviewees or fieldwork situations.
The Faculty of Humanities is committed to providing its research students maximal circumstances for
study. It does so, in the first instance, by providing the range of supports described in this FactPack.
And, especially, it does so by providing an active and vibrant Faculty research community - one where
research students can come together to share ideas, insights, accomplishments, and concerns.
3.1
ORGS Website
The website has a twofold purpose. Firstly, it advertises graduate studies in the Faculty of Humanities to
those outside the Faculty, especially to prospective students. Secondly, more importantly to you, it is
the place where you can:
 Check up on current events, such as Humanities Staff/Postgraduate Research Seminars, and the
Postgraduate/Supervisor Research Skills and Research Careers Workshop Series.
 Download forms and regulations (via links to the Graduate Research School website).
 Find out about the refereed publications arising out of Curtin Humanities Graduate Research
Conferences. The publication is published by Black Swan Press.
 Find an electronic version of this FactPack.
You will find the website at hgso.curtin.edu.au
Find us on Facebook
Curtin University Humanities Office of Research and Graduate Studies
www.facebook.com/pages/Curtin-University-Humanities-Office-of-Research-and-GraduateStudies/168220179882758
3.2
Humanities Postgraduate Research Skills and Careers Workshop Series
In 2015, the Office of Research and Graduate Studies will run two series of workshops for postgraduates
and supervisors.
 The Research Skills Workshop Series will help you acquire the skills you need to research, write
and produce a good thesis in good time. This year, the workshops focus on writing a candidacy
proposal and methods.
 The Research Career Workshop series focuses on conference presentations and publishing.
Workshops are usually held on Wednesdays. Most are run in the morning and some in the late
afternoon so that everyone has a chance to attend.
“I found the workshops to be a great resource for getting through the candidacy process of my postgraduate studies.
They were both supportive and practical, with each workshop focused upon a different aspect of the candidacy proposal,
as well as more general postgraduate concerns. It was a fantastic opportunity to get to know my fellow postgraduate students
as well as the diverse scholars who make up the Faculty of Humanities, while making some good friends in the process!
”
Clea Tibbs Johansson
Social Sciences & International Relations (2015)
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Humanities Postgraduate Research Skills and Careers Workshop Series Schedule
Semester One 2015
Title and Presenter(s)
Orientation and Candidacy Workshop
Prof Erik Champion & Dr Lisa Hartley
Making the Most of Your PhD
Professor Kate Wright
Date, Time and Venue
Wednesday, 25 February, 9.00am – 12.30pm
201.412
Tuesday, 4 March, 10am – 12pm
Venue TBA
Quality Research Information & Literature Reviews
Ms Marilyn Coen, Faculty Librarian
Finding Research Literature: what, where, how
Ms Marilyn Coen, Faculty Librarian
From Topic to Research Question
Assoc Prof Philip Moore
Research Design and Development
Prof Dave Hedgcock
The Ethics and Significance of Your Research
Prof Baden Offord
From Question to Objectives
Prof Tim Dolin
Creative Production as Research
Dr Ann Schilo
From Objectives to Methods
Prof Rob Cavanagh
10 Things I Learnt Doing My PhD
Dr Susan Leong
Wednesday, 11 march, 9am – 11am
Library Level 6 Room 6105
Monday, 16 March, 1pm – 3pm
Library Level 6 Room 6105
Wednesday, 12 March, 10am – 12pm
Venue TBA
Wednesday, 1 April, 10am – 12pm
Venue TBA
Wednesday, 22 April , 10am – 12pm
Venue TBA
Wednesday, 29 April, 10am – 12pm
Venue TBA
Wednesday, 6 May, 10am – 12pm
Venue TBA
Friday, 7 May 2015, 10am – 12pm
Venue TBA
Wednesday, 13 May, 10am – 12pm
Venue TBA
Wednesday, 20 May, 10am – 12pm
Venue TBA
Wednesday, 27 May, 10am – 12pm
Venue TBA
On a Clear Day I Can See My Thesis!
Dr Susan Blackley
Student/Supervisor Conflict
Dr Andrew Cameron
PLEASE NOTE:
 Venues and times are subject to change. Please consult ORGS website for updates and check
your email or our facebook page for notification of the latest workshop with time and venue.
 The schedule for Semester Two will be sent out via email closer to the time. It will also be on
our website and facebook page.
