With ‘Next Step Niederrhein’, Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences expands its support services to tackle students’ worries and doubts about studying

Dedicated to addressing students’ study-related doubts and despairs, Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences has developed a special advisory and coaching service as part of the new project ‘Next Step Niederrhein’.

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A tedious seminar, an exam that went poorly, or perhaps the considerable challenge of finding a healthy work-study-life balance — at one point or another every student runs into these kinds of problems. For some, they can raise questions about the choice of degree programme, for others they can lead to serious doubt about the point of earning a degree. While students can already tackle a great number of questions and issues with the help of existing support services at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, such as the Social and Academic Advisory, ‘nonetheless’, Dr Rebecca Müller, project coordinator of ‘Next Step Niederrhein’, emphasizes that ‘thus far, we are still lacking a support service specifically adapted to the needs of students entertaining strong doubts about their studies or considering withdrawing from university.’

According to Müller, a significant aspect of the project is to promote a culture of open dialogue in dealing with topics like study-related doubt, as students still often struggle with openly expressing these doubts or seeking advice, even when they’re deeply unhappy with their degree programme or their choice to study. It’s for these students in particular that Rhine-Waal University has developed its new, comprehensive coaching service, which aims to help students find individual solutions according to their individual aspirations, personal profile and living situation.

‘Next Step Niederrhein’ was launched in collaboration with Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences and is supported by the Ministry of Culture and Science of North-Rhine Westphalia to the tune of 460,000 euros. The new guidance and coaching service will be available at both universities beginning in winter semester 2017/18. An additional project aim includes the collaborative development of new possibilities for transferring credits and skills students have earned at university towards either a new degree programme or even a new vocational training programme.

The goal of ‘Next Step Niederrhein’ isn’t to convince students to continue with their studies at any cost. In fact, for some students the most logical ‘next step’ might be to enter the workforce directly. In this case, a number of off-campus advisory services would take over, including the Federal Employment Agency, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) and the Chamber of Skilled Trades. Given the looming shortage of specialists in the German workforce, motivated young people interested in a vocational career path outside of academia are always welcome and sought-after.

Professor Dr Marion Halfmann, Vice-President of Studies, Teaching and Continuing Training, is delighted with the project: ‘What makes ‘Next Step Niederrhein’ so special is that labour market services and universities have come together to build a common guidance and support network tailored to students in our region.’

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