PGR Experience Committee
PGR Experience Committee is a subcommittee of, and reports to York Graduate Research School Board (YGRSB), which reports to Senate via University Research Committee.
Terms of reference
Purpose
On behalf of York Graduate Research School Board (YGRSB), PGR Experience Committee coordinates and oversees matters relating to the support and personal and professional development of postgraduate researchers (PGRs) and promotes a vibrant community of PGRs.
The PGR Experience Committee maintains a relationship with the Student Life Committee (which covers the student experience at all levels) and the Researcher Development Concordat Implementation Group (CIG) through the Dean of YGRS (represented on all three bodies) and the exchange of agendas and minutes.
- To develop, monitor the implementation of, and review policy and guidance on matters relating to the support and personal and professional development of PGRs (including induction, training, mentoring, intercultural communication, enrichment activities, public engagement and careers) and to promote a vibrant community of PGRs within a PGR-friendly research culture (referring to the PGR Policies and Programmes Committee where relevant for inclusion in the Policy on Research Degrees).
- To develop, monitor the implementation of, and review policy and guidance on matters relating to the support and development of PGR supervisors (referring to the PGR Policies and Programmes Committee where relevant for inclusion in the Policy on Research Degrees).
- To support the enhancement of 1 and 2 above through the identification and dissemination of good practice and innovation in these areas (institutionally, nationally and internationally) and through the development and celebration of good practice and innovation in these areas at York.
- To advocate for PGRs within the University’s professional support services and to identify and provide feedback to any services where the availability or delivery of support is not appropriate or sufficient for PGRs.
- To develop, monitor and review a YGRS internal engagement and communications plan.
- To encourage PGR engagement on matters relating to the support and personal and professional development of PGRs (in conjunction with the Graduate Students’ Association).
- To promote equality, diversity and inclusion in relation to all the above.
Ex officio members
- Professor Jason Lynam, Chemistry (Chair)
- Claire Anderson, Wentworth College Manager
- Professor Kate Arnold, Dean of the York Graduate Research School
- Megan McLoughlin, Head of the Building Research and Innovation Capacity Team
- Christine Comrie, PGR Content Producer (Alternate: Caitlin McDowell)
- Jo Hardy, Student Wellbeing Programme Manager
- Cecilia Lowe, Learning Services representative (Alternate: Dawn Lindsey)
- Lindsey Myers, Open Research Manager
- Tom Richens, Student Administration and Academic Affairs
- Janice Simpson, Postgraduate Careers Consultant (Alternate: Tom Coward)
- Aurora Zhang, Vice-President (Wellbeing and Community) of the GSA (alternate VP Academic or President)
Nominated members
- Departmental/faculty PGR representative (or alternate): Jack Bradley
- Up to two academics from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities: Dr James Boaden, History of Art (until 31 July 2026)
- Up to two academics from the Faculty of Sciences: Dr Amanda Barnes, Biology (until 31 July 2025)
- Up to two academics from the Faculty of Social Sciences: Dr Sally Hancock, Education (until 31 July 2025)
- Graduate Administrator: Rachel Crooks, Chemistry (until 31 July 2025)
In attendance
- BRIC members: Stewart Barker, Dominika Butler, Francina Clayton, Vic Noble
- GSA President: Mardan Nasier
- GSA Student Voice: Chelsey Goobey
- YGRS Project Officers
Quoracy: One third of members.
Terms of appointment
Appointed academic members should have considerable experience of supervising PGRs and/or supporting the PGR experience.
The Graduate Administrator member must be serving in that capacity.
For appointed members the standard term of office is three years and maximum term is six years.
Unless otherwise stated, the deadline for receiving papers is two weeks before the meeting.
Meeting dates 2023-24
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Wednesday 8 November | 10am to 12 noon |
| Tuesday 6 February | 10am to 12 noon |
| Tuesday 14 May | 10am to 12 noon |
| Tuesday 16 July | 10am to 12 noon |
Standing items
- Business referred from other YGRS committees (eg arising from discussion of policy, or arising from reports received, eg GSA Casework Report)
- Student Life Committee and Student Experience Operations Group minutes (for information)
| Meeting | Regular business | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term, Week 6 | January University induction (overview and decisions) | BRIC |
| Spring Term, Week 5 | Annual programme review | PGRA |
| PRES report (biennial) | PGRA | |
| Annual PGR Careers Report | Careers | |
| Summer Term, Week 5 | Annual BRIC Report (including review of induction and information on BERST and BEST reviews/updates) | BRIC |
| Annual PGR Colleges Report | Wentworth | |
| September University induction (overview and decisions) | BRIC | |
| Summer Vacation, Week 14 | Review of annual priorities and set new | BRIC |