Joint meeting of the studienerfolg@saxHAW project at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences
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.
Since the start of the project, the teams have met regularly at a partner university to discuss the progress of the project, experiences and best practices. By alternating between the locations, the different approaches of the individual universities are presented "on site" and new impetus is gained for their own work.
At the joint meeting at the HSZG on the premises of the Celsiuz Co-Creation Lab, the aim was to jointly reflect on the interim status after almost two years of the project: What successes are visible, what has proven successful, where are the challenges and which approaches can be transferred to other universities if necessary? Building on this, the next steps were jointly agreed and perspectives for further work in the network were worked out. Afterwards, the participants visited the DLR_School_Lab at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences to gain an insight into one of the HSZG's extracurricular learning locations, where science can be experienced in a practical way.
For me, Studienerfolg@saxHAW means more than just support during your studies: it opens your eyes to the future, encourages you, reveals hidden potential and helps to overcome fears - so that students can go their own way with confidence.
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At the HSZG, the project focuses on three core areas along the student life cycle: orientation studies, fundamental studies and team building and digital media.
Over the course of the project, sustainable and targeted measures were implemented to provide students with targeted support:
From the winter semester 2026/2027, prospective students at the Faculty of Managerial and Cultural Studies can take up an orientation course in Management. For two semesters, it is possible to get a taste of studying and take various self-selected modules with a focus on management courses. This is accompanied by individual advice and support as well as strengths coaching with the VIA Character Strengths to gain a better understanding of your own abilities and interests and to facilitate the transition to a suitable degree course.
Studium fundamentale is integrated into all undergraduate (degree) courses at the HSCG and offers students a variety of topics that impart forward-looking and multidisciplinary skills.
As part of the project, the Studium fundamentale website was completely revised and simplified course management was introduced, which is made possible by enrolment via a digital booking portal.
New courses were also developed for Studium fundamentale, including the "Ideas Workshop", which will be launched at both locations in the summer semester of 2026.
Sharing information with one another, as well as knowledge about and access to support services, are fundamental factors in remaining capable of acting during challenging phases of study.
To this end, various exchange formats were implemented in the project. Above all, the series of events "Fail Forward - A glass of clarity with..." strengthens networking between students and lecturers, reduces inhibitions and uses personal experiences to show how hurdles, challenges and successes can be dealt with.
Further insights into the project and the joint meeting can be found in the video:
Thanks to the project extension until March 2027, the measures at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences can continue to be implemented and expanded in a targeted manner for students. In addition to the introduction of the Management orientation course (first enrolment in the winter semester 2026/2027), the Studium fundamentale program will be further developed to meet the needs of students. The event format "Fail Forward - Auf ein Glas Klarheit mit..." will also be continued in the coming semesters to promote exchange between students and lecturers.
In April 2024, the innovative joint project "studienerfolg@saxHAW" was launched at the five Saxon universities of applied sciences:
Dresden University of Applied Sciences (HTWD)
West Saxon University of Applied Sciences Zwickau (WHZ)
Mittweida University of Applied Sciences
Leipzig University of Applied Sciences (HTWK)
The comprehensive educational project aims to optimally prepare students for their studies and their professional future. To this end, all participating universities set themselves individual project goals that are adapted to the needs of the location and their student body. The main aim of the project at all locations is to increase academic success and minimize early drop-outs. The project team is in close contact with students and faculties in order to identify needs early on and develop suitable offers.
All members of the university are welcome to approach the project team with their concerns, ideas and suggestions.
The measure is made possible by ESF Plus funding from the European Union and the Free State of Saxony.
Click here for further information on the project.
