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Children Bachelor enemy.

2009-06-30T19:26:00.000-07:00

The Bologna reform makes studying parents' lives: attendance, streamlined program that constantly tests - that an infant has no understanding. The system allows students verschulte too little time to get to the little ones to worry about.

In the town of Giessen Pohlheim are the differences between old and new, visible in the smallest space. There is a flat two families. In both families the mother and father to study in both there is a small child. But does the daily life of the WG both parties sometimes extreme.

Heiko Meyer
A flat, two families, two programs of study: David and Kristin Rust LÃ¼tgenau with son Janusz, Jan and Sarah Benner Kohlhof-Kohlhof with daughter Mia Lena in Pohlheim in Giessen

Family One: Sarah-Kohlhof Benner, 25, is studying primary school teaching profession and Jan Kohlhof, 28, computer science, to state and diploma. Their one-year daughter Mia Lena have them in the day Lida Maleki housed.

Family Two: LÃ¼tgenau David, 24, studied special schools and Kristin Rust, 23, social sciences, both in the new bachelor degree program. Her seven-month-old son also serves Janusz Lida Maleki.

Leave only two semesters Pack

The huge difference: While Sarah and Jan's services Lida really only need sporadic, Kristin and David would be without them aufgeschmissen. They have the new power under Bologna.

Bologna, bachelor, that is, a tight timetable to follow, which means attendance in many modules, vacation semester often only in two pack because cross-semester seminars, ongoing trials. All things associated with the time requirements of an infant's difficult to bring them into compliance are.

So Kristin and David need to support their housemates and the childminder. But sometimes you can find anyone to them Janusz decreases. "Fortunately, most professors have no objection to a child in the lecture."

Similarly, it currently takes many of the approximately 123,000 student parents in Germany - certainly the 15 percent of them to educate their child alone. The new turbo-study with his Bachelor's and Master's degrees, it face major organizational problems. In the latest survey of the student were almost a quarter of respondents indicated that they are not once again for a child during the study that would determine.

"First child with me in mid-30 would be too late '

It says Sarah is "the study is actually
a good time for children's war. "She was with her study" time-flexible than in the job. "Moreover, they feel fresh enough for the demands of the parents' existence:" My first child in mid-30 to get me would be too late. "

UNIblogs 3 / 2009

TITLE
Fairly off
Uni-Kuehne Architecture makes learning beautiful

Content

The policy aims to graduate more children. Students are entitled to the Federal Family Minister Ursula von der Leyen (CDU) introduced Elterngeld, albeit usually only at the minimum rate of 300 euros per month. And who BafÃ¶g relates receives additional 113 Euro for the first and 85 euros for each additional child. In addition, student parents may be entitled to housing benefit. In some German states, Bavaria, for instance, can they exemption from tuition fees apply.

But the shortage is covered elsewhere in size, since it is the students like the professionals: There are not enough care for the kids. Only 5500 places nationwide offer the student in kindergarten or in cribs. In many cases, who will provide a grab wants to wait months or years.

Part-time studies? Not really planned

Janke Reuschel, 29, has one of the coveted places for their three year old daughter get Marlia. But when the lone social economics student from Hamburg during the evening or on weekends or major events due Marlia is sick, it must be a friend for help. "The Bachelor, you can so the events are not more to choose," she explains. Janke has applied for part-time studies - the curriculum of new courses to take part, but hardly the end Zeitler consideration.

Sometimes there is a lack of the universities to understand the constraints, which must obey their parents: "One of my professors said that I should be studying rather leave when I am not of the normal requirements can adapt," says the student Lehramt Barbara bounce from Giessen. At a place in the Uni-Kita waiting in vain so far, only 18 children can come there. In doing so, the University of Giessen the certificate "family-oriented institution."

Still want to get the student to the parents of adversity does not get under and somehow organize their daily lives. Like the aspiring literary scholar Anne KÃ¼chler, 27, in Hamburg. Since a single year is Anne, looked her son Simon, but alternately with her ex-boyfriend.

