The new winter semester of the Faculty of Managerial and Cultural Studies (F-MK) at Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences began on September 30, 2025 with music, courage and humanity. Almost all new students as well as numerous colleagues, guests from the region and partner institutions gathered in the impressive Kulturforum Synagoge to celebrate the start of a new academic year together.

The opening of the semester was not only a symbolic start, but also a vivid expression of what the F-MK is all about: a place where diversity, responsibility and cooperation are lived - and where everyone can find their place.

"Back then, I was afraid I wouldn't make any friends. Today I know that this university is like a family," recalled presenter Luzie Kothera, addressing her words directly to the first-year students. Together with fellow student Lukas Neubert, she led through the program - open, humorous and full of understanding for the excitement that accompanies many on their first day at university.

The message was well received: Nobody stays alone. Everyone can find a connection here. The fact that the synagogue was full of curious faces made this attitude visible.

Pianist Olga Dribas provided special moments of pause with works by Chopin, Gade and Debussy. Music and words intertwined and created an atmosphere that filled the festive setting with lightness and depth at the same time.

Mayor Benedikt M. Hummel also took the opportunity to emphasize Görlitz's opportunities as a place to study: "Use this city as your third classroom." His invitation to live curiosity beyond lecture halls reflected the spirit that the faculty also conveys.

Tourism:
Jörg Daubner from Tourismusverein Görlitz e. V. emphasized that the city needs young people who boldly contribute ideas.

Nursing:
Jana Horcickova, Nursing Director of the district, emphasized how important academically trained nurses are for healthcare. Particularly pleasing: this year, two groups are starting on the nursing science course.

Culture:
Dr. Daniel Morgenroth, director of the Gerhart-Hauptmann-Theater, referred to the theater as a space for thought and experience. With a voucher in his freshman bag, he invited everyone to visit: "It's about your perspectives, your thoughts, your experiences."

Health care:
Antonia Tschirch, a graduate of the Bachelor's and Master's degree programs in health care management and now working for AOK Plus, told the students: "It's the methods that will help you later - and the people who will accompany you."

These voices made it clear: studying at the F-MK means getting involved in a region that is undergoing change - and helping to shape what the future looks like here and elsewhere.

In his welcoming address, Dean Prof. Dr. Falk Maiwald gave an insight into the culture of the faculty: personal closeness, diversity and the invitation to take on responsibility. "You are not just here to absorb knowledge. You are here to find out what you are really interested in - and what you are going for."

Dean of Studies Prof. Dr. Jana Stolz-Römmermann also picked up on this and addressed the new students directly. Under the slogan "Embarking on your studies!", she encouraged them to see their time at university not just as a duty, but above all as an opportunity: "Use the coming semesters to try out new things, go your own way and contribute your ideas to the faculty." She thus bridged the gap between a festive welcome and the active shaping of everyday student life.

This is why the F-MK not only relies on traditional lectures and seminars, but also on lively formats: Practical projects with companies and institutions, case studies, excursions and international collaborations. The course is not only intended to impart knowledge, but also to promote competence, creativity and community.

In addition to lecturers and course directors, contact persons such as the liaison officer and the international representative also came forward. The Faculty Student Committee encouraged students to get involved in student life - be it through events, support in everyday student life or simply through open discussions - also as a member of the FSR.

The celebration ended with Scott Joplin's "The Entertainer" - light-footed, lively and full of hope. A conclusion that is also a beginning: now the adventure of studying begins.