Campbell Weston Perry Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander HDR Completion Scholarship

a. This Scholarship was established in 2024 to support an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student enrolled in a postgraduate research degree to complete the writing up of their thesis based on their research. 

b. This scholarship is funded by a bequest from the Estate of Jean Swirles made in 2010 in memory of her son Emeritus Professor Campbell Weston Perry.

2. Eligibility 

a. Applicants must be currently enrolled for full-time or part-time studies in either a Masters by Research, PhD or Doctorate by Research at the University of Sydney.

b. Applicants must be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent as defined in the University of Sydney's Confirmation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Identity Policy 2015.

c. Applicants must have a reasonable expectation of completion of their research degree within the next 9 months, or 18 months for part-time students at the time of application.

3. Selection Criteria

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

I. academic merit,

II. an outline of their current progress and plan for completion of their thesis including planned thesis submission date, and

III. a personal statement which includes 

i. reasons for seeking funding.

ii. circumstances beyond their control that necessitates a completion scholarship

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

I. Deputy Vice Chancellor Indigenous Strategy and Services (DVC-ISS) (Chair) or their nominated delegate,

II. at least one Associate Dean of Indigenous Strategy and Services (AD-ISS),

III. the Director, Gadigal Centre, and

IV. a Gadigal Centre Advancement Officer.

^At least half the members of the selection committee must be an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person as defined in the University of Sydney's Confirmation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Identity Policy 2015.

4. Value

a. The Scholarship will provide a stipend allowance equivalent to the full time maximum Research Training Program (RTP) stipend rate* (pro-rata and indexed on 1 January each year) for up to 6 months for full time students or up to for 12 months for part-time students, subject to satisfactory academic performance. 

*As per the Department of Education Research Training Program Stipend Rates

b. The scholarship will commence no earlier than six months before the date of submission.

c. No extension is possible.

d. The Scholarship cannot be deferred or transferred to another area of research.

e. The Scholarship will be offered subject to the availability of funds.

f. No other amount is payable.

5. Leave Arrangements

a. The Scholarship recipient receives up to 20 working days recreation leave each year (pro-rata) of the Scholarship and this may be accrued. However, the student will forfeit any unused leave remaining when the Scholarship is terminated or complete. Recreation leave does not attract a leave loading and the supervisor's agreement must be obtained before leave is taken.

b. The Scholarship recipient may take up to 10 working days sick leave each year (pro-rata) of the Scholarship and this may be accrued over the tenure of the Scholarship. Students with family responsibilities, caring for sick children or relatives, or experiencing domestic violence, may convert up to five days of their annual sick leave entitlement to carer’s leave on presentation of medical certificate(s). Students taking sick leave must inform their supervisor as soon as practicable.

6. Research Overseas

a. The Scholarship recipient may not normally conduct research overseas during the tenure of this Scholarship. 

7. Suspension

a. The Scholarship recipient cannot suspend their award.

8. Changes in Enrolment

a. The Scholarship recipient must notify HDRAC and their supervisor promptly of any planned changes to their enrolment including but not limited to: attendance pattern, suspension, leave of absence, withdrawal, and course transfer. If the award holder does not provide notice of the changes identified above, the University may require repayment of any overpaid stipend.

9. 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. if the recipient ceases to be a full-time student and prior approval has not been approved by the Head of School to hold the Scholarship on a part-time basis,

iv. if the recipient receives an alternative stipend scholarship for the same purpose as this scholarship

v. if the recipient does not resume study at the end of a period of approved leave,

vi. if the recipient does not adhere to the University of Sydney Charter 2020.

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.  

10. 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.