Targeted support for female students starting their studies at TUBAF, the StudySisters mentoring programme will enter its second round in October. Experienced female students accompany and support new female students in their first semester at TU Bergakademie Freiberg and ensure that they get off to a good start at university.
"The first few months at university are exciting - and sometimes challenging. New surroundings, new people, lots of questions... About a year after the start of the StudySisters programme, we have found that mentoring makes it easier to start ones studies and ensures that female students in particular feel at home at TUBAF more quickly thanks to a strong network," says Antje Wehmeyer, project coordinator at the Graduate and Research Academy (GraFA) at TUBAF.
As StudySisters mentors experienced female students are direct contacts for the participating first-year students. In addition to mentoring, workshops on soft skills and regular meetings in peer groups help students to quickly find their bearings. "We want to show the students right from the start that they are not alone and that there are many opportunities to develop further and find their own path," explains Wehmeyer. Interested students and mentors can join the programme now, with the official start in October at the beginning of the semester.
Start your studies successfully with the StudySisters mentoring programme
While the proportion of women in economics related subjetcs at TUBAF is now around 50%, women are less well represented in other subjects. STEM degree programmes (mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology) the proportion of women is around 30%. This makes it all the more important for female students to create networks and support that promote exchange and further development. StudySisters offers a great format for this.
The new Rector of TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Jutta Emes, also encourages current and future female students to get involved and network: "StudySisters is a wonderful programme that enables female students to network at an early stage, find support and start their studies with self-confidence. It not only teaches important skills for everyday study life and beyond - the participants also experience how much fun learning together, interacting with each other and joint activities bring to their studies."
For mentees: Are you new to university and don't want to find out everything on your own? With your StudySister - an experienced student - you have a direct contact person for tips on studying and everyday university life.
For mentors: Have you been studying for a while and want to pass on your experience? As a StudySister, you can help new female students get started, strengthen your own skills and help create a lively network.
The programme includes:
- Soft skill workshops on topics such as time management, exam preparation and stress management - with helpful strategies and tips for a successful start to your studies
- 1:1 mentoring: personal support from a StudySister
- Peer groups: Meetings in small groups to exchange ideas and support each other
- Communal evenings: relaxed get-togethers, sharing about the hurdles and joys of studying, making new friends - also enjoy cooking and eating together
sisters [at] tu-freiberg [dot] de (contact)
