• Discussion with the Deans

  The discussion with the Deans, which took place for the first time in June 1995, was continued on 17 September. This time, the topics on the agenda were the promotion of women in the natural sciences, the presentation of the University to the public by the University Society and the recruitment of members. The deans welcomed the admission of students at a reduced fee. They agreed to encourage all professors to promote the University Society to students at their events. The "inexpensive" membership should also be mentioned at the semester welcome event. For its part, the University Society will take up the question raised by the deans as to how doctorates and habilitations of women in the natural sciences can be promoted more strongly. In order to better present the university to the public, it was suggested that certain target groups should be approached more intensively.

• Colour brochure published

  With the support of Hüppe GmbH & Co, Bad Zwischenahn, the University Society has published a colour brochure, which also contains important information about the University of Oldenburg. The brochure serves to describe the tasks and objectives of the University Society, but also to recruit new members.

• General Meeting

  On the day of the General Meeting on 11 September, 473 people were members of the University Society. Within one year, the number of members has grown by almost 16 per cent. In 1995, over DM 41,000 was raised in donations. Donations of the same amount are expected for the current year. Section 6 of the statutes was unanimously amended. Enrolled students can now become members of the University Society at a reduced annual fee of DM 30.

• Peter Waskönig Foundation

  The University Society has taken over the administration of the Peter Waskönig Foundation. The foundation, endowed with DM 100,000, will support special achievements by students for the first time in 1997. The Board of Trustees, consisting of Prof Dr Michael Daxner, Dr Dr Ummo Francksen, Dr Günther König and Dieter Schlecht, recommended that the funding should benefit students from all departments equally wherever possible.

Through factory tours and visits to specialist departments, the University Society and the University aim to strengthen their contact with the business community. The first event of this kind took place on 12 June at Waskönig & Walter Kabel-Werk GmbH u. Co. KG in Saterland. The company had invited guests to a factory tour followed by a discussion. Around 60 people accepted the invitation, the majority of whom were members of the University Society. A slightly higher turnout from the university could have emphasised the purpose of the event even more.

Waskönig & Walter manufactures cables and wires using highly streamlined processes, which are distributed throughout Europe. The company currently employs 350 staff.

On 11 September, the Department of Physics opened its doors for a tour for members of the University Society. This event was also a success. Around 30 members gained an excellent insight into various scientific projects. They were also able to see for themselves the high academic standard of the education provided.

Both company tours and visits to academic departments are to continue. They have proved to be an excellent forum for bringing the public and the university together. A visit to Department 4 (Economics and Law) is planned for the 1996/97 winter semester. A tour of another company in the Oldenburg area is scheduled for the spring.