The Heriot-Watt Research Students Representatives Group (RSRG) addresses the need for cross-School discussion of research student issues by the students themselves as well as representation through the Research Student Co-ordinators Group. The membership consists of a research student representative from each School and Institute, the research student development advisor of the Students Association, and the Research Development Co-ordinator from the Educational Development Unit. The group meets seven times a year and is chaired by the University Director of Postgraduate Studies.

see also: research

The Senate is the supreme academic body of the University. It superintends and regulates the teaching of the University and has the authority to promote research. The powers and functions of the Senate include the authorisation of awards to be made to persons who have satisfied the appropriate conditions for an award. The Senate is also responsible for the appointment of Examiners and for the discipline of students. The Senate delegates to its committees responsibility for specific activities such as discipline, quality assurance, undergraduate and postgraduate studies, and Ordinances and Regulations. The committees report to the Senate on a regular basis.

see also: senate

The Committee ensures that annual budgets are based on correct assumptions regarding staffing levels and costs, by reviewing the staffing implications of the Strategic Plan. The Committee advises Court on performance measures and benchmarking comparisons for the staffing function, and ensures the application of best practice. The Committee also reviews from time to time the overall effectiveness of personnel policies and regulations, and of staff development and management training policies.

see also: strategy

The Undergraduate Studies Committee develops and promotes a co-ordinated approach to the quality enhancement of undergraduate programmes through the approval of the content, specifications and assessment regulations of new undergraduate programmes, courses and modules, and major modifications. The Committee is responsible for the approval, on behalf of the Senate, of requests from Schools and students for additional assessment opportunities, temporary suspensions of studies, extensions to maximum periods of study for individual students, and associated fee adjustments. The Committee approves, on behalf of the Senate, the appointment of external examiners for first degree courses.

see also: senate, undergraduate

The Vacancy Management Group - or VMG - reports to PME. The VMG has the authority to make decisions in accordance with the University's strategy to manage its human resources. Its remit is to consider requests for appointments to vacant posts, appointments of contract staff and extensions to temporary contracts.

see also: management, vacancies

The Validation Committee considers the Annual Report on the performance of programmes leading to awards of the University delivered wholly or partly by the Edinburgh College of Art, and to monitor any resulting actions.

see also: validation