Supervising

To welcome new PhD-students, The faculty of Arts arranges a kick-off seminar tomorrow. Besides general information about where's and what's, there will be an informal discussion of what to expect from your supervisor and what to expect from you as a PhD-student. I agreed to contribute with some points in order initiate a discussion.

Expectations of supervisor:
* Do what supervisors are supposed to do: read drafts; give comprehensive feedback; discuss problems; help with literature, theory, seminars, conferences; help networking/share contacts; make you feel safe enough to not appear brilliant at all times
* Challenge PhD-student, on progress, on quality
* Be open and honest: are expectations met? Is the relationship between supervisor and PhD-student constructive?

Expectations of PhD-student:
* Do what PhD-students are supposed to do: plan, organise and lead your project; let supervisor read drafts although not perfect; be independent and able to think for yourself; still, follow advice: don't ignore feedback from your supervisor, keep deadlines, publish, progress
* Challenge supervisor, be explicit on expectations
* Be open and honest: are expectations met? Is the relationship between supervisor and PhD-student constructive?

Question is: am I being a good PhD-student... I already feel the pressure of lacking progress. But this year has been spent and will be spent with a considerable amount of teaching. I still have clear objectives of what I will accomplish before December. And then next year...