In this section
Current students
Print this page
  1. UC Website
  2. Graduate research
  3. Current students
  4. Study
  5. Progress
  6. Progress Support Strategy

Progress Support Strategy

A Progress Support Strategy (PSS) may be recommended if you are experiencing challenges or disruptions that affect your ability to make satisfactory progress in your research degree.

The PSS is a supportive framework designed to help you address these challenges and work toward the timely completion of your HDR program. It is tailored to your individual circumstances and provides:

  • Structured support and regular engagement with your supervisory team
  • Clear, formally recorded expectations around actions, responsibilities, and timeframes

How is the PSS activated?

A Progress Support Strategy (PSS) may be activated if your supervisory panel identifies that you are not progressing in your degree as expected—based on milestone completion or progress against your Research Plan.

Formal Review Process

Your candidature progress is formally reviewed twice a year through:

  • Research Plan Review (March)
  • Annual Progress Report (September)

The Faculty HDR Officer may recommend a PSS if your progress is assessed as:

  • Making Progress
  • Unsatisfactory

Other Circumstances

A PSS may also be activated outside formal reviews if you or your supervisory panel believe additional support is needed. Indicators may include:

  • Overdue candidature milestones
  • Disengagement from supervisory meetings
  • Missed deadlines or failure to submit drafts
  • Leave or intermission from your course
  • Life events impacting your research

To activate a PSS under these circumstances, your supervisory panel must consult with the Faculty HDR officer and present a case that you are at risk of unsatisfactory progress.

Graduate Research will formally notify you if a PSS is activated.

How Will I Be Supported?

In collaboration with your Supervisory team, you will develop a Course of Action Plan tailored to your needs.

This plan will include goals, due dates, and timeframes, and may involve:

  • Attending HDR Development, UC Library, or third-party workshops
  • Referral to university support services
  • Adjustments to candidature (e.g. part-time study, leave, supervisory changes)
  • A prescribed program of work (e.g. submitting drafts, scheduling seminars, revising your Research Plan)

What are the PSS steps?

Initial Meeting

You, your supervisory panel, and the Faculty HDR Officer will meet within 21 working days of the PSS notification to agree on the Course of Action Plan.

Strategy Report

A formal Progress Support Strategy Report, including your Course of Action Plan, will be approved by your faculty and shared with Graduate Research.

Implementation

You will work with your supervisor to complete the plan’s items by the due dates.

Progress Reporting

You will report on your progress in the Strategy Report by the specified deadline.

Assessment

Your Primary Supervisor will assess your progress and submit the report to the HDR Officer for review.

Notification

Graduate Research will notify you of the Faculty recommendation.

What Are the Possible Outcomes?

At the end of the PSS period, the Faculty HDR Officer will recommend one of the following outcomes:

  • Progress deemed satisfactory (if goals are achieved)
  • Extended PSS (additional 3 months)
  • Academic Probation (3 months duration)
  • Transfer to a Master’s of Research (if appropriate)
  • Voluntary withdrawal from the course

Need help?

Graduate Research provides central administration, support and skills development for Higher Degree by Research candidates from application to graduation.

Contact Us