EQUALITY GUIdE - KU Leuven

224 Equality Guide
documents can be put on Blackboard to make them available for everyone, which is
useful for those who have not been able to attend a particular session. On top of that,
the system provides an easy way to send mails to the entire group or to subgroups.
Because of the many advantages Blackboard has to offer, it is important that participants
are encouraged to use it.
4.3.3. The participants
Select a group as heterogeneous as possible. This will stimulate the input of experiences
and the exchange of tips and recommendations. Heterogeneity is necessary on
different levels, such as discipline and/or faculty, rank or status, people with or without
theoretical and/or practical experience in gender issues. By selecting participants from
different universities, interuniversity networks are created instantly.
As far as the selection procedure goes, it is best to organize an information event in
which the training is explained and in which participants are offered the opportunity to
ask questions. This will allow winning over people who initially were reluctant to participate.
If there are too many applications, ask the candidates for their motivations.
4.3.4. The lecturers
As far as lecturers are concerned, preference is given to coaches with a strong personality,
hands-on experience in communication and knowledge of the academic context.
Lecturers who have reached the top themselves and/or who have succeeded in balancing
their career with their family lives are highly appreciated, as they will be able to act
as a role model for female researchers.
4.3.5. Duration and location
The training is split into five sessions of a full day each. To make sure everyone is able
to fit the training into his or her schedules, the sessions are organized every other week.
In addition, one full day is preferred over two half days.
The sessions are organized on different campuses and at different universities, in order
to keep the transportation costs more or less on an equal level for all participants. It is
recommended to choose a room with a U-shaped table configuration and with enough
room to work in small groups. Tables and chairs that are easy to move are also a plus.
4.3.6. The evaluation
! Take some time for a Q&A session at the end of each training day in order to give