PGR Welcome Email 2022
Subject: Welcome to Warwick Global Sustainable Development!
Recipients: PhD students
Hello,
Congratulations on securing your place to undertake your doctoral research in Global Sustainable Development (GSD) at Warwick.
I would like to take this opportunity to warmly welcome you to the Global Sustainable Development (GSD) Department in the School for Cross-faculty Studies. We are looking forward to welcoming you to our exciting PhD programme and our growing research community in GSD. We hope to work with you to address issues of global challenges, to engage with transdisciplinary debates and to produce new knowledge about our world and societies in times of crisis.
In this email we will provide you with some information about Welcome Week and induction, the range of support available to you, and timetabling.
Over the next few weeks, please take a look at our online GSD Welcome pageLink opens in a new window where you will be able to find out more about what's ahead.
Welcome Week and induction
All new students are welcome to arrive prior to their programme start date and to participate in Welcome Week (Monday 26th September - Sunday 2nd October 2022), where you will find out about the opportunities and support available to you as a student and get involved in Warwick's sports clubs and societies. Welcome Week is a great opportunity to meet new people and try new things to make the most of your university experience.
You will be able to view the Welcome Week timetable from mid-September. Induction activities for your course will automatically appear in your bespoke Welcome Week timetable and you will have the option to add more University-wide events from the hundreds on offer.
If you are arriving before Welcome Week, you are very welcome to attend the launch of the University's Sustainability StrategyLink opens in a new window. This event will also include the launch of a new vision for the Institute for Global Sustainable Development (IGSD). This is a great opportunity to start getting to know our School's research institute and to build your network with people who play an important role in driving forward the sustainability research agenda.
Timetabling
You will use a system called TabulaLink opens in a new window to view your personalised course timetable. Supervisor meetings will be booked and recorded through this system too.
In Week 1 you will need to discuss and decide with your supervision team about which module(s) you would like to take in year one, as part of your research and academic department plan.
English language skills
If you are looking to improve your spoken or academic English, take a look at the following resources:
- In-sessional English Language ProgrammeLink opens in a new window
- Learn English: British Council online courseLink opens in a new window
- Free Language classes (Warwick Language Society)Link opens in a new window
Support with your studies
Together with colleagues across the university, we are committed to supporting your academic success and professional development. We have a range of support available for you to access both within our department and the wider University.
In the GSD Department we have a Postgraduate Programmes Manager and Postgraduate Coordinator to support all administrative and practical elements of your programme. Our Director of Postgraduate Research (PGR) will also support you, along with your supervisors and a designated mentor.
The Library offers a range of study spaces, subject specific resources, and a PG Hub just for Postgraduate studentsLink opens in a new window. You can find out more on the Get Started pagesLink opens in a new window and by joining an optional Library Induction in Welcome Week. You will also have access to the Doctoral College's Researcher Development ProgrammeLink opens in a new window to help you get the best out of Warwick from your time here.
Disability support
If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty, it is important that you contact the Disability Team in Wellbeing Support ServicesLink opens in a new window before starting your PhD with us, even if you have already declared this on your application. Additional support can take time to arrange, so please contact the team as early as possible to ensure you get the support you need.
Hear from our students on OurWarwickLink opens in a new window
Our bloggers have lots of helpful hints and tips about life at Warwick. You can read their blogs, watch their vlogs and submit your questions to them. You might also be interested in the blogs featured on PhD LifeLink opens in a new window and The Study BlogLink opens in a new window.
Professional development support
In the GSD Department, you will have the support of our Employability and Placement ManagerLink opens in a new window whose role it is to help you develop your professional skills throughout your PhD, by directing you to appropriate skills sessions offered by the Doctoral CollegeLink opens in a new window and Student OpportunityLink opens in a new window. They will also offer one-to-one advice and guidance on any matters related to employability. In addition, Warwick’s CareersLink opens in a new window service is open to all students. The Careers Team can help you to achieve your career aspirations through self-awareness training and a range of career planning resources.
Find out more
Catch up with the latest researchLink opens in a new window in the School for Cross-faculty Studies. Keep up to date with our department on FacebookLink opens in a new window and follow us on TwitterLink opens in a new window.
Dr Xiaodong Lin
Director of Graduate Studies (Research)