PhD Council

(Updated February 17, 2025 - Invite for Ph.D. Drinks added)

UHasselt's PhD Council invites you to have drinks together on March 21 from 17:00-19:00 in Fitlink Diepenbeek. Feel free to bring along your colleagues or partners.

Looking forward to see you there!

When
Friday March 21, 2025 ⋅ 17:00-19:00 (Central European Time - Brussels)

Welcome to UHasselt PhD Council, an organization dedicated to representing the interests of PhD students and fostering a thriving community. Our mission is three-fold, focusing on advocacy, engagement, and creating a sense of belonging among PhD students at UHasselt.

     Advocacy: We appoint passionate PhD student representatives who actively advocate for the interests of PhD students in various decision-making forums, including meetings conducted by UHasselt's board of directors, faculty and department councils, and management teams. Additionally, we appoint representatives for essential committees such as the Doctoral School Council, VLIR Workgroup Doctoral Schools, Food Commission, Library Commission, and Council for Student Facilities. Through our representatives, we ensure that the voices of PhD students are heard and their needs are considered in important discussions.

     Engagement: To encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing, we organize informal bi-monthly meetings that are open to all PhD students who become members of our council. These meetings serve as a platform for updates from our representatives and provide an opportunity for members to raise relevant topics and concerns related to their work, life, and challenges as PhD students at UHasselt. From university policies to practical issues at the department level, no topic is off-limits. Our representatives effectively communicate these matters to the responsible departments, ensuring that your concerns reach the right channels. By keeping our council members informed about current affairs, we empower them to share valuable knowledge among their colleagues.

     Creating a Community: We believe in the power of community and strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment for all PhD students. In addition to our advocacy and engagement efforts, we organize community-building activities such as monthly after-work drinks. These gatherings provide opportunities for PhD students to unwind, bond, and share their experiences. Our aim is to foster a safe space where you can relax, connect with fellow researchers, and build lasting relationships.

At UHasselt, we believe that the voices and contributions of our PhD students are vital in shaping the policies that govern our institution. That's why the PhD Council, proudly endorsed by UHasselt's esteemed board of directors, exists to support a strong and inclusive engagement of all PhD students in university policymaking.

Our mission is to create a dynamic platform that brings together representatives from every PhD program and welcomes the participation of all interested PhD students. Through this unified entity, we strive to achieve the following objectives:

1. Stimulating Exchange: We foster an environment that encourages the exchange of policy-related information among PhD students. By creating a consultative body, we provide a space for constructive discussions and valuable insights.

2. Unifying Representation: We unite the voices of PhD representatives under a common strategy. By streamlining our communication channels, we ensure effective collaboration with the management of UHasselt and its doctoral schools.

3. Appointing Representatives: We appoint dedicated representatives for superordinate mandates that transcend specific doctoral schools or university substructures, such as faculties or departments. This ensures that all areas of our institution are adequately represented and considered in the decision-making process.

As the PhD Council, we stand as the collective representation of all PhD students at UHasselt. We are committed to safeguarding their rights and advocating for their needs. Furthermore, we strive to maintain a healthy and productive relationship with the management of UHasselt and its doctoral schools, promoting a collaborative environment that fosters success for every PhD student.

UHasselt PhD Council is guided by the Constitution of the PhD Council. The executive committee leadership of the PhD Council consists of:

• Seppe Croonen, President
• Shameer Pradhan, Vice President
• Lisa Koutsoviti-Koumeri, Secretary
• Jeremy Chouchoulis, Member
• Nasrin Esteki, Member

Talk with Us

If you are experiencing any form of harassment or bullying in your workplace, we want to assure you that the PhD Council is here to support you. We encourage you to reach out to us so that we can assist you in addressing your concerns appropriately. Please feel free to contact any of our executive committee members and share your situation with them. They will provide guidance and support to help you navigate through this challenging time.

You can find our public announcements in the following links.

Public Meeting (June 16, 2023)

Public Meeting (March 29, 2023)

Public Meeting (April 9, 2024)

You can find certain resources for the PhD students in the following links.

Mental well-being: who to turn to for support

Contact point for transgressive behavior

Information regarding contract extension

Are you passionate about contributing to a vibrant PhD community at Hasselt University? Do you have unique ideas and opinions that can shape the future of doctoral studies? We invite you to join the PhD Council and become an active member of our community!

As a member of the PhD Council, you will have the opportunity to:

• Share Your Ideas: Your voice matters! By becoming a member, you can actively contribute your valuable insights and perspectives to the discussions and decision-making processes that affect PhD students at Hasselt University. Your ideas can help shape policies, improve the student experience, and foster a stronger sense of community.

• Connect with Like-minded Peers: Joining the PhD Council opens doors to networking opportunities and collaborations with fellow PhD students who share your passion and drive. Build meaningful connections, exchange knowledge, and support one another throughout your doctoral journey.

• Stay Informed: As a member, you will gain exclusive access to the PhD Council's mailing list. Stay updated with the latest news, events, and initiatives relevant to PhD students at Hasselt University. Be the first to know about important updates and have your finger on the pulse of the PhD community.

To become a member, simply express your interest by filling out the membership form. Whether you are an aspiring researcher, already enrolled in a PhD program, or actively working towards your doctoral degree, we welcome your involvement.

Join us in shaping a strong and supportive PhD community at Hasselt University. Together, we can make a difference and create an enriching experience for all PhD students. Share your voice and become a member of the PhD Council today!

Membership form: https://forms.gle/75fLmbhz9A7uFFY76

We value your questions, remarks, and suggestions, and we are here to assist you. Please feel free to reach out to us via email and our dedicated team will promptly respond to your inquiry.

Alternatively, you can also get in touch with one of our members directly. They are knowledgeable and passionate individuals who can provide you with the information and support you need.

Connect with us on social media to stay updated with the latest news, events, and initiatives of the PhD Council. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn to join our growing community, engage in discussions, and be part of the conversation. We regularly share important updates, insightful articles, and inspiring stories related to the PhD experience. Connect with us today!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uhasselt-phd-council/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phdcouncil_uhasselt/

Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or feedback you may have. We value your input and look forward to assisting you.