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Welcome guideforincoming ULg staff

visiting researchers

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Summary

1 Belgium in a few words 5

4 nsurances4.1. Compulsory insurance 17

4.1.1. Insurance against accidents at work and on the way to work 174.1.2. Car insurance 174.1.3. Compulsory insurance under

the rental contract 174.2. Recommended insurance 17

4.2.1. Fire insurance 174.3. Some advice before signing 18

4.2.2. Family insurance 184.2.3. Additional car insurance

(Omnium) 184.2.4. Hospital insurance 18

5 Registering with the Liège local authority 19

6 Salary and deduction

7 Health care 7.1. Medical fees 22

7.2. Reimbursement of medical fees 237.3. Important documents for your health 247.4. Patients’ rights 257.5. Medical consultations 25

8 Education and child minding from the age of 0 to 38.1. Education 268.2. Child minding from the age of 0 to 3 27

9 Other practical information 289.1. Bank account 289.3. Cost of living 289.2. Embassies and consulates 289.4. Goods and services 289.5. Life at the ULg 29

9.5.1. Internet access 299.5.2. University restaurants 299.5.3. The libraries 299.5.4. Open Access 30

9.6. Leisure activities and culture 319.6.1. At Liège 319.6.2. At Gembloux 329.6.3. At Arlon 32

9.7. French language courses 329.7.1. At Liège 329.7.4. At Gembloux 329.7.5. At Arlon 32

10 Before leaving your country10.1. Creating your application 33

10.1.1. Applying for a visa 3310.2. Leaving your country 3410.3. Arrival at the ULg 35

11 Before leaving Belgiun11.1. Activity report 3611.2. Recommendation 36

1.1. A federal state 51.2. The climate 51.3. Liège 6

1.3.1. How to get to Liège? 71.4. Gembloux 9

1.4.1. How to get to Gembloux? 91.5. Arlon 10

2 Research at ULg

3 Accomodation3.1. How to find accommodation in Liège? 123.2. Some advice before signing an accommodation contract 13

3.2.1. Lease/rental contract (compulsory) 133.2.2. Rental deposit (guarantee bond): 133.2.3. Accommodation inventory of fixtures 133.2.4. Building occupancy and service charges 133.2.5. Internet 133.2.6. Termination of contract 133.2.7. Registering the rental contract 143.2.8. Sub letting 143.2.9. Rental risk insurance 14

3.3. Local authority taxes 153.4. Getting legal advice about

‘accommodation’ issues 15

11.3. Certificate of services rendered 3611.4. Residence permit 3611.5. Welfare rights 36

11.5.1. Unemployment 3611.5.2. Mutual health insurance fund 36

11.6. Taxes 3711.7. Bank 3711.8. Housing arrangements 3711.9. 9 For Belgians who are going abroad 37

12 Illness12.1. In case of illness 3812.2. Smoking at work 3812.3. Safety rules 3912.4. Human Resources Contacts 3912.5. Do you need to talk? 41

12.5.1. About your personal situation 4112.5.2. About your work situation 41

13 Contact us 4213.1. The EURAXESS service centre 4213.2. A European label 4213.3. Personnel welfare office 4313.4. Student quality of life - cultural diversity and the student

welfare department 4313.5. Other useful addresses to get to know belgium 44

5

Welcome to the University of Liège, dear colleague in mobility!

You have chosen to spend some time at the University of Liège, and we are delighted that you have done so! For a few weeks, a few months or a few years, the ULg will be ‘your’ University. It will place at your disposal its infrastructure, its knowledge, its know-how and its interpersonal skills, and will do its utmost to bring the best out of the resources which you will bring to it.

Liège’s reputation as a warm and welcoming place is no mere platitude but a reality. You will certainly have the opportunity to experience this throughout your research stay. As well as your host Research Unit, the Institution’s various Administration Departments, the

A word of welcome

1 Belgium in a few wordsBelgium has a population of 10 million inhabitants within a territory stretching over 30.507 km2. Belgium is one of the founding nations of the European Union and its capital, Brussels, is also the European capital. This status makes it a very international city, 85% French speaking, with large foreign language speaking minori-ties (European and foreign citizens). Belgium’s linguistic and cultural diversity, which is at the root of political conflicts, has given rise to a federal system of governance which is complex to say the least, and through which the well-known ‘Belgian compromise’ has become renowned. Finally, for a long time now Belgium has established itself as the native land of beer, chocolate and comic strips.

Personnel Welfare Office and the University of Liège’s Mobility Centre, which is a member of the European EURAXESS network, are at your disposal to make your stay a successful one, as much on a personal as on a professional basis.

This welcome guide will give you practical informa-tion as to the various services which you might need over the course of your stay. This information will certainly make your integration into our city easier.

When you have obtained your ULg username and password (see www.ulg.ac.be/identification- centralisee), we invite you to regularly consult the intranet pages of the ARH (Human Resources Depart-ment) and ARD (Research and Development Depart-ment) at the following addresses:

1.1. A federal state

French, Dutch and German are the 3 official languages in Belgium. An invisible language border has divided the country into two parts: the French speaking South and the Flemish North. To this is added a German speaking enclave on the threshold of Germany. Brussels for its part constitutes a significant bilingual entity (French-Dutch) with a French speaking majority. The other regions, with a few exceptions, are unilingual.

Belgium is a Federal State which consists of three Communities and three Regions. Each one exercises its legislative powers in areas which are specific to it. The Walloon Region legislates in the French language region, which consists of the Provinces of Hainaut, Luxemburg, Namur, Walloon-Brabant and Liège. The Brussels-Capital Region exercises its legislative powers in the 19 local authorities located within the bilingual Brussels-Capital Region. The Flemish Region exercises its legislative powers in the Dutch language region, made up of the Provinces of West Flanders, East

Flanders, Antwerp, Limburg, and Flemish-Brabant. The Wallonia-Brussels Federation (formerly called the French Speaking Community) exercises its legislative powers in the territory of the Brussels-Capital Re-gion and the Walloon Region, with the exception of the German language local authorities. The German Speaking Community exercises its legislative powers within the 9 German speaking local authorities situated within the Pro-vince of Liège. The Flemish Commu-nity exercises its legislative powers in the territory of the Flemish region and the Brussels-Capital Region.

1.2. The climate

Belgium has a temperate climate, with mild but wet seasons and an average annual temperature of 9.4°C. The temperatures are mild, no matter the season, even if cold snaps (between December and March) or heat waves (between

June and August) are always possible. A good piece of advice: make sure you have rainwear with you for every season.

www.meteobelgique.be

ARH : www.ulg.ac.be/arh/ARD : www.ulg.ac.be/recherche

Don’t hesitate to ask any questions you might have and to tell us about your experiences. This will contribute to improving the quality of the services we provide. An evaluation form is available on our website: www.ulg.ac.be/cms/c_25090/fr/initiative- EURAXESS

We look forward to meeting you soon.

The Departement of Human ressources

The Departement of Research and Development

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1.3. Liège

Liège is the offspring of the Meuse. The river has mapped out the face of the city as much as it has infused the character of its citizens. The ‘Liège spirit’ is proud and tenacious, readily mocking and insubordi-nate, warm and welcoming. The puppet Tchantchès, a character from Liège folklore, sums up this spirit: his outspokenness often gets him into memorable adventures.

Liège is a welcoming and cosmopolitan city located next to 2 borders (30km away from the Netherlands and 45km from Germany) and 2 hours 15 from Paris (by high speed train). The metropolis is situated at the heart of Europe, and at the crossroads of Latin and Germanic cultures. Italian and Maghrebian immigra-

tion has heightened the appeal of the ‘Ardent City’ by giving it Mediterranean accents. The mix of cultures can be seen, smelled and tasted every Sunday mor-ning at the ‘Batte’, the longest open-air market in Europe.

The city centre, very shopping and trade oriented, is full of restaurants and bars. There is something for every taste and for every budget. Students for their part have their preference for the ‘Carré’, a maze of little streets whose nightlife is especially popular.

Liège is also a cultural city: a dozen theatres, the Wallonia Royal Opera House, the Philharmonic Or-chestra, numerous cinemas (some of which specialise in art house cinema and films in the original lan-guage), several dozen art galleries and museums, not to mention the numerous cultural societies and public libraries (the ‘Chiroux’). Through its membership of the EUREGIO and the Greater Region, Liège has confir-med that its cultural vocation has an international dimension.

To escape the city all you have to do is take the bus and travel some ten kilometres or so. Liège is encircled by attractive greenery. The Sart Tilman hillside, where

the main University campus is situated, is without doubt the greenest and will win you over through its lavish natural beauty. Liège is also at the gateway to the Ardennes and the Hautes Fagnes plateau. Don’t hesitate to travel a little further to discover the coun-tryside, to go for a stroll or take a mountain bike ride, to breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the hospitality of its inhabitants.

The City of Liège official website: www.liege.beWalks in Liège and the region: www.escapades.be www.rcae.ulg.ac.be/pages/air/rando.htmTourism in Wallonia and Brussels (multilingual): www.opt.be The City of Liège tourism office: www.liege.be/tourismeProvince of Liège: www.liegetourisme.bePrintable maps: www.ulg.ac.be/acces

1.3.1. How to get to Liège?

Belgium has three official languages, and so the na-mes of the cities vary depending on which region you happen to be in! Thus Liège is called ‘Luik’ in Dutch and ‘Lüttich’ in German!

• BY TRAIN, BUS, BICYCLE AND/OR CAR

To get to Liège by train you can use one of its three railway stations, Liège-Guillemins (the largest), Liège-Jonfosse or Liège-Palais (the closest to the city centre). The Belgian National Railway Company (SNCB) offers various reductions for travelling in Belgium. For exa-mple the Rail Pass enables you to take 10 single train journeys within Belgium for €76* subject to possible changes). It is valid for one year and can be used by several people. Don’t hesitate to consult the SNCB website for more details: train schedules, reserva-tions, information, etc.

The local public transport system (TEC: Transports En Commun) has a far reaching bus network. Buses 48 and 58 go to the Sart Tilman campus from the city centre. Bus 48 leaves from the Opera while bus 58 must be taken from the Guillemins train station. The length of the journey to the Sart Tilman campus is around 35 minutes for bus 48 and 20 minutes for bus 58. Waiting times between 2 buses (during the day) are from 4 to 10 minutes. Bus 28 gets you to the Sart Tilman (University Hospital and the Amphitheatres) from Fléron, taking you through Romsée, Bouny, Chaud fontaine, Ninane, Beaufays and Tilff. You can buy tickets from the bus driver for €2.10*. Bus cards for 8 journeys are also available for €8.80* and can be bought at T.E.C. sales outlets or in certain shops. Final-ly, you can purchase a monthly or yearly subscription (€37 per month for the Liege suburb commuter zone, or €312 per year*.

