Physics PG-SSLC Minutes 24th October
Physics PG-SSLC
Minutes for the meeting held on 24th October 2014, P 523
1. Welcome
Apologies: Geetha Balakrishnan,
2. Minutes of the Last Meeting
Everyone is aware the minutes from the previous meeting are on the PGSSLC
website.
3. PG Talks – The problem with Pizzas
Costcutters, where we have until recently been purchasing pizzas for the PG talks has
stopped supplying Pizzas. We have recently been procuring them from ‘La Gusta’,
however these pizzas are more expensive and smaller. The university charge card, used
to purchase pizzas, prevents purchase from pizza delivery companies which could be
cheaper (eg. Dominoes), without substantial paperwork. Due to the increased cost, to
continue using La Gusta would require an increase in the PG-SSLC talks budget. We shall
enquire what action the chemistry department, which purchases large quantities of
pizzas for their ‘chemistry cafés ’ has taken; we will most likely follow what they do.
4. PhD students mentoring final year projects
Concern has been raised by some PhD students that a substantial amount of their time is
being used to mentor/direct project students, requiring up to two days a week of their
already limited time without any recompense.
The bulk of contact between project students should be with the associated academic and
staff. While postgraduate students may be required for some instruction, particularly in
condensed matter, this should not exceed a few hours a week. If any student is being
encouraged to give up more of their time to instruct project students can they please
contact Danny Steeghs so that he can gain an understanding of each individual case and
can take action accordingly.
5. Replacing a “condensed matter” rep with “materials science”
The establishment of a ‘materials science cohort’, the strengthening of links between
related research groups involved in materials science research here at Warwick Physics
Physics PG-SSLC Minutes 24th October
is in its preliminary phase. A additional (rather than replacement) PG-SSLC
representative is suggested. A series of seminars will also begin shortly, beginning with
researchers from the university.
6. Warwick turns 50
Undergraduates have come up with a range of responses to the request for ideas for the
department to celebrate the university turning 50 (putting postgraduates to shame).
Ideas include a bouncy castle, stalls and a BBQ.
Postgraduate related ideas could include inviting postgraduate alumni (500-1,000) to
come and talks about their experiences during and after their time at Warwick (this
could be separate from the similar talks aimed at the entire department).
7. Elections Results
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Chair: David Patchett
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Secretary: Mark Hollands
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PG talks coordinator: David Wilson
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Social Sec: Mohammed Saghir
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Materials Science: Oliver Newell
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Condensed matter: Ahmad Syed
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Astrophysics: Jessica Spake
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Particle: Jan Greis
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CFSA: Chloe Pugh
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Theory: Eduardo Mendive-Tapia
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Athena Swan: Stephanie Greis, Chris Manser
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Safety: David Patchett
Open positions: MAS, Milburn house and international representative.
8. Any Other Business?
Transferable skills – The department will be more proactive to ensure participants are
more up to date with what is going on.
Research evening – This years research evening will held on 26th November 4:306:30pm. As usual this is an opportunity for researchers and undergraduates to meet and
for research groups to display posters.
University monitoring – Students may be unaware of the continuing use of university
mandated monitoring points using tracking software to ensure occasional meetings
between students and supervisors are attended.
9. Next Meeting
Friday 12th December 2014, room PS0.17