[Academic] PH450 Vivas: Reminders and Further Advice

[Daniel Oi]

To Viva Committees,

Thanks in advance for conducting these oral examinations under the circumstances. In case you haven't already done so, just a reminder to Chairs to please set up Zoom calls and send the meeting details to everyone on the call in advance. Some suggestions:

  *   Use a waiting room for the student
  *   Add the other examiners as co-hosts
  *   Perhaps add a short note of explanation with the meeting details for the student, e.g.  "You can expect that after everyone is on the call, we will place you in a waiting room while we have a short organisational discussion. The viva slot is 45 minutes in total. We will start the viva by asking you to give a brief (5 min) summary of your project, including aims, background, and conclusions. You should not prepare a presentation or slides but rather should explain in your own words what your project was about. We will then take turns to ask you questions about your work. Please have at hand your reports for reference."

Instructions to student on MyPlace state:
`Adjustments made to allow vivas to take place remotely follow Science Faulty guidance, "It is important that appropriate arrangements are made to maintain the integrity, confidentiality and validity of the examination process." Hence, please take note of the following:

  *   You will need to have your video camera on to ensure that the committee can be satisfied that you are alone throughout the viva.
  *   The viva must not be recorded, either by audio or video.
  *   All parties must be present and visible throughout the examination.'

Notwithstanding the above, please allow students opportunities to take short breaks to compose themselves if needed. You may want to allow them to opportunity to ask any questions they may have about the procedures at the start.

Good luck,
Daniel
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