No thanks to tuition fees, yes please to BAföG!
On April 21, the Student Parliament (StuPa) convened for its first meeting of the summer semester and, consequently, the sixth meeting of the current legislative term. Here’s what was discussed:
Better informed about BAföG
Finding information and advice about financial aid options like BAföG can be a challenge. To break down these barriers and ensure that all students know where to get support, the StuPa is calling on university administration, through a motion by the Juso University Group, to send out a mass email at the start of each semester. This email should compile all relevant information on BAföG, such as advice and information services, a link to the application portal, and important deadlines.
Firmly against tuition fees
Tuition fees for students from non-EU countries are currently being introduced in Munich and Erlangen. This development is also expected to affect Bamberg. The StuPa approved a motion from the Juso University Group that takes a clear stand against this and emphasises that Student Representation firmly rejects any and all tuition fees. These fees do not provide any sustainable financial benefit; rather, they undermine free access to higher education and contradict the university’s internationalisation efforts. It is the responsibility of the Free State of Bavaria to fund its public universities – this burden must not be shifted onto students!
Strict quota now approved
At the fifth StuPa meeting, the Equal Opportunities Working Group proposed that a strict quota – rather than flexible one – be applied during StuPa meetings. You can read more about what this means in the article covering the meeting. At the time, the motion failed because amending the rules of procedure requires a two-thirds majority not only of the votes cast but of all StuPa members. Given that not everyone was aware of this requirement at the time of the vote – meaning that abstentions and absences had a greater impact on the result than intended – the motion was put to a vote again during the sixth meeting. This time, the required majority was clearly achieved, so the strict quota system will be applied from now on.
Save the date: General Student Assembly and University Elections
There are two dates of great importance for Student Representation that you should put in your calendars for this semester: On 6 May at 2 p.m., the General Student Assembly will take place in MG1/00.04. There, you’ll gain insight into the work of Student Representation and get a chance to bring up your own issues. To allow as many students to attend as possible, classes are cancelled during this period.
In addition, from June 16 to 23, you can vote in the university elections to decide who will represent you in the StuPa, the Senate, and your student council for the next two semesters – or even run for election yourself. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity; the university thrives on student participation!
