Resolving issues
You can expect guidance from your faculty and department throughout your candidature and examination. If problems arise, the information on this page will help you to take a considered approach to manage any issues.
What is the process?
Issues are best resolved informally in your department or graduate school whenever possible. Your first step is to talk to your supervisors or graduate research administrators. It is a normal part of any working relationship that issues can arise from differences of opinion or expectation. Take a look at the Working with my supervisor page for advice about building an effective professional relationship with your supervisors.
You can also find helpful tips on resolving issues early on the Student Union's Supervision page.
For advice on issues relating to your academic progress or wellbeing during your candidature, refer to the Managing difficulties during candidature page.
If you can’t resolve the issue with your supervisor, please consider the following approach:
- Revisit the discussion
- Talk to your supervisor
- Consult on the issue
- Talk to your advisory committee chair
- Seek further advice
- Talk to your graduate research coordinator
- If still unresolved
- Talk to the department head
Approaching an issue
Step 1 - Consider the basis for your concern | Ask yourself the following questions:
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Step 2 - Seek advice | Speak to the following people:
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Step 3 - Reconsider your concern | Ask yourself the following questions:
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Step 4 - Determine your next step | Decide what you're going to do:
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What if my problem still isn't resolved?
Very occasionally, some issues may not be so easily resolved. If you can't reach a satisfactory solution within your faculty or department, you may wish to seek additional advice. Other options independent of your faculty or department include:
- The University of Melbourne Student Union provides a free, confidential and independent advocacy service for students
- Additional support services such as Counselling and Psychological Services, Student Equity and Disability Services, International Student Support appointments or a Chaplain
If your problem cannot be resolved in this way, you can submit a formal complaint or grievance.
Note that the formal process requires you to outline a history of the issue and your previous attempts to resolve it.