The five Saxon universities of applied sciences (HAW) - Leipzig, Dresden, Mittweida, Zittau-Görlitz and Zwickau - are jointly implementing the innovative project "studienerfolg@saxHAW". The aim of the project is to increase student success and counteract the predicted shortage of skilled workers on the (Saxon) job market.
At the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, various measures to promote student success along the student life cycle will be developed and implemented during the project period. These measures will be developed in close cooperation between the various structural units of the university.
From 2024 to 2027, targeted measures will be taken to attract more women to STEM subjects, reduce the number of students dropping out and increase the transition rate to higher levels of education. The Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences is planning to introduce an orientation course with integrated skills assessment in order to create tailored learning environments. In addition, the EU's Green Deal objectives are to be integrated into the degree course and the Fundamentale degree course is to have a practical and sustainable focus. With targeted measures for the social integration of students at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, peer-based support networks are to be forged that can make a significant contribution to reducing the drop-out rate. Digital media can then be used for good networking and to promote independent study organization. There is a particular focus on regional ties and taking cultural characteristics into account in order to strengthen the sense of community and promote students' self-efficacy.
Overall, this comprehensive educational project aims to optimally prepare students for their studies and their professional future. The focus is on developing individual skills and considering the ecological impact of their actions. The project also helps to evaluate and increase the effectiveness of the educational programs at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences by focusing on the individual needs of the students and offering a future-oriented educational program.
Prof. Maćkowiak's input showed me that failure does not always mean the end. Rather, it can open new doors and create opportunities that have the potential to become the best times of our lives. I thank her for her openness and the valuable exchange. Looking back, every failure in my career was a step towards something better.
”
The 'Fail Forward' event showed how much we need to draw strength from others and learn from them how to overcome fear and doubt.
”
I really liked the cozy atmosphere at the events, especially the dinner together, where it was very good to exchange new ideas.
”
Both events were really well organized. You could voice your wishes, concerns and problems and I felt like I was really listened to. I would like to see more events like this in the future, where the students' voices play a major role.
”The innovative joint project studienerfolg@saxHAW is being launched at the five Saxon universities of applied sciences.
During the Come in Weeks 2024, the project team actively supported the first-year students and collected suggestions for future formats.
In the event formats Pasta & Project Ideas and Campus Café , the project team talked to students about their experiences of starting a degree course. The results of these discussions are summarized in this news article.
With the self-management workshop series, the project team organized a series of short inputs followed by an exchange of experiences for students. Topics such as procrastination, time management, setting priorities and resilience were addressed.
The project team was also able to gain the Faculty of Managerial and Cultural Studies as a cooperation partner for the planned orientation course.
The winter semester 2025/2026 marked the start of the event series "Fail Forward - For a glass of clarity with...". On a total of five evenings, our impulse donors spoke about hurdles and challenges in their lives and how they overcame them.
The series of events will continue in the summer semester of 2026.
In October 2025, the Studium fundamentale working group met for the first time to shape the future program in line with demand.
The resolutions on the introduction of the Management orientation program have been passed.
How can students be given even better support during the introductory phase of their studies and how can dropouts be effectively reduced?
On 23.01.2026, representatives of the universities involved in the joint project studienerfolg@saxHAW met at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (HSZG) to discuss these questions. The focus was on cross-location exchange, concrete next steps and the question of which approaches can be permanently anchored in structures and processes at the universities. An insight can be found here.
The new booking platform for enrolment for the Studium fundamentale went live at the turn of the year.
Following the successful implementation of the Management orientation course, planning has now begun for a second orientation course at the Faculty of Natural Sciences.
The joint project studienerfolg@saxHAW has been extended until 31.03.2027.
The new Studium fundamentale module "Ideenwerkstatt", which is offered in Zittau and Görlitz, will begin in the 2026 summer semester.
Application number: 100707152
Funding recipient: Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences
Duration: 01.04.2024-31.03.2026
Funding provider: SAB/ ESF Plus
Maximum grant: EUR 458,776.18