Pastoral
Problems which arise during the course of the student's research should normally be discussed initially with the Principal Supervisor. Students who consider their work is not proceeding satisfactorily for reasons beyond their control may, however, contact their School/Department Director of Postgraduate Research (or alternative if this person is their own Supervisor). If they wish to discuss the matter with a person outside their own School/Department they should contact the Graduate School. Students may, as appropriate, be advised to contact their Head of Department, Dean of School or the Chair of the Research Degrees Committee.
Supervisors should appreciate that these procedures may enable a student who considered that an effective working relationship was not being established with their Supervisor to initiate an amendment being made to the supervisory arrangements.
On a similar basis a Supervisor who experiences difficulties in establishing a working relationship with a student should, in the first instance, discuss the matter with their Department/School Director of Postgraduate Research and/or Associate Dean. This procedure may, likewise, enable a Supervisor to initiate an amendment being made to the supervisory arrangements.
The nature of the relationship between a Supervisor and research student is such that there are bound to be times when there will be tension or strain between the individuals involved. Very occasionally a situation can develop in which a research student feels that they are being subject to personal harassment including bullying. Any incidence of harassment will be regarded extremely seriously by the University.
Students are advised that any problems which arise during their period of study should be brought to the attention of the Director of Postgraduate Research (or other persons as noted above) in order that any such difficulties may be resolved before submission of the thesis. It should be noted that unless any problems regarding inadequacy of supervisory or other arrangements during the period of study are raised before submission of the thesis, no subsequent appeal against a decision of the Examiners may be made based on a complaint on these grounds, unless their are exceptional reasons for it not having come to light until after the assessment.
The University Equality Unit provide a Dignity and Respect drop-in service and also students/staff may contact one of the University's Dignity and Respect Support Contact Persons. Information about the University's policy and contacts can be found on the Equality Unit website and the following link will take you to the relevant webpage:
University of Bradford Equality Unit: Policies, Schemes and Legislation
The University also has a Counselling Service which provides counselling for enrolled students and staff at the University. They offer a drop-in service (during term time) or you can book an appointment. The following link will take you to the website of the Counselling Service:
University of Bradford Counselling Service
