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.

• 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/EhyO2nLScTNJsyIGJmMwknoBAeM_M81VeDslocblvkCx4A?e=kErY5U
• I have also added a recording of Liz Barnes on Analytic Plans that will be helpful to you

• 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=411826
• 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-programme-postgraduate-researchers?module_item_id=249417 
• 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_id=449761
• 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

• 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

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