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These pages will soon provide information about the newly-established Universiätskolleg.
Press release from 13 December 2011:
Today, the Joint Science Conference announced the results of the Federal Government and Länder program to improve academic conditions and quality in teaching (Teaching Quality Pact): Universität Hamburg is one of several state subsidized universities to successfully apply for a Universitätskolleg (prepatory program). In the next five years (2012 to 2016), it will receive 12.8 million euros in funding. In light of the steadily increasing diversity of the student body, the Universiätskolleg aims to tread new paths, help new students and facilitate their transition to academic life. New students will also be able to enjoy a diverse range of other activities and opportunities.
President Dieter Lenzen stated, "I am delighted about our University's success. Authorization of such a large sum shows that the Universitätskolleg impressed experts as much as the University's continuing efforts to provide a modern academic education which ensures that the next generation has a promising future."
The Universitätskolleg, "Bridges to the University: Pathways to Scholarship," seeks to optimize the transition from school or work to academic study. The challenges currently posed by the transition from school or work to university life are manifold and have very different causes. Some of these are structural in nature, although they are primarily related to radical changes in the school and university systems. These include, for example, a shorter period of schooling (G8) and the conversion to the bachelor/master's system. There have also been social changes affecting the school and university system, such as the rising number of people who have completed vocational training before starting a university program and the rising number of younger students confronted with numerous, often confusing program opportunities and complex admission requirements. Last but not least, the rising number of international students and students with non-German ethnic roots who will play a significant demographic role pose new challenges for universities.
The concept submitted by Universität Hamburg takes up these challenges and aims to break down barriers to university study and to provide help in the initial phase of study. Both the University and the individual schools will provide help in the following areas: evaluating one's own knowledge; expanding knowledge; planning transitions; learning how to study and, sourcely, guiding the new student. The concept has been developed with a view towards sustainability and aims to create long-term structures.
By 2020, the Federal Government will spend about 2 billion euros for the Teaching Quality Pact. The funding sum of 12.8 million euros requested by Universität Hamburg was authorized today for the period from 2012 to 2018. This includes the possibility of extension. The decision was made by a committee comprised of 12 experts from the fields of science, university management and the student body as well as two representatives each from the Federal Government and the Länder.
If you have further questions, please contact:
Ulrike Helbig
Universität Hamburg
Managing Director Universitätskolleg
Mittelweg 177
20148 Hamburg
Tel.: 040-428 38-4472
E-Mail: gf.kolleg@uni-hamburg.de