Bicycles are used by more and more people in Liège. Want to try ? The House of Cyclists in the Guillemins station offers different services to (future) cyclists : bicycle rental, repairs, sale of material, information, bicycle salons, etc. Long term rental of bicycles is pos-sible at an affordable price (80 € per year)*.

A very complete road and motorway system (E40, E25, E42, and E313) enables you to get to Liège and the Sart Tilman campus by car very easily.

By bus: www.infotec.be

T.E.C. tariff chart: www.infotec.be/fr-be/acheteruntitre/ titresettarifs.aspx

By train: www.b-rail.be or (traveller information: 0032 (0)4 241 26 10)

By car: www.ulg.ac.be/acces/plans

Car sharing (Cambio): www.cambio.be/cms/carsharing/fr

By bicycle, Maison des cyclistes : www.maisondescyclistes.be

* Prices in effect in October 2016

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Do you need a car for a short time ? Cambio offers an easy and low-priced rental service. Each car has a reser-ved parking place. You pick up the car at the chosen station and put it back when you have finished using it. After signing up on the site, the reservations are made by telephone, on the Internet or via Appcambio. How much does it cost ? A monthly subscription and the trips you have made .

• BY PLANE

The main airport is located in Zaventem, near Brus-sels. From the airport’s train station you can take the train to Brussels-North or Leuven and then the connec-tion to Liège-Guillemins (or Luik/ Lüttich- Guillemins ). Two trains every hour connect Liège and Brussels, and the journey takes a little over an hour.

The RAIL PASS takes you to any Belgian destination for the price of 75€ for 10 trips. This ticket does not free you from paying the Diabolo tax between the airport and Louvain or Bruxelles (to be paid via Internet or to the ticket inspector). Since June 1, 2015 the Brussels-Zaventem station has been equipped with electronic doors to enter or leave the station.

Brussels South Charleroi Airport is the second inter-national airport. Different means of transport leave from the airport: buses, coaches and trains. The main Charleroi train station is 7km away from the airport and a shuttle service operates between them (€ 6). This air-port hosts several low cost companies such as Jetairfly, Ryanair and Wizzair.

Zaventem airport: www.brusselsairport.beCharleroi airport: www.charleroi-airport.comLiège airport: www.liegeairport.com

Liège Airport is a third international airport. Two T.E.C. bus lines connect the airport and the city: line 57 takes you to the Liège-Guillemins train station (it doesn’t operate at the weekend or on public holidays), whith line 53 takes you to the city centre.

1.4. Gembloux

Gembloux is a town of over 25,000 inhabitants, lo-cated between the cities of Namur and Wavre, on the Brussels-Namur motorway route, at the northernmost tip of the Namur Province, and has the advantage of being centrally located in Belgium and in Europe. From Gembloux train station, international trains allow numerous destinations to be reached (Paris, Amsterdam, and London). It is also possible to reach Brussels Airport via a direct train connexion and Brus-sels South Charleroi Airport is only 20 minutes away by car.

The wooded parkland campus of Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech nestles within the town centre and is within easy reach of shops, restaurants and bars.

Official site of the town of Gembloux: www.gembloux.beGembloux tourism office: www.gembloux.be/loisirs/tourisme/ office-du-tourismeProvince of Namur: www.province.namur.beHouse of tourism Sambre-Orneau:http://www.sambre-orneau.be/frPrintable maps: www.gembloux.ulg.ac.be/campus/ se-reperer-sur-le-campus

1.4.1. How to get to Gembloux?

Gembloux enjoys a really central location. By train, the Faculty is only around ten minutes from Namur and Louvain-la-Neuve and around thirty from Brussels. The Faculty’s students thus benefit from the both of two worlds: the Faculty’s unique setting, bordered by attractive parkland, and proximity to major urban centres.

www.gembloux.ulg.ac.be/acces

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2 Research at the ULgThe University of Liège can be termed a research

university. It numbers around 3,500 researchers and 2,000 doctoral students who are active in every area of the human and social sciences, science and techno-logy, as well as life and health sciences. The ULg hosts a good number of researchers funded by the Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique FRS-FNRS (one of the main Belgian funding bodies) as well as foreign researchers. Researchers who come to Liège thus have numerous opportunities to build up their network of contacts.

The structure of research is based on excellence in internationally recognised scientific areas. Leading research centres are paired with first-class science and technology platforms. The research is funded by the Institution, the FNRS, and by external funds, in parti-cular by regional and European projects.

In Belgium, providing backing for research is a an area of jurisdiction shared by the Federal State, the Communities and the Regions, according to the powers exercised by each of these levels of adminis-trative government . The three levels of government – Federal State, the Wallonia-Brussels Federation and Wallonia – have been obliged to reduce their research expenditure to tackle the economic crisis. Never-theless, Wallonia is in possession of much high level research potential in terms of skills.

Research expenditure in the Walloon Region repre-sents a reasonable percentage of GDP, in comparison with other European countries and regions. For more information, consult the report issued by the ‘Conseil de la Politique scientifique’ (Science Policy Council) for the Wallonia-Brussels Federation:

http://www.cesw.be/index.php?mact=public-ations,cntnt01,default,0&cntnt01what=pub-lication&cntnt01alias=Rapport-du-CPS&cntnt01retu-rnid=57&a=view

The University of Liège has established countless links with institutions across the globe and has become an integral part of numerous international networks, as well networks providing training to re-searchers starting out on their careers.

Mindful of the needs of our society, the ULg creates added value and dynamism through the business companies which it sets up on the basis of research carried out by its laboratories. It also does so through the links which its research centres establish with companies and public services in different areas, es-pecially those concerning the economic renewal plan for the Walloon Region: the Marshall Plan. Business clusters linking up universities, business companies, funding and venture capital providers equally enable the development of a research rooted in an economic

world requiring innovation, creativity and multidisci-plinarity.

Very aware that excellence is nurtured in an environ-ment fostering research, training and career deve-lopment, the ULg is one of the European universities which in 2005 committed themselves to honouring the principles of the European Charter for Resear-chers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.

At the same time the ULg is developing its EU-RAXESS Mobility Centre for researchers. It was the first Belgian university to receive, in 2011, the HR EXCEL-LENCE IN RESEARCH label, a sign of the European Commission’s recognition of its human resources management strategy in terms of research. The ULg’s researchers distinguish themselves by their publica-tions in the best research journals. The ULg is a pio-neer in terms of Open Access publications (see 8.6.4 – Open Access).

1.5. Arlon

Two thousands years of history have bequeathed Arlon a prestigious heritage, rich in secrets which a stroll in the town invites you to discover. The Ro-man origins, highlighted by the Archaeological Museum, are mixed with the majestic architecture of the Saint-Martin church and the popular area of Saint- Donat. In exploring its streets and alleyways, let yourself be transported by history and discover, step by step, a dynamic town, its pedestrian area, its shops, its bars, its tea shops. From season to season, Arlon is

the stage of numerous folkloric and cultural festivities: the Carnaval, the Faaschtebounen, the Festival Urbain Aralunaires, Pauses Culture en Mai, the Fêtes du Maitrank, Orguarel and many more! (The Arlon Re-gion Tourist Office website - www.arlon-tourisme.info)

The campus stretches over a green area of several hectares right at the heart of the town and close to various recreational facilities (sports centre, cinema multiplex, cultural centre, the town centre). Extremely user-friendly, it boasts the modern infrastructure and the services vital to hosting and providing support to

students from every background: accommodation, methodological support, cultural life and sports acti-vities etc.

The Arlon campus is also situated about a ten mi-nute walk from the Arlon train station.

www.campusarlon.ulg.ac.be

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3 Accommodation3.1. How to find accommodation in Liège?

Finding accommodation in Liège is not too difficult, but it is better to visit the locations as the quality of the premises available varies considerably. Take into consideration the accessibility via public transport and don’t pay any deposit or advance-rent before having visited the accommodation and signed the contract.

The following departments are located in the city center : Philosophy and Letters, HEC, Architecture. The others are located on the Sart-Timan campus (15 km from the center). To live nearby, you should look in the following towns : Angleur, Chaudfontaine, Chênée, Embourg, Esneux, Ougrée, Seraing and Tilff. The ULg

Accommodation Service may help you at your arrival. Ak our EURAXESS Centre to send you a form on which you will fill out your requirements.

The monthly rental fee for a room is about 290 to 350 €, not including expences (see below). For a stu-dio count between 350 and 450 €, and for an apart-ment between 450 and 650 €. There are generally not furnished.

Temporarily you could get a room at the University residence. You could also stay in the youth hostel, si-tuated within the city, or in a bed and breakfast. These types of accommodation are often less expensive than the hotels.

Accommodation Service: www.ulg.ac.be/logement mail: logement.ville@ulg.ac.be

University Residence: www.ulg.ac.be/locations-temporairesYouth hostel: www.lesaubergesdejeunesse.be/ Liege-Contact

if you are looking for accommodation, student rooms (‘ķots’), apartments, etc.:www.immoweb.be/ www.immokot.be www.kothouse.be www.liege.biz www.kotplanet.be www.ulg.ac.be/kot www.kotaliege.be www.student.be www.appartager.be www.kots.bewww.zeagency.com

Bed and breakfast: www.liege.be/tourisme/lhebergement-1 www.airbnb.be www.bedandbreakfast-liege.com www.zeagency.com/liege-apartment-3/

There are three private residences that offer furnished accomodation for students and resear-chers : www.meuse-campus.be/www.studenthouse-liege.be/frwww.studentstation.be

You can also use a rental agency at : http://www.immoweb.be/fr/recher-che-agence-immobiliere-liege.htm?typemot-=age&mycurrent_section=ads&prv=6

3.2. Some advice before signing an accommodation contract

(For a more detailed presentation: www.ulg.ac.be/en/good-to-know ) BEFORE signing, check whether or not the owner will agree to your ‘domiciliation’ at the pre-mises (‘domiciliation’ means that you will be administratively and officially registered at the residence in question). For some foreign students and researchers this ‘domiciliation’ is com-pulsory in order to obtain a residence permit.

3.2.1. Lease/rental contract (compulsory)

BEFORE signing the rental contract, read it carefully. Don’t hesitate to ask the owner for further informa-tion or have it read by a knowledgeable person (see below).

