Updated PGR FAQs: Graduation, travel insurance, equipment, Zoom

16 Apr 2020

Frequently asked questions are updated regularly

This advice is correct at the time of publication of this news article.

If you have health concerns then you should refer to the NHS website as recommended by Public Health England. For other queries regarding the current situation, email coronavirus-info@manchester.ac.uk.

The latest new questions are:

Can I make a travel insurance claim if travel arrangements for a trip related to my research have been cancelled?

Trips need to have been approved by supervisors for the claim to be valid. If this is the case, please visit the University’s latest guidance on what to do in the event of travel disruptions due to coronavirus.

Will my graduation ceremony still take place?

We have, regrettably, decided to postpone our graduation ceremonies this July. Students who complete their degree requirements will, of course, still graduate – even though there won’t be an immediate ceremony. Certificates will be sent by post so please make sure that your student record is up-to-date in My Manchester.

At this stage, we expect that our December graduation ceremonies will go ahead as scheduled. However, we will keep this under review and will provide more details nearer the time for students who would normally expect to graduate in December.

For more information please read our graduation frequently asked questions.

Some existing questions have also been updated:

Can I get a laptop?

The University is exploring how to safely deliver resources such as laptops and other equipment to students and to PGRs. The current disruption has impacted on the supply of some key equipment and we are prioritising those who need these items most.

What is happening with training and development workshops for PGR students?

Faculty training teams and the Library My Research Essentials team are moving to online delivery where possible and there may be some disruption to delivery while these arrangements are being put into place. PGRs who are still interested in participating in upcoming training and development courses are advised not to cancel face-to-face sessions but wait to be contacted by the training organisers with details of how to access course materials / online webinars. If you have any further questions please contact the appropriate training provider:

The Careers Service is also there to support PGRs and is providing one to one virtual appointments for all things careers related. To support your research, learning and adjusting to researching you can also access useful learning and further resources, including LinkedIn Learning.

How should I remain in contact with my supervisor/supervisory team whilst working remotely?

Provided that your supervisor is in good health and therefore working remotely, contact should be maintained during this period (eg. email, phone or Zoom). The University license for Zoom was extended to postgraduate researchers on 6 April. If your main supervisor is unavailable, PGRs should liaise with other members of their supervisory team. All progression and supervisory meetings should be conducted remotely and eProg milestone deadlines should continue to be met.