The Graduate Research Committee is a sub-committee of Senate, and has delegated decision-making powers for operational graduate research matters. It also provides advice to Senate on policy and regulations regarding graduate research.
Terms of Reference
- To provide academic oversight of and advise Senate on the graduate research degree programmes at the University of Otago. These programmes include doctoral programmes and masters’ research thesis programmes (where the thesis is at least 90 points).
- To make decisions relating to doctoral research supervision and to the admission and enrolment, progress, approved study and examinations, of candidates for thesis-based doctoral degrees as outlined in relevant University polices, guidelines, and procedures or as delegated by the Dean of the Graduate Research School, on behalf of Senate and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise).
- To consider the matters placed before it by the Dean, Graduate Research School and the Associate Deans, Postgraduate (or equivalent), and provide academic advice and recommend appropriate actions for implementation through established procedures.
- To review, and advise Senate on, changes to policies, guidelines, procedures, and regulations for doctoral and masters’ study in the University in the light of the material placed before it by the Dean, Graduate Research School and the Associate Deans, Postgraduate (or equivalent).
- To refer relevant matters to the Academic Committee (AC), Committee for the Advancement of Learning and Teaching (CALT), or Quality Advancement Committee (QAC) as they arise and to receive minutes from AC, CALT and QAC, for noting only.
- To provide oversight to and receive minutes from the Graduate Research Student Liaison Committee (GRSLC).
- To consider, advise, and report on any matter concerning graduate research referred to it by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise), Senate, or the Vice-Chancellor.
- To consider strategic matters relating to the work of the Committee.
- To establish sub-committees – as necessary – to undertake tasks or projects relating to the work of the Committee, as outlined in the preceding terms.
Membership
| Composition of the Committee | Member | Expiry Date (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|
| Dean, Graduate Research School (Convener) | Associate Professor Diane Ruwhiu | Ex-officio |
| Deputy Dean, Graduate Research School | Professor Rachel Spronken-Smith | Ex-officio |
| Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Māori) | Distinguished Professor Jacinta Ruru | Ex-officio |
| Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Pacific) | Associate Professor Dianne Sika-Paotonu | Ex-officio |
| Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) | Professor Richard Blaikie | Ex-officio |
| Associate Dean, Postgraduate Research, Division of Commerce | Professor Lisa McNeill | Ex-officio |
| Associate Dean, Postgraduate, Division of Health Sciences | Professor Chrys Jaye | Ex-officio |
| Associate Dean, Postgraduate, Division of Humanities | Professor Wayne Stephenson | Ex-officio |
| Associate Dean, Postgraduate, Division of Sciences | Associate Professor Katherine Black | Ex-officio |
| Director (or nominee), International | Danielle Yamamoto Kerr | Ex-officio |
| Manager, Postgraduate Scholarships, Prizes and Awards | Peter Boston | Ex-officio |
| Manager, Graduate Research School | Bronwen Stephens | Ex-officio |
| Elected postgraduate representative on the OUSA Executive, or a current postgraduate student nominated by the OUSA | Josh Stewart | 31 December 2025 |
| In attendance | Name |
|---|---|
| Academic staff members representing Professional Doctorate programmes (DClinDent, DBA, EdD and DMA) | Associate Professor Sunyoug Ma |
| Tracie Leckie | |
| Dr Helen Trevethan | |
| Committee Secretary |
Michelle Bennie michelle.bennie@otago.ac.nz |
| Managers, Student Administration | |
| Lead Administrator, Student Administration |
Notes
With approval from the Convener:
- Any ex officio member listed in the Composition may nominate another individual to serve as a member on the Committee in their place.
- Additional individuals may be invited to attend without serving as members.
- Additional members may be co-opted as required.
Meeting dates for 2025
- Tuesday, 25 February
- Tuesday, 25 March
- Tuesday, 29 April
- Tuesday, 27 May
- Tuesday, 24 June
- Tuesday, 29 July
- Tuesday, 26 August
- Tuesday, 30 September
- Tuesday, 28 October
- Tuesday, 25 November
These meetings will commence at 2:00pm.