SEMT · Postgraduate research
A conversation
that moves
things forward.
PGR student–staff forum.
A space to share what is working, raise what matters, and agree what happens next.
22 October 2026 · UK time (BST)
Ada Lovelace SM1Teams participation available¹
PGR representativesStudents, School & Faculty
together
The running order
Seven moments.
One shared purpose.
Select an item to see its purpose, discussion prompts and intended outcome. Times and topics are proposed for the representatives to agree.
0111:305 minutesWelcome & introductionsSet the direction for our conversation.
Welcome everyone, introduce the representatives and agree the agenda.
- Who is joining in person and online?
- Are there any additions or urgent items?
- Confirm chairing roles and who is recording actions.
Leave with An agreed running order and clear meeting roles.
0211:3510 minutesPrevious actionsStart with what has changed.
Review the latest action list and identify any items that need follow-up.
- What has been completed since the last meeting?
- Which actions are still open, and what is the next step?
- Do owners or target dates need to be updated?
Leave with An updated action list, with the status of outstanding items confirmed.
0311:4510 minutesSchool & Faculty updatesPut the discussion in context.
Hear relevant updates from the School, Faculty and support services.
- Changes or opportunities that affect PGR students.
- Relevant Library and IT information, if representatives are attending.
- Where students can find further information or support.
Leave with Key updates and useful information to share with the PGR community.
0411:5530 minutesThe student perspectiveHear what matters across our cohorts.
Bring together feedback from Engineering Mathematics and the CDT cohorts, including positive experiences and suggestions for improvement.
- Workspace, room booking and the Temple Quarter transition.
- Finding administrative information and accessing support.
- Other current issues raised by students before the meeting.
These are prompts to check with students, rather than statements that problems remain unresolved. Discuss themes without identifying individual students.
Leave with A small set of shared priorities and practical requests for action.
0512:2510 minutesResearch support & developmentMake it easier to do good research.
Discuss the resources, guidance and development opportunities PGR students need.
- IT, HPC and GPU access, and routes to technical support.
- Training needs and opportunities across cohorts.
- APM, presentation and reviewer guidance.
Confirm which of these topics are relevant now before putting specific concerns to the forum.
Leave with Clear support routes and agreed follow-up on any gaps students identify.
0612:3515 minutesCommunity, events & EDIBuild connections across the School.
Explore ways to make the PGR community more connected, welcoming and inclusive.
- Seminars, writing retreats and connections across offices and cohorts.
- Accessibility, participation and equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Daniel’s proposed PGR LinkedIn page: interest, purpose and possible ownership.
The LinkedIn page is an idea for discussion; creation and approval have not been agreed.
Leave with Prioritised community ideas and a next step for proposals worth exploring.
0712:5010 minutesAgree what happens nextTurn the conversation into commitments.
Review the decisions and actions, and confirm how the outcomes will be communicated.
- Who owns each action, and when will they report back?
- Which items should be raised at Faculty SARF?
- How will we share an update with students?
Leave with Named action owners, follow-up dates and a plan for reporting back.
Before we meet
Bring a perspective.
And a possibility.
Representatives are gathering feedback ahead of the forum. Share what you would like us to raise through your usual representative channel.
- 01 / What
What is working well?
Tell us what helps your research or makes you feel part of the community.
- 02 / Why
What needs attention?
A brief example and who is affected help us explain the issue clearly.
- 03 / Next
What would make a difference?
Suggest a practical improvement, or the support you would like to see.
Your PGR representatives
Chairing and discussion roles to be agreed together.