3.2.2. Rental deposit (guarantee bond):

This is not compulsory (unless stipulated in the contract); the amount is the equivalent of 2 or 3 months rent. It is strongly recommended to place it in a frozen bank account in the name of the tenant and the name of the landlord, which cannot be liberated without both signatures. This legal clause is meant to prevent landlords from keeping the deposit longer than necessary. Sometimes the opening of a bank account can take a few weeks. With a certificate pro-vided by the university concerning your contract, it is likely that the owner will be ready to wait for a while. If not you can ask him/her if he can pledge in writing that he will place into the future bank account the amount which you will give him as a rental deposit.

3.2.3. Accommodation inventory of fixtures

This is a written document drawn up no later than two weeks after the starting date of the contract. It describes the conditions of the rented rooms (in particular the imperfections and problems which have been identified). The fees for this procedure, if it is carried out by an expert, are to be shared by the owner and the tenant. If this inventory has not been drawn up when the tenant moves in, it cannot be done so when the tenant leaves, unless the owner can provide proof of a problem caused by the tenant.

3.2.4. Building occupancy and service charges

The building occupancy charges (water, gas, elec-tricity, heating) and the service charges (the lighting and cleaning of common areas, door entrance phone, elevator, etc.) are either included or not included in the amount to be paid to the owner.

3.2.5. Internet

Does the accommodation have an internet connec-tion? Are the network connection and/or subscription fees to be paid by you?

3.2.6. Termination of contract

Are the conditions for leaving before the due date stipulated in the contract or not? Terminating the rental contract before the expiration date could have serious consequences (e.g. termination of contract compensation, the obligation of finding another te-nant to replace you, legal proceedings to reclaim rent payments despite your departure). Bring up these points with the owner BEFORE signing the contract and request that these particulars appear clearly in writing in the contract.

Gembloux Campus Accommodation Service: www.gembloux.ulg.ac.be/etudier/se-loger

In Gembloux the average monthly rent for a room is €280. Don’t hesitate to contact the Accommodation Service (for accommodation at the campus, in the town or in private accommodation) or fill in an online application via the link:

Arlon Campus Accommodation Service: www.facsc.ulg.ac.be/cms/c_1121813 /fr/se-logerForty-five rooms are available in the university resi-dences near the campus. The monthly rent is about € 250. Finding accommodation in the town is also possible. A list of private housing is available online.

To discover the various areas from Liège : http://www2.ulg.ac.be/liege/flash/liege_quartiers

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3.2.7. Registering the rental contract

This administrative formality must be carried out within the two months following the signing of the contract, at the “bureau d’enregistrement” (Registra-tion Office) of the Ministry of Finance. In principle this procedure is the responsibility of the owner. A contract which is thusly ‘registered’ will carry more weight legally in the case of litigation between the owner and yourself. Registering the rental agreement is essential when applying for a family reunification visa.

3.2.8. Sub letting

You may sublet your accommodation with the written agreement of the owner, but don’t forget that you remain entirely responsible and have to fulfil your duties and obligations to the owner as the main tenant. Offers of flat-sharing are more and more common but are not yet covered by specific laws. However, have a look at :

www.immoweb.be/fr/a-louer/article/tout-sa-voir-sur-la-colocation.htm?mycurrent_section-=rent&artid=4813

3.2.9. Rental risk insurance (fire, water damage, etc.)

This insurance can be taken out with any company (see the chapter about Insurances).

3.3. Local authority taxesThey differ from one city to the next, so ask the local

authority administration centre of your place of resi-dence. In Liège some taxes are, in certain conditions, to be paid for by the tenant. That is the case with the “taxe urbaine”, for which you will receive a notice of payment in the spring (read the reverse side of the document). It is to be paid by a tenant ‘domiciled’ in Liège or registered in the Register of Foreign Nationals (holder of an ‘Annexe 8’, an ID card E, a CIRE (Certificate of Registration in the Register of Foreign Nationals) or an ID card A). The amount is €85* for a single person, reduced to €26* under certain conditions. For house-holds of more than one person the amounts are res-pectively €140* for the tax and €39* for the reduced rate. Do you wish to find out more about these taxes? If so read points 3/3a and 7/13 on the City of Liège’s official web pages – unfortunalety in French only. www.liege.be/finances/fiscalite/reglements/ reglements).

Town of Gembloux: www.gembloux.be/ma-commune/services- communaux/pole-finance/taxes

3.4. Getting legal advice about ‘accommodation’ issues

Walloon Region accommodation info-advice service, Espace Wallonie,Place St Michel, 86 - 4000 LIEGE.04/250 93 30 http://dgo4.spw.wallonie.be/DGATLP/ICL Centre J (information centre for young people) Boulevard d’Avroy, 5 - 4000 Liège www.liege.be/jeunesse/centre-j 04/223 00 00 centrej@liege.be

*Prices in effect in October 2016, subject to changes

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4 InsuranceAn insurance contract is signed between a person and an insurance company which pledges itself to providing compensatory coverage in the case where a concrete difficulty which has been considered in theory, occurs in reality. The insurance cover, as long as the conditions defined in advance within the contract have been respected, is in most cases financial (com-pensation for the consequences caused by the event), but can also take the form of services (for example, a replacement vehicle in the case of a car accident.)

Insurance coverage is not free of charge. The person insured pays the insurance company a premium, the amount and payment conditions of which are stipulated in the contract. The insurance policy is the contract concluded between the policyholder and the insurance com-pany. It sets out the list of eventualities for which insurance cover is provided, the aid provided in the event of a claim (called the insurance coverage), the obligations of the policyholder and the obligations of the insurance company.

Insurance policies very often stipulate that a sum remains to be paid by the policyholder: this is the deductible or the excess. The policyholder is thus not compensated for the sum of the deductible in the case of an accident, injury or loss.

4.1. Compulsory insurance

Certain types of insurance are compulsory according to law because the risks are otherwise considered too great.

4.1.1. Insurance against accidents at work and on the way to work

This insurance is taken out by every employer to cover every member of its personnel. If you are a ULg scholarship holder or a ULg employee you benefit from this insurance without having to take any action. If you are a visiting or guest researcher you will have to register as a free researcher to benefit from this insurance coverage (www.ulg.ac.be/chercheur-libre).

Moreover, employees hired by the University of Liège and free researchers duly registered at ULg are covered in terms of civil liability. This policy covers damages caused to a third party or the property of a third party due to error, negligence or carelessness committed at the workplace.

www.ulg.ac.be/affairesjuridiques

If you carry out a foreign mission, do not forget to sign up with MODUS to continue to be covered by this insurance. https://my.ulg.ac.be/portail/MOB/home.do?tkRfhId=14755793988420Dmye

4.1.2. Car insurance

In Belgium it is compulsory to insure all motor vehicles brought into service (including two- wheeled vehicles) in terms of civil liability. Civil liability insu-rance compensates the bodily injuries, material da-mage and emotional distress caused to third parties

in an accident in which the driver of the vehicle is at fault.

Civil liability insurance covers only the costs incurred by the third party. It does not cover the costs related to damage to the vehicle of the driver responsible for the accident. An additional – optional – Insurance is necessary to cover these personal costs. (‘omnium’ insurance, see below).

The amount of the insurance premium varies according to the insurance company chosen, the age of the driver and the vehicle power rating. The po-tential number of accidents in which the driver has been at fault is also taken into account (if a driver has already caused an accident s/he will pay a higher insurance premium than if he/she has never caused an accident).

The insurance certificate, also called ‘carte verte’ (green card) must be kept within the vehicle at all times.

4.1.3. Compulsory insurance under the rental contract

Certain types of insurance are compulsory within the framework of a contract. Thus every tenant is obliged to take out fire insurance, to cover his/her assets and the part of the building he or she occupies.

4.2. Recommended insurance

For major risks (fire, car accident, etc.) the damages can be very extensive and a person faced with such a risk is not always able to pay the costs incurred. The financial coverage provided by the insurance is thus very wel-come; this financial cover can moreover reach very high amounts which often exceed the total of the premiums paid by the policyhol-der. It is thus very useful to insure yourself against certain risks.

You are strongly advised to cover all the risks and damages which could cause you serious financial problems if you had to bear them yourself.

4.2.1. Fire insurance

Fire insurance (or house insurance) reimburses the amounts required to replace, repair or rebuild the building and/or its contents in case of fire. Numerous contracts extend the risks to theft within the building, to water damage, broken window panes, etc.

Fire insurance is generally compulsory for tenants of any type of property (house, apartment, or even a garage). Owners of any type of property are strongly recommended to take out this insurance, even if it is occupied by a tenant.

The crucial point in fire insurance is to correctly esta-blish the value of the property to be insured.

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Family insurance compensates damages caused to a third party in their private lives, as long as the liabi-lity of the policyholder is upheld (examples: broken window panes, a fall, damage to property, etc.). The person whose liability is upheld is legally obliged to compensate the damage. This reparation of damages is a financial compensation, yet this legal obligation can lead to the payment of very significant amounts. In concrete terms the insurance company covers the financial reparation owed to the victim by the person insured.

4.2.3. Additional car insurance (Omnium)

Compulsory car insurance never covers the damage done to the vehicle of the driver responsible for the accident. In this instance there is a specific non-com-pulsory insurance (called ‘Omnium’ in Belgium; from the Latin, meaning ‘all’, thus All-Risk insurance) which can be taken out in addition to the obligatory insu-rance. Its aim is to indemnify the costs of repairing the insured vehicle (or its loss), whether or not the poli-cyholder is responsible for the damages, in the cases stipulated in the contract.

Each insurance company is at liberty to fix the terms and the tariff of this insurance. Generally the insu-rance companies offer two contracts: a ‘Mini Omnium’ or a ‘Complete Omnium.’ The range of the insurance coverage varies depending on the insurance company and the type of contract. The ‘Complete Omnium’ is recommended for new vehicles but is not necessarily justified for an already old vehicle in poor condition.

4.2.4. Hospital insurance

An accident, an illness or a period of hospitalisation can give rise to significant healthcare costs for which the mutual health insurance fund provides cover in the first instance, within the framework of the protec-tion of social security. But the compensation provided by the social security system does not cover all the costs. It is thus possible to take out an extra insurance with your mutual health insurance fund or an insu-rance company. You will find more information in the chapter devoted to Health Care.