"I'm happy, not just at home having to be," says KÃ¼chler. Your old student lives they do not miss. "Now I live in two worlds that collide. That makes life but just beautiful." She laughs. "And fun anyway."

Hunt for hidden knowledge.

2009-06-29T19:30:00.000-07:00

In the exam time many students to mutate Fieslingen - and hide books, to include them in the library all to itself to have. Luer-Henning Flake, 21, is something like their natural enemy: jobbt He viewfinder than books at the University of Duisburg-Essen.

That students during their studies, casual work, is normal. Luer-Henning Flake, 21, is an unusual job. As books viewfinder at the University of Duisburg-Essen, he several times a week at the game after missing Literature in the University library.

DDP
Books viewfinder Flake: "It is forbidden books to hide '

"The job is fun, it's always an achievement when you book again," says Flake. Ten hours a week driving from Viersen-born student of cultural industries with his car, the course books of the library at Essen. 8.56 euros to get it, plus paid vacation.

Offender profile: Economics student

For about two months, the prospective host culture and its Bibliotheksjob feels comfortable. "The atmosphere in a library is very pleasant." This is also his predecessor as a book finder, Sven-Arvid finished. The philosophy and German literature student did this job about a year and a half behind and knew pretty much all the hiding places. "Some students hid the books in part in other shelves or deposited under the shelves, so it was not."

About 250 books were finished so in the course of a month. He was among the first to take this job at the university made. During the final, now assistant to a professor is like after studying additional training in library studies in Cologne, Germany wants to see luer Henning Flake his first job only as a temporary job.

After about two months work as a viewfinder also has books he has a profile of hiding books created. He noticed that students mainly from the library to learn to use hidden or books are not returned. And: "Often, the business students in the case."

Especially in times of trials, there is plenty of work for Flake. "Many things are borrowed, and it is only because of the presence of stock, then it is hidden." However, it was still never a culprit caught red-handed.

The library is preparing to book on hiding

Students had trouble with it for the books never viewfinder. "It is forbidden books to hide. Because the people care then, what to say, if we can find the books," said Flake. Rather Flake is seen as someone representing a further help. For the students, he is now an important partner. "The ever ask me where they can find a book." Flake comes with his job against his body size. The amateur basketball players is over 1.90 meters tall. This helps him to the higher shelves of the library to investigate.

24 HOURS IN THE UNI-BIB

Marc RÃ¶hlig

The Freiburg University library has open around the clock. Good for Amelie Hostel, 20 - Student policy must be urgently the matter for three Tests in the header to beat. Therefore, she to a duel: I against the library, a self-experiment in continuous learning. more ...

For the university is worth hiring BÃ¼chersuchern. Around two million copies of the university has in its inventory. Books cost a lot of money, an average of 30 euros, and many a copy of which has already been lost, submerged by the work of students as respondents and Flake again. At 250 copies, the books per month viewfinder again, large sums of money come together, which the university can save.

To promote the books curb further losses, the library management for new technologies. Thus, an electronic security system, the so-called radio transponder, the location of a book by signal log. The library staff checked with a detector the shelves, which then emit a signal. At the same time you can borrow books for faster transactions and the specimens are better protected from theft and the Hide protected.

The Konfettirisierung of research and teaching.

2009-06-26T20:22:00.000-07:00

Students rebelling against bachelor's degree in rumort professors, too. JÃ¶rn-Axel Meyer sees strong fragmentation trends: The study points to a pure fighter, and also the increasingly small-scale research, criticized the Berlin scientists in the host contribution.

Already in 1994 dubbed the SaarbrÃ¼ckener economists Bruno Tietz the development of the German research with the term "Konfettirisierung" - and so brought the assembled colleagues laugh. But as the laughter, this comparison with the fragments, which in joyous occasions in the air will not now. The term seems well suited to describe what we in the German university landscape experience, both in teaching and in research.

First there is the doctrine, which focuses on the new Bachelor's and Master's degrees are available. They arose in the wake of the decisions of the European Ministers of Education in Bologna in 1999 and meetings were to follow in the years thereafter concretised. The overall goal was the harmonization of European higher education. The new courses are not only internationally more comparable and compatible ", they are also more efficient, shorter, and early academic study and allow more mobility between universities.

