Mediation and appeal

The qualifier is a formal exam, in the sense that it is a go/no-go moment. If according to the judgment of the promotor-designate, the student does not qualify, the student may turn to the portfolio holder research. The portfolio holder research will check whether the procedure has been followed according to the rules and sufficient supervision time has been given. If that has been the case, then he/she will approach other professors within the Faculty to see whether any is available as a promotor-designate. If no solution is found, the registration will be terminated and any remaining fellowship months or other funds will be returned to the respective sponsors.

In a case where a PhD candidate experiences significant study-related problems, he/she may approach the research coordinator for consultation. Signalling problems at an early stage will increase the options to find solutions. In a case where there is a problem with a daily supervisor, the student is advised to approach the promotor-designate. In a case where the problem is with the promotor-designate, the student may approach the research coordinator for mediation. If a problem persists, the research coordinator may advise the student to submit a written statement to the portfolio holder research or the dean.

Appeal procedure

In a case where a promotor-designate withdraws¹ supervision of a PhD student, the student cannot remain enrolled in the Graduate Programme. The PhD student may present his/her case in writing to the portfolio holder research and/or the dean via the research coordinator. If no amenable solution is found, the student may attempt to find another promotor-designate within one month. If no solution is found, the registration will be terminated and any remaining fellowship months or other funds will be returned to the respective sponsors.