Actions from PGR-GS Liaison Group meeting – 10 July 2024

Previous actions

Request for feedback on Takeaway Tuesday and other survey.  Emily said feedback wasn’t conclusive, so nothing to report. 

Action: Emily to feedback on two surveys

The new OUSA representative will be Andrew Wilson – Deputy President of OUSA

There was no formal response to the request for a microwave in the Hub – but it wasn’t a ‘no’ – we can possibly do a trial run. Update: This is now in place.

Team Guidelines – it is not straightforward to add an obscenity filter, so Emily thinks Team Guidelines are sufficient, but will revisit.

Academic Profiles

Jurgi asked whether WELS are still looking for people to try?  Jurgi did write to Rob. 

Action: Emily to pick up with Rob Grant – what stage are the trials at?

PGR Conference

Yvette noted that it was great to see PGRS at the conference. Lindsay expressed her thanks to the Library staff for being there.

Feedback from the conference:-

• there was an issue with second tea and coffee break.  There were some cakes there, but students didn’t realise that they had been provided for a wellbeing event, taking place at the same time.  Action Emily: Feedback to Rob and to Catering that space was double-booked.

• it would have been nice if biscuits had been provided as people were hungry.

• It would have been nice if Library staff had been told about timings changes, so that they could have directed people to Berrill.

• Conference organisers to think about doing the Poster Competition at the conference.

• Did students not take part in Poster Competition because they were working up to the conference?

• There wasn’t much notice to enter the competition.

• Were there less people at the conference this year?

• Last year was in the Hub Theatre – space was too echoey and noisy.  The Library was a much nicer venue.

• Part-timers would not want to travel to two separate events – distance and expense.

• Was Poster Competition advertised well this year?  Didn’t see much about it.  Flyers asking for submissions would be good.

• If you register through PGRM your badge doesn’t come through.  Maybe streamline the process.

• Some people don’t read Graduate School emails unless directly relevant to them.  Maybe change the date we send them out.

Feedback forms have gone out and Rob has received feedback.

Misc

• Action: PGRS – a reminder that GSN Pages links   links_by_stage.docx - comments are required by the end of July.
• Action: Emily to check whether Rob is still sending a list of completed students for them to get a tree-planting certificate
• Iyanu is stepping down as rep for FBL.  Emily thanked her very much for her contribution and wished her  good luck for the future.  She also thanked Melanie for continuing with us.
• Lindsay advised that her role is a secondment for three years and she is stepping down at the end of the year.  Clare Warren will be the replacement.  She will be joining us at the next meeting. 
• There is an ARC Conference in November.  We have funded two ARC students who are coming over.  We are looking at events to hold.  More information will be available later.  We want to connect PGRS up with them.  About 20 ARC students are coming in total.  Action Lindsay to provide dates.
• Clare Warren would like to speak to reps re student issues.  We hope that Reps will have some time for this.  Or potentially we could use the Liaison Group meeting to do this.

Action: Terri to cancel the August meeting.  The next meeting will be 11^th September, which will be a Town Hall.