UTROP

FAQ's

Who manages UTROP?

• UTROP is managed by the Faculty of EH&S’s Research and Postgraduate Office (R&PGS)
• The UTROP coordinator is an academic staff member of the Faculty of EH&S
• The Faculty of EH&S through CDU's People Management and Development division, administers student payments for UTROP.

Who is eligible?

Supervisors
Research staff from the Faculty of EH&S, the Tropical Savannas CRC (TS CRC) and other program sponsors are eligible to be UTROP supervisors.

Students
The UTROP Committee will consider applications from students who have completed at least 120 credit points towards their degree, and who are currently enrolled in a course offered through the Faculty of EH&S.

Where can UTROP be undertaken?

UTROP can be undertaken wherever Faculty of EH&S, TS CRC or other UTROP sponsors research is carried out. CRC partnership agencies are encouraged to host UTROP students.

How long does UTROP run for?

A UTROP project must be at least 80 hours duration and no longer than 120 hours duration.

When does UTROP run?

The UTROP positions are flexible and the program is designed to accommodate students' academic timetables, exam periods, their supervisor's activities, and seasonal and environmental factors. For example, a UTROP project may run in a four week block during the summer break, six hours a week for a semester or two weeks field work followed by three hours a week for four weeks. The schedule will be worked out by the student and UTROP supervisor. This schedule should be enclosed with the UTROP application form.

Should the schedule vary from the original agreement, the UTROP student and their supervisor will resolve how the UTROP student can continue in a more sustainable manner.

What is the role of the coordinator and the committee?

• Calls for project proposals
• Calls for, acknowledges, and notifies applicants of the result of the selection process
• Convenes and chairs the selection panel
• Mentoring and problem solving
• Calls for/organises assessment of final reports
• Coordinates evaluation processes
• Encourages students to secure a reference from the supervisor.

What is the role of the UTROP supervisor?

• Coordinates and organises UTROP student’s project
• Completes supervisor agreement which includes assurance of adequate facilities and resources
• Liaises with the University's People Management and Development division or other relevant personnel within partnership agencies (other than salaries)
• Provides ongoing supervision, including coordinating the roles and responsibilities of other staff associated with the project
• Supervises reporting by UTROP student
• Provides written feed-back to the student on their performance.

What is the role of the UTROP student?

• Conducts themselves with the same integrity and professionalism expected of all members of the faculty
• Complies with CDU administration procedures and adheres to policies and procedures of the host institute
• Fulfils the formal reporting requirements for UTROP (final report and evaluation form)
• Liaises with their supervisor and UTROP coordinator as required.