Induction

Commencing your research degree can be a daunting experience. There are policies and procedures that will be unfamiliar to you, regardless of your previous level of study. At the University of Newcastle we know how important it is to support students feel comfortable in their new surroundings from day one.

There are a number of induction activities available to you.

Meet and Greet sessions

After you accept your offer you will be invited to attend a Meet and Greet session in your first month. This is an opportunity to be presented with important information on managing your candidature and support available to you. The knowledgeable Graduate Research team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. It is also a good opportunity to connect with other commencing students.

The session is compulsory for all international students, who will complete their enrolment at the session.

If you have registered for your free laptop but not yet collected it from us, this will be provided to you at the session.

First Year Success Program (FYSP)

At the Meet and Greet session you will receive initial information about the FYSP. Graduate Research will then contact you by email to formally invite you to the next trimester's running of the 12-week program.

This is an integral part of all students' onboarding at the University of Newcastle. As part of a cohort, you will be introduced to the core skills, knowledge and research design concepts that enable a successful path to confirmation and are the basis for specialised skills and knowledge development through your Masters (Research) or Doctoral Degree.

The program consists of five learning modules delivered across 1 hour weekly masterclasses and a Canvas course site containing additional resources and program content. In the program you will also be introduced to additional induction modules to be completed in Discover, including a Health & Safety Induction and the Research Integrity Awareness module.

School-run orientation sessions

You may also be invited to attend an orientation session run by your School or College. At this session you will be provided with School policy and procedures related to research studies and you will be introduced to the School representatives. It is important for you to attend your local orientation session as practices and expectations can vary between Schools.

If you have any queries about your local induction arrangements, please contact your School's Head of School nominee for HDR matters.

Meeting with your Supervisor(s)

Perhaps your most important induction activity will be your first meeting with your supervisor(s). You will be provided with clear and comprehensive information on the expectations and degree requirements of your degree.

Some of the topics you will discuss may include:

  • Key milestones
  • Time commitment
  • Your research plan
  • Planning how to best utilise your annual HDR allowance
  • Frequency of supervisor meetings
  • What is required to achieve confirmation

You are required to complete a Supervisory Expectations Document in consultation with your supervisors within the first six months of your candidature.

For more information on the supervisor-candidate relationship see the Code of Practice for Higher Degree by Research Candidature.

Self-managed induction

There are a range of other activities you should undertake in your first weeks to smooth your induction to life as a research student. These are presented in no particular order: