Following a comprehensive interim evaluation—which included surveys, analyses, and discussion groups as part of the student academic advising services—the project was further developed conceptually in collaboration with the student teams at the end of the winter semester. To this end, the previous teams put together packages of measures for innovative, sustainable, and more effective academic advising and project organization. This allows for greater autonomy on the part of the teams, which—as of this semester—are officially recognized as working groups of the Faculty Student Committees and can thus operate directly within the faculties. In addition, all students were surveyed about their experiences with SbS, and a comprehensive interim report was prepared.
Following a successful recruitment drive at the start of the 2015 summer semester, 48 new student academic advisors began their work. They now serve as student contacts for questions, difficulties, and assistance for incoming first-semester students. In May, various workshops began at both campuses as part of the training program; in addition to addressing typical student problems and familiarizing participants with the support network both within and outside the university, these workshops also focused on counseling and communication skills. Further workshops, supported by university staff and the Studentenwerk, will then address various tasks and topics such as exams, academic administration, student financing, advisory services, and psychosocial counseling.
In addition to the initial get-to-know-you and networking meetings, the student teams are already planning the first activities for the pre-course weeks, the orientation days, and beyond. By the summer semester of 2015, more than 150 students had already volunteered as academic advisors. The project has been in existence since May 2012 and is affiliated with the BMBF-funded project
“
: Diversity as a Strength.”
Highlights:
Photos: HS, Sandro Hänseroth
Contact:
Sandro Hänseroth
Diplom-Sozialarbeiter/Sozialpädagoge (FH)
Students advise students
Phone: 03581 7671-412 or 03583 61-1421
Email: s.haenseroth@hszg.de