HDR Student Services Support — Academic and International Student Success

The HDR Student Services Support program focuses on strengthening academic development, equity, and inclusion for higher degree by research (HDR) students. The HDR Skills and Academic Development Coordinator role, established in early 2024, leads the design, delivery, and evaluation of specialised academic skills programs. In Q1, 2025, the initiative has supported 158 workshop attendees (124 online) and delivered 68 one-on-one consultations, with targeted outreach to groups like the Indigenous HDR Network. Online learning materials and recorded workshops have improved accessibility and will contribute to future resource development.

The International HDR student support stream has expanded with tailored workshops, masterclasses, onboarding sessions, careers training, and mindfulness activities. Approximately 60 students have participated in peer-led early- and mid-candidature programs, alongside an enhanced 12-week orientation program for over 200 new students. Strong positive feedback has led to plans for a condensed 4 × 6-week delivery model next year, integrating more student-led components.

Collaborating with partners like the Library, Digital Technology Solutions (DTS), Office of Student Advocacy, Campus Care, and Schools, the initiative supports HDR timely completion and improves the first-year experience. Evaluation through post-workshop surveys and the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey shows strong impacts on student engagement, academic progress, and retention.