With 60% of first-year PhD students enrolling at UGA for the first time and 40% of them being international, the quality of the welcome, access to information about the services available on campus and in the local area, and discovering resources are major challenges for the institution. It is essential to make every young researcher feel valued by the institution from the moment they arrive.
A fun format for comprehensive information
Many services directly related to their PhD studies (enrollment/graduation, training/careers, international mobility) are covered; other equally essential services related to their environment are often less well known (health, sports, social support, libraries, etc.).
By choosing the entertaining and engaging format of a mystery game, the Collège doctoral has made the information accessible and memorable.
Promoting human interaction
One of the main focuses of the day was to foster connections and a friendly atmosphere. With administrative procedures and communications becoming increasingly digitized, creating these spaces for interaction has become invaluable.
Throughout the day, discussions took place in a friendly atmosphere, not only between the PhD students themselves, but also with staff from various services.
A festive after-work party
The welcome day continued with an after-work party at EVE, open to all PhD students. This festive event provided plenty of opportunities to meet new people, thanks to games specially designed to facilitate conversation and help people bond.
The highlight of the evening was the giant karaoke session organized by Micro de la Love, a powerful and highly symbolic moment where PhD students, regardless of their origin, sang together in all languages.
