New academic programs are the focus of the StudiumPLUS network meeting
On September 15, 2026, approximately 30 partners of the StudiumPLUS program gathered for their annual networking meeting. In addition to representatives from the vocational schools and the Southern Upper Rhine Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), numerous partner companies also accepted the invitation from StudiumPLUS coordinator Bärbel Andreae to come to Offenburg.
The Vice Rector for Academic Affairs and Teaching, Prof. Grit Köhler, welcomed the visitors and provided them with an overview of trends in student enrollment, as well as information on new degree programs and projects at the University. Changes in the labor market driven by AI were also a topic of her remarks, as was the University’s strategic planning in the area of teaching.
Dean of Studies Prof. Dr. Christian Wetzel then provided a more detailed explanation of the changes to the Maschinenbau bachelor's degree program and the new, entirely English-language bachelor's program in “Mechanical Systems Engineering.” In doing so, he urged the companies to be willing to offer internship opportunities to English-speaking students from around the world. Experience in the German professional environment is of great importance for their academic and future career success. And since many of those present were not yet fully familiar with the master's degree program in Sustainable Business Development—which will be introduced in the 2024/25 winter semester—program coordinator Lisa Maria Vogel presented the collaboration opportunities and impact projects for companies within this trinational, sustainable program. Last but not least, Vera Vanié, vice director of the university’s International Center, gave participants an insight into the “Attracting International Students” project. During the discussion, it became clear that the University and businesses can only counteract the shortage of skilled workers in the region by working together and having the courage to explore new paths.
However, new programs also mean constant new challenges for both StudiumPLUS coordinator Bärbel Andreae and the companies. Key topics at the network meeting were therefore contract drafting and student support. The experiences of all network members are a great asset here, and a lively discussion ensued—especially given that the StudiumPLUS Ausbildung and StudiumPLUS Trainee programs are becoming increasingly well-known among prospective students and the number of partner companies has continued to grow over the past year.
Over refreshments, the network members continued their exchange in a relaxed setting for quite some time. After all, this exchange is an essential aspect of the network meeting, as the goal of all participants is the successful implementation of the study model and the best possible guidance and support for students.
Further information on the StudiumPLUS programs is available at https://www.hs-offenburg.de/studium/studiumplus/trainee.