If you need help or are concerned about any aspect of your studies, speak to someone as soon as possible. Your supervisory team, your HDR Delegated Authority (HDR DA) and the School of Graduate Research can provide you with advice and support to successfully complete your research.
Resources and support
RMIT provide a range of resources and support for HDR students.
Action and support
Action and support is available for all HDR candidates at RMIT if you need help to get back on track with your research.
The action and support you receive is tailored to you and your situation. It may include more frequent meetings with your supervisory team, referral to academic or wellbeing support services or making variations to your candidature.
Leave or changes to your candidature
Taking leave or making changes to your candidature can give you more time when you’re struggling. Consider:
- Reducing your study load
- Taking annual leave or a leave of absence
- Applying for an Extension Beyond Maximum Duration
- As a last resort cancelling your HDR and applying for readmission at a later date.
To make these changes, visit the Enrolment, leave and changes to candidature page.
Issues with your supervisory team
If you’re experiencing problems with your supervisory team, start by talking to your supervisors and then your HDR DA. You can also explore RMIT's advice regarding working with your supervisors or consider changing your supervisory arrangements.
Issues with an external research partner
If your research is part of a research project agreement with an external party, or a cotutelle agreement with another university, and you are concerned that the partner organisation is not fulfilling their commitments under the Agreement, contact your supervisor, your HDR DA and the School of Graduate Research External Engagement Support Team on hdr.outreach@rmit.edu.au.
Other support options
- If you feel unsafe – Safer Community is RMIT's dedicated service for students and staff to seek support about experiences of violence, sexual harm, concerning, unwanted, uncomfortable or threatening behaviour. You can talk to RMIT's Safer Community team for support even if the behaviour happened off campus.
- If you need independent support or advice – The RMIT University Student Union (RUSU) is a 100% student-run organisation. They run a Student Rights service who can help you when you need independent support and advice.
- If you would like to make a complaint – As an RMIT student, you have the right to lodge a complaint or appeal about academic, administrative or support services. For more information about the HDR complaints process, see the Higher Degree by Research Student Complaints Guide (PDF, 229KB).
