1. Introduction to the Graduate School Network (GSN) Emily Yossarian – Senior Manager GSN

2. Purpose of the GSN
Until recently GSN was Virtual Research Environment (VRE)
Administration
Forms
Guidance
Opportunities in the form of:
Events – face-to-face doctoral workshops, one-offs
Training – skills audit and online learning material
Services – Careers (including internships), Library
Network

3. How to find the GSN http://www.open.ac.uk/students/research/
In the you received when your registration was confirmed
Log in at and navigate to StudentHome; the GSN will be listed in the central panel*
Via A-Z on the intranet
Favourite the URL

4. Walkthrough sections Home page: tabs are the sections
panels are links to top or current resources (e.g., new PACE resource)
social media links and feeds
current network topics and events displayed
top resources box, including links to partnerships
site map and contact us in footer

5. Walkthrough sections News Events
Forms and guidance (different views to drill down)
Training (your professional development, F2F, online)
Network (one forum, social media, OULive – online synchronous conferencing rooms)
Services (Careers, Library, Feedback to feedback, OUSA, Stats Advisory Service, ARC area: internships and teaching experience)

6. Training: professional development at the OU
Expected to do skills audit and development plan
Analysis and development plan must be documented and reported on
OU subscribes to Researcher Development Framework (RDF) Planner through Vitae to assist with standard research skills audit and development planning
OU provides training options to meet skills needs
An initial skills audit and needs analysis should be conducted in the first three months of full-time studies, and the first six months of part-time studies. 
The initial development plan should focus on skills required to pass probation. Summaries of skills development must be included in 6-monthly progress reports to the university.

7. Training resources For current F2F events use the Events tab
‘Face to face doctoral workshops’ in ‘Training’ list full programmes, past and present
‘Online doctoral training’ lists the online resources we recommend to meet identified skills gaps:
Short units of learning material on the Research Skills website
Recommended links to learning material

8. RDF planner
Request access via the GSN (right now if you like) and when the OU has approved your access you will receive an to get you logged on
If the framework feels overwhelming, consider using lens to show a subset appropriate to a particular skill or stage
Once you’ve identified an area for development you can access Vitae resources (OU links to follow)

10. Comment by research student
I…use the RDF to track what progress I've made across the various topics identified. Having been in the workplace before I became a postgrad student I know that having kept track of your skills and training can be really useful when it comes to completing a CV or job application. I think the RDF is a good tool for collating that sort of information in a structured way, especially with the option to add evidence to every step.”

11. Network: forum, Facebook and Twitter
Forum: Ask the community, pre- and post-event material
Who uses Facebook/Twitter? Any other channels?
Facebook: celebrate, events, news, opportunities, amplifying your content
Twitter: the same but more frequent, more connected
Like our Facebook page and follow our Twitter account!
Let me know if you have a piece of news to celebrate or want to talk about your research in an interview

12. Future developments
Adding more links between RDF planner and OU training material
Tools to make it easier to collaborate on GSN
Exploring ways to broadcast/convey training/events to off-site students
Let us know what you need: the Graduate School is here to support and listen to the research student community

13. Emily Yossarian Emily. Yossarian@open. ac
Emily Yossarian Graduate School Research and Academic Strategy The Open University Walton Hall Milton Keynes MK7 6AA