Knowledge is not yet thinking

The implementation in Germany
caused much criticism. The expected effects on comparability, mobility and short duration of the study seem to show more recent studies, only rudimentary, or even not to have occurred. The new bachelor's or master's degree but show a markedly different than the previous teaching courses at diploma and degree. Even though learning may not be efficient, which it was learned. And at what price?

PERSONAL

JÃ¶rn-Axel Meyer, 46, is the direction in Industrial Mechanical Engineering and University Professor. Since 2002 he heads the Institute for German small and medium-sized enterprises in Berlin.

Many of the new programs are characterized by the simple juxtaposition of - sometimes referred ambitious - courses. In Germany accredited courses were mostly composed of a sequence of events exist. Each of these courses will be from a faculty contest, otherwise they are not coordinated.

The teachers - many low or no abgefunden and much more by the hope of academic Lehrtitel motivated - know each other and not even know what is going on in other courses taught there. The student is then on leave from the mosaic of a coherent curriculum herauszulesen. Thus the impression of a regular cluster of teaching confetti left.

Costly Lehrapparate, or even permanently occupied chairs are in principle for such courses is not necessary. And this is like those seen with low Lehrkosten maximum tuition fees in the market and thus achieve commercial success or simply want to avoid budget gaps.

For knowledge is minutiae

This dismemberment and fragmentation of knowledge can be minutiae. They animate the students, knowledge acquisition as "abzuhakendes" collect points to understand. Were 20 years ago the students throughout the Department examined, it is now almost entirely of only a previously designated part of the substance queried.

THE BACHELOR-ABC

DDP

Uni Bolognese: Freshman are helpless, professors scratching his head. In the days of chaos Bachelor Master revolution seeping strange new terms in the academic jargon. ONLINE clarifies on blogs - with the young bachelor's alphabet. more ...

But this stands in stark contrast to the changing demands of our society, an increasingly holistic understanding of our world requires - less of a "knowledge" but rather a "thinking" in contexts, analogies and causalities.

That there is another way, shows the alleged U.S. model, where many bachelor's degree in the teaching of thinking and ability to detect correlations are. In Germany, although the name, but not over this basic philosophy.

These are the conditions for teachers in Germany - yet - well, if Lehrstuhlinhaber sovereign may represent a subject, they can be the students from their first to the last day in the university and accompany them with a meaningful arc through their professions as a whole provide a coherent picture of the contents and ways of thinking. This strength of the German university system, however, with new courses too often lost. And it seems that the holistic-minded professors are increasingly due to the very specialized professor is removed, hence the Konfettirisierung already in the person of the researcher and teacher begins.

One indicator of this theory can be derived from changing the appeal process to read. Assessors for appeals squint - except on the somewhat mundane criterion of third party funding - now almost exclusively on the publication of refereed articles in journals of the candidates, as in "rated A-or B-Journals" (where A and B are the best ratings). Monographs and textbooks are almost no longer be considered.

Researchers are focusing increasingly on close subjects

While it is positive if the quality of the publication on the rank of the publishing medium is measured, although it leads the researchers to deal with highly specialized, but recognized individual contributions ( "Papers") scientific eminence. Books, however, as a possible embodiment of a more holistic and especially a comprehensive view, remain on the line - not least because they are rarely subject to verification by third parties are subject.

KNIGGE-QUIZ

[M] DDP

The University of biotope thrive wonderful people with their own customs, rules, rituals. Understand the campus code? Is it even for an academic career? Try's - ten questions to the campus Flegel, Hiwi with etiquette or ambitions king. more ...

A second indicator is found in the Habilitation, which many young scientists, despite the introduction of the junior professorship still aspire: While it is still a decade ago was a stigma, rather than a closed monography (broad, yet specialized in one part) with a series of individual contributions (ie, "cumulative") to habilitieren, this is almost standard today.

Extensive writings are now no longer in the evaluation of candidates for professorships tend to favor highly specialized individual contributions respected, then the researchers, and hence the later teachers of the incentive to devote more attention to a narrow area to concentrate when you attempt to do also take a more fundamental and wider arc to beat.

