Graduate School key issues from December 2018 workshop

Posted on behalf of Lindsay O'Dell:

"Please read the key issues arising from the December 2018 workshop on the Graduate School report. The following text is extracted from the introduction.

A workshop to discuss the Graduate School took place on the 5th December 2018. Representatives from across the university including faculties, students, OUSA and RES were invited to attend. The workshop included an opportunity for attendees to provide feedback on the current arrangements and thoughts about how the Graduate School should develop over the next 3 years.
The workshop addressed a series of key questions, details of these and feedback provided by attendees are appended. 
Participants noted that a clear vision and imaginative approach would enable and support the development over the Graduate School. In the workshop we discussed a community of practice approach to the Graduate School which would frame and enable all who are interested in postgraduate research across the University to be part of a series of ongoing discussions and, most importantly, actions, to shape the next 3 years of the Graduate School. 
In my view the key issues arising from the workshop for the Graduate School are:

To communicate the value of Postgraduate research at the OU

• To showcase PG research within and outside of the university
• Drawing in alumni- and current students- to contribute
• Demonstrating the contribution of the PGR community in many aspects of university life including research, knowledge exchange/engagement and links between teaching and research

To be a central point for contact, activity and values concerning PGR students

• A focus on social justice, wellbeing and equality
• To link to the mission for the university
• An example given at the workshop was the expansion of ARCs but there will be other partnership opportunities 

To clarify internal process

• More support for faculties with partnerships
• Better working together across faculties, GS, registry and RDC
• More effective communication with faculties and other stakeholders
• Clarification of roles
• Improve registry function and support 

Ways of feeding back and getting involved:

To send initial feedback- what are your views about the key issues identified in the workshop? What is most important? Is there anything missing? What is unique to the Open University? Please email- [email protected] 
I will also have a regular drop-in in the Hub for anyone to drop in to discuss the developments with me (details to be confirmed and communicated via the GSN).
There will be a number of opportunities to participate in discussions about the Graduate School over the coming months. Details will be shared through faculty representatives on the Graduate School Board as well as on the GSN."