Don’t just study – get involved too! Whether it’s organising an event, representing the interests of fellow students or having a say in important decisions at the university: there are plenty of opportunities to get involved at Ostfalia.
Have a say in what shapes Ostfalia
Anyone wishing to get involved will find various opportunities within the student self-government system. These include the General Student Committee (AStA), the Student Parliament (StuPa), the Student Councils (FaRa), the Faculty Councils and the Senate.
AStA: Focusing on students’ interests
The General Students’ Committee, or AStA for short, represents the interests of students at Ostfalia. It advocates for their wishes, concerns and suggestions, and provides support with questions and problems relating to their studies.
It’s not just about advice, though. In the AStA, students also get involved in projects and various areas of focus. Those who get involved can contribute their own ideas, help shape events and activities, and work together with others to make a difference for the student body.
StuPa: Having a say in what the student body stands for
The Student Parliament, or StuPa for short, is the parliament of the student body. Its members are elected by the students.
The StuPa deals with fundamental issues of student self-governance; amongst other things, it approves the budget and elects the AStA. Those who serve on the StuPa can thus play a part in decisions that affect the entire student body.
FaRa: Getting involved right where you study
The Faculty Student Councils, or FaRa for short, operate closer to the day-to-day life of students. Within the faculties, they represent the interests of the students there. For example, they organise events and activities for their faculty, address issues and problems arising from everyday student life, and act as points of contact for their fellow students.
Anyone primarily interested in their own degree programme and life within the faculty will find this a direct way to get involved.
Faculty Council: Helping to shape your own faculty
Students are also represented on the faculty councils. This body deals with important issues relating to the respective faculty, such as study and examination regulations.
Anyone interested in how study and teaching are organised within their own faculty can contribute the students’ perspective here and play a part in decision-making.
Senate: Having a say on university-wide issues
The Senate discusses important issues affecting Ostfalia as a whole. Students are also represented there and can contribute their perspective.
Those who get involved here gain an insight into the university’s decision-making processes and can help shape university-wide developments.
Involvement that pays off for you too
Those who get involved can gain more than just a line on their CV. Organising events, planning projects, collaborating with others, representing interests or taking responsibility for an issue: these experiences are ones that are otherwise hard to come by during your studies.
At the same time, you’ll make new contacts. By getting involved, you’ll get to know students from other years and degree programmes and can expand your network at the university.
You can also apply for an expense allowance for certain roles within the student self-governing bodies. The amount depends on the specific role and the expected time commitment per term.
For example, a member of the AStA Executive Committee is allocated 1,200 euros for a minimum of 240 hours per semester. For involvement in a student representative council, 240 euros may be paid for a minimum of 48 hours. For the StuPa Presidium, an allowance of 500 euros is provided for a minimum of 100 hours’ work. Expense allowances are also available for work in departments – depending on their size and the time commitment required – for example, 300, 500 or 800 euros per semester.
The expense allowance is not a salary, but is intended to compensate for the time and effort involved in voluntary work. It is paid upon application and in accordance with the applicable regulations.
Vote or stand as a candidate?
Anyone wishing to get involved in student self-governance can stand as a candidate in the annual university elections (external link, opens in a new window). In the winter semester, students elect, amongst other things, their representatives to the Senate, the Faculty Councils, the Student Parliament and the Student Councils.
The term of office for elected representatives begins on 1 March and lasts for one year.
If you have any questions about student involvement, self-governance or the services offered by the AStA, the AStA office (external link, opens in a new window)will be happy to provide information and put you in touch with the relevant contact persons.