<b>Who are the study advisers for International Relations and International Organization (IRIO)? </b>
Mr H. de Haas (Hidde) | Ms R. Huttinga (Renate) | Ms G. Zomer (Dieneke)
E-mail: study.advice.irio@rug.nl
The University of Groningen has taken measures to contain the coronavirus. Please read the updates on: https://www.rug.nl/corona <b> These measures include that individual meetings in person with the study adviser are suspended for the time being.</b> But, you can reach us by email: study.advice.irio@rug.nl
Due to the extremely busy period at the moment, it may take a bit longer for us to respond during this period.
We can understand that the situation resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic can be unsettling for you as a student. At this very moment, the entire department is working very hard to provide you with the best alternative means of education, examination, information and support, all in order to minimize the impact of the situation on your studies. We all know that this will be difficult and complications are bound to occur, but we will all together try to make things work the best we can!
Some important things to check:
<b>Information concerning your exams and courses</b>
Updates will be published by the course coordinators at course level via email and/or on the course page in the Student Portal. Please check these regularly!
<b>General Information from the University of Groningen </b>
The University is working hard to find solutions to the problems this situation brings. Check your student mail, and the Need-to-Know section on the Today tab in the Student Portal regularly, as new developments will be shared through these channels. Via www.rug.nl/corona you can find all important general information.
<b>Support</b>
We can imagine that you are uncertain about the consequences for your studies. You may find it difficult to maintain a workable study schedule at home. You may experience anxiety or loneliness, or worries from or about family here, or further away. Many students, but also staff members, are facing similar problems.
We would like you to know that - although we are not at our usual physical location, but working from home – we as study advisers are still here to support you. You can still send us emails as usual. We strive to reply within 3 working days, but it can take a bit longer considering the circumstances. It is also still possible to request a personal meeting via phone, skype or google hangouts.
<b>Stress and Anxiety</b>
If you are experiencing extra and perhaps overwhelming stress and anxiety due to this unusual and uncertain situation, you can also still contact the Student Service Center, who will then direct you to an available student psychologist or student counselor. All Ears is also available for students who would simply appreciate a listening ear. Both the SSC and All Ears work online and via the phone.
<b>Tips and tricks for studying</b>
It can be nice to study alone, but it can also be challenging. Here are some practical tips to make your study work for you:
- Create your own ‘Library work spot’: you can create an online study environment with fellow students. You can organize for example Google Chat Rooms or meet up via Google Hangouts.
- Have a regular schedule: try to start your study hours every day at the same time
- Have a break: take short breaks (5-10 minutes) after every 30/45 minutes of studying.
- Relax: reward yourself after a couple of hours of hard work. Make a list of things to enjoy:
doing absolutely nothing
exercise
have a couple of laughs and drinks with your mates (online via hangout/meet)
watch an absolute must see film/series
read a novel/poems/comics
make or listen to music
join an online game
And share your positive experience and what works for you with friends/fellow students
Please remember, we are all in this situation together. Everybody is experiencing similar problems, so please take care of yourself and each other, and do contact us if you have any questions or issues. Of course, good suggestions that could help us and/or your fellow students are welcome as well!
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<b>Study advice in the IRIO degree programme </b>
If you need personal guidance and advice, the study adviser is your first point of contact. The study adviser acts as a counsellor and confidential advisor to students for any matters to do with their studies, and can refer you on to other organizations if necessary. You can contact the study adviser if you have any questions about the following matters: study delay, study progress, study planning / personal circumstances / choice of degree programme and changing programmes / special facilities and performance disabilities / content-related aspects of the degree programme / transitional arrangements / alternative examination regulations / entry requirements / studying abroad / graduation
<b>Personal circumstances: </b>
You should contact the study advisers as soon as possible if you are experiencing personal problems that may cause problems in your study progress, such as illness, disability, family circumstances, or dyslexia. It is possible to make a <b> personal appointment </b> for this via email. Please indicate your own availability in your email. The study adviser will be able to advise you on suitable assistance and can help you in adapting your study programme to the circumstances.
<i>In case you have to miss out on a mandatory lecture or seminar, always notify your lecturer as soon as possible. Only the lecturer can indicate if it's possible to make up what you miss.</i>
For more information on the degree programme and FAQ's, please check:
<a href="https://student.portal.rug.nl/infonet/studenten/let/programmes/ba-irio/"> Online Study Guide - Bachelor IRIO </a>
<a href="https://student.portal.rug.nl/infonet/studenten/let/programmes/ma-irio/">Online Study Guide (Pre-) Master International Relations</a>
Please check your mail regularly for updates from the Faculty and the coordinators of your running courses.