Introduction for WTMC PhDs
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General Introduction
Introduction (Workshop)
Introduction (Summerschool)
Introduction (Dissertation Day, D-Day)
Soeterbeeck
A former Augustinian convent, Soeterbeeck nowadays is a study centre of the Radboud University of Nijmegen. In 1732 the nuns of St Augustine of Windesheim had to vacate their former convent due to national policies hostile to monastries; in search for a place where they could live on as a convent, they bought a piece of land in Ravenstein and started building their new home there; it was 265 years later when the nuns again had to leave their religious house, in this case due to an ageing population and decreasing numbers. They handed over the historical buildings to the Radboud University of Nijmegen in 1997.
The university converted the convent into a study and conference centre with modern facilities, including catering. Soeterbeeck opened its doors in the summer of 2001. Since then over 16.000 staff and students of the university and other educational institutions have made use of the centre for meetings, seminars, small conferences and days of retreat. Since mid 2003 national television is broadcasting a weekly debate programme from the sun-lounge in Soeterbeeck.
In transforming the complex into a study centre, the university has tried to balance between preserving the authentic atmosphere and creating a modern conference facility. As a result the centre is still, or again, a place of inspiration. While it used to be an inspiring place for Augustinian spirituality, it is now an inspiring environment for university staff and students, who want to reflect -off-campus- on research and development, teaching and learning, mission and strategy, management and organisation. More in particular, Soeterbeeck is a inspiring place for those who want to reflect on issues related to religion, society and science, or want to focus on their own spiritual and religious past, present and future.
On the ground floor, the centre has three seminar rooms with a capacity up to 30 persons each, including the old dining room; furthermore the chapel, and an inviting (sun) lounge area. On the first floor the twenty-four small bedrooms, so called convent cells, remind about the sober life of the nuns. In the former laundry, you find yet another large seminar room (up to 80 people) with additional lunch - and coffee facilities. All seminar rooms have modern audio-visual equipment, including internet access.
The large garden invites for a walk during breaks, or sitting on the terraces either for group work or relaxation. Soeterbeeck is in the countryside, away from the busy urban setting. The small town of Ravenstein is on walking distance, the medieval town has a number of interesting places to visit, amongst others a catholic and a protestant church, a typical Dutch windmill and the former cannels and town walls protecting the population in earlier days; the town has several good restaurants.
The immediate surroundings invite for walking and cycling. The centre can be easily reached either by train (with a five minutes walk from the railway station Ravenstein to the centre) and by road (motorway A50, junction for Ravenstein).
Do-s and Don't-s
Do-s
Even though of marginal international importance, it is very important for the new WTMC PhD student to get the WTMC lingo down.
Don't-s
Inside information
The WTMC Survival Kit
Surving a workshop without a WTMC survival kit is hard, but surviving a summerschool without the WTMC approved Survival Kit is virtually impossible. The following items are to be carried upon arrival at Soeterbeeck:
- Pen and Paper
- Gadgets
- USB Transportable or Laptop computer
- A spare set of clothing
Pen and Paper
Pen and paper can and may be used to make notes. That seems quite obvious. But pen and paper are very imporant as a counterbalance to the WTMC tendency to over-stock oneself with highly technological artefacts. PDA's, 12-inch iBooks or Powerbooks, iPODs, etc.
Gadgets
Even though stocked with low-tech artefacts such as pen and paper, there is no use in denying our own societal type. We carry technology, we are technology. So grab every that is portable and that has a battery of some kind and take it along.
USB Transportable or Laptop computer
Data and information are the chosen building blocks of some societies. Are you in one of those societies?
Spare set of clothing
Summerschools are pleasantly interrupted by 'fun' workshops. Aside all the advantages they bring us, they have a minor negative byproduct. From rolling over the Soeterbeeck-grass your clothes get dirty. And Catholic grass stains stay!