For up to date information, go to hgso.curtin.edu.au/student_info/workshops.cfm
Or
www.facebook.com/pages/Curtin-University-Humanities-Office-of-Research-and-GraduateStudies/168220179882758
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3.3
Graduate Research School Training Seminars and Workshops
Curtin University develops and maintains a University-wide research culture in which staff and Higher
Degree by Research (HDR) students are valued partners in a community that actively fosters quality
research and scholarly work.
To that end, Curtin’s Graduate Research School invites all supervisors and HDR students to attend its
training seminars and workshop series.
The Program includes seminars on
 Preparing the Candidacy Application and Research Proposal
 Research Involving Humans: What You Need to Know About Ethics
 Copyright and Plagiarism.
The 2015 program details and information about registration can be found at:
postgraduateresearch.curtin.edu.au/seminars-and-training/
3.4
ATN-LEAP Project
The Australian Technology Network Learning Employment Aptitudes Program (ATN-LEAP) project is a
collaborative venture across the five universities that form the ATN:
 Curtin University (Curtin)
 Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
 RMIT University (RMIT)
 University of South Australia (UniSA)
 University of Technology, Sydney (UTS).
All the universities in this network share a heritage of working with industry, and this project uses that
knowledge to provide postgraduate research students with an opportunity for online learning designed
to increase their employability by fostering awareness of key issues and enhancing key skills related to
employment opportunities.
The ATN-LEAP program provides the opportunity to expand your cohort of research colleagues. The
networking amongst students from different cultures, universities and subject disciplines creates a
virtual campus that enhances learning and facilitates the exchange of innovative ideas.
Six online modules are available to research students (brackets indicate the university that developed
and manage each module):
 Entrepreneurship (UniSA)
 Global Sustainability (RMIT)
 Leadership and Communication (Curtin)
 Project Management (UTS)
 Public Policy (RMIT)
 Research Commercialisation (QUT)
Other modules are also offered. Please check the website for the latest information.
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You will pay no fees to take part in this program, but you will need to make sure that:
 you have at least two hours a week for 10 weeks available to participate in the module;
 you have access to a computer that does not have firewall restrictions which may limit your
access to the chat room;
 you spend time familiarising yourself with the site prior to beginning the module;
 you are prepared for material that not only provides an overview of the subject area but also
asks you to focus on your research; and
 you are able to involve your supervisor(s) in your participation in this module, so that your
supervisor can help you gain a more in-depth understanding of the topic (they can register with
you to be part of the moderated offering).
This is an exciting opportunity and you can obtain a Certificate on completion of any module. All
Certificates are an addition to your curriculum vitae.
To participate, register by contacting Curtin’s project administrator once the 2015 program
has been announced at:
research.curtin.edu.au/graduate/atnleap.cfm
Contact:
Office of Research and Development
Building 100, Level 1 West
Office hours: 8:30am - 5:00pm Monday to Friday.
Email:
Graduate.Studies@curtin.edu.au
Website:
research.curtin.edu.au/graduate/atnleap.cfm
3.5
Curtin Humanities Graduate Research Conference
A central part of your research study program and your academic life is to be comfortable on the
conference circuit:
 to take your research to a conference to make it known to others
 to attend conferences in order to learn about the research of others
 to take part in discussion of others’ and your own research
 for the networking opportunities
 for publishing opportunities.
One of the ways you can prepare for this type of professional involvement comes from taking part in the
Research Skills and Careers Workshops (as outlined above). A more formal – but highly supportive –
opportunity comes through the Curtin Humanities Graduate Research Conference.
The Conference showcases postgraduate research in the Humanities by bringing together Curtin
Humanities research students with colleagues from other state, interstate and international universities.
It is designed and run like any other national or international conference.
The Conference is designed to provide you with rich opportunities in supportive contexts - opportunities
to learn new skills and to achieve an entry on your résumé. The Conference is also a great opportunity
to try out the skills learnt in the Humanities Research Careers Workshops.
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The central professional skills you will acquire include:
 How to write an abstract for a conference presentation;
 How to prepare and present a conference paper, poster, exhibition, panel or performance
presentation;
 How to Chair a conference session;
 How to prepare your paper or exhibition for publication elsewhere;
 Editorial skills.
The Conference also provides Curtin Humanities HDR students with other important professional
opportunities. Students are invited to serve as copy editors of the collection of papers and creative
works (refereed by academics) that emerge from each Conference. These works are currently published
by Black Swan Press (see section below).
