PGR Policies and Programmes Committee
The PGR Policies and Programmes Committee (PPPC) is a subcommittee of, and reports to, York Graduate Research School Board (YGRSB).
YGRSB reports to Senate via University Research Committee.
Terms of reference
Purpose
On behalf of York Graduate Research School Board (YGRSB), to assure the standards of postgraduate research (PGR) programmes, and to monitor and promote the enhancement of the quality of the academic experience of postgraduate researchers (PGRs).
Reporting structure
On matters relating to new PGR programme approval, PPPC reports directly to Senate.
On matters relating to PGR assessment, the Standing Committee on Assessment reports to PPPC. SCA reports directly to Senate on the approval of PGR awards.
Contact us
Chair: Professor Kate Arnold
Dean of York Graduate Research School
Secretary: Juliet James
PGR Quality and Governance
- To develop, monitor the implementation of, and review regulations, policies and guidance relating to the standards of PGR programmes and the quality of the academic experience of PGRs (including supervision), including Regulation 2 and the Policy on Research Degrees (in conjunction with the Standing Committee on Assessment for assessment).
- To approve proposals for new PGR programmes, for the suspension or withdrawal of PGR programmes (with respect to the academic case), for modifications to PGR programmes and for collaborative PGR provision (recommending approval to YGRSB in the case of high risk ventures). Also to approve taught degree programmes taken only by PGRs as set out in the Policy on Research Degrees.
- To monitor the standards of PGR programmes and the quality of PGRs’ academic experience (including through data, surveys, and review processes) and ensure that appropriate action is taken in response.
- To support the enhancement of PGR programmes and PGRs’ academic experience 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 promote PGR engagement on the standards and quality of PGR programmes and the academic experience of PGRs (in conjunction with the Graduate Students’ Association).
- To oversee Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) policy and its implementation as this impacts on PGRs (in conjunction with University Teaching Committee - which owns the Policy on GTAs - and Human Resources).
- To promote equality, diversity and inclusion in relation to all the above.
Ex officio members
- Professor Kate Arnold, Dean of the YGRS (Chair)
- Dr Patrick Gallimore, Chair of Standing Committee on Assessment (or Deputy)
- Dr Juliet James, PGR Quality Support Officer (or alternate) (Secretary)
- Megan McLoughlin, Head of the Building Research and Innovation Capacity Team
- Tom Richens, Deputy Head of Student Administration (Student Casework and PGR Administration)
- Cytherea Shen, Vice-President (Academic) of the GSA (or alternate)July 2024
- Dr Andrew Taylor, Head of the Policy, Integrity and Performance Team (or alternate)
Appointed members
- One departmental/faculty PGR representative (or alternate): Daniel Lock
- Up to two academics from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities: Professor Michelle Alexander, Archaeology (until 31 July 2025), Dr Marta Herrero, TFTI (until 31 July 2025)
- Up to two academics from the Faculty of Sciences: Dr Kelly Redeker, Biology (2nd term, until 31 July 2024), Professor Peter Coventry, Health Sciences (until 31 July 2025)
- Up to two academics from the Faculty of Social Sciences: Dr Clare Jackson, Sociology (until 31 July 2025), Dr Andrew Pickering, Economics (until 31 July 2025)
- Graduate Administrator: Camilla Danese, Electronic Engineering (until 31 July 2025)
In attendance
- Chelsey Grooby, GSA Representation and Democracy Coordinator
Quoracy
One third of members.
Terms of appointment
Appointed academic members should be current or former Graduate Chairs (or similar, for example, DTP/CDT leads) and/or have considerable experience of supervising PGRs.
At least one academic member should be serving on University Teaching Committee to provide a link to this committee. 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 2023/2024
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Wednesday 15 November | 10am to 12 noon |
| Wednesday 28 February | 10am to 12 noon |
| Wednesday 10 April | 10am to 12 noon |
| Wednesday 5 June | 10am to 12 noon |
2023/204
2022/23
2021/22
- Minutes 17 November 2021
- Minutes 9 February 2022 (PDF
, 335kb) - Minutes 25 April 2022 (PDF , 264kb)
- Minutes 7 June 2022
2020/21
Parent committee and associated subcommittees
Contact us
Chair: Professor Kate Arnold
Dean of York Graduate Research School
Secretary: Juliet James
PGR Quality and Governance