July 27, 2020, by Lisa Chin
C0VID-19: Graduate School updates (27 July 2020)
Ref. UNM/GS/C0VID-19/31/27/07/20
C0VID-19: Graduate School updates (27 July 2020)
This is part 31 of a series of updates which provides latest news and information from the Graduate School in light of the movement control order nationwide and campus closure. Don’t forget you can get in touch with us via Facebook and Graduate School Blog or by email at graduateschool@nottingham.edu.my.
The University is regularly updating advice and general FAQs on C0VID-19 on its web page. See more
The Vice Provost (Research and Knowledge Exchange) is also contributing to a more detailed page with guidance for postgraduate research students and research staff. See more
Research update for postgraduate research students (PGRs)
This message from Professor Deborah Hall, Vice Provost (Research and Knowledge Exchange), clarifies recent University updates related to C0VID-19 exceptional regulations
**Updated** Exceptional regulations for PGRs at UNM
Research Update C0VID-19 R6 20200720
In light of the ongoing impacts, the phased opening of research facilities on campus and the lower than normal building occupancy levels in order to comply with social distancing requirements, the University Executive Board agreed a 6 month fee waived extension for all PGRs who have a registered period of study ending between 01 March 2020 and 01 October 2021 at the UNUK campus. PGRs registered at the UNUK campus who were in Thesis Pending Period from 30 September 2019 will also be eligible for a 6 month extension. These decisions apply only to the UK campus because they align with UKRI (i.e. UK government funding body) policy decisions. And the UK Graduate School has made an application to University’s QSC for a 6 month extension on behalf of all the UK PGRs in the eligible cohorts. See Jessica Corner’s blog on 09 July 2020.
At UNM, we recognise that the impact on our PGRs may last for longer than originally envisaged. However, we cannot apply exactly the same package of extensions across UNM because the Malaysian government and local industry funders have responded to the pandemic differently from the response by UKRI. In April 2020, we launched a scheme across UNM to consider extensions to research projects using a C0VID-19 impact statement. RKE Hub have received and dealt with 36 applications from UNM staff and PGRs, indicating that the overall effect of the pandemic might not have been as great as we feared.
Our Research Update #05 on 12 May 2020 highlighted a series of options available to PGRs registered at UNM, and this is supplemented by a set of Exceptional regulations for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and MPhil (UNM). This communication reminds you about some of those key options:
All PGRs who are registered in Thesis Pending Period on or after 30 September 2019 will be eligible for a one month automatic extension and no late fee will be charged.
All PGRs due to complete within the period 01 March 2020 to 31 March 2021 may
a) submit after their final agreed submission date without an application process or any late fee penalty, for a period of up to one (1) calendar month, or
b) apply for an extension to registered study and/or thesis pending period of up to six (6) months, for which the standard fees will be waived.
If research work (data collection and/or analysis) will not be completed by the end of the registered study, then PGRs should apply for an extension to registered study because research work must be completed before progressing into the Thesis Pending Period. Applications are via the Extenuating Circumstances form to MyNottingham. However the C0VID-19 impact statement should be used to provide the necessary information to enable the EC panel to assess the personal and research impacts that the C0VID-19 pandemic has had on the PGR’s research progress.
For PGRs working on projects funded (or part funded) by an external party, before any EC form is submitted, written approval must first be given by the funder and the RKE Hub will assist you in managing this process. This includes any PGRs in receipt of a personal scholarship from an external funder. Requests for an extension through UNM’s internal Extenuating Circumstances panel is not sufficient on its own. Applications are via the C0VID-19 impact statement to RKE.Hub@nottingham.edu.my
Requests for extensions will only be considered under this COVID19 policy for circumstances that have occurred between 15 March 2020 and the PGR’s current final submission date, and only for circumstances that can be attributed to effects of the C0VID-19 pandemic. For other circumstances, PGRs should otherwise make use of pre-existing policy. We will monitor the impact for all PGRs and make further recommendations based on the evidence and aligned with any Malaysian government policy decisions.
Graduation without Boarders
Congratulations to our Class of 2020 postgraduates!
The University celebrated an extraordinary graduation on Friday 24 July 2020 through a series of social media sunbursts that brought together our community #WeAreUoN #UNMGraduation.
We at the Graduate School would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our extraordinary Class of 2020 postgraduates on their achievements. “Turns out, 2020 is the year of weird celebrations. This has all been especially hard on all our 2020 graduates. However, at the Graduate School, you have our deepest admiration and our best wishes. You have many reasons to be proud of your accomplishments. What you have lost in moments and memories, you have gained in perseverance and strength. Celebrating every one of you from a distance!” wrote Ms Deepa Kumari Veerasingam, Head of Graduate School.
Many congratulations!
Researcher training courses
Weekly update of upcoming courses
Using Posters to Communicate Research
-
Tuesday 28 July 2020, 10am – 12noon
-
This course will introduce and support the creation and design of a poster that communicates research work in an innovative and informative manner.
-
Sign up
Introduction to Development Needs Analysis and Goal Setting for PGRs
-
Thursday 30 July 2020, 10am – 12noon
-
This course will introduce the tool to evaluate and plan personal, professional and career development.
-
Sign up
postgradasia Digital Roundtable
Postgraduate Studies in Post-C0VID Times
This digital roundtable session, scheduled for Wednesday 5 August 2020 at 8pm – 9pm, will discuss about C0VID-19 and its impact on postgraduate studies, the measures offered by institutions to overcome this difficult time as well as the next steps that can be taken by students to push through the ‘new normal’.
Next updates from us
Our next issue of Graduate School Bulletin will be posted later this week while our next C0VID-19: Graduate School updates will be posted on Monday 3 August 2020
In the meantime, please continue to observe and follow the safety advice and precautionary measures by our local authorities and University.
-
Post a comment