“I found the entire experience extremely beneficial, from being given the opportunity to chair a session and present a paper to the
quality of student papers, invited speakers and panelists from around the country. From this experience, I will not only take away
great memories and new friends but a new mindset in the viewing of conferences as positive opportunities and a drive to present
”
again soon!
Melissa Kennedy
PhD Candidate
La Trobe University Chambers
November 2014
The thought of preparing and delivering a conference paper can be daunting. But students who
participate in these conferences find that doing so is an important step in clarifying and refining their
research. It is also a special occasion for networking and an important way to prepare for national and
international conferences.
2015 Conference
The 2015 Curtin Humanities Graduate Research Conference will be held on 3 - 4 September.
A call for abstracts will be sent out in early April.
For more information visit: hgsoconference.curtin.edu.au/
3.6
Conference Proceedings Series
It is a cliché, but publish or perish is increasingly a guiding maxim in the academic world. To help you get
started the Humanities Office of Research and Graduate Studies produces a collection of selected,
refereed papers from each Humanities Graduate Research Conference. The proceedings are currently
published by Black Swan Press.
Each collection of papers is developed by an editorial committee comprised of Black Swan Press,
research-student editors, academics, Graduate Studies staff, and the Dean of Research and Graduate
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Studies. Once papers have been submitted they are blind refereed by two referees drawn from within
and/or outside the Faculty/University. Referee reports are valuable sources of feedback regarding your
research. Moreover, because your paper is double blind refereed and published in a scholarly series
(rather than just conference proceedings), publication provides a significant addition to your résumé. In
some cases, it may help towards obtaining a scholarship.
Being an editor is an especially valuable experience and will provide students with an insight into what is
required for papers to be published in journals and elsewhere. You learn a great deal through this
experience, which you may transfer to your own work – copy editing skills, meeting publisher
submission requirements, how to obtain copyright clearances and adhering to strict deadlines, to name
a few. Although sometimes challenging, it is a rewarding experience which gives you the opportunity of
meeting and working closely with peers and academics from across the Faculty and exposure to other
student’s research. It is also a significant achievement to record on your résumé.
Becoming a student editor is a large commitment, but worth it. At the end of the day, there is much to
celebrate:
 access to papers representing some of the best work being done by research students in the
Humanities
 the launch of the proceedings
 and an accomplishment whose visible outcome is a significant entry on your résumé!
“Co-editing the annual Curtin Humanities Graduate Research Conference was a wonderful experience, providing insight into the
double-blind, peer-review process. Working with competent co-editors, I developed a more critical understanding of the reliability
of arguments and evidence presented in researchers' papers. I also enjoyed corresponding with authors,
learning more about their research and helping to make it more accessible to readers. This experience has improved
my academic writing and enabled me to respond more appropriately to reviewer feedback on journal articles.
Being a co-editor is an important step in any researcher's career.
”
Thor Kerr
Media, Culture & Creative Arts (2012)
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Part Four: Support services for students
Postgraduate research is exciting and rewarding, but at times it can also be challenging and stressful. At
some stage during your course of study, your may experience difficulties in balancing their research,
family, work, social and community commitments.
4.1
Curtin University Library
The Curtin University Library is spread across a number of libraries over University’s various campuses.
The main collection is held in the Robertson Library at the Bentley campus, with collections and facilities
spread over five levels. Most of the library staff are located in this library.
Library Website
The Library website provides a large number of invaluable resources. It provides access to the Library
Catalogue and to a number of Libguides. These are library guides covering a range of topics including:
 specific subjects
 referencing styles
 how to use the catalogue
 how to use EndNote
 statistical information
 information about interlibrary loans
 details of how you can make a recommendation for an addition to the Library’s collection
 … and much more.
If you are coming back to study after a break, try the Library’s Interactive Tutorials, which include
segments on searching databases, evaluating resources and understanding referencing.
You will find the Interactive Tutorials at:
libguides.library.curtin.edu.au/content.php?pid=142343&sid=1212858
You will find the LibGuides at: libguides.library.curtin.edu.au/research-study/home
Databases
Curtin Library subscribes to a large number of electronic databases that you can use to find journal
articles. A growing number of databases offer full-text articles online.
Some databases can be searched via the Library catalogue. If you log into the Library via Student OASIS,
you can save your search queries, alerts and references to your e-shelf. Some databases also allow you
to set up alerts and RSS feeds for the journals that they cover.