4.3. Some advice before signing

Remember that in order to get insured, it is necessary to sign a contract. Before signing, each insurance applicant should take a few precautions:• Read the contract carefully without limiting yourself to the first page (read all the sections, including the small print)

• Signing a contract means accepting everything which is stipulated in it. In the case of a disagree-ment over one point or another it is thus necessary to have a discussion BEFORE signing

• Compare the terms of a contract offered by se-veral companies (the risks covered, the premiums to be paid, the extent of coverage provided by the company, the total amount of the deductible, etc.)

• For your information, ETHIAS offers favorable conditions to Ulg personnel (ETHAIS Affinity). You just have to tell them your registration number

Be careful! The same risk could be accounted for in various types of contract. Examples: an assistance abroad insurance policy might be included in an ad-ditional car insurance contract; theft within a building is very frequently covered by fire insurance; the theft of a motorised vehicle is covered by the additional car insurance, etc. Before concluding a new insurance contract it is recommended that you check whether the risk has not already been appropriately insured within the framework of another signed contract.

5 Registering with the Liège local authorityWithin the 8 days of entering Belgium (or when you will have found accommodation BUT ALWAYS BEFORE THE EXPIRY DATE of your visa or residence permit), you have to register in person with the local authority (commune) of your intended place of residence, in order to declare your presence on the territory (and to register on the Register of Foreign Nationals, if your situation demands it).

Don’t forget to take with you:1. Your identification documents (identity card or

passport with a visa)2. Two passport photos in the required format3. For the application file administrative costs and

the preparation of documents: €11 for non-Euro-pean nationals, €14 for European nationals (ta-riffs in effect in October 2015, subject to changes)

4. Your contract with the ULg and your work permit exemption certificate or your hosting agreement (see the chapter ‘Before leaving – Checklist’)

5. Your address in Belgium

If you are bringing along family members they will also need to register with the local authority. You will need to take the above mentioned documents with you as well as documents proving their marital or parental link with you (marriage contract, birth certificate, duly legally certified, if the required documents are not in English, Dutch, French or German). The other docu-ments inherent to family reunification will be explained in detail, depending on your situation.

If you are not a scholarship holder (see below) you will be required to pay a fee for the treatment of the demand to change your status or residence permit.

The fee covers the administrative costs of processing an application by the Foreign Nationals Service. It is not reimbursed if your application is turned down. This fee is in addition to the consular fees (type D visa) and local authority taxes (application for a residence permit or to change status). If you have paid it as part of your application for a type D visa, you no longer have to pay it when you apply for a residence permit.

Since March 2, 2015, the processing of certain ap-plications for a type D visa, a change in status or a residence permit must be paid for (€60, €160 or €215). Proof of payment must be provided when you submit the application. If this fee concerns you, you must pay it before submitting your application and provide proof of payment when you submit your application. If your application concerns several people you must pay one fee per person. For more information on the amount of fees to be paid, consult:

https://dofi.ibz.be/sites/dvzoe/FR/Actualites/Pages/La_redevance.aspx

Since June 8, 2016, students and researchers who have obtained a scholarship given by authorities and high education institutions (university grant) are exempted from paying this sum on presentation of a certificate. If this is your case and you have not received

it, contact your file manager at the Human Resources department or the Euraxess center.

If you wish to drive a motor vehicle in Belgium, also provide your driving licence. This will be checked and, where necessary, exchanged with a licence valid in Belgium after you have received your residence permit.

You will receive a document declaring that you have completed all the formalities required to register: Annex 33 (a simple declaration that you are presently in local authority territory) or Annex 8 for EU nationals. Annex 19 could be issued to you if the file is not complete in order to have it completed within 3 months. Non EU nationals will receive Annex 15, valid for 45 days.

Around two weeks1 after registering, a local police officer will come to your home to make sure you are indeed living at the given address. If you are absent at the time of her/his visit s/he will leave you a notice of convocation. Contact the local police station to make an appointment (to find the nearest local police station for the city of Liège: www.Liège.be/securite/commissariats/commissariat). Around three weeks1 af-ter this visit you will receive a notice of convocation by the local authorities (In Liège, Service des Etrangers) to issue your residence permit. For European Union

1: If after a month you received no news, get back in touch with the local authorities (in Liège, Service des Etrangers or with the EURAXESS Centre.

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If you live in Liège:Service des étrangersrue des Guillemins, 26 - 4000 Liègetél . 04/221.82.83 ou 04/221.82.48 ou 04/221.82.58www.liege.be/etat-civil-et-population/accueil-des- etrangers

If you live in Gembloux: Hôtel de VilleParc d’Epinal, 2phone: 081/62.63.31 ou fax : 081/62.63.36mail : population@gembloux.bewww.gembloux.be/votre-commune/votre-commune/ services-communaux/population/etrangers

If you live in Arlon: Hôtel de Ville – étage B1, Service des étrangersRue Paul Reuter 8tél . 063/24.56.04 ou 063/24.56.75 ou 063/23.38.87administration@arlon.be

If you live in another city:Register with the local authority of your place of residence

6 Salary and deductions

The employer attributes a gross income (‘revenu brut’) when the employment contract or agreement is drawn up, in accordance with the regulations appli-cable to public services agents.

This gross income is subject to various deductions, including in particular social security deductions (earmarked to fund the various branches of social welfare: health care, family allowances, etc.2) and the deduction at source (the income tax, which varies, depending on family situation, amongst other factors). The gross income with the social security contributions taken off is called the taxable income (‘revenu net imposable’). The taxable income with the deduction at source taken off is called net in-come (‘revenu net’).

This net income can be still further reduced fol-lowing other deductions such as: the special social security contribution, the personal meal voucher deduction, etc. and increased by various reimburse-ments corresponding to employer social support (travel allowance , for example), etc.

These various deductions are paid directly by the employer to the different public organs concerned (ONSS – National Social Security Office, SPF Finances – SPF Economy, etc.)

The monthly salary which is paid to you at the end of the month is thus the NET income.

Every month the employer prepares a detailed pay slip which is available and can be downloaded on ULISWEB (the ULg personnel database, to which you will have online access when you have obtained your username and password). A paper version is also avai-lable. This document also includes the names of your administrative and financial file managers at the ULg.

Access UlisWeb:http://ulisweb.ulg.ac.be

Each year at the end of May your employer will pre-pare an individual detailed account (annual summary of pay slips) as well as a tax statement (fiche 281.XX). The latter will enable you to fill in your annual income tax returns.

The income tax returns will include all your profes-sional earnings, income from movable assets, real estate income, etc. from the previous year which are subject to potential taxation. As well as the 281.XX tax statement you will receive from the different orga-nisations involved (banks, schools, crèches, insurance companies, etc.) the necessary documents to fill in your tax declaration. It must be sent to the Tax Admi-nistration Office (SPF Finances), either electronically or on paper. The deadline for submitting your tax returns varies each year, but it is generally around mid-June for the paper version and mid-July for the electronic version.

After receiving and checking your declaration, the tax authorities calculate the tax and issue a tax state-ment. This document indicates the amount to be paid, or the rebate to be received. If you need help with filling in your income tax returns you can visit the tax authorities from your place of residence. Throughout the month of June the EURAXESS Centre is available during office hours to help you fill in your declaration (see the contact details at the end of this brochure; ‘Contacts’ chapter. Please note that the EURAXESS Centre is not a tax expert. It will provide you with general information.

N.B.: Doctoral and postdoctoral grants (not to be confused with mobility allowances) are subject to social security contributions only, given that they benefit from tax exemption. The tax declaration none-theless remains compulsory for doctoral and postdoc-toral fellows, but no income should be declared, apart from the special social security contribution and the employer social support (travel allowance, for exa-mple), if any.

For more information: www.finances.belgium.be/fr/ particuliers/declaration_impot/

2 : To find out more about social security in Belgium, consult: www.socialezekerheid.fgov.be/en/index.htm © T

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nationals Annex 33 or 8 is enough. If you nevertheless so wish, the E type electronic identity card could be issued to you in exchange for Annex 8. In this case please bring with you: 1 photo and €18*.

Non EU nationals will get an electronic ID smartcard valid for one year. It will cost €20,70. Please note that you are supposed to carry your ID at all times.

Since March 1, 2015, a reception programme is being provided for foreigners who have newly arrived in the Walloon Region from non-European countries who do not have a contract or an invitation from the university and if your partner has been invited for an interview at CRIPEL as a newly arrived immigrant. Or if, outside this period, you require further information on the arrival procedure, do not hesitate to consult the following website and to contact the EURAXESS Centre.

http://socialsante.wallonie.be/?q=action-s-ociale/integration-personne-origine-etrangere/dispositifs/parcours-accueil-primo-arrivants

* Tariff subject to changes

7.2. Reimbursement of medical feesMedical fees are reimbursed, fully or in part, pro-

vided you are affiliated to a health insurance fund and that you have paid the contributions for the additio-nal insurance.

Doctor’s fees are to be paid in part by the health in-surance fund, and in part by the patient. The part paid by the patient is called ‘ticker modérateur’. This is thus the amount you must bear after the reimbursement provided by your health insurance fund. You must pay the whole amount to your doctor, who will issue you with a healthcare certificate (a document which proves you have received medical care, and which describes the type of healthcare). This certificate is to be given to your health insurance fund, which will then give you a reimbursement corresponding to the treatment you have received. The amount of the reimbursement is not fixed by your health insurance fund but by a list established by the State (called ‘nomenclature’). This list also stipulates the condi-tions which must be met by the healthcare services provided in order to be subject to reimbursement (the status and credentials of the healthcare provider, the duration of the healthcare provided, the frequency, etc.)

Should hospitalisation be required the social se-curity contribution is made beforehand: the patient receives a bill from the hospital which describes the whole costs and specifies the ‘ticket modérateur’ (the amount which the patient has to pay and possible

extras which are not covered by the health insurance fund). The hospital sends a second bill to the health insurance fund, which will directly pay the amount it is responsible for. With this system, which is called ‘tiers-payant’ ( third-party payment system), the pa-tient pays only pays his/her contribution (and possible extras which are not covered by the health insurance fund). Some medicines are covered by a similar sys-tem (reduction of the price paid at the pharmacy).

Finally, in Belgium there is a distinction between two categories of doctors. The ‘médecins conven-tionnés’ (contracted health service doctors) have pledged to respect the fees set in an agreement between the health insurance funds and the orga-nisations representing doctors. This is not the case for ‘médecins non conventionnés’ (non contracted health service doctors). Whether or not your doc-tor is ‘conventionné’ the amount reimbursed by the mutual health insurance fund is identical. If your doctor is not ‘conventionné’ you will have to pay the surplus fee. The ‘conventionné-non conventionné ‘distinction is valid for both general practitioners and specialists. To find out if your doctor is ‘conventionné ‘the easiest way is to ask him/her when arranging an appointment. If s/he is not ‘conventionné’ you can also ask him/her what their fees are. Note that a doctor can be totally or partially ‘conventionné’, in other words only on certain days or for certain hours (for example for a consultation at the hospital but not for a private practice consultation).

