1800 385 578This is an orientation program for new and current Higher Degree Research supervisors that aims to shift individual ethical practices specific to the supervisor/supervisee relationship. It also aims to contribute to an overall decrease in sexual harassment and sexual assault of HDR students.
Is it okay to supervise a research student in your home?
Is it okay to share conference accommodation?
Is it okay to discuss a student's thesis over dinner?
Higher Degree research supervisors face a multitude of ethical dilemmas in both teaching and academic leadership roles. There is rarely training provided to support them in making these decisions.
While ethical issues in research are accorded significant attention, this has not been extended to the academic teaching role – HDR supervision is part of the academic teaching workload.
This program has been developed specifically for supervisors overseeing research/PhD students.
The aim of the program is to:
- Create a shift in individual ethical practices specific to the supervisor/supervisee relationship
- Contribute to an overall decrease in sexual harassment and sexual assault of HDR students
In this training, supervisors will:
- Critically engage with the importance of approaching sexual harassment and sexual assault as an ethical issue
- Critically reflect on ethical frameworks that inform their pedagogical practices in the HDR arena
- Develop an accurate understanding of the dynamics that underpin, and the behaviours that constitute, sexual harassment and assault
- Gain an understanding of the power dynamics within the supervisor/supervisee relationship
- Understand the impacts and consequences of sexual harassment and sexual assault in universities and the general community
- Develop skills in behaving ethically as a bystander
It is proposed that this training is incorporated as part of a supervisor's on-boarding/orientation.
| Modality | Appropriate for | Maximum participants |
|---|---|---|
| Online and face-to-face | Current and new supervisors of higher Degree Research students | 20 |
The program incorporates adult learning principles which recognise that participants bring a wealth of experience to both the online and face-to-face environment.
It includes a mixture of formats including mini presentations of key concepts, case studies of real life situations which will explore the complexity of issues, audio–visual clips, and ethical dilemmas.
A key feature of the training is a focus on experiential learning, individual and small group reflection and providing opportunities for participants to practice skills in ethical leadership.
A maximum of twenty participants per face to face workshop is required to foster discussion and encourage group work, and a maximum of ten in the online environment to encourage participation. The program will be facilitated by two trainers from Full Stop Australia.
This program was developed during 2018 in a partnership between Full Stop Australia and Dr Suzanne Egan. Dr Egan was contracted by the organisation in a research capacity for the duration of the project.
