Step-by-Step: How to register yourself at the Uni Goettingen
This blog article is specific to new PhD, Post Docs, and Researchers at the University of Goettingen. Having semi-successfully navigated this process, I hope that I can share some of my lessons learned:
1. DS. Find the department's secretary (DS) - they will not proactively point you anywhere, but you might get an answer if you ask the RIGHT question.
2. Admission by Dean. If you are a PhD student, submit an actual application of PhD admission to the Dean's Office. Contact your dean's secretary (for the Econ Dept, contact Editha Niemann). Even if you have already been admitted by your professor, you will also need this document - and it can often take 6-12 weeks. This is because the Dean has to review your application with the admissions committee. Without an official admission letter, you cannot register as an official student (and you forgo many of the benefits that come with being a student). For details on the documents you need (in the Econ Dept), see this link. You will be asked to provide a Certificate of Good Conduct. If you're from Germany, as your local office. If you're from the US, you'll have to be creative (see related article).
3. Office. If your DS hasn't given you an office, find some older PhD students, and ask for their help.
4. Office Key. You now need a key to your office.
5. Contract. If you will be employed at the university, ask the secretary for a copy of the contract. Typically, they process it officially only after you arrive. Make sure you ask for an official copy. The university will not proactively provide it. If you don't have it in your hands, you will be forgoing pay.
6. Wait. Once you have the contract in your hands, your information will enter the university computer system within 48 hours.
7. Health Insurance. Next, apply for health insurance. You can elect any health insurance. Two major carriers are TKK and AOK. Simply go to the insurance office - and sign up. If you will be an employee, the insurance company will bill the university directly, and the amount will be deducted from your paycheck.
8. ID Card. You now need an employee identification card. To get this, call and make an appointment with Sabine Backhaus.
9. Building Access. Once you get this card, you'll need it to allow you access to your building. Email your dean's secretary and ask them to refer you to the correct person. In the Economics department, contact: Dr. Paquin.
10. Student Registration. Now, only if you are also a student, register yourself as a student. To do so, you'll need a host of documents. Here are the documents you will need:
12. Printer Access. Contact your IT contact for access to the printer. They will send someone to your office, and they will need to manually set up access on the hard drive.
13. Travel. If you're travelling for work (e.g. to a conference), you need to first get your trip (in German: Dienstreise) approved by your supervisor. To do this, fill out this sheet, and get it signed by your supervisor. After your trip, you need to fill out this sheet to be reimbursed. Also, when booking a flight, you should show that you chose one of the cheapest flights. Print out a flight search for at least three other comparable flights. You have to submit this with your reimbursement form. Also, make sure that your invoices (hotel, conference registration) are addressed to the university - with the university address (not your personal/home address).
1. DS. Find the department's secretary (DS) - they will not proactively point you anywhere, but you might get an answer if you ask the RIGHT question.
2. Admission by Dean. If you are a PhD student, submit an actual application of PhD admission to the Dean's Office. Contact your dean's secretary (for the Econ Dept, contact Editha Niemann). Even if you have already been admitted by your professor, you will also need this document - and it can often take 6-12 weeks. This is because the Dean has to review your application with the admissions committee. Without an official admission letter, you cannot register as an official student (and you forgo many of the benefits that come with being a student). For details on the documents you need (in the Econ Dept), see this link. You will be asked to provide a Certificate of Good Conduct. If you're from Germany, as your local office. If you're from the US, you'll have to be creative (see related article).
3. Office. If your DS hasn't given you an office, find some older PhD students, and ask for their help.
4. Office Key. You now need a key to your office.
5. Contract. If you will be employed at the university, ask the secretary for a copy of the contract. Typically, they process it officially only after you arrive. Make sure you ask for an official copy. The university will not proactively provide it. If you don't have it in your hands, you will be forgoing pay.
6. Wait. Once you have the contract in your hands, your information will enter the university computer system within 48 hours.
7. Health Insurance. Next, apply for health insurance. You can elect any health insurance. Two major carriers are TKK and AOK. Simply go to the insurance office - and sign up. If you will be an employee, the insurance company will bill the university directly, and the amount will be deducted from your paycheck.
8. ID Card. You now need an employee identification card. To get this, call and make an appointment with Sabine Backhaus.
9. Building Access. Once you get this card, you'll need it to allow you access to your building. Email your dean's secretary and ask them to refer you to the correct person. In the Economics department, contact: Dr. Paquin.
10. Student Registration. Now, only if you are also a student, register yourself as a student. To do so, you'll need a host of documents. Here are the documents you will need:
- A general application form. You'll need to print it or save it as a PDF.
- Certified copy of your previous university degrees (actual degrees, not transcript)
- Admittance letter by the dean
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of payment of student fees (if you're a PhD student, you're required to pay 235.22 EUR)
- The office doesn't take cash. Only wires/transfers.
- Once you have all the documents in one place, walk it over to: von-Siebold-Str. 2
37075 Göttingen. All printed and application materials state to go to Willhelmsplatz. DO NOT do this. The office has moved.
12. Printer Access. Contact your IT contact for access to the printer. They will send someone to your office, and they will need to manually set up access on the hard drive.
13. Travel. If you're travelling for work (e.g. to a conference), you need to first get your trip (in German: Dienstreise) approved by your supervisor. To do this, fill out this sheet, and get it signed by your supervisor. After your trip, you need to fill out this sheet to be reimbursed. Also, when booking a flight, you should show that you chose one of the cheapest flights. Print out a flight search for at least three other comparable flights. You have to submit this with your reimbursement form. Also, make sure that your invoices (hotel, conference registration) are addressed to the university - with the university address (not your personal/home address).
Comments
Post a Comment