The aim of this document is to help ensure that you get the most out of the teaching and learning opportunities that the Cambridge supervision system provides. Some of it has been adapted from a similar set of guidelines produced by the Cambridge University Students Union. Some students can find the supervision system a little intimidating at first, or simply do not know what to expect from it. This document aims to lay out clearly what your rights as a supervisee are, but it is also intended to inform you of your responsibilities.
Supervisions are a unique and highly effective form of teaching.
Please remember that supervisions are there to help you in your studies, and are not intended to be a formal test of your abilities. If you do feel intimidated in supervisions then something is wrong, whether it is the group dynamics, the teacher's expectations of you, or perhaps your own lack of confidence in your abilities. The supervision is not intended to be another lecture, but a two-way process of interaction. The majority of supervisions run smoothly and provide a stimulating environment for learning. Things do occasionally go wrong, and they are not always the fault of either the supervisor or the student.