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University of York

York Graduate Research School Board

Terms of Reference

Terms of Reference

  1. To have oversight of all matters relating to postgraduate research (PGR) students at the University, to advise Research Committee on aspects of the research strategy and UTC on aspects of the learning and teaching strategy relating to PGR students, and to monitor and respond to national developments relating to PGR students.
  2. To champion and promote PGR students within the University’s strategies and planning, as well as the role PGR students play in the research endeavour, and to take a view on developments within the University that impact upon PGR students, making recommendations to relevant committees, UEB, the Pro‑Vice-Chancellor(s) and Vice-Chancellor as appropriate.
  3. In association with other committees and offices, to develop and monitor strategies, policies and regulations relating to PGR students. Examples include:
    • regulations for research degree awards (Regulation 2) and the University’s policy on research degrees (in conjunction with the Academic Support Office and Registry Services, and the Standing Committee on Assessment);
    • policies and strategies relating to the nature of research degree provision at York, including collaborative research degrees (in conjunction with the Academic Support Office);
    • personal development opportunities and training for research students (in conjunction with the Researcher Development Team and Student Experience Committee);
    • admissions and widening participation at PGR level (in conjunction with Student Recruitment and Admissions);
    • learning and research resources (in conjunction with the Information Strategy Group).
  4. To take an overview of all training, development and support provided to PGR students by relevant support services, Faculties, academic departments, Centres for Doctoral Training, Doctoral Training Grant programmes, Initial Training Networks and other focused programmes.
  5. To take the lead in stimulating a community of PGR students within and across departments.
  6. To approve proposals for new research degree programmes (under powers delegated by Senate) and for modifications to research degree programmes with a taught element.
  7. To recommend to Senate for approval proposals for dual and joint research degree programmes.
  8. To consider matters relating to the quality assurance and enhancement of research degree programmes that may be referred to it by University Teaching Committee following annual programme review, periodic review or external review.
  9. To participate in quality assurance processes relating to research degree programmes (eg three-year review of a PGR programme or periodic review of research centres involved in learning and teaching), where requested by the University Teaching Committee.
  10. To monitor the delivery of Doctoral Training Partnerships, Centres for Doctoral Training and similar arrangements to ensure they meet the University’s quality and standards.
  11. To consider data from relevant internal and external surveys, including the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey.
  12. To consider data relating to the support for and achievement of PGR students, including in the areas of employability; retention, progression and completion; and appeals and complaints.
  13. To determine University strategy and policy with regard to the funding of PGR students, taking into account other forms of financial support and relevant aspects of the University’s research strategy, and to monitor:
    • the impact of funding opportunities on programme applications and quality of applications;
    • summary data relating to student funding applications, offers and acceptance rates; benchmarking; and the ratio of academic staff to research students;
    • the impact of funding on a range of parameters including recruitment, completion rates and diversity.
  14. To be aware of and monitor statutory returns in relation to Research Council awards (eg submission rates).
  15. To establish fora and working groups to facilitate its work.
  16. To consider ways of promoting equality and diversity in relation to PGR students.
  17. To receive reports from the relevant sub-committees

Membership

Membership

Ex officio:

  • Dean of the YGRS
  • Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research
  • Pro-Vice Chancellor for Teaching, Learning and Students
  • Dean for the Faculty of Sciences,
  • Dean for the Faculty of Social Sciences
  • Dean for the Faculty of Arts and Humanities
  • Director of Research and Enterprise
  • Academic Registrar
  • President of the GSA
  • Vice-President (Academic or Welfare) of the GSA
  • Head of the Academic Support Office
  • Assistant Registrar: Research and Financial Support

Elected:

  • Faculty representatives chosen from the each of the Faculty Boards

Secretary:

  • Student Services Officer (Research Student Administration)

Meetings

Meetings

2019/20

  • Monday 2 December 2019, 10am - 12pm 
  • Monday 24 February 2020, 10am - 12pm
  • Friday 29 May 2020, 10am - 12pm 

2018/19

2017/18

2016/17

2015/16

More information