Information on the Doctoral Convention
What is the Doctoral Convention?
The Doctoral Convention (DC) is the council of Heidelberg University tasked with the representation of doctoral researchers. It functions in an advisory capacity to faculties and other university councils in all matters that relate to the studies of doctoral researchers.
The constitution of the DC is an important first step towards establishing doctoral researchers as their own status group at Heidelberg University, by allowing them for the first time to participate in university politics and in decisions that directly relate to their studies. At Heidelberg University, a centralized DC was established, which unites doctoral researchers of all faculties. Furthermore, the DC is part of the forum of all doctoral students conventions in the state of Baden-Württemberg.
⇒ Vocabulary Codex of the Doctoral Convention at Heidelberg University
What are the functions of the Doctoral Convention?
- The DC is the central forum for and representation of all doctoral researchers at Heidelberg University.
- The DC represents the interests of doctoral researchers of all fields of study and all types of study. It's primary purpose is the representation of doctoral researchers with respect to their judicial and social standing, their type of study, their mode of financing and adjacent areas. In particular, the DC makes recommendations upon doctoral regulations.
- The DC respects the freedom of research and scientific cultures that are specific to given fields of research.
- The DC, being a university-wide council, strives to improve interdisciplinary and international networking between doctoral researchers.
- The DC sees itself as a mediatory instance between university councils and doctoral researchers. As such, it aspires after a constructive collaboration with both the councils of Heidelberg University as well as the doctoral students conventions of other universities.
What is the structure of the Doctoral Convention?
Events of the Doctoral Convention
General Assembly
The General Assembly constitutes the democratic foundation of the DC, with all doctoral researchers at Heidelberg University having voting rights there. During the regular General Assembly, which takes place once a year, important topics of the last year are discussed, possible changes to the rules of procedure are decided upon and the new executive committee for the upcoming year is elected. For important reasons, e.g. urgent changes in the rules of procedure, exceptional general assemblies may be convened. [Dates]
Regular Meetings
The regular meetings take place at least once per semester and are open to all doctoral researchers. At the regular meetings, the executive committee as well as the working groups present their work, and latest topics are discussed. Here, all doctoral researchers may present their concerns. [Dates]
Info Events
Whenever there are new developments relevant to all doctoral researchers, the DC invites everyone to a dedicated info event. At this event the background and implications of the changing situation are explained, and the doctoral researchers get the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the topic. [Dates]
Regulars' Table
The regulars' table (Stammtisch) is a social get together, offering doctoral researchers the opportunity to exchange views among each other and with the members of the executive committee. It takes place on the first Wednesday of each month at 8 pm. [Dates]