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7 Health care3

7.1. Medical fees

In Belgium medical fees are reimbursed, fully or in part. To benefit from this reimbursement, one needs to affiliate with a mutual health insurance fund – (‘mu-tuelle’ – a private, non profit making body), or with the Auxiliary Sickness & Invalidity Insurance Fund (CAAMI – a public body). Through your affiliation to a health insurance fund or to the CAAMI, you benefit from compulsory health care insurance. This affiliation is funded by contributions deducted directly from your salary or your grant (social security contributions). If you are enrolled in doctoral studies you can become affiliated to a mutual health insurance fund as a stu-dent. If you are a free researcher this affiliation will be possible only if certain specific administrative forma-lities are taken and by paying personal contributions if necessary. If you need more information about this

status, please contact the EURAXESS Centre.

If you are affiliated to a health insurance fund, this fund will request you to take out an additional insurance. This additional insurance provides the reimbursement of medical services which are not co-vered by the statutory healthcare system (logopedics, psychotherapy, fees for glasses, dentist, kinesiothera-py, childbirth allowance, childcare fees for a child who is ill, etc.). The CAAMI does not offer this additional insurance, which means that it does not cover the reimbursement of these medical services.

Finally, the health insurance funds also offer volun-tary insurance, which provides even wider cover for those people who wish to take it out. Essentially this is a Hospital Insurance, which covers the fees linked to a hospitalisation admission for a day or over the long

term (room, extra examinations, etc.), or insurance for dental care. The range on offer and the amounts vary depending on the health insurance fund.

Affiliation to a health insurance fund or to the CAAMI is compulsory for people who are working or studying in Belgium. It is important, before making a choice, to compare the range of insurance offered by each fund in its additional insurance, so that you affi-liate with the one which fits your needs best (consult the mutual health insurance fund websites on the next page). You can also request a cost estimate. It should be pointed out that contracts are established for one year, and that it is generally difficult to termi-nate them before their term expire.

Alliance Nationale des Mutualités Chrétiennes :www.mc.be

Union Nationale des Mutualités Libérales :www.mut400.be

Union Nationale des Mutualités Libres :www.mloz.be

Union Nationale des Mutualités Neutres :www.mutualites-neutres.be

Union Nationale des Mutualités Socialistes :www.mutsoc.be

Caisse auxiliaire d’assurance maladie-invalidité (CAAMI) :www.hziv.be

3 : To find out more: www.ulg.ac.be/en/medical-care ©Ti

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AT GEMBLOUX:www.gembloux.be/ma-commune/informa-tions-utiles/sante/annuaire-sante At Gembloux, the ‘maison d e garde’ is available by ringing one number only 081/61.59.20.

AT ARLON:If you require the services of a doctor, a dentist or if a hospital consultation becomes necessary Françoise DASNOY (+32 63 23 08 31 F.Dasnoy@ulg.ac.be ) will give you all the information you need.

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7.3. Important documents for your healthThe ‘vignette’ is a document which details the

information concerning your health insurance fund (affiliation number, place of residence, etc.). You have to stick a vignette on the documents you give to your health insurance fund (prescriptions, healthcare certi-ficates, etc.). Your health insurance fund will give you several ’vignettes ‘.

The prescription (also called ‘ordonnance’) is the document in which your doctor specifies the medi-cine and treatments you need. You have to give the prescription to the pharmacy when you buy your me-dicine. Nevertheless several medicines can be issued without a prescription.

The healthcare certificate is the document your doctor gives you after a consultation. You have to stick a ‘vignette’ to it and then give it to the health insu-rance fund to be reimbursed (totally or in part) for the amount of the consultation fee.

The European health insurance card is a card given free of charge to EU nationals so that they can benefit from the public healthcare they need during a tem-porary stay in one of the 28 European Member States, in Iceland, Lichtenstein, in Norway and in Switzerland, in the same conditions and for the same fees as the people insured in these countries.

The cards are issued by the health insurance ser-vices of all the EU Member States. The European health insurance card:• Does not replace travel insurance. It covers neither private healthcare nor costs such as a return flight to your country of origin or the loss or theft of proper-ty.

• Does not cover the costs associated with medical treatment which you have scheduled in another EU country.• In no case guarantees that the services provided will be free of charge. As the healthcare systems differ from one country to the next, certain services provided for free in your country might not necessa-rily be so elsewhere.

Attention: if you change your usual country of residence you have to use the S1 form, and not the European health insurance card, to register in order to benefit from medical care in your new country of residence.

http://ec.europa.eu/social/

7.4. Patients’ rights

As a patient you are free to choose your doctor. It is nonetheless recommended that you keep one and the same general practitioner; s/he will know you, your medical file, your medical history, etc.

You also have the right to be informed about the state of your health, the possible treatments and the risks involved. The doctor needs your consent before beginning the treatment. You can request to consult your medical file, but you will nevertheless not have access to the doctor’s personal handwritten notes.

Finally your doctor is bound by doctor-patient confi-dentiality regarding your medical file.

You should also be aware that if you do not speak French well enough you can make use of a specialised translation and interpretation service. To do so you need to get in touch with the relevant contact in the hospital, medical centre, etc.). The EURAXESS Centre can also help you.

It should also be pointed out that PhD candidates enrolled at the ULg can benefit from the third-party payment system for consultations at the C.H.U. (Sart Tilman University Hospital Centre) and at the Polyclini-ques Brull (in the city centre). With your health insu-rance fund these consultations are fully reimbursed. Do not forget to provide your registration number, which is on your student card, when you register for a consultation.

This ‘special tariff’ only applies to the consultation at the polyclinic and not to laboratory fees, the issuing of medicaments and medical examinations (blood tests, scanner, etc.).

7.5. Medical consultations

To find a doctor in Liège during the week:www.ordomedic.be/fr/rechercher-un-medecin/

To find a doctor in Liège the weekend:La maison de garde (from Friday, 19.00, to Mon-day, 8.00, as well as public holidays)Quai Van Beneden 25, 4000-LIEGEtél. 04/341.33.33www.gmsle.be/malade_le_weekend_ _030.htm

Polycliniques BrullQuai Godefroid Kurth 45 - 4020 Liège

C.H.U. du Sart Tilman (University Hospital Centre)Avenue de l’Hôpital - bât. B35 - 4000 LiègeMaking an appointment is OBLIGATORY for the two sites: tél. 04/242.52.52

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8 Education and child minding from the age of 0 to 3

8.1. Education

It is not difficult to find a place to enrol your child in a pre-school centre, primary or secondary school in Liège (apart from immersion classes). Education in Belgium is free of charge and is divided into 3 net-works:

• Education run by the Wallonia-Brussels Federation• Official subsidised education• Free subsidised education

Pre-school and primary education constitutes the basic education. Pre-school education targets children from 2.5 to 6 years. It is not compulsory. Primary edu-cation is for children aged 6 to 12 years and is compul-sory. It consists of six years of learning (from the first to the sixth) and is mainly based on learning reading and mathematics.

In the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, the learning of a second language is compulsory from the 5th year of primary education. The languages offered are Dutch, English and German. In addition certain pre-schools and primary schools take part in a language immer-sion programme. This programme consists of giving lessons (other than language courses) in another language. These schools generally have relatively long waiting lists (enrolling children several years in advance in some cases).

Primary education is validated by the ‘certificate of basic studies’ (CEB) in the Wallonia-Brussels Federa-tion. This certificate gives access to secondary studies. Secondary education consists of 4 streams of educa-tion: general, technical, artistic and vocational. It is subdivided into three levels:

• Level 1 – called the observation level (normally for pupils aged 12 to 14 years – maximum 16 years) ;• Level 2 – called the orientation level (normally for pupils aged 14 to 16 years) ;• Level 3 – called the confirmation level (normally for pupils aged 16 to 18 years).

At the end of their six years the pupils receive the CESS (Certificate of Secondary Higher Education). This certificate gives access to Higher Education (Universi-ties or High Schools).

More information about education in Belgium, as well as a list of all the schools:www.enseignement.be

8.2. Child minding from the age of 0 to 3

In Belgium, day care facilities (crèches and also carers at home) for children of pre-school age (0 to 3 years) are accredited by the Office of Birth and Child-hood (ONE, Office de la Naissance et de l’Enfance). This institution is responsible in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation for all questions pertaining to childhood, child-related policies, mother and child protec-tion, medico-social support for the mother and the newborn or future child, child care outside the family circle and provision of support for parenthood.

Its missions are, amongst others, to ensure – whilst respecting the regulations in force – the accreditation, subsidising, support provision, monitoring and the evaluation of childcare institutions with responsibi-lities for children from 0 to 3 years of age. There are three types of childcare institutions:

• Subsidised child care centres (monthly contribu-tion calculated on the parents income)• Non-subsidised accredited child care centres (monthly contribution: lump sum - usually more expensive)• Authorized but non-accredited child care centres

To get a place for your child, you have to contact the institutions of your choice from the third month of pregnancy. Be careful: the demand is much larger than the supply, and it is thus very important to make arrangements as early as possible.

If you wish to obtain the list of accredited crèches and carers, you should contact the Office of Birth and Childhood, specifying your residential address or the place where you wish to enrol your child.

Office of Birth and Childhood - ONE (Office de la Naissance et de l’Enfance) Antenne de Liège - phone: 04/344.94.94 - asr.liege@one.be www.one.be

Directory of child care centres in the City of Liègewww.liege.be/social/famille/enfance/milieux-d-accueil-de-la-petite-enfance

Requests for registration must be sent by email to creche.inscription@liege.be, or made by phone: 04 238 53 00, between 8.30 and 12.30, from Monday to Friday

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9 Other practical information9.1. Bank account

If you do not have a bank account in the SEPA zone (www.sepabelgium.be/fr/pays-sepa), the internal rules of the ULg stipulate that you have to open a bank ac-count in Belgium, so that your salary can be paid into it (no cash payments or payments by cheque).

Opening a bank account in Belgium could prove useful in order to place your rental deposit in it (see the chapter on Accommodation).

To open a bank account, you have to wait until your arrival in Belgium. You can choose the banking insti-tution which suits you best, notably depending on its proximity to your workplace or your home. Their rates and services vary. When you go there, take with you an identity document, an official address ( abroad if you still do not have an address in Belgium) as well as a copy of your grant attribution letter or your contract with the ULg.

