DocConnect: Making PhD studies about community, not stress
Doctoral studies are not only about research and writing a dissertation. Ideally, they are also a time to explore career paths, connect with the research community, and build meaningful collaborations. Since September 2024, the Doctoral School, coordinated by Janka Kottulová, has been addressing these needs at the university. Working closely with her, a group of active PhD students – DocConnect – has been creating, on a voluntary basis, a “safe space” where doctoral students can share more than just academic challenges.
DocConnect set out to create a platform for doctoral students who often feel lost navigating the system. What began as a small group of four enthusiasts has gradually grown into an initiative that now shapes the informal side of PhD life across the university.
At first glance it might seem that the main goal is to organise social activities but the team’s motivation goes much deeper. “We wanted people to have a space where they feel part of a community. We can help each other cope with stress and deal with problems that many of us face along our PhD journey, and in that way be a small ray of light in each other’s doctoral lives,” the team explains.
The community is open by design. It is a living organism and anyone can become part of it. It is common for students who attend an event as participants to stay involved and start helping with future activities. “Some join because they want to organise something very specific that they feel is missing at the university. Others simply want to contribute to something meaningful, enrich their social life, or lend a hand.”
The way the initiative operates reflects the realities of academic life. Weekly meetings would be unrealistic given everyone’s schedules. Instead, the team meets in person before the start of each semester to set priorities, review feedback from previous events, and assess what they realistically have the capacity to deliver. “After that we plan ahead. Everyone chooses an event they would like to help organise. Even though it is difficult to meet face to face again during the semester, we stay in touch through online meetings on MS Teams and coordinate everything needed for the upcoming activities,” the organisers say.
Feedback as a driver of progress
Last year, the DocConnect team focused on an issue many doctoral students consider critical: the relationship between PhD students and their supervisors. “We told Janka that we wanted to organise a feedback event exclusively for doctoral students: a safe space where people could share their concerns and support each other,” the team recalls one successful activity.
The outcome was not simply a collection of anonymous complaints but structured feedback gathered through a questionnaire and focus groups. These findings were subsequently used to prepare a working session for supervisors themselves, effectively closing the loop between students’ needs and the Doctoral School’s aim of supporting both sides of the academic relationship.
This semester, the team plans to build on that success with another discussion event in March. This time the focus will be on teaching. Many doctoral students find themselves teaching without prior preparation or experience. “We want to understand how they feel about teaching and supervising students, where they see their weaknesses, and what challenges they face. The Doctoral School already offers workshops, but it is important to understand what students actually need before designing new ones.”
The initiative is unique because of its openness and informality. Communication takes place in English, which helps overcome language barriers between Slovak and international PhD students. “We want to encourage both Slovak and international students to join us. We are not a formal non-profit organisation; we are simply an initiative, and that gives us more freedom,” the organisers explain. That freedom also applies to the level of involvement. Core members emphasise that participation is flexible.
“If someone wants to improve their presentation or moderation skills, there are events where they can try it. At the same time, we understand that motivation and workload fluctuate throughout the year. When someone is preparing minimum requirements or writing their dissertation, it is natural that they become less active. No one is tied to the initiative - you can contribute as much energy as you currently have the capacity for. At the same time, we maintain a few practical rules for internal communication. For example, members try to communicate plans well in advance so that even if the organising team changes, events can still be prepared on time."
The programme for the coming months reflects the team’s effort to balance professional topics with informal networking. After the March feedback event, April will feature a quiz night. May will be dedicated to a hike or picnic, and in June last year’s party will return in a new form: as a karaoke night.
Anyone interested in joining the team, seeking advice, or sharing new ideas can contact the DocConnect initiative via Instagram (@cu_docconnect) or by email at cu_docconnectoutlook.com.
Vanessa Massayova