Providing even better support for students as they start university – that was the aim of those in charge of the Bachelor’s degree programme in Protestant Theology and Religious Education, and so they launched a mentoring programme in 2011. It is an initiative that many first-year students still make use of today.
“2011 was the year when, following the introduction of the eight-year Abitur system, two classes sat their A-levels at the same time, and first-year students were suddenly a year younger,” recalls Sören Koselitz, a research assistant in the Department of Church History and Historical Theology. As a student at the time, he was one of the first mentors – today he coordinates the programme. “We want to support students as they embark on this new phase of their lives, helping them to help themselves,” he explains. The programme has been well received: between 100 and 120 new students take part in it every winter term.
Even before the orientation week, there is an initial information meeting to which first-year students are invited by letter. “Small groups often form there, and the students are keen to make their first contacts,” says Master’s student Ulrike Hackerott, who organises the mentors on behalf of the students. However, even those who only become aware of the programme later on can join in without any problems. A total of ten mentors are active in the programme as student assistants, each looking after a group of around ten first-year students. In most cases, the students look for a mentor who is studying the same second subject, explains Hackerott.
Mentors meet monthly
Regular meetings cover topics such as timetable planning, examination regulations and an introduction to academic work. But the mentors are also on hand to listen to individual questions and concerns. “Some have specific questions about particular examinations, others have very general queries – such as what to bear in mind when submitting a BAföG proposal, for example,” says Koselitz. At a monthly staff meeting, the mentors discuss current concerns and problems and share their own experiences with their colleagues. They also organise activities that are open to all participants, such as courses run by the Learning Workshop at the Study and Career Counselling Service or a group visit to the Christmas market.
Ulrike Hackerott took part in the programme herself as a bachelor’s student and still has fond memories of it. What she particularly values about being a mentor is that she gets to meet new students time and again: “You can help them and get very positive feedback.” The evaluations they carry out at the end of each cycle also confirm that the programme is well received, adds Koselitz. He himself also looks back fondly on his time as a mentor: “As I was also on the student body, I eventually got to know the university’s structures very well. You’ve read the examination regulations ten times over and know the ins and outs you need to be aware of – that helps you personally as well.”
In the 2018/2019 winter semester, the first session will take place on Thursday 4 October.