Guides and Training
Curtin Library offers on-going seminars for postgraduate students and staff, covering such topics as
advanced searching of the library catalogue, using specialised electronic databases, searching full-text
databases, and using other resources on the Library’s webpages. The Library also offers classes for using
the bibliographic management software EndNote.
Check the Library website for details of seminars and classes, or use the online guides to
databases, the catalogue and EndNote. You can view the schedule of library workshop and
book yourself into one at: workshops.library.curtin.edu.au/
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Digital Theses
Research students who enrolled in their higher degree on or after January 2005 are required by the
University to submit the final version of their thesis in digital format to the Library, in addition to the
required number of hard copies. A digital copy of the thesis will be deposited with espace@Curtin,
Curtin’s digital research repository.
The Humanities Faculty Librarian is available for advice and help on any matters relating to depositing
digital and print thesis (see section below).
Individual Services
Students who have registered with the Disability Counsellor at the University Counselling Service are
eligible for special Library services. Services are individually tailored to assist with access to Library
materials and equipment. These include:
 access to Room 325 on Level 3 of the Robertson Library
 equity access to Level 3 on the north-west side of the building
 assistance in retrieving and photocopying Library materials
 provision of materials in alternative formats
 the use of the Document Delivery/Off-Campus Library service.
A Note About Your Information Sources
Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students need to be aware of the status of their sources, particularly
those that are retrieved from the World Wide Web. The largely un-moderated nature of the web allows
for the online publication of a vast amount of unverified information that is not appropriate for use in a
HDR thesis.
Because Curtin University places the highest importance on academic integrity, it has a detailed policy
on plagiarism that provides helpful definitions of what constitutes plagiarism, and sets out the
procedures and penalties that pertain to it.
The definition of plagiarism as generally understood in academic contexts is described in Curtin
University’s policy documentation this way:
“Plagiarism means presenting the work or property of another person as one’s own, without
appropriate acknowledgment or referencing. . . . [It] also includes self plagiarism, that is,
submitting one’s own previously assessed or published work for assessment or publication
elsewhere, without appropriate acknowledgement.”
Good scholarship is about understanding the work of others and building upon it to develop insight(s).
Good scholarship also acknowledges its ground work - the work of others - even as it
developments/presents its own insight(s). Never be tempted to do anything less - that way you
undercut the integrity of your own hard-won scholarship, and of the field to which your research
contributes.
For information on academic integrity and plagiarism, go to:
academicintegrity.curtin.edu.au/students/
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4.2
The Humanities Faculty Librarian
The Humanities Faculty Librarian can help you conduct your literature search. S/he also can help you
with:
 setting up data management systems, such as EndNote
 matters such as the various electronic services provided by the Library, including database
searches, library loans and renewals
 tracking down elusive journal articles and bibliographic details
 depositing digital theses.
Contact:
Ms Marilyn Coen, Humanities Faculty Librarian
Building 209, Fourth Floor Room 419
Office hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm Monday to Friday
Telephone: 08 9266 4279
Email:
m.coen@curtin.edu.au
4.3
The Learning Centre
The Learning Centre provides academic guidance and development for Curtin students. The Centre
offers a range of free online programs and workshops to help you towards success with your study. The
programs they offer are invaluable to continuing and new students, particularly to research students
who require help thesis writing, returning to study, managing time, getting more out of lectures, critical
reading, and note-taking.
The Learning Centre offers the following programs:
 StudyPlus Program
 Second Language Support
 PowerPlus Writing Program
 PowerPlus Essay Program
 Pathfinder Program
 Postgraduate Learning Support
The Learning Centre does not provide editing or proof-reading services: it focuses upon developing your
own self-editing skills.
The 2015 seminar timetable and information about The Learning Centre is available at:
unilife.curtin.edu.au/learning_support/learning_centre.htm
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4.4
The Curtin Careers and Employment Centre
Developing plans for your future career direction can sometimes be a challenging process for many HDR
students, even more so for humanities students as there can be such a broad range of career options
open to you and knowing where to start can be difficult. Thankfully, help is available to you in a variety
of ways.
Careers Workshops
The Curtin Careers and Employment Centre runs various free workshops throughout the year that are
specifically tailored towards the needs of HDR students on topics such as:
 Choosing a Career (e.g academic versus non-academic careers)
 Resumes and Cover Letters
 Selection Criteria
 Interview Techniques
 Job Hunting Strategies
 Networking Skills
 Employer / Alumni Panels e.g academic career pathways
Careers workshops for Humanities HDR students are advertised as part of the 2015 Research Skills and
Careers Workshops program.
