To ensure that research projects conducted outside UU/UMCU meet GSLS standards, the GSLS has developed guidelines to inform you on what is expected when examining such projects from a distance. By approving the Osiris Case application, you accept these responsibilities, in addition to the standard rules applicable for the examiners of research projects.

What is your role?

As examiner of a project outside UU/UMCU, you ensure that the academic level of the proposed research project meets the ‘UU-GSLS standards’. This includes confirming that both the research question and the proposed methodology are appropriate. 

Additionally, you are the primary person responsible for monitoring the research environment at the host institute. This means evaluating the student’s academic progress, wellbeing, and supervision by staying in regular contact with the student and the supervisor of the host institute.

How do you stay in contact with the student?

You should maintain regular communication with both the student and supervisor of the host institute throughout the project:

• Have regular (at least monthly) contact with the student which might be through (virtual) meetings, written updates (e.g., email), or meetings with the host supervisor.
• Have at least one contact moment with the supervisor of the host institute, preferably more if needed.
• Be (virtually) present during the formal meetings at the end of the project and the assessment of the project. We recommend you have a start meeting, and closely follow the interim assessment. 

What to do when things are not going as expected?

When acting as the examiner, there might be situations where things do not go as planned. For guidance on handling such issues, you can refer to the section Problems, disputes and premature termination. 

How do you grade a project outside UU/UMCU?

You discuss and agree on the grades together with the supervisor of the host institute, however, you have the final say on the students’ grade. It is not uncommon for examiners to feel uncomfortable overruling the supervisor of the host institute but discrepancies in the grading are often due to differences in assessment criteria. It is your responsibility to ensure that the supervisor of the host institute is familiar with GSLS assessment criteria. For instance, you could send the GSLS rubrics to all parties involved. Ultimately, you lead the grading process and have the final decision. 

International grading often differs from Dutch grading system and grade distribution. As
examiner you could refer to the Dutch grading system, and show the UU grade distribution. Alternatively, you can convert the grade according to the Dutch marking system by using the UU credit conversion table.