Progress report & Annual status conversation
The annual status conversation is mandatory for all doctoral students who have passed the aptitude colloquium. A progress report must be prepared prior to the status conversation.
The annual status conversation is divided into 2 separate parts:
- Scientific progress based on the progress report (including the status of the doctoral studies)
- Appraisal, career and personal development
Doctoral students who have been definitively admitted write an annual progress report on the status and planned progress of their research project, as well as on any significant deviations from the research project described in the doctoral plan.
This is a possible Download template for the progress report (PDF, 131 KB) that can be used for orientation. Please check whether your department uses a specific template or has different requirements. If this is the case, follow the instructions of your department.
0. Preparation
All participants in the conversation prepare for it thoroughly:
- Doctoral supervisors and other advisors read the progress report received in advance. They think carefully about the doctoral student's competence profile and working methods.
- The doctoral students have clear ideas about what next steps they are planning in their research and what support they need for their personal development and career planning or what questions they have.
Make use of the available Download template for the status conversation (PDF, 101 KB) during the preparation phase.
Only on the basis of good preparation can an open dialogue and a profitable discussion take place.
The annual status conversation consists of two separate parts:
1. Academic progress (basis: progress report)
The first part deals with the doctorate and the research work. The previously written progress report forms the basis for this conversation where all points recorded in the doctoral plan, the next steps and, if necessary, significant changes to the research project are discussed. It is recommended to involve the second advisor in the first part. Other persons may also participate.
2. Assessment, career and personal development
The second part is a development discussion that includes mutual feedback and the further development of competences. In this part the second advisor and other persons may only participate if both the doctoral candidate and the supervisor agree.
This is a possible Download template for the annual status conversation (PDF, 101 KB) that can be used for orientation. Please check whether your department uses a specific template or has different requirements. If this is the case, follow the instructions of your department.
In any case both parts - the progress report and the result of the annual status conversation - are sent to the second advisor for information.