Other careers workshops / employer events / alumni panels are advertised on CareerHub
(the online jobs and events portal for Curtin students):
careerhub.curtin.edu.au
Log in using your OASIS username and password
One to one careers assistance
The Curtin Careers and Employment Centre also has a regular drop-in service anytime between 8:45am
and 5:00pm Monday to Friday. No appointment necessary! (Building 103, Level 2)
If you can't attend the above drop-in session then phone or email for alternative arrangements. Phone
and Skype appointments can easily be arranged at a time to suit you if you are not based on the Bentley
campus.
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Online Careers Resources
Check out the Curtin Careers & Employment Centre website for additional career
development resources at life.curtin.edu.au/careers.htm
e-Grad School (Australia) has produced a suite of online careers resources specifically for
postgraduate students. They are particularly useful for external students
www.egradschool.edu.au/whategsaoffe/maximisingyo.jsp
The Thesis Whisperer is a blog newspaper dedicated to the topic of doing a thesis and
contains some great advice to help research students anywhere: thesiswhisperer.com/
Contact:
The Curtin Careers & Employment Centre, Building 303, Level 2
Telephone: 08 9266 7802
Website:
life.curtin.edu.au/careers.htm
Email:
careers@curtin.edu.au
4.5
Counselling Services
Curtin’s Counselling Service provides assistance for Curtin students experiencing difficulties that impact
upon your personal life or academic progress. The service is a confidential.
Curtin Counselling Services is professionally accredited by the International Association of Counselling
Services and employs qualified practitioners in the fields of
 Psychology
 Social Work
 Occupational Therapy.
Counsellors are able to assist with a wide range of personal and psychological issues. The service is
available free of charge to Curtin students.
Appointment times are generally Monday to Thursday 8.00am to 6.00pm and Fridays 8.00am to
4.30pm. There may be a waiting period of up to four weeks for an appointment during busy times of
year.
New clients
New clients, or clients that have not been to the service for six months or longer, are required to see a
Triage Counsellor. The Triage Counsellor will conduct a brief assessment of your needs and schedule a
counselling appointment based on an assessment of the urgency and complexity of your situation. This
is the standard intake procedure – it is very important that you tell the Triage Counsellor as much
information as possible about your situation and what you are seeking help with.
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You do not need an appointment to see the Triage Counsellor. This service is generally available:
Monday and Tuesday
9.00am to 11.00am
1.00pm to 3.00pm
Wednesday
9.00am to 11.00am only
Thursday
9.00am to 11.00am
1.00pm to 3.00pm
Friday
9.00am to 11.00am
1.00pm to 2.00pm
Group workshops
Curtin counsellors also offer a range of free group workshops and support groups for students, from
academic advice to crisis assistance. Special support services are available for international students.
Topics include:
 Overcoming procrastination
 Sleep more, feel better
 Domestic violence support group
 The difference: International Students Support Group
 Freeze up, freak out or fail: Tools for surviving fieldwork
 Have your say and feel good about it – Assertive Communication
For a list of workshops and details of making a booking, go to:
life.curtin.edu.au/health-and-wellbeing/counselling_group_prog.htm
Contact:
Curtin Counselling Services
Level 2, Building 109
Office hours: 8.30am – 5.00pm Monday to Thursday; 8.00am to 4.30pm Friday
Telephone: 08 9266 7850
Distance Students: 1800 651 878
Website:
life.curtin.edu.au/health_wellbeing/counselling_services.htm
Email:
counselling@curtin.edu.au (for information only not counselling)
4.6
Disability Services
Curtin’s Disability Advisors provide a range of services and facilities for students, including:
 Assistance and support with study needs
 Advice and information for prospective students
 Curtin Access Plan
 Alternative examination arrangements
 Physical access and parking
 Physical facilities
 Mobility assistance
 Companion Card program
 Newsletter
If you are a student with a disability or medical condition, support is available for you. Curtin’s Disability
Advisors can help to reduce the impact of your disability on all aspects of university life by assisting you
to identify potential barriers you may face, negotiate the support you need and access services.
