Good advice and super approachable!
The Virtual University Information Day on 11.01. attracted almost 500 participants with a varied program.
When there are piles of cables lying around at Celsiuz, monitors are set up, lots of busy people are walking around with headsets, and you could generally mistake the Co-Creation Lab in Zittau for a TV studio, it’s time again for the Online College Information Day.
On January 11, Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences presented its wide range of degree programs to an equally diverse audience via an online platform that allowed prospective students to participate remotely from start to finish, get first-hand information, and help shape the program.
Over 85,000 kilometers in travel saved
“Especially in winter, with the cold temperatures and unpredictable events like train strikes, the virtual version of our university information day is just right for prospective students. They can get all the relevant information about our academic programs and life at HSZG from the comfort of their own homes—without even having to leave the couch,” says host Victoria Hohlfeld with conviction.
“Maybe just once in a while to grab a drink,” she says with a wink. This time, it was pineapple, lamb’s lettuce, and celery that took center stage during the lunch break in the platform’s “lobby.” Together with the Vice President for Education and International Affairs, Prof. Sophia Keil, the host chopped up the vitamin-rich ingredients and then blended them in a high-powered blender to make delicious smoothies. It became clear during their conversation that the university isn’t just a good source for tips on healthy eating—it’s also capable of some impressive feats. In a relaxed atmosphere, the Vice President discussed what defines the university of the future and, above all, how HSZG students are actively shaping it by participating in various university initiatives. Both agreed that it is precisely this “University for the Future” process that makes the HSZG so accessible to students, before they toasted to a successful lunchtime program with a pineapple-coconut smoothie.
Targeted Search for Information
At the end of the day, HSZG Rector Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Kratzsch expressed his satisfaction: “Overall, we were able to provide information about our programs to nearly 500 visitors interested in studying here, with an average visit duration of three hours.” He had set aside the entire day to provide behind-the-scenes support to the organizational team from the Public Relations section of the Office of University development and communication. Of course, he also took questions during the live talk hosted by Victoria Hohlfeld and her co-host, high school senior Emil Ehrentraut.
I was particularly impressed by how specifically the students who engaged in a direct exchange with us in the chat provided information. You could tell that the young generation knows exactly what it wants, finds out in advance and then chooses the best offer.
”He expressed his heartfelt thanks to the organizing team and to all faculty members, staff, students, and external guests of the HSZG—including the 'Studentenwerk', the IBS Academy, and the Zittau Housing Association—whose tremendous dedication played a key role in the event’s success.
In the subsequent feedback round, the majority of participants stated that the HSZG was at the top of their list when choosing their own degree course. We also had a prospective student from Cologne, for example, who was specifically looking for information about communication psychology. We are of course very pleased with the interest shown throughout Germany.
”A Wide Range of Information
In eight virtual rooms, prospective students could freely choose from a wide variety of topics and put together their own personalized program. Through program presentations, student sessions, and trial lectures, they gained insights not only into the university’s extensive range of programs but, above all, into the everyday lives of our students. Active participation in discussions was possible at any time thanks to the innovative platform. Specially set-up information booths and networking tables provided personalized counseling throughout the day. And for those seeking information on general topics related to college life, the workshop series on academic orientation offered helpful guidance.
Everything Under One Roof: The Supporting Program
The live supporting program in the platform’s “lobby” provided HIT with a “roof” under which the extensive range of advisory services in the separate rooms and information booths found their place. Introductory moderation by Victoria Hohlfeld and Emil Ehrentraut, video segments such as the one on the joint tree-planting event and the most recent graduation ceremony, and break-time discussions with guests from the HSZG gave the HIT a professional and engaging overall presentation. Highlights included, above all, the morning show with its many live guests and the lunchtime program featuring the Vice President. The new degree programme “Sustainable Business Management” was presented by Dean Prof. Jörg Kroschel, and in the afternoon, a consultation session was held for interested students from the Czech Republic and Poland.
On March 23, 2024, the College Information Day will take place in person at both campuses of Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. Come join us and get to know us in person!
Text: Cornelia Rothe
Photos: Martin Kunack
