The Oldenburg University Society (UGO) was founded on 26 April 1972, one and a half years before the university itself.

The UGO sees itself as a bridge between the university and the north-west region and, with just under 1,000 members, is one of Germany’s largest university societies.

Particularly in the early years, when the local population viewed the ‘reform university’ with scepticism, the UGO played an important role as a mediator. It promotes exchange between academia, business and society, thereby strengthening cohesion in Oldenburg and throughout the north-west.

Together with the university, the association organises the New Year’s reception at the Staatstheater and the ‘Auftakt’ event at the start of the winter semester in the Audimax. In addition, the UGO awards prizes for outstanding academic achievements and supports researchers, lecturers and, in particular, young academics at the university through targeted programmes.