Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University wins prize awarded by Stifterverband

Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University, along with four other finalists, came out on top against 105 competitors from the ranks of universities and universities of applied sciences in the great finale carried out in Bonn. "HBRS StartGut" will thus be funded with up to € 250,000.

The objective pursued by the Stifterverband was obvious: the association aims to support universities in developing a system for the early study phase that meets the special requirements of an increasingly diverse student body – a system that also improves study success and teaching quality. These are exactly the goals set for "HBRS StartGut": the project is aimed at analysing the individual support requirements for students in accordance with their respective educational biographies and at providing them with individual and demand-oriented support. The latter includes the advancement of both personal and professional skills. As a first step, "HBRS StartGut" will be implemented in the form of a pilot project by the Department of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Technical Journalism; it will then be transferred to other departments.

The following is a further distinctive feature of "HBRS StartGut": Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University actively approaches students faced with an increased risk of dropping out of their studies. There are two different methods of starting one’s studies available to achieve this objective: study applicants who wish to have direct access to funding are required to sit an assessment test along with subsequent counselling prior to enrolment. In the event of indirect access to the funding programme, freshers who show weaknesses or no longer attend during the first semester are approached by Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University to discuss support opportunities that may enable them to achieve their study goals.

"HBRS StartGut" will closely cooperate with existing project partners such as Pro-MINT-us. The project is coordinated by Professor Jürgen Apfelbeck from the Department of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Technical Journalism.

Foto: © David Außerhofer/ Stifterverband