SCHOOL OF HUMANITES POSTGRADUATE COMMITTEE MINUTES
Wednesday 20th June, 2012
Present: Catriona MacDonald (Chair), Ann Gow, Adele Redhead, Geraldine Parsons,
Lynn D’Adamo, Stephan Leuenberger, Bill Hanson
Apologies: Katherine Forsyth, Michael Murray & Don Spaeth (attending later in the
meeting).
1.
Welcome
Welcome Lynn D’Adamo
2. Minutes
Accepted
3. Matters arising
College Internships. We had been successful in our PhD applications and secured 3
Internships. The use of rankings used by School was discussed and it was agreed that
it was disempowering for School as these were not used at College level. It was agreed
that this would be reviewed with CMacD raising with College. CMacD had raised the
various timing issues with College and has been assured that this will be addressed for
next year. Due to the rapid timescale, it was understood that College were looking at a
more uniformed scheme so that all scholarships would be considered at the same time.
There was a query about the deployment of internships – 2 of which had placements at
College. CMacD had discussed the model of 1 year at College then back to School, as
yet no criteria given as to how to this would be managed.
There was a further discussion about the Completion policy with the agreement that
academic judgment comes into play. CMcD agreed to return to further discussion. It
was suggested that wherever expedient, the word ‘normally’ should be used to enable
extraordinary cases to be dealt with individually.
4. Admissions – Lynn D’Adamo
Lyn gave an outline of the processes of PGT and PGR admissions from RIO
perspective. The diagram below was given as visualization.
A wide ranging discussion followed where Lyn gave clarification over pre registration in
July – Big gap between CAS & pre registration letter being sent out, candidates asked
to accept within 4 weeks. Visa turnaround causing delays.
The committee agreed that this dissemination of information was very useful as were
regular updates on admissions data, including any RIO refusals.
There was a discussion about tasks at school level and at RIO and we noted that
current GU students who go on to PGT still need to upload transcripts as the systems
do not yet share full data.
The committee asked Lynn how to improve communications from School side. Lynn
emphasized the need to ensure that information should be given to RIO on new
programmes or programmes cancelled/postponed/namechanges.
In the case of “No replies” to offers, there is a point where RIO are waiting for results etc
to be uploaded. It was recommended that where possible School/Programme should
“chase” these students after the offer is made.
Committee gave thanks to Lynn, noting her time and efforts were very much
appreciated.
Decision on
Applications by RIO
carried twice weekly
Hold if not all docs
received or if in doubt
of qualification
Automatic email sent
reminding chasing
outstanding docs
2:2 would be sent to
Convenors or work
experience decisions
sent to Convenors
Reject if not from a
recognised Institution
or had 5 fails
Reject if advised to by
Convenor
5.
Subject Updates
Subject Convenors for 2012-12:HATII – Susan Stuart taking over PGR & Brad Glisson taking over PGT
Philosophy – Alan Weir taking over as PGR
Classics - Lisa taking over both PGT & PGR
Archaeology - Bill Hanson taking over both PGT & PGR
Celtic & Gaelic - no name yet
6.
Internship Scholarships
Dealt with under matters arising.
Put deadline in diary to see how many PhD registered for graduations.
7.
A. PRES Data
SoH results from 31 students
Students reported lack of financial support for research activities. M.Murray – is dealing
with space following PG space audit. The committee agreed that this could be an area
that the student PG rep might address.
Grad Teaching Assistant opportunities scored below average.
CMcD reported that the Arts PG students were to get a further 22 desks in Gilbert Scott,
55 at Great George St, 10 at Oakfield Avenue. There would be further information from
College on how these spaces would be allocated.
Audit of deployment /recruitment/training/support – by convenors.
Next year the Pres data will be published to the public, and so addressing issues raised
here in a timely fashion is important.
B. International Student Barometer
MM & CMcD & Stuart Airlie would be meeting on this matter. Induction at School
definitely improved.
8.
Representation Interdisciplinary
Proposal to include Interdisciplinary programmes in the circulation lists of
Postgraduate Committee minutes, etc and Committee Convenor to meet with once a
semester War Studies & Scottish and Celtic Studies & American Studies. Agreed with
inclusion of Landscape: Integrated Research & Practice.
9.
Representation
1 PGR & 1 PGT Rep to attend Postgrad Committee meetings to represent PGR
& PGT candidates across the School.
10. & 11.
PGR & PGT Induction
College dates given, PGT 10th Sept. PGR 4th Oct – Information will be given on
compulsory training courses.
Individual Subjects will hold PGT & PhD Inductions. School to hold PGR Welcome
event, covering role of advisors; funding opportunities; workspace, etc.
12.
PGR Training
There was a discussion about skills training for PGR students and a concern that
we are duplicating.
There will be a tweak in Annual Review forms for 1st year PhDs to address attendance
at training sessions.
Supplementary courses for 2nd & 3rd year PhDs will also have to be recorded.
13.
Future Meetings
Communication to come.
14.
Deposits on PGT offer of place
Committee felt that this procedure might work in variable ways across the School
programmes. For example, it may be good mechanism for individual programmes, i.e.
Museum Studies but not so effective with smaller programmes.
15.
AOCB
Heather sent apologies and had been looking into costs for flyers for publicity.
Information was coming out about UK Borders Agency re International Students from
Dee Heddon but as of yet no system in place.