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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) to have oversight of the experience of PGRs at York, where this falls outside the direct influence of their PGR programme. 

Remit
  1. To promote a vibrant community of PGRs within a PGR-friendly research culture;
  2. To advocate for the needs of PGRs within University services and to identify and provide feedback where the availability or delivery of services is not appropriate or sufficient for PGRs;
  3. To work with the University of York Student’s Union to ensure that the views of PGRs are appropriately represented at all levels (institutional, faculty, school/department);
  4. To oversee matters relating to the wellbeing and support of PGRs;
  5. To oversee matters relating to personal and professional development of PGRs, including induction, careers, and training;
  6. To oversee matters relating to the experience of PGRs as GTAs;
  7. To promote equality, diversity and inclusion in relation to all the above.
Members

Ex officio members

  • Chair: Professor Jason Lynam - Chemistry
  • Dean of the York Graduate Research School: Professor Paul Wakeling
  • Head of Research Culture and Researcher Development (or alternate):Megan McLoughlin (Dominika Butler)
  • Director of Postgraduate Research Arts and Humanities: Professor Craig Taylor 
  • Director of Postgraduate Research Science: Dr Gianluca Tempesti
  • Director of Postgraduate Research Social Sciences: Professor Caroloyn Snell
  • YorkSU CEO: Ms Yeme Onoabhagbe 
  • YorkSU Community and Wellbeing Officer (or alternate): Sam Dickinson (any sabbatical)
  • YorkSU Student Voice and Insight Manager: Gabby Morgan
  • Student Administration and Academic Affairs (or alternate): Tom Richens
  • Postgraduate Careers Consultant (or alternate): Janice Simpson (Tom Coward) 
  • Open Research Manager (LALS) (or alternate): Lindsey Myers
  • Faculty Engagement Manager (LALS) (or alternate): David Brown 
  • Learning Services representative (LALS) (or alternate): Siobhan Dunlop 
  • PGR Communications specialist (or alternative): Christine Comrie (Caitlin McDowell) 
  • YGRS Project Officer: James Parker
  • Wellbeing, Community and College Services (or alternate): Tom Metcalfe 

Nominated members (up to two academics per faculty)

Departmental/faculty PGR representative (or alternate): 

  • Faculty of Arts and Humanities: James Boaden - History of Art (until 31/07/2026)
  • Faculty of Sciences: vacant (until XXX)
  • Faculty of Social Sciences: Sally Hancock - Education (second term until 31/07/2028)
  • Graduate Administrator: Rachel Crooks - Chemistry (second term until 31/07/2028)

In attendance

  • Alternates are welcome

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 maximum term is six years.

Meetings

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

Meeting dates 2025

Date Time
21 October 10am to 12 noon
3 February  10am to 12 noon
4 June 10am to 12 noon

Parent committee and associated subcommittees