[NOTICE] Note on Postgraduate Surveys

Dear Graduates,

By now, you’ve likely received emails from the University requesting survey feedback (PTES and/or PRES*). I’d like to share some information on what these are and ask that you take a moment to fill these out.

*PTES = Postgraduate Teaching Experience Survey; PRES = Postgraduate Research Experience Survey; NSS = National Student Survey

The University relies on PTES and PRES to gather graduate student feedback. There is a third survey (NSS), which is for undergraduates. You may have heard of the ongoing NSS boycott to block rising school fees. While it is not my place to comment on the matter, I have included links to both University (link) and CUSU (link) pages for your information. What I can say, however, is that PTES and PRES are not linked to the potential fee raises associated with NSS. Postgraduate fees are not subject to the same national policy as undergraduate fees. Rather, they are more subject to the University’s discretion—all the more reason to give feedback.

PTES and PRES directly plug into metrics used to judge each degree and department/faculty amongst their peers. It is a key institutional mechanism to make sure that our voices are being heard. Please take this opportunity to submit your feedback—especially if you have problems or issues that you would like to raise. Each graduate is provided with a unique link that has been sent to their inbox. Questions for the survey co-ordinator can be directed to Marianna Kaimaki (marianna.kaimaki@admin.cam.ac.uk). Past survey results can be found online (link; raven login required). Thank you for reading, and best of luck to everyone with final essays and exams!