[Academic] PGR Application response rates

[Neil Hunt]

Dear All,

I have just been informed that an analysis of our PGR Application response times presented to the University International Student Recruitment Committee shows that we address around 30% of our PGR applications in the required 5 days. This has not changed from before the new measures were introduced and is substantially behind the majority of departments (and all in the Science Faculty).

Given that this new approach was an Executive Team-level directive, continued response at this rate is not going to be acceptable so I'm writing to ask you all again to help us by returning any PGR applications sent to you by Audrey with a 'Conditional Offer' or 'Reject' decision within 3-4 working days, preferably faster. In an effort to understand the situation more clearly, I will be monitoring response rates by Division and will feed back the results to Division heads.

Please note, at this initial stage you are being asked only to assess whether the student meets the academic requirements for PhD study - a BSc 2:1 in Physics or related discipline - in order to make a conditional offer or reject. That offer will then be conditional upon references, funding and presentation of certificates. I am happy to explain the process in more detail.

If we continue at this response rate, the alternative approach that we have been encouraged to take by the University is that all PGR applications will be processed by me and supervisors will be allocated once the students arrive in the department. This is undesirable for many reasons.

Best wishes,
Neil
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