College is more than just pursuing a degree programme

The Center for Cross-Faculty / Trans-Faculty Teaching (ZfL), founded on January 1, 2020, brings together cross-faculty / trans-faculty ZfL modules under one central umbrella. This structural measure, in accordance with the 2025 Higher Education Development Plan, will help improve transparency for students at HSZG when selecting modules from the wide range of cross-faculty / trans-faculty teaching units on offer.

The official opening of the ZfL took place on January 27, 2020, with approximately 70 invited guests and distinguished guests from Saxon universities, the Dresden Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK), regional companies, as well as interested current and former members of the HSZG. The aim of the event was to introduce the ZfL as a new organizational unit of the university and to outline the path toward its full integration into the university’s structure.

Introductory remarks by Rector Prof. Friedrich Albrecht were followed by a presentation by the Vice President for Education and International Affairs, Prof. Christa Maria Heidger, in which she once again emphasized the necessity of establishing the center. In addition, attendees heard welcoming remarks and insights from student representative Ms. Nora Terlunen, the head of the Languages Department at the ZfL, Ms. Michaela Heidig, former university president Prof. Peter Dierich, and the office manager of the IHK, Matthias Schwarzbach, heard opening remarks and insights from student representative Nora Terlunen, the head of the Languages Department at the ZfL, Michaela Heidig, former rector Prof. Peter Dierich, and the office manager of the Zittau Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), Mr. Matthias Schwarzbach. The remarks highlighted the tasks and functions—as well as the expectations—that will be placed on the ZfL in the future. In his commemorative address as ZfL Director, Prof. Fritz Jochen Schmidt explained, among other things, the structure and strategic direction of the center and particularly highlighted the benefits and opportunities that the ZfL’s programs offer, especially for students.

The Simmchen provided musical accompaniment for the program with a selection of international pieces. During the get-together that followed—featuring catering by Engemanns, the recently honored “Zittau Company of the Year,” and another round of discussions—the participants had another opportunity to exchange ideas and pave the way for desired collaborations at the conceptual level.

In addition, we would like to thank the Friends of the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences for their financial support of the event.

The exceptionally positive feedback received so far from the Zittau Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the University of Excellence Dresden, and within the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences also gives us hope for a good development of the ZfL.