Liaison group actions 18 March 2026

Completed actions from 18 February 2026

• Graduate School is facilitating asking existing PGRS to run an accommodation talk in August and December and make a recording of it.
• Existing PGRS being matched with buddies and Operations team to inform PGRS in their letter, that they can be buddied up if they are looking for accommodation.
• More recent starters invited to become part of peer support groups of around 4-5 people. 
• A communication will be sent to all PGRS detailing all the email addresses for post-restructure.
• Foosball table goal has been ordered.
• Estates have advised Esma that they don’t have another table.
• A detailed response was sent out by Clare regarding the International PGRS attendance and engagement policy .
• Academic Heart Perry Plan Query – there was no significance to the chairs marked blue, this was just random choice of colour schemes.
• OU Laptops will be available.
• Any queries, please reach out to Clare or the DRD’s in the faculties. Supervisors are still the first point of contact.

Items from WELS – Lorna Stevens

Move date for moving to the Academic Heart? Clare confirmed that the cleaning and packing should completed in by PGRS in August, but the move date is likely to be September or early October. PGRS should leave everything ready in a box and Estates will move it.

Any queries should be directed as follows:

• Contacts WELS Joanna.Farmer [email protected]
• FBL Natasha Proctor [email protected]
• FASS Claire Collier [email protected]

The Graduate Certificate only says: Doctor of Philosophy. Would it be possible for WELS to have a more specific sub-heading, akin to other schools?

All Certificates are printed by name and qualification only. There is no difference between faculties. This is something which is under review.

Disaster Management planning? Jane Ball shared the OU's plan with Clare Warren and the following text:

"The University maintains robust, regularly tested emergency planning and business continuity arrangements across all faculties and professional units. These plans are overseen by our central Business Continuity Team, who ensure that each area’s preparedness measures remain current and fit for purpose in light of emerging global risks.
In the event of any significant national or international disruption, continuity of study and research is a core institutional priority. Our response throughout the Covid‑19 pandemic demonstrated the University’s ability to sustain teaching, supervision and assessment under highly challenging conditions, and those capabilities have since been further strengthened.

We also operate dynamic travel‑risk controls to protect staff and postgraduate researchers. For example, travel to higher‑risk regions is currently restricted to prevent colleagues being caught up in instability overseas. These measures are reviewed frequently and adjusted as the situation evolves.

Should a major incident affect the UK, the University would issue clear, timely guidance to students and staff, including international students who may need to travel or temporarily relocate. Our established emergency communication channels ensure that the community receives practical advice on personal safety, study continuity and any operational changes."

The main advice is that all staff and PGRS would get an emergency text message including students with international numbers.

Items from STEM – Rebecca Davis

Discussion around how we can make sure we are giving all PGRs the opportunity to raise issues or ask questions at this meeting. 

Action: Emily put a standing reminder in the Digest as a belt and braces approach.

PGRS to note

Please help us to advertise International Lunch on Tuesday 24th March in the Library Atrium.

The next meeting on Wednesday 22nd April will be a Town Hall, where everyone can come along.

Action: Clare to invite Estates to the meeting and give PGRS The opportunity to see plans.