[Phd-behsci] PhD Lab admin bits and bobs

Dear PhD lab, As promised here are some admin/procedural things for the Autumn term. Points (1) and (2) are related to our lab. Points (3) and (4) are about general University resources. I highlighted required actions on your behalf in yellow. (1) Lab agenda for the Autumn term * I have created an online Excel spreadsheet with our lab agenda for the rest of the term that you should bookmark * https://stir-my.sharepoint.com/:x:/r/personal/ts31_stir_ac_uk/Documents/3%2… * You should have access to this and be able to edit (let me know if you cannot) * The expectation is that each PhD student gets at least one session per term that focusses on them (to discuss a research idea or design, to present early results, to give a mock talk, or whatever else you would like the lab’s feedback on) * If you already have a slot in mind for yourself, please add your name into the document * For all others, these decisions will be made among yourselves and the supervisory team as we move along * Two of the slots will be used for our two final book club sessions (see point (2) below) * We need two volunteers to present the following two chapters * Chapter 6: Doing Service * Chapter 7: Advising Students * Any takers? * I have also created a second column with other events you should attend in a given week, such as * Our Economics seminar series (every Thursday) * The RES Doctoral Programme Session (on some Wednesdays) * The SMS PhD meeting (every 3rd Wednesday each month) * PhD induction, School Assembly, etc. * Let’s also continue our tradition of finishing the term with a Christmas dinner * Happy to stick to Meadowpark but also open to other suggestions * We’ll talk about a suitable date closer to December but the last term week (16.-20.12.) would be a candidate (2) Essential reading for the Lab: Doing Economics (Hidden Curriculum) * The following information is mainly for our new members * As already mentioned, we are reading and discussing a book about the so-called hidden curriculum of doing a PhD * Please get a copy of this book and read it (I would label this essential reading) * Marc Bellemare (2022) Doing Economics: What You Should Have Learned in Grad School ― But Didn’t * The paperback costs under £20 on Amazon * But there is also a pdf version flying around somewhere (ask your WhatsApp group) * The format of the book club sessions is as follows * We all prepare by reading the chapter we are going to discuss * One volunteer student gives a short summary/discussion of that chapter from their viewpoint (10-15 minutes) as a discussion starter * The the lab discusses (with input and guidance from supervisors). Sort of a fireside chat * We already had four such sessions on * Chapter 2: Writing Papers * Chapter 3: Giving Talks * Chapter 4: Navigating Peer Review * Chapter 5: Finding Funding * The new members should read these chapters in their own time and watch the recordings of these sessions to catch up * This will also give you a good idea of the format * You can find these recordings here: https://stir-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/ts31_stir_ac_uk/EhyO2nLScTNJs… * I have also added a recording of Liz Barnes on Analytic Plans that will be helpful to you (3) IAS * Stirling’s Institute for Advanced Studies will be an important institution during your PhD and you should familiarise yourselves with their services. * As a first step, you should enroll in the IAS Postgraduate Researcher Canvas module * https://canvas.stir.ac.uk/courses/5104 * Make you sure you have notifications turned on, so you will get updates on sessions and services throughout the term * Once you enrolled, you have access to the following page, which provides the best overview * https://canvas.stir.ac.uk/courses/5104/modules * In my mind, the following are the most important items on that page * PhD Induction * https://canvas.stir.ac.uk/courses/5104/pages/ias-induction?module_item_id=4… * This year’s induction takes place on 09.10.2024 in the morning. Hopefully no clash with our lab that day * Researcher Development Programme * https://canvas.stir.ac.uk/courses/5104/pages/researcher-development-program… * This is a series of training sessions throughout the term, some of which you may want to attend * Preview is announced here: https://canvas.stir.ac.uk/courses/5104/discussion_topics/315470 * Research Compass * https://canvas.stir.ac.uk/courses/5104/pages/research-compass?module_item_i… * This is the tool the University uses to document and monitor your progress * One key element is that you should log all meetings with your supervisors (this includes lab sessions and 1:1 sessions) via Research Campus * Paperwork * There are also three pieces of paperwork we have to fill in with each of you (not only our newbies) * PGR Student Data Sheet * Student Supervisor Concordat * Training Needs Assessment * It seems that these forms have not yet been published for 2024/25 * I will let you know once they are available (4) Staff Room: Free coffee and hangout * I am not really sure if this is common knowledge but there is an SMS staff room with a kitchen, free(!) coffee, tables, couches, etc. * It’s a nice option for your breaks and eating your lunch * Note: This is not the Economics staff room with the sink and microwave across the hall (near Leo’s and my office) * The SMS Staff Room is quite a bit nicer and can be found in Room 3Y3. It is open between 9am and 4:30pm Best wishes, Till ________________________________ Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC 011159