The University Executive Board has approved an extension to the Maternity and Shared Parental Leave policy for doctoral researchers.

Following a meeting on 26th November 2018, the University Executive Board (UEB) approved an agreed Policy for Maternity Pay and Shared Parental Leave for doctoral researchers at the University of Southampton.

The University Policy covers maternity, paternity or shared parental leave. Students covered by the policy are entitled to 52 weeks of leave.

Richard Curtis, FELS PGR Officer says “It is fantastic that the University of Southampton are finally recognising the real-world pressures on postgraduate students. Knowing that the ability to … Read the rest

The university currently has a number of key surveys out at the moment, designed to improve the student experience across a range of areas.

Whether you are a PGR, PGT or an undergrad, make sure you get your voice heard by completing one of the following surveys:

Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES)

The Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) is the only UK higher education sector-wide survey to gain insight from postgraduate research students about their learning and supervision experience. The feedback from this survey will help to improve the experience for our postgraduate research students.If you are a PGR … Read the rest

Nominations are now open for our By-Elections – You can nominate yourself for the following roles:

Postgrad Taught

• Postgraduate (Taught) Students Officer
• RON (Re-Open Nominations)

Postgraduate Committee

• Postgraduate Research (PGR) Academic Officer
• Postgraduate Research (PGR) Training & Development Officer
• Postgraduate Research (PGR) Welfare Officer
• Postgraduate Taught (PGR) Academic Officer

Nominate yourself at www.unionsouthampton.org/postgrad

Faculty Reps

• Health Sciences
• Engineering & Environment

Nominate yourself at unionsouthampton.org/academic

Academic Presidents

• Healthcare Science
• Healthcare, (Management, Policy & Research)
• Optoelectronics Research Centre

Nominate yourself at unionsouthampton.org/academic

Key Dates

• Nominations Open – Monday December 5 at 09:00
• Nominations Close – Tuesday December 13 at 13:00
• Voting Opens

While undergrads look forward to 2 weeks of non-stop partying, we understand that not all of our new students have the same wants and timetables… hence why we have prepared Freshers’ with something for everyone! These are just a few of the events that will be on offer for you, so get picking and tailor your own experience!

Family

• Meet the Guide Dogs at Southampton and WSA

Cuddle fluffy guide dogs for just a donation that will go to The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

Southampton: Thursday 29 September 11:00 at the Union

WSA: Wednesday 05 October 11:00 on … Read the rest

Easter is almost upon us and that can only mean one thing: chocolate and lots of it!

And for the postgraduate students staying in Southampton over the holidays, you’ll be pleased to hear you can still get your sugar fix at our weekly Coffee and Cake events which will be continuing to run throughout the Easter break.

For those who may not have heard of this before, it’s a weekly event run for postgraduate students and takes place every Thursday in The Bridge from 10.30am. It’s a great chance to take a well-earned break from your studies and meet other … Read the rest