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Contact:
Disability Advisors
Building 109 Level 2 (lift access available)
Office hours: 8.30am – 5.00pm Monday to Thursday; 8.00am to 4.30pm Friday
Telephone: 08 9266 7850
Distance Students: 1800 651 878
TTY
08 9266 4112
Website:
life.curtin.edu.au/health_wellbeing/disability_services.htm
Email:
disabilityservices@curtin.edu.au
4.7
Multi-Faith Services
Curtin University acknowledges and respects the diversity of religious beliefs represented among its
students and staff. Curtin’s Multi-Faith Service facilitates religious life in the university and can provide
assistance with getting students connected with local faith communities.
Curtin’s Multi-Faith Services are a specialised team of qualified individuals who are able to meet your
spiritual needs in meaningful and practical ways. They understand the religious and cultural needs of
international students.
Multi-Faith Officers (MFOs) provide liaison between Curtin and a wide diversity of religious and spiritual
groups. They provide support in exploring and practicing the religious faith of your choice at Curtin
University. There are also a number of visiting Chaplains on campus.
Contact:
Multi-Faith Services
Building 109 (access through Counselling Services’ Reception)
Office hours: 8.30am – 5.00pm Monday to Thursday; 8.00am to 4.30pm Friday
Telephone: 08 9266 3714
Distance Students: 1800 651 878
Website:
life.curtin.edu.au/health-and-wellbeing/faith_services.htm
Multi-Faith Officer, Janet Augustinsen
Email:
multifaith@curtin.edu.au
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Part Five: University Life
Here is some of the important information that will help you navigate your way around Curtin.
5.1
Bentley Campus Map
properties.curtin.edu.au/maps/docs/campus_map.pdf
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5.2
Getting to and from campus
There are many ways to get to and from campus. Consider public transport!
Public Transport
The Bentley Campus Bus Station is one of the busiest in Perth. The services connect with train stations,
shopping centres and other universities.
Go to the Transperth website for timetables and other public transport information:
www.transperth.wa.gov.au/
Driving
Parking on campus
Curtin has a pay as you go parking system. CellOPark is designed to make costs fairer and free up car
bays. It means that you only pay for the time you park on campus during the semester.
Vehicles must be parked in designated bays as entitled by their ticket type or pay as you go session
during the hours of 8am and 4.30pm during semester. Parking is free after 4.30pm and on weekends.
Car pooling
Curtin students are able to access a free, online carpool matching service to help find people with
similar travel needs and are interested in sharing a trip to the Bentley Campus.
After hours parking
In the interests of security, students and non-permit holders are encouraged to park in designated staff
parking areas before 8am or after 4.30pm on weekdays and all day on weekends.
Outside of semester
Free parking is available in either the green all-day or orange four hour parking areas.
Cycling
Cycling to and from campus is a great way to keep fit, save money and reduces congestion and air
pollution by keeping more cars off the roads. Curtin has dual use pathways both around the perimeter
and within the campus.
There are free Bike Pods around the campus providing secure parking bays, lockers and showers.
Contact:
Parking and Traffic
Office hours: 8.30am – 4.30pm Monday to Friday
Telephone: 08 9266 7116
properties.curtin.edu.au/parking/
Website:
parking@exchange.curtin.edu.au
Email:
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5.3
Security
Curtin provides a range of security services to make your time on Bentley campus as safe as possible.
Curtin Courtesy Bus
During semester Curtin Security offers a free shuttle bus service around the Bentley Campus including
student housing villages. The Courtesy Bus can be hailed at any point along its designated route. The
service operates every weekday evening from 5.30pm to 12.30am.
For further information go to: properties.curtin.edu.au/parking/courtesy_bus.cfm
Security escort
You can request security personnel to escort you to your car 24 hours a day, seven days a week by
calling security on any phone on campus (including pay phones). It may be 10 to 15 minutes before a
security patrol officer can meet you and escort you to your car. Security can also escort you to the
student housing villages.
Emergencies
In a life threatening situation, call ‘0 000’ from an internal phone or ‘000’ from an external or mobile
phone. These numbers should only be called when wanting the police, fire brigade or ambulance.
For further information on emergency procedures:
properties.curtin.edu.au/security/emergency/
Contact:
Security
24 hours a day/7 days a week
Telephone: 4444 (internal phone) / 08 9266 4444 from an external phone or mobile
about.curtin.edu.au/security-at-curtin.cfm
Website:
securitytechoffice@curtin.edu.au
Email:
5.4
Housing and Accommodation
Curtin provides a comprehensive range of housing services, with nearly 1,200 places available for
students on or near the Bentley campus. Housing Services also has an extensive database of private
accommodation options.
