Post Doc Society meeting Stellenbosch University
Date 8 September 2015
Time: 13:00-14:00
Meeting chaired by: Jacobus Diener
Minutes taken by: Anslyn John
Present: The PDS Executive Committee, and about 20 postdoctoral fellows from different faculties of the university
Apologies: Lidia du Plessis and Lee-Anne Seymour
- Introductions
Jacobusopened the meeting. Everyone present introduced themselves.Attendees were reminded that, in terms of our new constitution, a new executive committee will be elected after the Research Day.
- Postdoc Research Day and DVC Workshop
The PDS, with the support of the DRD, has organized the annual Postdoc Research Day on 29 October at STIAS. The deadline for abstract submission is 14 September. Speakers are reminded that the Research Day is an opportunity to put postdocs on the map and highlight their importance for research at the university.
On 30 October the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Prof. Cloete will host a workshop directed at establishing Stellenbosch University as the site for the premier postdoctoral research experience in Africa. Five main pillars could be considered in this regard: research skills, personal development, community outreach, teaching and management. This workshop will take place at Lanzerac. Postdocs were encouraged to attend both the Research Day and the Workshop.
- Visa related issues
International postdocs continue to struggle with visa issues. It is unclear what type of visa postdocs should be on and there seems to be a disconnect in terms of the information coming from the different entities involved, such as the university, SARS, Home Affairs and VFS (a new company to which visa applications have been outsourced). Efforts to standardize visas and allow postdocs to be compensated for lecturing are ongoing.
- Social Events and Outreach
The PDS together with the DVC-Research Prof. Eugene Cloete have arranged our next meet & greet on 18 September at Katjiepiering Restaurant at the Botanical Gardens. This event will be an informal wine and cheese function. Postdocs as well as their hosts are invited.Anyone with ideas for a social event can contact the PDS and the PGIO can offer support.
- New postdoc payment system
The university will implement a new system (Intellicard) to pay postdocs. Newly registered postdocs as well as those continuing in 2016 will have their fellowships paid in monthly installments. The system of quarterly or biannual payments will be discontinued. More details will be revealed.