A failed exam, a boring seminar or the difficulty of balancing studies with a part-time job – during their studies, students encounter many obstacles that cause some to question their choice of degree programme or even their decision to study at university in the first place. A large proportion of those seeking advice can already be helped by the existing support services at Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences (such as the academic progression advisory service). “Nevertheless, there has so far been a lack of specific support for students with serious doubts about their studies or who wish to drop out,” emphasises project coordinator Dr Rebecca Müller.
According to Müller, a key initial aspect of the project is to foster a culture of openness regarding doubts about studying, as affected students have often been reluctant to voice their concerns and seek advice when they are unhappy with their chosen subject or with higher education in general. The Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences is developing a comprehensive coaching programme specifically for these individuals, offering personalised strategies for the next steps in their educational journey.
The “Next Step Niederrhein” project is being developed in collaboration with the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences and is funded by the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia with a total of 460,000 euros. Corresponding advisory services will be established at both universities in the 2017/18 winter semester. Through this collaboration between the universities, ways will be devised to recognise skills already acquired for the purposes of a new degree programme or vocational training. The aim is not to persuade students to continue their studies at any cost. The ‘next step’ may also lead directly into the labour market. In this case, labour market stakeholders such as the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), the Chamber of Skilled Crafts and the Jobcentre take over. In view of the growing shortage of skilled workers, these organisations welcome motivated and committed young people who wish to pursue an alternative training pathway rather than a degree course.
“What makes the ‘Next Step Niederrhein’ project special is that, in our region, labour market stakeholders and universities are now establishing a joint advisory and support network for students,” says Prof. Dr Marion Halfmann, Vice-President for Studies, Teaching and Continuing Education at Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences.
