Research Higher Degrees Posthumous Awards Policy

Document Number	000867
Date Approved	3 December 2008

1.      Introduction     

This policy supports the University’s commitment to offering posthumous awards where such awards are deemed appropriate. It should be read in conjunction with the Posthumous Awards Policy (to be reviewed) and the Rules Governing Research Higher Degrees - Rule 000830.

2.      Policy Intent     

This policy provides the framework for the posthumous granting of an award in the event of the death of an enrolled Research Higher Degree candidate of the University of Newcastle.

3.      Relevant Definitions

In the context of this document:

Committee means the Research Training Sub-Committee, a sub-committee of the Research Committee;

degree means the degree for which a person is a candidate;

Faculty means the Faculty responsible for the program;

program means the approved program of advanced study and research for the completion of the research higher degree;

Pro Vice-Chancellor means the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty responsible for the program;

supervisor means the person appointed by the Pro Vice-Chancellor (or nominee), or where more than one such person is appointed, the person assigned the responsibility as principal supervisor;

thesis means a thesis as defined in the Rules Governing Research Higher Degrees Rule 000830.

4.      Policy Principles

4.1.     A research higher degree award may be granted posthumously to a deceased candidate subject to the following conditions:

4.1.1.       the candidate was active (currently enrolled or on approved Leave of Absence) in the program at the time of their death;

4.1.2.       there is a reasonable expectation that the candidate would have satisfactorily completed the requirements for the award had they not passed away;

4.1.3.       consideration of the granting of a posthumous award is proposed and supported by the Pro Vice-Chancellor (or nominee); and

4.1.4.       the work of the candidate is subsequently deemed by the appointed examiners to meet the required criteria.

4.2.     Intellectual property rights, where these apply, will be resolved in line with the University’s Intellectual Property Policy 000831.

 

Approval Authority	Academic Senate
Date Approved	3 December 2008
Date for Review	3 December 2011
Policy Sponsor	Vice-Chancellor
Policy Owner	Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)
Policy Contact	Executive Officer Graduate Studies