To compare costs: http://economie.fgov.be/fr/consommateurs/Services_de_paiement/ Simulateur_des_tarifs

9.2. Embassies and consulates

In your interest the City of Liège Population Depart-ment recommends that you register with your Consu-late in the Province of Liège and/or your Embassy in Belgium. This will simplify future proceedings in the case of any problems during your stay and will enable you to be informed of cultural activities organised by these institutions.

9.3. Cost of living

To find out about the cost of living in Belgium you can consult the following site:

www.studyinbelgium.be ((‘Student Life’ tab, followed by ‘Cost of living ’).

You can also consult this webpage which will give you an idea about the budget to anticipate for a stu-dent in Liège: https://www.ulg.ac.be/cms/c_13761/fr/budget-et-conseils-pratiques (only in French)

9.4. Goods and services

For questions concerning telephone services, electricity, heating, etc. we invite you to consult the website of the Belgian Consumers’ Association, which is providing some information free of charge: www.test-achats.be

9.5. Life at the ULg

9.5.1. Internet access

All the buildings at the ULg are equipped with WIFI. You can access it with your username and password. Once you are connected choose ‘ULG-SECURE’, which is more efficient and secure.

You don’t have a username? The necessary steps are explained through the link: https://www.ulg.ac.be/cms/c_28824/ identification-centralisee

In the meantime you can create a temporary ac-count through the WIFI network ‘GUEST’.

9.5.2. University restaurants

There are six cafeterias and 2 self-service outlets at the ULg, spread over the various sites (A2, B4, B8, B36, B42 and B65) and open from Monday to Friday. These restaurants offer snacks, light meals (soups, sandwiches, salads and ready-made meals) and drinks at reasonable prices. Do not forget to show your badge or student card.

To consult the prices and opening times: www.restos.ulg.ac.be

9.5.3. The libraries

www.consulsliege.be

http://diplomatie.belgium.be

• The Library of Architecture, Letters, Philosophy, History and Art (ALPHA)

The ALPHA is the historical centre of the Library Network. The majority of its various sections are located at the heart of Liège, on place du XX-Août. It primarily serves the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters and the Faculty of Architecture.

Readers who are not members of the ULg must register to gain access to the reading rooms. It is possible to register every day of the week between 9.00 and 17.00 (or 18.30 for Reading Room 1). Don’t forget to provide a passport photo and your certificate of registration or your current valid student card to enjoy the best rates.

Info and opening hours: lib.ulg.ac.be/fr/libraries/alpha

• The L. Graulich Library of Law, Economics, Management and Social Sciences

The L.G raulich Library serves the Faculty of Law and Political Science, the Institute for Human and Social Sciences (ISHS) and the HEC Management School-ULg.

Info and opening times: lib.ulg.ac.be/fr/libraries/graulich

• The Agronomical Sciences Library (BSA)

Situated on the Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech (GxABT) campus, the BSA offers access to a science and tech-nology collection of over 120,000 monographs and 1,000 ongoing journals, distributed over the various sections, the different Research Unit libraries at the Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech campus. It is the custodian of special collections, in particular those of the international centres grouped together in CGIAR (Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research).

The BSA offers a service to accompany reseaarchers in their documentarialto difficult-to-find documents, writing bibliographies and scientific documents, using an institutional registration or specific documentary tools.

Info and opening hours: lib.ulg.ac.be/fr/libraries/bsa

There are five major libraries at the University of Liège.

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9.6. Leisure activities and culture

9.6.1. At Liège

The RCAE (Royal Students’ Athletic Club) is the sports association of the ULg. It offers 66 sports at af-fordable prices. Most of its activities take place on the University campus at the Sart Tilman sports centres (close to the University Hospital Centre). They offer a good opportunity to look after your physical fitness and to get to know people.

The Culture website offers you a wide range of acti-vities which you can take part in or attend: choir sin-ging, theatre, improvisation, string orchestra, a photo-

graphy club, cinema clubs, concerts, arts exhibitions, events, guided tours, etc. The ULg also has a dozen or so museums and exhibition halls: aquarium-museum, the house of science, greenhouses and botanical gardens, an insectarium, the Prehistory museum, a planetarium, the Wittert Art Collections Gallery, and of course the open air museum at the Sart Tilman.

Useful information: the City of Liège Museums are open free of charge on the first Sunday of every month.

For women researchers or researcher’s spouses or partners, Liège-Rencontre International is an associa-tion that welcomes foreign ladies living in Liège and surrondings. Contact : Nicole De Block, president, tel +32 475 93 67 75

At the ULg: www.rcae.ulg.ac.be www.culture.ulg.ac.be

For the City of Liège: www.liege.be/sports www.liege.be/culture

With a search function which is very user friendly, the ULg’s libraries online catalogue has references to the over one million books, dissertations, doctoral theses, maps, etc., available in its collections.

If you wish to use the databases in order to find bibliographical references, visit this webpage: www.libnet.ulg.ac.be

9.5.4. Open Access

The ULg has for several years now been implemen-ting a dynamic policy in favour of Open Access: a

committed standpoint, an ambitious and compulsory policy in terms of depositing, Open Access tools, etc.

Its institutional repository ORBi (Open Repository and Bibliography) was established with this in mind. It provides access to all the research publications produced at the ULg (articles, monographs, apprai-sal reports, educational materials, etc.), to give them greater visibility and ensure quicker dissemination, without compromising copyright regulations.

The integral text is immediately available for the majority of references.

• The Science and Technology Library

At the service of the Faculties of Science and Ap-plied Science, the BST covers five establishments:

BST – SciencesBST – Applied Sciences and MathematicsBST – Marcel Florkin History of Science and Tech-

nology LibraryBST – EnvironmentBST – Geosciences

Info and opening times: lib.ulg.ac.be/fr/libraries/bst

• The Life Sciences Library

It places at your disposal a document collection specialised in the areas of medicine, veterina-ry medicine, physical medicine, physiotherapy, psychology, logopedics, education, biomedical sciences, zoology and pharmacy.

Info and opening times: lib.ulg.ac.be/fr/libraries/bsv

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9.7. French language courses

9.7.1. At Liège

Foreign workers hosted by the ULg can take part in French language courses organised by the ISLV from 18.00 to 20.00, twice a week. PhD students and post-PhD students, staff (or their spouses) benefit from a special price: 100 €* per semester. There are two enrolment closing dates a year, in September and in January.

www.ulg.ac.be/cms/c_2356972/cours-du-soir-francais-langue-etrangere

For other possibilities (conversation tables) you can consult the database of the House of Languages (Mai-son des Langues) :

http://www.babelreg.eu/cgi-bin/babelreg.pl?&l-g=1&extlink=&sw=requests_form

9.7.2. At Gembloux

To be on top form at the right time, the Faculty’s Sports Society (ASAG asbl) invites you to discover over 25 different sports. The programme if comprehensive and varied, whilst the fees are set at competitive rates: adventure sports, team sports, combat sports, indivi-dual sports, outdoor sports, water sports and racquet sports. More information at www.asag.be

Gembloux is very rich in terms of cultural activities, with opportunities for numerous concerts, theatre and the cinema. The Centre Culturel de Gembloux is one of the main hubs in its cultural life. Thanks to a very dynamic programme, there you can attend various shows, performances and cinema screenings, as well as art exhibitions and a myriad of co-operative projects. Complete information at http://centrecultu-rel.gembloux.be

ASSOCIATIONS Various associations are active on the Gembloux

campus. The not for profit association Maison Interna-tionale de Gembloux in particular offers sociocultural activities which encourage interculturalism and boost awareness of the world.

http://www.gembloux.ulg.ac.be/institution/associa-tions/

9.7.3. At Arlon

You will find all the information you did on the Town of Arlon website: www.arlon.be : sports and leisure (heading ‘Vivre à Arlon’) culture, folklore and nature (heading ‘Visiter Arlon’).

Cinema : www.cine-espace.be Maison de la culture : www.maison-culture-arlon.be

9.7.4. At Gembloux

A French course for non-francophone students if gi-ven in Namur (15km from Gembloux). During the first lesson a test will evaluate the level of each student to establish groups of beginners and intermediary level. All the information can be found at the Gembloux International Relations Department.

9.7.5. At Arlon Evening classes to learn French are given at:

The Ecole Industrielle et Commerciale Rue Godefroid Kurth, 2 - 6700 Arlon Tél. +32 63 23 33 90 eica@skynet.be www.eicarlon.be

The Institut d’Enseignement de Promotion Sociale Chemin de Weyler, 2 – 6700 Arlon Tél. +32 63 23 02 40 www.promsoc-arlon.be

10 Before leaving - checklist10.1. Creating your application

Contact the person in charge of your research field at the University of Liège in order to draw up, with him or her, the research programme that you will carry out while you are in Liège.

• If you are the recipient of a ULg grant or if you are employed by ULg, complete the Human Resources form in conjunction with your supervisor.

• If you are not paid by the ULg, complete, together with your supervisor, the application form and send it to the ULg EURAXESS Centre (contact: Brigitte Er-nst) along with the proof that you have an adequate

grant or a salary for your stay (min.: €1.559,38 gross per month-information at the date of 31/10/2015). Along with the ARH (contact: Linda Agro), the EURAXESS Centre will work with the Employment Office of the Walloon Region on your application (work permit for a professor on sabbatical OR notice of arrival for a post-doc grant-holder or permission to work as an intern in all other cases).If you do not have an income or a grant, your stay

will be limited to three months. In this case you will need to prove that you have adequate financial sup-port for the duration of your stay.

10.1.1. Applying for a visa

If you are a European Union national, there are no visa formalities to be carried out in order to work in Belgium.

If you are not a European Union national, the fol-lowing procedures apply, and vary depending on the one hand on the length of your stay, and on the other hand on your status. For the new fee to be paid for type D visas and the steps to be taken by new arrivals, see section 5, Registering with the local authority.

Visa application (non EU nationals)

Length of stayStay of less than 3 months (90 days maximum)

Stay of more than 3 months

Length of stay All statuses included Doctoral scholar Postdoctoral scholarResearchers on ULg em-ployment contracts

Other statuses (temporary or academic assistants)

Requested document Type C visa ‘Student’ visa Long stay type D visaLong stay type D visa – research

Work permit and type D visa - employee

Action by the ULg

Enrolling as a free researcher (contact Academic and Edu-cational Affairs - AEE) OR exchange student (contact International Relations - RI)

• Admissions letter • Proof of sufficient finan-

cial resources (minimum 631 € per month*)

• it is possible to be exempt of this fee for the perocessing of this file by the Foreign Office

Sending a grant certificate with work permit exemption for visa to be granted (contact Human Resources Depart-ment - ARH)THEN Notice of arrival in the Walloon Region once you reach Belgian territory. It is possible to be exempt of this fee for the perocessing of this file by the Foreign Office( see the chapter about registering in the town).

