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Tag: read the regulations

Nathan

The M&M Clause

Daily Post

There’s an old story that rock band Van Halen asked for bowls of M&Ms in their dressing rooms as part of their contract – but with all of the brown candies removed.

This wasn’t superstars being super-picky: the detail was way down the contract clauses and served as a safety check for them. The band had shown up to concerts previously and found stage crews who hadn’t followed safety procedures they had set out and agreed to. Now if they showed up and saw brown M&Ms in their dressing room they would know there was a good chance that the venue weren’t paying attention and they could take action as needed.

 

There’s an analogy here for the viva!

You might want to be a rockstar but alas you’re the venue.

You need to read the regulations (the contract) that your institution has put forward. Don’t simply follow what others tell you or what seems like common sense.

Read the regulations. Be sure. Regulations are updated from time to time so be sure that you know the process, know what you and others need to do and know what the exceptions are. If your viva needs to be different for some reason then you can see how that comes about, who does what and why.

You’re unlikely to find a small clause in the regulations that means you have to provide bowls of treats for your examiners but it’s worth checking all the points so that you can concentrate on the real work of getting ready.

Nathan

Notice Of Submission

Daily Post

The notice of submission is more than a form with some dates on it. You’re saying I’m almost done.

Whatever work is still needed, now you really have a deadline. Now might be the time to start thinking about viva preparation and what you need from other people. If the selection of your examiners has not been decided then now is the time to talk to your supervisors and see what they are thinking.

And now is definitely the time, if you haven’t done so already, to read the regulations for your institution. Don’t assume you have a good handle on things because your friends and colleagues have told you bits and pieces: read the regulations, be sure for yourself and identify someone you can contact if you have any questions or if any problems occur between submission and the viva.

Start making lists when you hand in your notice of submission. What do you need? Who do you need it from? When do you need it?

And what’s your next step?

 

PS: one possible next step would be to check out the details for Viva Survivor, my upcoming live webinar on Wednesday 25th June. I’m regularly invited to deliver this session with PhD candidates all around the UK, but this is only the third time I’ve opened up registration like this. A 3-hour live webinar, catch-up recording and follow-up materials all about the viva, viva prep and getting ready. Do take a look and see if it might help you!

Nathan

Cracking The Code

Daily Post

Information about the viva sometimes seems hidden but that doesn’t mean you can’t figure out what it all means.

  • Read the regulations for how vivas are conducted. What do you need to do?
  • Look for stories of viva success to see common expectations. What’s helpful to know?
  • Ask your friends about their recent experiences to explore common practices in your department. What can you prepare for?

There’s no secret code or process to the viva. It’s not hidden, the information is out there, but if you don’t explore and ask then you might find yourself wondering how to decode the rumours you hear.