H-BRS StartGut

The H-BRS StartGut project offers students with support needs the opportunity to find their way around the university and departments during a pre-semester and to start the right degree programme in a motivated and goal-oriented manner through accompanying individual support. This concept has been in place in the Department of Engineering and Communication, since the summer semester of 2015. The programme is currently aimed at prospective students of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and sustainable engineering.
 

Active approach to students and prospective students with difficult general conditions

A core component of this is the university's active approach to students who are at an increased risk of dropping out due to their (educational) biography and difficult general conditions. Firstly, this is done through personal counselling before the start of studies for applicants who want to enter the support programme directly. Through existing cooperation with vocational colleges and schools, potential applicants are reached and H-BRS StartGut is publicised. Some students also take the opportunity to benefit from H-BRS StartGut when preparing for their A-level maths exams.

Secondly, students in their first semester who show weaknesses (in exercises) or fail to turn up after a few weeks are approached personally by the university to explain the opportunities for support. In this way, students who are disadvantaged by a "normal" start to their studies and would therefore drop out are to be counselled in the direction of the extended introductory phase. If this does not seem promising either, students can be shown career prospects in the skilled trades, e.g. within the framework of an existing cooperation agreement with the Cologne Chamber of Skilled Crafts.
 

Technical support, personal development and career prospects

In addition to individual support, students are offered courses in the form of screencasts in mathematics, an exercise that combines mathematical and technical content, a learning excursion, the opportunity for guided learning in the study workshop, counselling in the area of self-competence and contact with alumni. Although the pre-semester extends the study programme, this extension or early reorientation is better than dropping out later.

Further information on StartGut can be found at FAQ page and at Studierwerkstatt , where StartGut participants meet to learn together.