P‌GR National Student Survey Suirbhe Naisiunta na Macleinn 2023‌

The 2023 PGR Student Survey opened in the University of Galway on the 7th February 2023 and closed on the 27th February 2023.

Key results of the survey are available here

Graduate Studies presented your feedback to university staff and to your student representatives.

• Graduate Studies provided your feedback to Colleges, who are tasked with producing School Action Plans, such plans to be published below once available. 
• Heads of Schools are encouraged to consult with postgraduate research students in the preparation of their School Action Plan.

University-wide initiatives were introduced to:

1. Continue collaboration with the Students Union on selection of PhD representatives for each School to improve communication with PGRs
2. Continue collaboration with the vice-Deans of Graduate Studies to expand the College-led induction and the PGR seminar series, supported by the Researcher Development Centre
3. Retaining the flexibility offered through virtual communications (such as electronic submission of thesis for examination and permission to hold virtual viva)
4. Support PGR student dissemination of research success through the Galway, National and International Threesis competitions, organised in collaboration with the RDC and Research Office
5. Continue to advocate at a national level for improved financial support of funded PhDs, and for changes to visa and IRP card processes to better support international students.
6. Clarify scholarship proceduresfor funded PhD students, including benchmarking stipends to match the national (SFI/IRC) stipend rate for internally-funded scholarships
7. Require payment to PGs who undertake teaching support, through a revised Gra​duate Teaching Assistantpolicy, while removing the requirement for unpaid contribution to teaching from the Research Degree Programme Guidelines. A Forum has been established, with SU representation, to provide feedback on issues encountered in implementation of the GTA policy.
8. Increase funding allocated to the Financial Aid Fund, and widen eligibility criteria to include non-EU students
9. Offer write-up bursaries each summer to support PhD completion, worth €1200/month and a bonus payment of €500 to those who submit a thesis by the end of September 2024

                                                                                                    School Action Plans

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