Information for external advisors

Your role’s core responsibilities include:

• engaging with and supporting the candidate in their progress towards the successful completion of their Higher Degree by Research (HDR);
• providing continuity of support during periods of absence by the principal advisor; and
• providing input into discussions regarding the candidate's progression and development.

Further information regarding the advisory team roles and responsibilities can be found on the Eligibility and Role of Higher Degree by Research Advisors Policy.

To become an associate advisor, you need to:

• have relevant expertise and experience appropriate to the candidate's research topic, and
• agree, in all matters relating to the candidature, to:
  • be responsible to the enrolling Academic Organisational Unit (through the Director HDR) and to UQ (through the Dean, UQ Graduate School),
  • comply with all relevant UQ rules, policies and procedures; and
• not be a currently enrolled HDR candidate.

Any departure from the above criteria will only be permitted with the approval of the Dean, UQ Graduate School.

Typically, you would have completed a degree of a level equivalent to the one the candidate is undertaking, however you can still be appointed if you have:

• a record of demonstrated research ability and performance; and
• expertise that can enhance the quality of the advisory team’s support for the HDR candidate, for example through connections to industry.

The distribution of advisory workload between members of the advisory team is governed by the Eligibility and Role of Higher Degree by Research Advisors Policy and must be agreed upon between the team and the candidate, endorsed by the Director HDR and approved by the Dean.

Contact the principal advisor so they can add your name to UQ records.

It is expected that you will provide guidance, support, and feedback to the candidate throughout their research journey. This includes meeting regularly with the candidate, providing feedback on their progress and helping them to identify and overcome any obstacles that may arise. If difficulties arise, you must liaise with the principal advisor to seek support and direction. You may refer the candidate to UQ Student Services (see Quick links for candidates below).

You are expected to be proactive in assisting HDR candidates to develop, through steps such as seeking to initiate meaningful opportunities and introducing them to networks.

You should also be aware of the Eligibility and Role of Higher Degree by Research Advisors Policy and the Eligibility and Role of Higher Degree by Research Advisors Procedure and ensure that the candidate is aware of these as well. As an external advisor, you must adhere to UQ Code of Conduct. You should aim to establish a respectful supervisory relationship with the candidate – Universities Australia Principles for Respectful Supervisory Relationships sets important principles for the advisor-candidate relationship, also clearly outlined in the Higher Degree by Research Candidate Charter Procedure.

It is important that you maintain confidentiality and objectivity, and refrain from any conflicts of interest. You are required to declare potential, perceived and actual conflicts of interest [DOCX, 63KB], in accordance with the Conflict of Interest Policy.