December is a month that is full of festivities and rituals. While, of old, such rituals are meant to bring communities together, the December month has instead become a bone of contention and a source of stress. These are the issues we will address in the Dean’s Master Class. The assignment for this master class will centre on the design of an inclusive December ritual to celebrate the closure of the old and the coming of the New Year.

The method Synthetron can be described as a sophisticated online discussion tool to do focus groups with (potentially) very large groups and participants who may even be located in different places across the nation or the world. In a 1-hour seminar, Leo Dijkema will present the method and participants will be able to practice with and experience the method themselves.

The conference 'Empowering Cities & Citizens’ is a celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS) and the 105-year anniversary of Erasmus University Rotterdam. This conference is a chance to reflect on current and new urban trends for both institutions, whether in urban development and management, or humanities, social and behavioural sciences. Strengthening our relationships with fellow urban specialists, local or global, is imperative.

The Graduate School has developed a PhD handbook for beginning PhD candidates. It includes practical guides on how to get started, the EUR doctoral regulations and much more. We consider the handbook to be an essential support tool for beginning PhD candidates. Hard copies of the handbook are available at the Graduate School office (Mandeville building, T15-33) and all departmental secretary offices.

New PhD candidates can request a PhD peer. A PhD peer is a more experienced PhD candidate who will help beginning PhD candidates through the first stage of their PhD. For three consecutive months they give advice about support services, life as a PhD, and much more.

Each year, the Graduate School organises a so-called soft landing programme for new PhD candidates. The programme is organised once a year and starts in September. Register by filling in the form on our website before September 1st.