Supervisor Training Workshop - “Clarifying Expectations”

Published in the Research School of Physics Event Horizon
Vol47 Issue34 29 August–2 September 2022

Workshop proposal: Establishing the student/supervisor relationship
Hosted by the ANU Physics HDR team

Aim: This workshop will empower supervisors to effectively clarify expectations with their students and thereby optimise the value of the Candidate-Supervisor agreement

In particular the workshop will provide supervisors with

  1. The opportunity to learn about the value of this process in establishing a platform for students to succeed - including perspectives from current or past students
  2. The chance to hear from other supervisors about their expectations - including supervisors from other fields
  3. The chance to reflect on their own expectations and alternative modes of work
  4. Specific discussion of the ANU student-supervisor contract documentation 
  5. Specific discussion on negotiating agreed terms and addressing issues that arise out of the contract not being met 

Format: The Workshop will have a mixed format. It will include

  1. An introduction by the HDR convenors 
  2. A presentation regarding the importance of clearly communicating expectations with students and the range of issues that should be discussed
  3. Brief presentations by experienced supervisors on establishing mutual agreed expectations
  4. Small group discussion and presentations on selected issues - including a role play
  5. Mediator led questions and answers as a large group (to foster reflection on particular topics and to present certain challenge scenarios for discussion)

Upon completion supervisors will be asked to reflect on the workshop.  

The formal time allotted for the workshop will be 90 minutes.

If possible (given COVID restrictions) the workshop will be followed by an informal gathering to foster further discussion.

Supervisors will be given a list of resources that provide more information on the topic.