Ongoing support for Graduate Researchers

Please note that as a general rule, information supplied for the purpose of selection into the Graduate Research program is treated as confidential and none of it is shared with anyone else in the University.

There are several reasons why you might need to provide that information again to other parts of the University, including to access reasonable adjustments for study, and, in some circumstances, to protect the health and safety of yourself and others. This section outlines the contacts you need to provide that information to.

Health and safety

While you’re studying at the University of Melbourne and Melbourne Law School, it’s essential that you’re aware of your own health and safety and that of others.

The University has a range of policies and processes designed to ensure the health and safety of our University community. You can view key information, including contact points if you have any concerns, here. The University’s policies on health and safety are available here.

The University has health and safety obligations to all those who interact with it, including students and staff. The University will be proactive in identifying and addressing risks, but, if you’re aware of any circumstances (whether they involve you or others) that may require attention, you are strongly encouraged to let the University know so that necessary action may be taken. This information can be vital in emergencies, e.g., for a building evacuation.

Adjustments for disability and other ongoing support needs

The University provides assistance to students where an ongoing circumstance or an official commitment impacts on your studies for a period of longer than six weeks. These include disability, chronic medical or mental health conditions, carer responsibilities, cultural or religious observance, elite athlete or performer responsibilities, and defence reservist or emergency volunteer duties.

The University welcomes, and is committed to supporting, people with disability. If you think you might need information, adjustments or other support for a disability, you are strongly encouraged to register for ongoing support at the earliest opportunity. We suggest doing so in advance of commencing your degree. This will enhance your academic experience and help to ensure that reasonable supports are available to you when you need them. Information you provide is strictly confidential and subject to the protections of relevant privacy laws.

Doing so will help ensure that measures to support your academic success in the degree are identified and that due consideration is given to making reasonable adjustments, including via an Academic Adjustment Plan (AAP) as support for negotiating study adjustments with your supervisors. Please note that the AAP may need to be tailored to apply to a research degree. You may also be eligible to apply for prospective periods of leave to account for anticipated recurring absences resulting from chronic health conditions.

If you register for ongoing support, we strongly advise that you should also consider seeking individual degree planning advice from MLS Assistant Dean – Teaching & Learning, Associate Professor Judith Marychurch to work through the best study load for your individual circumstances.

A leave of absence should be applied for if circumstances occur that may temporarily hinder your studies. For example, if you are ill, have additional family or carer responsibilities, or an employment opportunity arises, you may be approved for leave.

The University of Melbourne Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides free, confidential short-term professional counselling to currently enrolled students and staff. Resources are also available on working with supervisors and resolving issues that arise during candidature and examination.