Supervising Postgraduates

In 2006, 110 students with disabilities in Research Higher Degrees indicated a disability on enrolment. Most students who have progressed to studies at this level have well developed and effective strategies in place to manage the impact of their disability and study. There are however many students where the impact of their disability can be more significant given the different demands of post graduate studies. Sometimes these students will seek support from the DLU and manage their study effectively, others will only initiate contact or seek supports when a problem arises with their candidature or relationship with their supervisor.

Some disabilities may be obvious or visible such as a person who uses a wheelchair for mobility or a student who is Deaf and uses sign language interpreters. In many circumstances however the existence of a disability is not known, unless a student chooses to disclose this information to you.

The benefits of disclosure are numerous and promoting disclosure may be the most effective step a supervisor can take. By encouraging students to make their individual needs known to you, supervisors are better informed to meet both the students' needs and expectations of the University. Disclosure is usually more comfortable for students when they feel confident that information will be respected and treated with confidence and when they can see a purpose for disclosing their disability. Explaining the essential requirements of research and a PhD candidature and then asking if there are likely to be difficulties in meeting these requirements can be a useful way of linking student needs with candidature requirements. The DLU can advise in strategies that facilitate disclosure and appropriate responses.

The DLU provide a range of supports to postgraduate students depending on their individual needs. Services may include notetaking, library assistance, adaptive technology and equipment loan. It can be beneficial to meet with prospective students to identify support needs and to contact the DLU to ensure the services a student may require are available.

The DLU also works closely with academic staff in identifying reasonable adjustments that facilitate the participation of students with disabilities whilst upholding the academic integrity of the program in which they are enrolled. The University is required by law to make adjustments where a student with a disability has made their needs known to staff. DLU staff are accomplished in working with students and supervisors to identify realistic and workable solutions to issues.

Links

Eleven practices of effective postgraduate supervisors (PDF : 3.79MB) is a useful guide. Produced by SGS and CSHE.

Supervisor Checklist (DOC : 28KB) from the School of Graduate Studies

Premia is a UK resource exploring a range of issues for postgraduate students and their supervisors . They also provide a checklist (PDF : 100KB) specifically highlighting issues for postgraduate research students with a disability. Please note this is a UK publication and information regarding legislation and funding will be different to those University of Melbourne staff/students are required to comply with.

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