Contact:
Housing Services
Building 103
Opening hours: 9am - 4.45pm Monday to Friday
Telephone: 08 9266 4430
life.curtin.edu.au/housing_childcare/Contact_Housing_Services.htm
Website:
housing@vc.curtin.educ.au
Email:
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5.5
Health Services
Curtin’s Health Services Centre incorporates a doctor’s surgery. Students can make appointments to see
either doctors or nurses. Nursing staff are available to assist in the treatment of accidents and injuries
that occur on campus.
Contact:
Health Services Centre
Building 109
Opening house: 8.30am – 4.30pm Monday to Friday
Telephone: 08 9266 7345
life.curtin.edu.au/health_wellbeing/health_services.htm
Website:
healthservices@curtin.eud.au
Email:
5.6
Child Care
The Curtin University Early Childhood Centre is a not-for-profit business on the Bentley campus, staffed
by experienced, qualified carers. The centre offers care for children up to five years of age.
If you wish to take advantage of the service, you need to register your child’s name on the Centre’s
waiting list as soon as you are accepted into a Curtin course.
Contact:
Curtin University Early Childhood Centre
Building 003
Opening house: 7.30am – 6.00pm Monday to Friday
Telephone: 08 9266 7459
life.curtin.edu.au/housing_childcare/childcare.htm
Website:
childcare@curtin.edu.au
Email:
5.7
Health and Fitness
Curtin Recreation Services provide a state of the art fitness centre (Curtin Stadim) as well as facilities
and venues for a wide range of sports and group fitness classes.
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Contact:
Curtin Stadium
Building 111
Opening house: from 6.00am weekdays and 8.00am on weekends
Telephone: 08 9266 7870
recreation.curtin.edu.au/
Website:
stadium@curtin.edu.au
Email:
5.8
Curtin Student Guild
The Curtin Student Guild plays a vital role in representing the interests of students by providing
educational, commercial and social services to its members. The Guild represents all students on the
major boards and committees of the University. The Guild also runs Student Assist, a confidential
welfare, advocacy, support and referral service to help students with any personal, welfare or academic
issues.
Curtin Student Guild provides member discounts at all of their food and retail outlets.
If you have any enquiries, or concerns about anything student related, you can contact Guild Reception
and book an appointment to see your Student Faculty Representative or a Student Assist Officer.
Contact:
Curtin Student Guild
Guild Precinct Building 106F
Opening house: 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday
Telephone: 08 9266 2900
www.guild.curtin.edu.au/
Website:
reception@guild.curtin.edu.au
Email:
5.9
Food and Retail Outlets
There are a range of food and retail outlets on Bentley Campus.
Book Shops
There are two bookshops on campus. The Curtin University Bookshop stocks a wide range of textbooks,
stationery, newspapers, magazines, novels, cards, art material, computer equipment and much more.
The Student Guild operates Bookends Second Hand bookshop where students can buy and sell used
textbooks and other study equipment.
Food and Drink
There are numerous outlets at the Bentley campus offering a variety of options. Halal food is available
at the Main Café and the Basement Café.
 Aroma Café
Building 200
 Aroma Café
Building 500
 The Basement
Building 204, Engineering Precinct
 Bookmark Café
Building 105, TL Robertson Library, Ground Floor
 Café@Concept
Building 106F, Guild Precinct
 Café Angazi
Building 408
 Common Ground
Building 104
 George's Kebabs
Building 106C, Guild Precinct
 The Main Café
Building 104
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 Simply Delicious
 The Tav Bar & Bistro
 Vege Patch
Building 106C, Guild Precinct
Building 106C, Guild Precinct
Building 210, Elizabeth Jolley
Retail
There are a number of retail outlets on campus, including:
 Clothing and merchandise (Curtin Concept)
 Computer retailer and service centre (IT Works)
 Hairdresser (Fringe Benefits)
 Newsagent (The Spot at Curtin)
 Optometrist (Curtin Eye Gallery)
 Pharmacy (Pharmacy 777)
 Moshtix ticket outlets
 Travel agent (STA)
 Guild Copy and Design Centre
For more information on Curtin’s bookshops, food and retail outlets, go to:
about.curtin.edu.au/services-on-campus.cfm
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