After an interactive introduction to the newly enrolled students, a panel discussion on the reality of living and studying in Jena took centre stage at the ceremony. Moderator Lea Deubner spoke with Jena’s Lord Mayor Dr Thomas Nitzsche, the head of the Studierendenwerk Thüringen, Dr Torsten Schubert, the student senator Willi Kröning, Jasmin Weske, coordinator of university sports and University President Prof. Dr Andreas Marx about how the city, university and student services organisation can work together to create good conditions for studying and student life.
»Your studies mark the beginning of a new phase in your life—full of opportunities, encounters and challenges«, said University President Prof Dr Andreas Marx. The University of Jena is a place »where you can discover knowledge, take on responsibility and experience community.« He encouraged the students to actively shape the coming years: »Use this time to ask questions and get involved. Your commitment makes a significant contribution to the atmosphere of the university and the city.«
Lord Mayor Dr Thomas Nitzsche also emphasised the special atmosphere of the university city: »Jena is not only a place of excellent science, but also a city that lives from its students. We want young people to quickly feel at home here and want them to stay beyond their studies.«
Dr Torsten Schubert from the Studierendenwerk emphasised the importance of reliable infrastructures for students: »As a student services organisation, we are your student services organisation. We want you to feel at home with us—in our university) canteens, in our halls of residence and at the events we organise. But we also want to help you when you need advice—whether it’s providing legal advice or dealing with psychosocial or general issues relating to your everyday student life. As a student services organisation, we rely on your participation in our body|committees, e.g. in the Jena canteen committee or in juries, as well as in our surveys, in order to be there for you.«
As a student member of the University Senate, Willi Kröning also emphasised the importance of participation: »Don’t just focus rigidly on your studies. Join the body|committees, contribute your ideas and help to improve studies for future generations. Without such commitment, we would not be able to benefit from advantages such as the culture ticket.«
Jasmin Weske, coordinator for the Dance (subject) area|field at University Sports Jena, described University Sports as an opportunity to get to know people and make your studies healthy: »University Sports is your space for exercise, socialising and health. You can choose from over 700 course options each semester—from yoga to climbing, from dance to team competitions. We don’t just want you to do sports here, we want you to experience community and recharge your batteries for your studies.«
