List of questions in the 2020 DS survey

This is a complete list of questions asked in the DS 2020 survey. The answer type is given in brackets, e.g. [Likert Scale].

General questions

Which department do you belong to? [choose one from list]

Which division do you belong to? [choose one from list]

Which research school do you belong to? [choose one from list]

Gender [choose one from list]

I am a … PhD student [choose one from list: Swedish / non-swedish / …]

Which year are you expected to finish your doctoral thesis? [choose one from list]

Enrollment and research education

Which year were you enrolled as a doctoral student? [choose one from list]

To which degree were you admitted? [choose one from list]

After how long time as a doctoral student did/will you acquire your licentiate degree / licentiate level seminar? [choose one from list]

What were/are reasons for the delay? [free text]

I feel that I have been able to influence the time of my licentiate seminar. [Likert Scale]

My graduate school offers sufficiently many courses (at a doctoral level) to satisfy the minimum credits for my doctoral education. [choose one from list]

I have an up-to-date individual study plan (ISP) that is signed by myself, my supervisor(s), my examiner and my head of research school. [choose one from list]

The ISP is a useful tool for… [Likert Scale]

… following up on my research progress

… following up on my progress in research education

… planning my research

… planning my research education

Regarding my doctoral degree, I am familiar with the… [Likert Scale]

… requirements set by my graduate school

… objectives for a doctoral degree set by Chalmers

I feel that I get prepared for my continued career after the PhD. [Likert Scale]

Comments and reflections on my enrollment and research education [free text]

Supervision

Is your main supervisor the same person as your examiner? [choose one from list]

The interaction with my supervisor(s) works well overall [Likert Scale]

I feel that my supervisor(s) [Likert Scale]

… acts in my best interest

… cares for my personal well-being

… helps me prioritize my time if needed

… has clear expectations of me

I feel that my ideas and suggestions matter and are considered. [Likert Scale]

I feel I get the supervision needed to meet deadlines. [Likert Scale]

I feel that my supervisor(s) encourages me to engage in professional networks/activities outside of Chalmers (conferences, cooperation with other universities, etc.) [Likert Scale]

When there are problems with my supervision, … [Likert Scale]

… I know where to seek help.

… I feel safe seeking help.

Comments and reflections regarding my supervision [free text]

Employment

The person responsible for your work environment is your line manager. Do you know who your line manager at Chalmers is? [choose one from list]

My line manager is… (check all that applies) [choose multiple from list]

I feel my line manager is capable of taking his/her responsibility for my work environment according to the Swedish law (i.e. preventing bullying, stress, discrimination, etc.) [Likert Scale]

I feel my yearly appraisal talks (medarbetarsamtal) are useful [Likert Scale]

When there are problems with my line manager, … [Likert Scale]

… I know where to seek help

… I feel safe seeking help

I feel that my research and duties are or will be negatively affected by the ongoing Chalmers-wide hiring freeze. [Likert Scale / added option: I don’t know]

Other comments and reflections regarding my employment [free text]

Departmental duties

I am teaching as a part of my departmental duties. [choose one from list]

The (realistic) time I spend on departmental duties corresponds to [choose one from list]

I personally keep track of the time I spend on departmental duties. [choose one from list]

I feel that the official records of my departmental duty hours spent… [Likert Scale]

… are transparent to me.

… are reflecting the actual time I spend.

Comments and reflections on my departmental duties [free text]

My immediate work environment

I feel that there is an atmosphere of openness and trust… [Likert Scale]

… in my research team.

… in my division.

… in my department.

In the last year, I have been negatively affected by conflicts with… [Likert Scale]

… supervisor(s).

… other personnel at Chalmers.

… undergraduate students.

I feel that … is working towards a better environment for me. [Likert Scale]

My local PhD Council

The DS (Doctoral Students Guild)

The Student Union

Comments and reflections on my immediate work environment [free text]

Health and well-being

I think that overall, … [Likert Scale]

… I am satisfied with my life as a doctoral student.

… my work situation affects my personal life positively.

The number of hours per week I spend working on my PhD (incl. courses and departmental duties) is [choose one from list]

I feel that I am not expected to work when I am on vacation [Likert Scale]

I feel or have felt during the past year negative stress because of … [Likert Scale]

… my research.

… ongoing or planned courses I am taking.

… departmental duties.

I have experienced the following symptoms during the last year because of work related issues: [choose multiple from list]

I have worked while on sick leave during the last year. [choose one from list]

I did not report it, because… [free text]

I know where at Chalmers I can turn to when… [Likert Scale]

… I experience physical illness

… I experience mental illness

I feel safe seeking help at Chalmers when… [Likert Scale]

… I experience physical illness

… I experience mental illness

Comments and reflections on health and well-being [free text]

Available support

I am aware that I can contact the Chalmers doctoral student ombudsman (DOMB) confidentially and free of charge, about any potential issue related to my doctoral education? [choose one from list]

I am satisfied with the HR support (with regards to contract extension and other employment related matters) at my department. [Likert Scale]

Comments and reflection on available support [free text]