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.

Contact us

For agendas and minutes: PGR Quality and Governance

academic-quality-pgr@york.ac.uk

Remit

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.

Members

Ex officio members

Chair: Jason Lynam - Chemistry
Head of BRIC (or alternate): Megan McLoughlin (Dominika Butler)
Dean of the York Graduate Research School: Professor Paul Wakeling
Director of Postgraduate Research Arts and Humanities: Professor Craig Taylor
Director of Postgraduate Research Science: Dr Gianluca Tempesti
Director of Postgraduate Research Social Sciences: Dr Claire Smith
York SU Community and Wellbeing Officer (or alternate): Freddy Russell (Fenella Johnson)
Student Administration and Academic Affairs (or alternate): Tom Richens
Student Wellbeing Programme Manager (or alternate): Jo Hardy
Open Research Manager (or alternate): Lindsey Myers
Learning Services representative (or alternate): Cecilia Lowe (Dawn Lindsey)
Postgraduate Careers Consultant (or alternate): Janice Simpson (Tom Coward)
PGR Content Producer (or alternative): Christine Comrie (Caitlin McDowell)
Wentworth College Manager (or alternate): Claire Anderson

Nominated members

Departmental/faculty PGR representative (or alternate):

Faculty of Arts and Humanities: James Boaden - History of Art (until 31/7/26)
Faculty of Sciences: Amanda Barnes - Biology (until 31/7/25)
Faculty of Social Sciences: Sally Hancock - Education (until 31/7/25)
Graduate Administrator: Rachel Crooks - Chemistry (until 31/7/25)

In attendance

YGRS Project Officer: James Parker

Quoracy: One third of members.

Terms

Nominated 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 nominated members, the standard term of office is three years and the maximum term is six years.

Meetings

Unless otherwise stated, the deadline for receiving papers is two weeks before the meeting.