RN Spann Scholarship

1. Background

a. This scholarship is to assist research students from the School of Social and Political Sciences with living expenses, to undertake fieldwork in public policy and administration or attend conferences.

b. This gift fund was established in 1982 as a postgraduate award. It is to honour the memory of Richard Neville Spann, a Professor of Government and Public Administration from 1953 to 1981, to recognise his contribution to the development of Political Science and Public Administration.

2. Eligibility

a. Applicants must be currently enrolled to study in a Masters by Research or PhD within the School of Social and Political Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Sydney.

b. Applicants must conduct research in the field of public policy and administration.

c. Applicants must be applying for funds to assist with living expenses, to undertake fieldwork or attend conferences.

3. Selection Criteria

a. The successful applicant will be awarded the Scholarship on the basis of:

I. academic merit, and
II. a personal statement describing how the Scholarship will assist them in their studies.

b. The successful applicant will be awarded the Scholarship by a selection committee consisting of:

I. Head of School, School of Social and Political Sciences or their nominate delegate, and
II. at least two other academic staff members.

4. Value

a. The Scholarship is valued at:

I. $5,000 for full-time enrolled students, and
II. $2,500 for part-time enrolled students.

b. The Scholarship value will be paid as a lump sum payment upon receipt of the Scholarship Acceptance Form.

c. The Scholarship cannot be deferred without prior approval from the Head of School, School of Social and Political Sciences.

d. The scholarship cannot be transferred to another area of research.

e. No other amount is payable.

f. The Scholarship will be offered subject to the availability of funding.

5. Termination

a. The Scholarship will be terminated:

I. on resignation or withdrawal of the recipient from their research degree,
II. upon submission of the thesis or at the end of the award,
III. upon the recipient having completed the maximum candidature for their degree as per the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2011 Policy,
IV. if the recipient currently holds or receives and accepts an alternative primary stipend scholarship this Scholarship will be determined as a Supplementary scholarship. If the overall supplementary stipend rate paid to the student is more than 75% of the primary stipend amount this Scholarship will be terminated in favour of the alternative stipend scholarship where it is of higher value,
V. if the recipient does not resume study at the end of a period of approved leave, or
VI. if the recipient ceases to meet the eligibility requirements specified for this Scholarship, (other than during a period in which the Scholarship has been suspended or during a period of approved leave).

b. The Scholarship may also be terminated by the University before this time if, in the opinion of the University:

I. the course of study is not being carried out with competence and diligence or in accordance with the terms of this offer,
II. the student fails to maintain satisfactory progress, or
III. the student has committed misconduct or other inappropriate conduct.

c. The Scholarship will be suspended throughout the duration of any enquiry/appeal process.

d. Once the Scholarship has been terminated, it will not be reinstated unless due to University error.

6. Misconduct

a. Where during the Scholarship a student engages in misconduct, or other inappropriate conduct (either during the Scholarship or in connection with the student’s application and eligibility for the Scholarship), which in the opinion of the University warrants recovery of funds provided, the University may require the student to repay payments made in connection with the Scholarship. Examples of such conduct include and without limitation; academic dishonesty, research misconduct within the meaning of the Research Code of Conduct (for example, plagiarism in proposing, carrying out or reporting the results of research, or failure to declare or manage a serious conflict of interests), breach of the Code of Conduct for Students and misrepresentation in the application materials or other documentation associated with the Scholarship.

b. The University may require such repayment at any time during or after the Scholarship period. In addition, by accepting this Scholarship, the student consents to all aspects of any investigation into misconduct in connection with this Scholarship being disclosed by the University to the funding body and/or any relevant professional body.

7. Other Requirements

a. Recipients are required to maintain receipts for up to one year for all costs incurred that are relevant to this Scholarship.

b. Recipients may be required to produce these receipts if requested by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.