study success@saxHAW
The Innovative Collaborative Project at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences
The five Saxon universities of applied sciences (HAW)—Leipzig, Dresden, Mittweida, Zittau-Görlitz, and Zwickau—are jointly carrying out the innovative project “studienerfolg@saxHAW.” The goal of the project is to increase academic success and counteract the projected shortage of skilled workers in the (Saxon) labor market.
At Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, various measures to promote academic success throughout the student life cycle will be developed and implemented during the project period. These measures are being developed in close collaboration among the university’s various departments.
From 2024 to 2027, targeted measures will be implemented to attract more women to STEM fields of study, reduce the dropout rate, and increase the transition rate to higher levels of education. Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences plans to introduce a Foundation course with integrated competency assessment to create tailored learning environments. In addition, the EU’s Green Deal goals will be integrated into the curriculum, and the “Studium Fundamentale” program will be designed to be practice-oriented and sustainable. Targeted measures for the social integration of students at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences aim to forge peer-based support networks that can significantly help reduce the dropout rate. Digital media can then be used to improve networking and promote independent study management. A particular focus is placed on fostering regional ties and taking cultural specificities into account in order to strengthen a sense of community and promote students’ self-efficacy.
- Cooperation between the faculties and the exchange of experiences and expectations with representatives of industry associations, business and students
- Implementation of specific measures to optimize the introductory phase of studies
- Promoting a stronger connection between new students and the region
- Developing digital and communication skills
Overall, this comprehensive educational project aims to optimally prepare students for their studies and their future careers. The focus is on developing individual skills and taking into account the environmental impact of their actions. The project also helps evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of educational programs at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences by prioritizing students’ individual needs and offering a forward-looking educational experience.
Testimonials
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.
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The 'Fail Forward' event showed how much we need to draw strength from others and learn from them how to overcome fear and doubt.
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I really liked the cozy atmosphere at the events, especially the dinner together, where it was very good to exchange new ideas.
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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.
”Course of the project
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.
Through the “Self-Management” workshop series, the project team organized a series of short sessions followed by discussions among students to share experiences. Topics such as procrastination, time management, setting priorities, and resilience were addressed.
Furthermore, the project team was able to secure the Faculty of Managerial and Cultural Studies as a partner for the planned Foundation 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 supported in a good way during the early stages of their studies, and how can we effectively reduce dropout rates?
On January 23, 2026, representatives from the universities participating in the joint project “studienerfolg@saxHAW” met at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (HSZG) to address this question. The focus was on cross-campus exchange, concrete next steps, and the question of which approaches can be permanently integrated into the universities’ structures and processes. You can find an overview here.
With the start of the new year, the new booking platform for enrollment in the “Studium Fundamentale” program went live.
Following the successful implementation of the Management foundation course, planning has now begun for a second foundation course at the Faculty of Natural and Environmental 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.
After the new StuFu module “Ideenwerkstatt” was launched for the first time at the start of the summer semester in Zittau and Görlitz, the students presented their results during their exams and reflected on their learning experiences and insights.
We were able to recruit a research assistant to support our project team. Thanks to her active involvement in student organizations, she brings students’ perspectives and needs directly into our project work, thereby facilitating direct feedback.
Our motivation
Project management
1st floor
Foundation course
4th upper floor
Fundamental studies
4th upper floor
Team building and digital media
4th upper floor
Grant Application Number: 100707152
Grant Recipient: Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences
Project period: May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2027
Funding agency: SAB/ESF Plus
Maximum grant amount: 578,099.88 EUR