Planning, organization and orientation within the first few semesters: For many young people, the start of their studies marks the beginning of a completely new phase in their lives away from their familiar surroundings and home. Not only do many new faces await them at university, but also different forms of teaching and learning. With the Study Coach Program, TU Bergakademie Freiberg supports its first-year students in this transition and thus makes it easier for them to sucessfully start their studies.

In individual, virtual coaching groups, the participants consciously deal with their own strengths, personal values and their social support network, among other things. This promotes above all the personality development of the first-semester students, provides clarity about their own goals and priorities in their studies, optimizes self-directed learning and makes it easier for them to cope with decisions and challenges relevant to their studies.

The coaches are students in diploma or master's studies or doctoral students who have been trained in special online courses. They receive professional support from the Graduate and Research Academy of the TU Bergakademie Freiberg, the student advisory service and the Chair of Work, Organizational and Social Psychology of the project partner TU Braunschweig.

The Group Coaching begins in mid-November. Registration is available now through October 31, 2023.

For those who would like to become a study coach themselves, here for more information.

New digital onboarding tool

The tool offers micro-interventions that build on the coaching content, which students can complete and reflect on independently on their mobile devices. In addition, learning videos, FAQs, download material and information texts are made available, via which students can become intensively acquainted with the university and its structures, as well as important dates and events.

"Added to this are gradual reflection tasks to build up students' physical and psychological resources, as well as information about the university and their studies. This promotes self-efficacy, motivation and study-specific skills such as self- and time management, learning and scientific work," says Theresa Wand from the Graduate and Research Academy of the TU Bergakademie Freiberg, who coordinates the coaching program.

The study coaching project D1RECTIONS is carried out in cooperation with the TU Braunschweig and is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.