Exam Panel Chair
The EPC safeguards a fair examination and correct procedure; they are not an examiner. They need not read or comment on your thesis and should not directly question your research.
The chair is normally your Independent Panel Chair, must be an Edinburgh Napier staff member, and must have attended EPC training within the preceding two years. If they leave during examination, the SRDL should step in. A chair is required for Masters examinations too, even without a viva.
Responsibilities relevant to you
- Convene examiner discussions and ensure procedure is followed.
- Ensure questions are understood, you have enough time to respond and breaks are available.
- Ensure the informal outcome is explained clearly and written amendments/reporting are arranged.
- Coordinate clarification of amendments and, if needed, a meeting with both examiners.
- Liaise about delays, examiner availability or lack of agreement.
Do not contact examiners directly about corrections. Discuss issues with supervisors, then seek clarification through the EPC. See Completing corrections.
If an internal examiner leaves but continues, examination normally proceeds; if unable to finish corrections approval, the external may do so alone under §7.6. If both examiners cannot finish, the EPC refers the situation to RDEB.
Sources: Framework §§7.6–7.7, 7.10, 7.16, pp. 78, 80–81, 84–85. Read the role.