Acting as Independent Chair – essential information Independent Chair Training

This module sets out the role of the independent chair and this is further defined in the ‘Code of Practice Conduct of Postgraduate Research.’ The code and other Academic handbooks can be found:  http://www.salford.ac.uk/qeo/Roles This module provides: - Role and responsibilities - An overview of the examination process - The timeline for activities pre-viva, at the viva and following the viva - Guidance on the paper work to be completed and submitted

The role of independent chair…… - The role of independent chair…… - Supervisory requirement to chair the Viva for another School - Conducts the examination to ensure fairness and policy observance - Does not read thesis or make any contribution - Informs candidate of examiners decision, must complete report and submit examination forms to student admin The Chair ensures that: - The Viva examination is rigorous, fair, reliable and consistent - The Candidate has opportunity to defend the thesis - The questioning is conducted fairly and professionally, adhering to regulations and procedure and concentrated on the examining process - The examiners recommendations are communicated (clearly/timely) - All paperwork is completed (Joint Examiners Report and Independent Chair report)

The role of independent chair timeline…… Before the Viva The Pre-Oral Meeting During the Viva Where/when is it? Contact details PGR office Refresh – PGR Award regulations and CoP or specific programmes/ formats and section D ‘Academic Misconduct’ Check - you have paperwork/forms: Pre-Oral Report Form, Joint Examiners’ Report Form, and Independent Chair Report Form Refer to the IC checklist Takes place on the day of viva Check - examiners have completed pre-oral report forms (or use your copy) Chair the pre-oral meeting: determine agenda, format, questioning, and breaks The option of student presentation Introductions (including the supervisors role if present) Outline format Confirm the candidate is ‘fit to sit’ Make notes for the Independent Chair form, keep focus, check time and breaks Ensure – questioning is fair, intervene if unfair or there’s misconduct At end – manage questions, student/supervisor/s to leave room

The role of independent chair timeline continued…… The Examiners’ Discussion Concluding the Viva Role Summary Chair examiners’ discussion and advise if required Ensure FULL completion and signatures of the Joint Examiners Report Form If not agreement – examiners submit separate reports to SREC Verbally report outcome and recommendations to student/ supervisor/s (be clear this is provisional) Ensure FULL completion of the Pre-Oral, Joint Examiners’ and Independent Chair forms Submit within 7 days to Student Admin sa-pgr@salford.ac.uk Responsible for completion and submission of paperwork Ensure the viva runs smoothly and fairly and within regulations/policy guidance Refer to the IC checklist for full details or ask PGR admin or School PGR Director.

Overview of the Viva process…….