Grievances and problems during candidature

If you experience problems during your candidature, it is important that they are tackled
promptly so that progress is not unduly delayed. In general, problems are best solved
without recourse to formal complaint. You should also attempt to resolve problems at the local
level if at all possible. The first contact is normally your supervisor. Other people you may
contact within the Faculty are:

• School HDR Coordinator or Associate Head of School (Research)
• Head of School
• other members of the School
• Faculty HDR Coordinator or Associate Dean (Research)
• Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty

The following people outside the Faculty can also be approached:

• HDR Candidature Manager
• Executive Officer, HDR
• Dean, Research Training
• Chair of the Research and Research Training Committee
• Chair of Academic Board
• Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Development and Training)

See the HDR Contacts page or your relevant faculty page for contact details.

If you are dissatisfied with a decision of your Faculty or the Research and Research Training
Committee, you may submit a written request to the Committee to review the decision. If you
are not satisfied with the outcome of the review, it may be possible to request that the decision
be considered by the HDR Appeals Committee. Paragraphs 22 to 25 of the HDR Academic Progress
procedures gives a description of the appeals process and the allowable grounds
for an appeal. You are welcome to seek informal advice or assistance from the Deakin
University Student Association (DUSA).

If you wish to make a formal complaint about another matter, please refer to the Student complaints web page.

Counselling and advice on non-academic matters can be sought from the Division of Student
Life and from DUSA.