Drafting the hosting agreement required to obtain the visa (contact Human Resources Department - ARH)

The ARH requests the work permit from the Walloon Re-gion BEFORE the visa is issued

*Prices used in October 2016, can be changed

*Prices used in October 2016, can be changed

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10.2. Leaving your countryIt is important to make sure that all your official do-

cuments are in order so that you can leave your home country and arrive on Belgian soil. The following formalities are also worth taking note of in order to make your arrival and your integration into the ULg community easier:

• be holder of a valid passport and follow the proce-dures necessary in order to obtain a visa (cf. website of the ministère des affaires étrangères Foreign Office);

• be holder of a copy of your most recent degree (with, where necessary, a translation into French or English);

• health: obtain an ‘all risks’ and repatriation insu-rance either in your own country or in Belgium. If, after your arrival, you will have a ULg work contract, you will obtain a partial reimbursement of health-care costs, the same as Belgian employees;

• if you wish to find housing in Liège, contact So-phia Lothe, in the Housing Department service Logement

• if you wish to check or improve your level of French, you can take courses at the ULg’s Institut Supérieur des Langues Vivantes (registration twice a year);

• bring the following documents: • Valid passport or national identity card• Official invitation from the ULg• Proof of acceptance at doctoral level, if necessa-ry• Copies of diplomas detailing the degrees you have obtained• European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) OR S1 form or any other health insurance from your own country• Proof of nationality certificate (for certain resear-chers from countries outside the EU, if the pass-port is not written in Latin characters)• Driving licence• Passport photos

IF members OF YOUR FAMILY ACCOMPAGN YOU, do not forget to ask for their visas too and to mention this to the ULg EURAXESS Centre. Attention: the lega-lisation of civil documents (marriage certificate, birth certificate, their translation can take time!)

10.3. Arrival at the ULg

When you arrive in Liège, come to the EU-RAXESS Centre as soon as possible.

If you have a ULg scholarship or contract you will receive a WELCOME PACK. We will tell you how to obtain your ULg email address and your staff badge. You will also receive all the practical information concerning your integration into Liège.

If you do not hold a ULg scholarship or contract, and if you have another type of funding, you will also receive a WELCOME PACK and you will be able to: • make an appointment to enrol at the University as a ‘free researcher ‘/‘chercheur libre’ (documents required for enrolment: a passport or ID card, letter of invitation/application form signed by a member of ULg staff, €32, payable only by bank card): www.ulg.ac.be/cms/c_470770/fr/chercheur-libre• Sign up to the LIMOSA database if your stay is more than three months; Registering on the LIMOSA database is a mandatory formality to ensure legal status in Belgium for expats, self-employed forei-gners and foreign students or interns, by notifying this status to the Belgian authorities.• Fill in the risk analysis form (fiche d’analyses de risques).• If you are staying for more than three months, you must also:• Register as a resident with the local

administrative centre where you live• Consider opening a bank account • Register with a health insurance company.

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11 Before leaving Belgium - checklist 11.1. Activity report

Very often the institution which has funded your re-search stay will ask for a report concerning your stay at the University. Do not forget to submit this report to your supervisor at the ULg.

11.2. Recommendation

If you would like to obtain a letter of recommenda-tion for your CV or as a reference for future employers ask your supervisor at the ULg to provide you with one.

11.3. Certificate of services rendered

Concerning your retirement benefits (if there is a social security agreement between your State and Belgium5), you can request a Certificate of Services Rendered from your administrative file manager at the ARH (‘Administration des resources Humaines’ – Human Resources Department): see their name and telephone number at the bottom of your monthly payslip.

11.4. Residence permitIf you return your residence permit to the local

authorities before your departure, you will receive a ‘Model 8’ form, which proves that you were registered and that you had taken all the necessary administra-tive steps in order to be taken off the register. This

11.5.1. Unemployment

Ask for a U1/E301 form (ONEM – National Em-ployment Office) in order to gain entitlement to unemployment benefit payments in your country (if there is a bilateral agreement between Belgium and your country). To obtain this certificate the ONEM will need a C4 form, which will be issued to you on request by the Human Resources Department (you will find the name of your administrative file manager at the bottom of your monthly payslip).

11.5.2. Mutual health insurance fund

Do not forget to terminate your subscription with the health insurance fund with which you were regis-tered.

Make a request through Europe Direct Phone: + 800 6789 10 11 http://europa.eu/europedirect/index_ en.htm

Resolve problems with a national admi-nistration (SOLVIT): http://ec.europa.eu/solvit/index_en.htm

Get legal advice from Your Europe:http://europa.eu/youreurope/advice/ enquiry_en.htm

5 : See the list here : www.socialsecurity.be/CMS/fr/about/displayThema/about/ABOUT_7/ABOUT_7_3_5.xml 6 : You can ask the EURAXESS Centre for a model letter.

11.6. Taxes

It is possible for you to fill in your tax returns in anti-cipation in Belgium before your departure abroad.

In that case you must:• Contact your financial file manager (see their name and telephone number at the bottom of your monthly payslip) and ask them for a provisio-nal remuneration certificate. The definitive indivi-dual detailed account will be sent to you by email at the latest at the end of May with a summary of salary payments for the preceding year.• Get in touch with your local tax office of your place of residence (for the city of Liège the email address is BCT.CD.LIEGE@MINFIN.FED.BE) and request an ‘exercice spécial Revenus de 2016’ (Special Fiscal Year 2016- Returns). You will receive the form at your home address that you should complete and return within a month (if need be, from abroad).

Otherwise, the form will be sent in the following Spring by mail to the address you will have given to the local authority of the residence which you are leaving.

11.7. Bank

If you wish to keep your bank account in Belgium provisionally open after your departure, contact your bank agency and ask them to give you a mail address so that you can inform them when the bank account can be closed.

11.8. Housing arrangements

Contact the owner to settle any questions about the rental security bond. Pay attention to the deadlines stipulated in the contract! Contact the water, gas and electricity companies to disconnect the meters. Don’t forget about the TV and the internet.

11.9. 9 For Belgians who are going abroad

You will find relevant information at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs: http://diplomatie.belgium.be/fr/Services/ services_a_letranger/inscription/avant_votre_ depart/

If your children are accompagnying you, check that

you meet the requirements regarding compulsory education regulations. A child is subject to compulso-ry Belgian education from the age of 6 to 18, whether he or she attends school in Belgium or abroad (with a main residence in Belgium). You must be able to proof that your children have received education.

To find out about the formalities to be observed contact the «Ministère de l’enseignement de la Fé-dération Wallonie-Bruxelles» : Direction générale de l’enseignement obligatoire/Service du contrôle de l’obligation scolaire - Rue Adolphe Lavallée, 1 - 1080 Bruxelles - 02/690.87.84 E-mail : obsi@cfwb.be

http://www.enseignement.be/index.ph-p?page=24546

http://www.jeminforme.be/index.php/ enseignement-formations/enseignement- secondaire/obligation-scolaire

If you are and remain a member of the ULg staff, don’t forget to register your stay abroad in the MO-DUS database before leaving.

https://my.ulg.ac.be/portail/MOB/home.do?tkR-fhId=14754423703026BMBw

document might be asked for by the customs autho-rities. Otherwise you must write a letter6 as quickly as possible to inform the local authorities of your depar-ture.

In any case, ensure that you inform them of your future official address.

11.5. Welfare rightsIt is important that your social welfare rights are

maintained while you move from one country to ano-ther, in particular regarding unemployment, health-care, etc.

The following organisations and tools are available to help you:

12 Illness 12.1. In case of illness

What do you need to do?

• Inform your supervisor or his delegate before 10 am, preferably by telephone, being precise concer-ning the length of your incapacity, try to be as precise as possible.

• If the length of your absence is for more than one day, you must go to the doctor and ask him to fill in a pre-printed sm1 certificate (3 parts) . you received this form when you were hired. Within 2 working days of the beginning your incapacity, send the first 2 parts to the medical control service, and the third to the human resources department– medical-social management.

• In case your incapacity is prolonged after the ini-tial period, repeat steps 1+2.

• Remain available for the medical controller. If you are allowed to go out, be present at your home for the first three days of your absence unless there are justified medical reasons. In this case, report, at one’s own expenses, before going anywhere else, to the medical control service;

• When you return to your workplace inform the human resources department by telephone and the medical-social control service and sign the retur-n-to-work document.

• If you return on a part time basis, have the doctor

fill in the sm1 certificate and send the first two parts to the medical control service and the third part to the human resources department.

Under contract researchers and mandated tempo-rary assistants must send a medical certificate to their “mutuelle” otherwise they risk losing their right to compensation.

Staff who do not respect the obligations listed in points 1, 2, and 3 may be refused their salary, in addi-tion to risking a possible disciplinary penalty.

12.2. Smoking at work

The use of tobacco constitutes a health risk for smo-kers but also for people who, without smoking, inhale the smoke in the surroundings,

Since september 1, 2005, in accordance to the January 19, 2005 law relating to the protection of wor-kers against tobacco smoke, it is forbidden to smoke in all workplaces (including hallways, elevators, etc.) this ban on smoking includes electronic cigarettes with or without nicotine.

Smokers must go outside. “cigarette breaks” in any case, are not part of work time.

12.3. Safety rules

In case of emergency (injury, fire, etc.)A call to 04 366 4444 is absolutely necessary so that the service in charge can take adequate steps such as : call rescue services, fight a fire, guide the first aid workers, intervention of specialised personnel... This is part of the coordination plan and the process must be imperatively followed.

Have you been the victim of an offence ?

FAlways make a declaration to the police on one hand and the university on the other hand (via the form available on the site). The declaration to the police can be made at any police station in belgium, it is not necessary to make this declaration in the town where the incident took place.

Because the university buildings are visited by a large number of visitors, even irregularly, it is re-commended for staff to take all measures possible to avoid being the victim of theft. The university declines all responsibility in case of theft.

More nformation : http://www.ulg.ac.be/upload/docs/application/pdf/2015-01/livret_se-curite_personnel_v_anglaise_pour_impression.pdf

12.4. Human Resources Contacts

Each staff member has three privileged contacts in the Human Resources Department :

• An administrative file manager , for all questions concerning contracts, kinds of vacations, reduction in work time, employment certificates, etc.

