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Accelerated Lead Supervisor Program

Empowering supervisors to develop lead supervisor capabilities

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This intensive program is intended to support those committed to becoming better supervisors and developing lead supervisor capabilities.

Three rounds are offered each year, with a maximum of 30 participants per round. Participation in the program is currently by nomination only by the faculty/school Associate Dean (Research Education).

Completing this program provides an alternative pathway to lead supervision for supervisors who may not yet have the two Higher Degree by Research (HDR) completions required by the Higher Degree by Research Supervision Policy (pdf, 501KB) to qualify for the role.

Program outcomes

Title : Upskill

Description : Build skills and confidence in important areas required for effective lead supervision.

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Title : Learn

Description : Interact with and learn from senior, experienced academic and professional staff leaders.

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Title : Engage

Description : Engage in knowledge sharing and discussion of HDR supervision with a community of colleagues.

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Program dates

 In 2026, the rounds will be held as follows:

  • Round 1 - March
  • Round 2 - May to July
  • Round 3 - September to October

Structure

The program consists of four interactive workshops focused on building the capabilities required to kickstart your journey as a lead supervisor. 

The workshops will include activities, case studies and discussions that enable idea-sharing among participants and facilitators. Speakers will include highly experienced academic and professional staff, with representation from across STEMM and HASS disciplines.

  • The role of the lead supervisor, including recruitment and selection of HDR students
  • Developing the supervisor/student relationship, including establishing your supervisory style and negotiating the supervisory contract
  • Reflections on supervision practices and lessons learnt

Location: Camperdown/Darlington campus

  • Discussion around difficult situations commonly encountered as a lead supervisor and how to navigate these instances
  • Practical strategies and approaches for supervisors

Location: Camperdown/Darlington campus

  • Overview of the incidence of mental health conditions and disabilities in the HDR cohort
  • Guidance for supervisors on how to support their students
  • How to guide HDR students on authoring with integrity

Location: Camperdown/Darlington campus

  • Overview of the PEM process and the importance of your role as a panel member and supervisor
  • Understand how to navigate confidentiality and how issues should be handled

Location: Online via Zoom

How to participate

Participation in the program is currently by nomination only by the faculty/school Associate Dean (Research Education). All nominees for the Accelerated Lead Supervisor Program must:

  • Meet the University's policy requirements to register as a supervisor and hold an active registration on the University's supervisor register on the Research Education Candidature System (RECS).
  • Have completed the University's HDR Supervisor Training Program on Workday consisting of six online modules and the Respectful Research Training face-to-face workshop.
  • Be a continuing or fixed term member of the University's academic staff at Level B or above.
  • Demonstrate supervisory team member experience as an active supervisor of current students or previous supervision experience within the last two years.
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Faculties and schools may have additional eligibility or selection criteria to inform their nominations.

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The HDR Supervisor Development team will seek nominations from faculties/schools ahead of each round and proceed to invite eligible candidates to register. 

If you are interested in participating in upcoming rounds, please contact your faculty/school for further information about any local requirements for nomination. 

Upgrade to lead supervision

To obtain a certificate of completion, you must complete at least three of the four sessions. This will allow you to apply for an upgrade of your supervisor registration level on RECS. 

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We strongly encourage attending all four sessions.

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If you meet the lead supervisor eligibility requirements already, you can apply to upgrade your registration level in RECS.