Freiburg model for a successful start at university
From 2016 to 2021, the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts (MWK) funded the "Freiburg model for a successful start at university", a set of measures to improve study conditions for new students, over two project periods.
Since the beginning of 2021, the measures established during the project periods have continued with permanent funding from the MWK programme FESt-BW II “Studienstart / Studienerfolg” which allow them to be maintained at the University of Freiburg on an ongoing basis. Since then, the measures of the former “Studienstart” funding line have been implemented in close cooperation with the programme “Service Learning University of Freiburg (SELF)”. This allows us not only to create optimal structural conditions for a successful start at university, but also to provide for continuous innovations in teaching that benefit all students.
Sub-measures and initiatives
In keeping with the guidelines „Orienting – Arriving – Innovating – Optimizing“, the following measures are implemented within the framework of the Freiburg model:
Digital interactive student orientation
The Freiburg Online Study-Choice Assistants (OSAs) provide prospective students with a realistic initial overview of a wide range of subjects and allow them to see for themselves whether they are a good fit for a particular degree programme. This can help prevent false expectations of the degree programme and of certain disciplines.
Another project developed in cooperation with the "Focus on the first year of studies" measure is the “myUFR” app for a good start at university and to your studies.
Further information can be found on the pages of the Student Service Center.
“Focus on the first year of studies” – Information and advising offers for new students
Successful academic integration during the study entry phase requires that both the university and students are able to flexibly adapt. Targeted information and advising services create the conditions for new students to get started successfully by providing support at individual level.
Further information can be found on the pages of the Student Service Center.
Optimizing and focussing the study entry phase through curriculum development
The Department of Higher Education Didactics and Digital Learning and Teaching Development is home to the project on curriculum development in the study entry phase. The measures developed in this project include a detailed analysis of dropouts in the entry phase, advising for faculties, especially in the form of tutor coaching, as well as providing impulses for flexibility in the curriculum. One focus of the current funding phase involves providing support in the form of target group-specific workshops and advisory services as well as a curriculum workshop to institutes and faculties as they further develop their curricula in a way that promotes learning.
Further information can be found on the pages of the Department of Higher Education Didactics and Digital Learning and Teaching Development [in German],
Service Learning University of Freiburg
Since 2021, the Department of Teaching Strategy and Digitalization has also coordinated the SELF project “Service Learning Uni Freiburg”, which is based at the Center for Key Qualifications (ZFS), within the context of the Freiburg model.
This measure focuses on learning through social engagement. By doing voluntary work in an initiative or project, students open up new areas of experience, gain direct insights into the opportunities for shaping our society – and take on responsibility. In accompanying workshops, participants reflect on the challenges in their field of work and develop strategies to overcome them.
Further information can be found on the pages of the Center for Key Qualifications.
Instructional Development Award (IDA) for the study entry phase (until 2020)
The Instructional Development Award (IDA) was awarded at the University of Freiburg between 2009 and 2019 and has become a successful model for continuous innovation and development in teaching during this time. Within the framework of the "Freiburg model", two additional IDAs with a focus on the study entry phase were announced in order to promote innovative initiatives that primarily benefit first-year students.
Further information on IDAs can be found here.
As of 2022, E-IDAs with a focus on digitalization [in German ] are awarded as part of the project 4D - 4 Dimensions of Digital and Didactic Development and follow the prizes awarded in Freiburg from 2010-2019.
Contact person at the Department of Teaching Strategy and Digitalization for topics related to starting university and the study entry phase:
Dr. Moritz Heck
Project Coordinator “Freiburg model for a successful start at university”
Phone: 0049 761 203 54307
moritz.heck@zv.uni-freiburg.de
Funded by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts
Photo: Peter Mesenholl