Checklist for Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates

Congratulations on your commencement as a higher degree by research (HDR) candidate, and welcome to ANU! Starting a research degree can be a confusing time, especially if you are new to ANU. This checklist is designed to help you navigate the first six months of your research degree.

Your first two weeks

• Get in touch with your local HDR Administrator by sending them an email or visiting your relevant student office. Your HDR Administrator can help you find your desk, connect to internet and printing networks, and guide you through any necessary paperwork;
• Get in touch with your HDR Convenor. This will be a member of the academic staff in your school who convenes your HDR program. Ask them if there are any upcoming induction events for new HDR candidates in your College;
• Pay your Services and Amenities fee and pick up your Student Card (which doubles as your library card) from Student Central;
• Read the latest HDR Update. This newsletter advertises all kinds of opportunities and communities at ANU;
• Find and bookmark your College's policies and guidelines page. You don't need to know all the rules, but it is important to know where to find them when you need them;
• Visit the ANUSA website for information on students support services.
• Arrange an informal meeting or coffee with your supervisor. Your first meeting can just be a casual conversation, but you should also try to schedule another meeting to establish your expectations of each other in the supervision relationship.
• If you have a disability, medical condition (including mental illness) or will be a recognised primary carer during your time at ANU, you can visit Access & Inclusion to discuss the support you can receive during your studies. This is a free and confidential service.
• Complete your inductions and mandatory training courses. Log into ANU Pulse to see what has been allocated to you. 

Your first three months

• Get started on the Research Integrity Training course. This online module is compulsory for every ANU HDR candidate;
• Complete your Rights, Relationships and Respect in Research program, a consent and healthy relationships program for all HDR candidates;
• Meet with your supervisor to put together your supervisory panel;
• Complete your first Annual Plan. You should do this in discussion with your supervisory panel. This is a really useful way to plan your research activities for the coming year;
• Check with your HDR Convenor if there is any compulsory coursework you must complete as part of your degree;
• Attend an ANU-wide new student induction. These events are run every six months by the Researcher Development team and are a great way to get to know ANU as an institution;
• Have a look at all the other research training opportunities available throughout ANU and start to identify what might be relevant to you. The ANU Researcher Development team send out useful links continuously on Twitter and Facebook;
• Familiarise yourself with the milestone reporting that you will be asked to do throughout your degree. Many aspects of research degree administration vary between Colleges, but progress reports are submitted online via ISIS, so log in and have a look around;
• Familiarise yourself with the ANU Library online and take advantage of the services and resources they have available for research students.

Your first six months

• Meet all your panel members individually to discuss their roles in your research project;
• Get involved in ANU events, communities and clubs. Attending talks, seminars and social gatherings in your School, College or through an ANU club will give you opportunities to build and expand your social and intellectual network;
• Familiarise yourself with the Research Awards Rule. These are the rules and guidelines that govern all higher degree by research programs at ANU. Knowing exactly what is expected of you as a candidate, and what you can expect from ANU is essential in setting yourself up for a successful candidature. 

What to do if things go wrong

Higher degree by research can be a challenging time. There are lots of places you can go for help if things go wrong. Your supervisor should be your first point of call, or you can contact your HDR Convenor or HDR Administrator for general advice. ANU also offers a range of support services to help you stay on track:

• The Dean of Students can provide confidential advice if you have a concern related to supervision;
• The University Counselling Centre are highly experienced at working with HDR candidates. They offer private sessions and workshops to help you deal with a range of issues including stress, low confidence, balancing family and work commitments, adjusting to living in a new location, motivation issues, and relationship advice;
• As an ANU student you also have access to a range of programs and services that aim to help you maintain your health and wellbeing.