Two students successfully host our first virtual university information evening.
Phew, done. Cornelius Baier and Carolin Renner hand their headsets to the sound engineer in the studio. Two hours and 35 minutes of live moderation lie behind the moderation duo, who were up early for the first virtual university information evening at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences on July 15.
"We got on the train to Zittau early in the morning so that we could prepare our presentation on site in peace and quiet and post impressions of the production preparations on Instagram," says Cornelius.
Together with his fellow student and flatmate Carolin Renner, the culture and management student had a lot planned for the evening. After the preparations were completed shortly before the live broadcast kicked off at 6:30 pm, the adrenaline level rose rapidly. "This is also the first time that we're hosting such a big event together and one that is so important for the university," explains the presenter, quickly shoving a forkful of fruit salad into her mouth for refreshment.
Then the starting signal is given, or rather the virtual film clapperboard. The moderation team takes a seat on the green HSZG sofa and skilfully and professionally guides the audience through the entire evening.
It starts with the Vice-Rector for Education and International Affairs, Prof. Dr. Sophia Keil, who explains in the recorded video and live talk why the HSZG is the right choice for studying in times of Corona. In the interview, the Vice-Rector focuses in particular on how the coming winter semester will run as a so-called hybrid semester at the HSZG after the experiences with the corona pandemic in the summer.
Prof. Dr. Sophia Keil explains:
"In view of the current pandemic situation, the HSZG is aiming for an average of 60 percent of courses in the winter semester 2020/2021 to be held in person across the university. Courses in the first semester in particular will take place in person, enabling students to be introduced to their studies, establish social contacts in the matriculation and seminar groups and form collective learning processes."
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In her remarks, the Vice-Rector particularly emphasizes the close integration of research and teaching here. "New didactic methods, such as project-based teaching, also ensure that students don't have to write assignments for the drawer, but instead get to know new Industry 4.0 technologies directly in the project, for example."
"From application to enrolment" is the topic of Dr. Stefan Kühne from the Department of Studies and International Affairs. He will provide a detailed insight into the application procedures at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences.
It is then up to the university lecturers and students themselves to convince the audience of their degree courses. In 60-second video clips, the representatives of the faculties explain what the respective degree programs stand for and what the future of alumni could look like. Each clip is followed by a short live talk about the respective degree program. The special feature: Questions from the audience can either be asked directly in the parallel live chat or later in the virtual consultation rooms.
In the subsequent live talk on campus life, all interested parties will be informed about the range of offers and leisure activities available at the Zittau/Görlitz dual university location in addition to the courses on offer.
Finally, Rector Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Kratzsch will have his say in the studio. Among other things, he talks about the changes he is observing at the university:
"Research, which has always been very strong at our university, has shifted to other areas. We started out as a traditional energy university, but we are also constantly transforming ourselves. Those who come to us study at the cutting edge. We are living in a time of transformation and structural change and, as the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, we will, for example, provide massive support for the coal phase-out in all areas, across all scientific disciplines."
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A long evening comes to an end.
"The time went by incredibly quickly. We had a lot of fun representing the university to the outside world and giving prospective students a comprehensive insight into university life," says Carolin Renner. And how does her moderation partner sum it up? "The courses on offer in Zittau and Görlitz are extremely valuable for the region, which is why it was important for us to highlight their diversity and uniqueness. We are delighted that we have succeeded in doing so."
'Successful' is the right keyword. All those involved in the production were delighted with the positive response. Even during the live broadcast, almost 200 viewers followed the livestream on YouTube and Facebook. Antje Pfitzner, Head of Public Relations and head of the organization team of the virtual university info evening, notes: "The recording of the virtual university info evening, which was made available on YouTube after the live broadcast, was already viewed over 1,200 times the next morning. On Facebook even 3,000 times. A great result that almost exceeded our expectations."
The virtual university info evening - a new format that has proven its worth in the eyes of all those involved. "We'll see you again," says Cornelius Baier confidently.
Did you miss the live stream? You can watch the program again - or again and again - here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyjLcVsZbok&feature=youtu.be
A big thank you goes to all the contributors who made the event a success with their help and advice in the run-up to and on site:
