In November 2023, YGRS ran focus groups and a survey with current PGRs to gather your suggestions for improving the support for PGRs from offer to enrolment. Three main themes emerged: problems with finding accommodation, not feeling connected to the University or the University community, and a lack of understanding on starting a PGR degree.
Here are some of the changes that are being implemented because of your input:
- Changes to the offer letter to better signpost support around accommodation and arrival, as well as making the end of date of programmes clearer with regards to the “write-up year”.
- YGRS is overhauling the central university induction to better inform, welcome and connect new PGRs.
- The central training programme will be structured into development pathways to help clarify which stage of the PhD training sessions should be undertaken.
- New training sessions are being planned aimed at helping PGRs when they start their programmes.
We also have some longer term changes which we are working on which will start building a sense of community and belonging for York’s PGR offer holders:
- YGRS have designed a series of newsletter emails which will be sent to PGR offer holders.
- The International Recruitment Team is creating a social media group for international PGR offer holders to connect with one another.
- The Student Hub and new Student Housing Advisor will work on improving guidance around searching for private sector accommodation.
Thank you to all those who participated! Because of your input, we have been able to make changes that will hopefully make a real difference for future PGR offer holders.
