Yes, that's my understanding that they are not meant to get involved. I could almost guarantee my supervisor wouldn't. Conversation is definitely not a strong point. My supervisor is painfully quiet and actually if I thought they could help me with any difficulties I'd demand they be in the viva!

That's good to know - thanks Dunni73.

Thanks all. I don't feel that strongly one way or another but you've all highlighted my thoughts! I think having a supervisor there could help the examiners toe the line but the last time my supervisor sat in on something they were in my line of vision (just) and although it was all positive (the constant head nodding) I found it quite distracting at the time.

======= Date Modified 11 Jul 2011 08:53:06 =======
Did you, or do you plan to, have your supervisor/s sitting in your viva?

Yes or no?

Could you offer any advice as to the advantages and disadvantages of this?

I like my supervisor, know they are very, very keen to sit in but I can't really see any benefits apart from perhaps making the examiners take a softer approach with their questioning. A negative would be I can read my supervisors face very clearly which could be very off putting.

Dunni73, Wow, I admire anyone who completes a PhD and was delighted for you last week but I admire you even more now!!! You must have had real demands on your time while writing up but came through it with a well deserved result(up)

It's your final week and you must work in a way or do what you need to do to get through it. Try not to feel guilty about making others wait for a week. It's an important week for you and a week of ongoing weeks for them.

All the best!

I can't describe it. It doesn't fit into any of the categories above. It's certainly not bad or something I dread as my supervisors are always nice but I've never had any negative feedback, only some positive but no real indepth feedback either. I suppose I'd best describe it as fluffy and the only direction I've ever really been given was when I was told where to find their office before the first meeting! In fairness, I have worked fairly independently since the start and so they might think I don't need it.

It's the delays in getting feedback that I find extremely difficult.

Very well put! Have a well deserved star (up)

======= Date Modified 07 Jul 2011 06:54:59 =======
Mackem_Beefy, I do follow the progress of people on here and genuinely feel for them on the few occasions things have not gone to plan. I also love to read the positive stories and genuinely feel relieved and happy for people when they pass.

Again Dunni, many congratulations!!!

Fantastic news - congratulations!!! I'm delighted for you. Well done!!!(up)

Will your supervisor (as was) support you in getting a new supervisor? I'm assuming they'll be aware you need a new supervisor. Good you've contacted a student advisor, you might also be best contacting your postgrad tutor, should you have one. It must be an anxious time for you and I hope you get it sorted sooner than later.

That's fantastic - I really do find you very inspiring. I set my own deadlines and meet them, I determined the structure of the thesis, was automatically awarded the funding with the place but it was essentially a set project and I feel my supervisors had a clear idea of what they wanted but I've not needed my hand holding and have been mostly independent.

I like my supervisors a lot but I don't find them inspiring and I don't think they've had a big role in shaping me as a researcher. I would actually say I found one of my previous employers very inspiring and I learned much more about research from them and partly because they just let me get on with it.

Yip, wishing her all the very best.

======= Date Modified 06 Jul 2011 17:34:30 =======
Am I the only one who feels nervous for members of this forum on the day they sit their viva? I keep checking here constantly!