Press Announcement


 

The University Senate supports the Demand of a “Can-”Semester

Constance, 10.06.2020 – At Wednesday morning, the senate of the university voted in favour of the demand for a “Can”-semester as proposed by the student body.

A “Can”-semester means that the summer semester of 2020 is not counted onto the number of the semesters of students enrolled into university. The university is acting solidarity towards students because the BAföG-requirements of the standard period of study are raised with at least one additional semester. The students substantiate this demand with the special challenges the pandemic brings with it. The normal study running is thereby not possible.

“Because of its long-lasting closing of the university as a study place, financial problems due to the loss of jobs and additional challenges like helping the family, mental stress and voluntary work students cannot study within the usual extend”, claims the chairwoman of the student body, Helen Schiff. “Technical Problems as well as problems with the internet connection can impede the students everyday life, too”, complements her representative, Jana Schwarz.

In fact, the state government already followed students demands to enhance the deadlines of exams by one semester. “Though it is not clear, if this temporal enhancement will affect requirements to claim the BAföG-support”, says Mara Loos, student member of the university senate. “Therefore, we also demand the adjustment of the state decisions on the federate level to reassure students that claim the BAföG-support. We are especially happy about the support of the University of Constance in this matter”, says the student member of the senate, Carl Eggen.

“The University of Constance does everything that is legally possible and manageable to support students during this semester and help them successfully master their studies. At every level, we are in contact with students and support their demands towards the government”, says Professor Michael Stürner, vice rector for teaching.

Link to the petition „Kann-Semester – Gleiche Chancen für alle Studierenden“

Link to the Gesetzesentwurf der Regierungsparteien