• A pecuniary file manager, for questions related to salary, reimbursement of travel expenses, vacation pay, etc.

• A medical-social manager, for sick leaves, materni-ty leaves, éloignement prophylactique (this means : obligation to stay away from work to avoid conta-gion or risk to the health of the worker) , breast-fee-ding breaks, etc.

The names of your managers are mentioned at the bottom of your pay slip.

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Question Contact Contact informationWorking contracts Administrative manager

of the Human Resour-

ces Administration

ARH

See the name of your administrative

agent at the bottom of the pay slipVacations and other

holidays

Réduction of working

hours

Certificates

Salary Financial manager of

the Human Resources

Administration

See the name of your administrative

agent at the bottom of the pay slipTravel Expenses

Holiday bonus

Training ARH Anne.Goffin@ulg.ac.be

Carine.Campioni@ulg.ac.be

Nadine.Vandermeulen@ulg.ac.be

Illness Medico-social manager

of the Human Resour-

ces Administration

A-E : Anne.VanDamme@ulg.ac.be

F-L : Veronique.Renders@ulg.ac.be

M-Z : Stephanie.Demonty@ulg.ac.be

Work-related accident

and insurances

Legal Affairs Carine.Speetjens@ulg.ac.be

Professional illness Personnel Welfare Office

Human Resources

Departement

emilie.hirt@ulg.ac.be

Maternity Medico-social manager

of the Human Resour-

ces Administration

Anne.VanDamme@ulg.ac.be

Veronique.Renders@ulg.ac.be

Stephanie.Demonty@ulg.ac.be

Medical supervision SPMT 04/344.62.62 (Centre ville)

04/366.76.25 (CHU)

081/73.56.56 (Gembloux)

061/29.20.91 (Arlon)

Question Contact Contact information Protection against ioni-

zing radiations SUCPR 04/366.22.01 (Liège)

081/62.22.05 (Gembloux)

Protection and work

hygiene

SUPHT 04/366.22.47(Liège)

081/62.23.36 (Gembloux)

063/23.09.34 (Arlon)

Psychosocial risks (stress,

conflict, burnout, haras-

sment, violence, …)

Trustworthy persons

of ULg

Prevention Advisors

– Psycho-social Aspects

of the SPMT-Arista

emilie.hirt@ulg.ac.be

Marie.Barbier@ulg.ac.be

Marc.Vandenheede@ulg.ac.be

(faculty of veterinarian medecine)

francoise.decamp@ulg.ac.be (Gem-

bloux)

Financial support, medical

expenses, various infor-

mation on social issues

Personnel Welfare Office

Human Resources

Departement

emilie.hirt@ulg.ac.be

service.social.personnel@ulg.ac.be

Trade Unions CGSP – Centrale géné-

rale des services publics

CSC services publics

– Confédération des

syndicats chrétiens

SLFP – Syndicat libre de

la fonction publique

Sylvie.Vanderheyden@ulg.ac.be

Fabrice.Charlier@ulg.ac.be

Martine.Evraud@ulg.ac.be

K.Gagliardi@ulg.ac.be

12.5. Need to talk ?Do you feel confused, unmotivated, homesick?

Maybe you do not understand the attitude of a colleague or your promotor… You need to talk to so-meone. Here are some contacts that could be useful:

12.5.1. About your personal situation:

Psychological support for students (including PhD students) is available and totally confidential, at any time of the year and of your academic curriculum for short-term psychological support .

Blues, stress, lack of motivation during the exa-mination period, personal problems, doubts, stress, anyone can encounter difficult times or have ques-tions one finds difficult to answer alone. Talking things over together is already a starting point.

More information and contact

http://www.ulg.ac.be/cms/c_35188/soutien-p-sychologique

iI you are an international student, the Cultural Diversity Service is there to listen to you and answer your questions linked to your move to Liege.

Contact :

http://www.ulg.ac.be/cms/c_480203/en/stu-dents-arriving-from-abroad

12.5.2. About your work environment:

The ‘reliable people’ are members of the ULg staff who offer a welcome, a listening ear and support to staff who are in need of them. They listen to the staff member and can, if he/she wants, start an informal intervention (meet the person concerned, connec-twith another interlocutor (internal or external to ULg), with another professional agent , carry out a mediation, etc….). The ‘reliable people’ act on the demand of the staff member who request their services on a totally anonymous and confidential basis. The are committed to make themselves readily available.

More information and contact:

http://www.ulg.ac.be/cms/c_3147015/fr/per-sonnes-de-confiance

Marie Barbier is a psychologist and speaks English.

The SPMT (Public Service of Health at Work) offers professional assistance to implement well being po-licies of well-being at work at the university through paying attention to the physical and psychological health needs of workers and to the risk manage-ment linked to the work environment. http://www.spmtarista.be/risques-psychosociaux

The Scientific Staff Council (CCS) represents the scientific staff of the University of Liège to the au-thorities of the institution and organizes think-tanks

about scientific careers: http://labos.ulg.ac.be/ccs/ ). You can contact the administrative secretary of the CCS : Madame Stéphanie Depierra,...

Bât. B11 – Institut de Géographie, Quartier Village 4,Clos Mercator 3. Sart Tilman, tel +32 4 366 9305 Courriel Stephanie.Depierraz@ulg.ac.be

The trade unions ‘ mission is to defend the inte-rests of the workers vis-à-vis their employers. They can provide information about your rights and duties as an employee of the ULg.

For more information and to contact them:

http://www.ulg.ac.be/cms/c_33322/organisa-tions-syndicales

You can contact the Council of Ethics and Scien-tific Integrity (C.E.I.S.) if you have questions about plagiarism, the respect of scientific integrity in your research and your work environment.

http://www.ulg.ac.be/cms/c_6045662/fr/ethique-et-integrite-scientifique

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13 Contact us13.1. The EURAXESS service centre

Facilitating researcher mobility: The EURAXESS Centre of the University of Liège is at your service

The ULg EURAXESS Mobility Centre is part of a network of over 200 centres located in 40 countries (partners of the Horizon 2020 Research programme) . It is committed to providing a free, quality, service to researchers to help them plan and organise their re-search stay, whether they arrive in Liège (Mobility IN), or whether they want to go abroad (Mobility OUT).

All requests concerning the practical aspects of a mobility project - for a researcher and his/her family - are followed up on a personal basis:• Visa and residence certificates• Work permit• Status at the ULg• Housing• Bank account• Health care, retirement and unemployment• Child care and schools• Language and culture courses • Taxes• Validation of diplomas

• Job search and funding opportunities • Intellectual property• Departure formalities• And also…the habits and customs of the Liège region.

The ULg EURAXESS Centre is located at the ‘Admi-nistration Recherche et Développement-ARD ‘ Place du 20- Août. It is also available in Gembloux and on the Sart Tilman campus, via the Pacodel. Making an appointment beforehand is recommended.

EURAXESS Service Centre in Liège: Brigitte ErnstULg – ARD – EURAXESSPlace du 20 août, 7 (Bât. A1)B-4000 LiègePhone: +32 4 366 53 36 Mail : Brigitte.Ernst@ulg.ac.bewww.ulg.ac.be/euraxess

13.2. A European labelThe University of Liège subscribes to the principles

of the European Charter for Researchers. The ULg - Hu-man Resources Strategy for Researchers incorporating the European Charter for researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers (2011-2014) contains 30 actions which intend to improve the

status of researchers at the ULg. These internal quality processes include a biannual self-evaluation and an external evaluation at the end of the 4 years. The European Commission acknowledged our effort and awarded us with its label of ‘HR Excellence in research’ www.ulg.ac.be/rights-hr-strategy

EURAXESS Service Centre in Gembloux: Laurent de Potter ULg - PACODELPassage des Déportés, 2 (Bât. G1) 5030 GemblouxPhone: +32(0)81 62 22 43 Mail : laurent.depotter@ulg.ac.be

13.3. Staff welfare officeThe ‘Service social du Personnel’ - staff Welfare Office

is there to help each employee of the university who is facing difficult situations (problems of a professio-nal or a personal nature, health or material problems, etc.).

The Welfare Department works autonomously in order to respect the confidentiality of the discussions.

The Welfare Social Assistant is there to listen to eve-rybody. He or she makes people feel welcome, infor-ms, advises, guides and suggests solutions depending on the personal situation of the agent and regardless his/her status.

The Welfare Department meets you by appointment and is committed to providing support on the fol-lowing matters :

• Welfare loans (subject to certain criteria)• Financial assistance (subject to certain criteria)• Covering medical and pharmacy coverage (sub-

ject to certain criteria)• Information of a social welfare nature• Subscribion to collective healthcare-hospitalisa-

tion insurance• Intervention in cases of psychological or sexual

harassment at work.

Personnel Welfare Office Émilie HIRTPlace du 20-Août, 9 (Bât. A1)4000 LIEGEphone: 04/366.55.28 - 55.29 mail : emilie.hirt@ulg.ac.be

13.4. Student quality of life - cultural diversity and the student welfare department

For general questions related to their stay and their integration in Belgium, doctoral students only can

contact the Student Quality of Life - Cultural Diversity service, as well as the Student Welfare Department.

Student Quality of Life - Cultural DiversityChristine MEURENSPlace du 20-Août, 7 (Bât. A1)4000 LIEGEphone: 04/366.98.95mail : Christine.Meurens@ulg.ac.bewww.ulg.ac.be/diversite-culturelle

Student Welfare DepartmentXimena ARQUEROS ARROYOTraverse des Architectes, 2 (Bât. 3)4000 LIEGEphone: 04/366.44.23mail : X.Arqueros@ulg.ac.bewww.ulg.ac.be/servicesocial

Student Welfare Department (Gembloux campus)Françoise DECAMPPassage des Déportés, 2 (Bât. G1)5030 Gembloux 08/162 21 35 / 26 70service.social.gembloux@ulg.ac.bewww.gembloux.ulg.ac.be/etudier/ service-aide-vie-etudiante/

Mentions légales

Editeur : Université de Liège

Edition : Decembre 2016

Mise en page : www.crabgraphic.be

Rédaction : Marie Barbier, Raphaela Delahaye, Brigitte Ernst, Emilie Hirt, Thérèse Dupont, Lindsay Lebeau, Sarah Ver Helpen

13.5. Other useful addresses to get acquainted to Belgium

www.belgopocket.be

www.belgique-infos.be

www.vivreenbelgique.be

www.coming2belgium.be

www.blbe.be