Ballot for the introduction of a semester ticket at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences
"Why isn't there a semester ticket here?" is probably a frequently heard phrase among new students in the canteens at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences these days. The issue of the lack of a semester ticket at the HSZG has been a recurring topic of discussion among students for years. The Student Council (StuRa) is now addressing this issue once again.
The reason for the renewed survey of the student body is the discontinuation of student-related offers from the ZVON as part of the introduction of the Saxon education ticket, which does not include students. The last ballot on the introduction of the semester ticket took place in the summer semester of 2017.
Uta Lemke, Head of the Higher Education Policy Department, states:
The introduction of the education ticket has once again clearly shown that we are not up to date in terms of mobility. Almost all other colleges and universities in the Free State of Saxony have a semester ticket. In principle, the introduction of a semester ticket is the responsibility of the student council. However, we want a high level of acceptance within the student body, which is why we have decided to hold a ballot. In view of the ZVON's offer, we as the Student Council are now aiming to introduce a semester ticket from March 2022."
”The ZVON offer includes the use of all public transport within the ZVON network area and the use of local rail transport throughout the Free State of Saxony. The introduction of a semester ticket would be based on the principle of solidarity, so that all students, regardless of their usage behavior, would receive the semester ticket equally and finance it in solidarity.
Jonas Pfeiffer, Head of the Department for Sustainability and Environmental Protection, adds:
One aspect of the introduction of the semester ticket is, of course, the change in mobility necessitated by the climate crisis, but we also want to make the university more attractive. We are naturally pleased to have the backing of the Rectorate in this regard. In addition, we also see a social aspect for students who are dependent on public transport and for whom we could relieve the financial burden enormously with a semester ticket."
”Against this background, a semester ticket will be introduced even if there is no majority in the student body, but at least 500 students vote for the introduction of a semester ticket. For the ballot to be valid, at least 20% of those eligible to vote must cast their vote. Otherwise, the Student Council decides independently and autonomously.
The student body's ballot is accompanied by a comprehensive campaign with all the information about a possible semester ticket. Since this week, there have been a variety of poster motifs on campus, and StuRa is also providing information about the scope of services at information stands in the canteens with flyers. Next Monday, October 25, 2021, StuRa will offer a digital information evening on the semester ticket from 5 pm.
Link: bbb.hszg.de/b/mat-xcf-uf4-k8x
Access code: 748231
The vote will take place in the coming week from October 25 to 31 as an online vote, all attendance students of the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences are eligible to vote. Students will receive the link to the vote by email on October 25!
Further information can be found at stura.hszg.de/semesterticket