GS-PGR Liaison Group actions 13 September (with archive of action notes)

The postgraduate researcher (PGR)/Graduate School (GS) liaison group exists to facilitate communication between PGRs and the Graduate School on institution-wide issues affecting PGRs. We encourage you to let your representative know if you have some feedback on an issue that is affecting all or some students (specific problems are best directed to your supervisor or faculty postgraduate tutor). For more information on the group, please see this PGR-GS Liaison group page.

These are the Actions for PGR-GS Liaison Group meeting on 13 September with a focus on increasing Part-time PGR participation.

Archive of past actions

Actions and notes arising from the monthly meetings from September 2021 to June 2023.

Actions for 21 September 2021

Including:

• Forms on GSN/PGR Manager
• Thesis word length
• Dissemination of notes and advertising group to October starters
• Future focus group looking at PGR platforms
• Unused RSTG funds
• Hot desks in Faculties
• Support for PGRs to get accommodation
• Thursday coffees and Takeaway Tuesdays.

 

Actions for 26 October 2021

Including:

• Common room
• Lateral flow tests
• Induction
• Connecting with other PGRs
• Teaching scheme
• PGR Manager
• Cold buildings
• Wifi on campus
• Accommodation
• Committee reps
• Bake Your Research.

 

Actions for 14 December 2021

Including:

• Campus buildings - heating and alternative spaces
• OU Club update
• Christmas closing
• OU Study App
• OUSA bi-annual conference
• Library update
• FASS WiP meetings
• New PACE programme

 

Actions for 9 February: 2022

Including:

• Mendeley for Word Add-in
• PGRs considered staff or students?
• Student Assistance Fund
• Research Training Grants
• PACE training
• Training Review
• Teaching Scheme
• Student Systems Portfolio
• Viva training
• Town Hall Meeting
• PGR Manager review workshops
• Library search
• OUSA conference.

 

Questions and responses Town Hall 30 March 2022

Covers:

• The supervisory relationship
• Data management
• Scheduling of training
• Reference management training
• IT support.

 

Actions for 18 May 2022

Covers:

• PGR Manager support
• Communication methods
• Public transport
• MDM roll-out
• Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Policy
• Menopause.

 

Actions from 14 June 2022

Covers:

• OUSA update
• PGR Manager
• Public transport
• Maternity policy
• UKRI
• Viva guidance

 

Actions from 14 July 2022

Covers:

• PGR Manager
• Transport
• UKVI monitoring
• Staff/student issue
• Hardship funding
• Teaching experience
• Doctoral Extension Scheme.

 

Actions from 16 Nov 2022

Covers:

• Buses on Campus
• Progress reporting for PT PGRs
• PGR Manager
• Teaching opportunities
• Lack of people on campus
• Post-study work visas
• Request for Town Hall.
• Update from OU Student Associatio

.

Actions from 14 December 2022:

Covers:

• 6 hour paid work rule for FT PGRs
• Portable heaters
• Student Assistance Fund - difficulties accessing
• Transport on campus

 

Town Hall minutes 17 January 2023:

Covered:

• Paid working hours and regulations
• Annual leave
• Cost of living
• Campus life: academics, facilities on campus, public transport, accommodation, heating
• Dignity and respect
• IT access after completion

 

Actions from 15 Feb 2023:

Covers: 

• Dignity and respect policy
• Discounted and free food
• Industrial action
• BME focus group
• Library update.

 

Actions from 9 May 2023

• Heating in rooms
• Catering discounts
• Distributing the outcomes of these meetings
• Sustainability and vegetarian catering
• Annual leave.

Annual leave subsequently clarified by Ellie Milnes-Smith in this note.

 

Town Hall notes from 7 June 2023

• Estates strategy - accommodation, public transport
• UKVI/Student Route questions - especially around working hours
• Financial support.