But it is precisely this ability to our professors, despite the specialized expertise received. Because who does not bow to the great beat, you can not convey it. Fragmentation in research is also a fragmentation of teaching expected.

Misconceived professional qualification

But this - misunderstood - a model from the U.S. seems to be appealing. There are many self-employed teachers, professors, all with titles, but on very different skill levels. In addition to full professor, the chair holders of German universities are most likely to meet, there are a greater number of Assistant and Associate Professors. There are usually no lone assistant in the system of professorate still can and want to climb (Tenure Track). They are often extremely specialized and sometimes found only with a handful of colleagues around the world who share their territory.

With this specialization, there is a tendency to focus primarily with highly specific journal articles to scientific eminence. It is noticeable that those scientists who have extensive and respected publishing monographs or textbooks, primarily full professor with an integral distance from the matter.

So it's no surprise that in the United States is a principle in the appointment criteria to recognize it: the higher the rank of qualification (from Assistant to Associate to Full Professor), the more generalist the professor. This principle we have been in Germany in the same way in the development of scientific staff assistant to the university college or university professor attends. But now we tend to Germany to the same criteria for the young as well as for the occupation of the (actually mature) Chair holder thereof - and thus the fragmentation in the organization of professors, and thus the research.

The German higher education system would do well to, if it retains its strength, not only in research, even in teaching. While we are now a shift in the American doctrine towards greater education of the mind can see, we run into Germany in pursuit of a misunderstood, specific to the fragmentation of professional qualification in teaching again afterwards. How fast, however, is certain zeitgeist philosophies and models as an aberration and out to change that makes us just before the financial world.

"Moni-rocket" before Off.

2009-06-26T19:18:00.000-07:00

It is a leadership struggle without precedent: after a mutiny by professors and students of Hamburg Uni-President Auweter-Kurtz little chance to stay in office. There are negotiations, the separation is blogs ONLINE Information inevitable - despite gestures of humility boss.

Finally everything went pretty fast. Even last week, it looked as give-Kurtz Monika Auweter again a probation period in order for a semi-peaceful coexistence at the University of Hamburg to provide. Thus, it is on the lecture-free period in the winter semester can save. But after the turmoil of recent days is clear: The Uni-President is not in their office, can be maintained.

DPA
Monika-Auweter Kurtz: End of an unusual dispute in sight

Auweter-Kurtz, 58, graduated from the University of virtually no more backing after deans, professors, academic staff and students for months openly rebelled against them. The physicist, the university in a structural reform to keep trying, but it resulted mainly in a severe crisis, as the University of Hamburg in its history has not yet experienced. At the end of science is also Senator Herlind Gundelach (CDU) by Kurtz-Auweter away.

The most recent events: On Thursday afternoon from 16 clock brought together representatives of Higher Education and the Faculties. The University Council consists of nine members, four each by the senate of the university and determined by the Senate, the Presidency of the ninth member Albrecht Wagner, the former head of the research center DESY. It is a crucial body - to his duties include selecting and deselecting the university president.

Senator withdraws support

At the meeting on Thursday made Deans and Dean of Faculties - certainly
Not for the first time - well, that they are a collaboration with Auweter-Kurtz no longer able to imagine. Of the six deans of faculties, five were in the process, only the medical dean did not participate. As participants report was the general picture is as clear as in the weeks and months before: Solo GrÃ¤n Henry, dean of mathematics and science, voted for the Uni-President - all the other participating deans against them. The University subsequently advised chairman Herlind Gundelach on the results.

The science senator had on Wednesday afternoon in a recent hour of citizenship hardly words to defend Auweter-Kurtz found, but said that their "culture of leadership and quality" in question - in a break from the "many perceived as a crisis" be. Gundelach also said: "It's not about individuals but about the welfare of the university." And: From the university now must come a sign of whether you Auweter-Kurtz wish to continue working.

This signal knew the senator at that time, however, already. Already on the previous day that had deans and dean, the heads of five major departments (excluding medicine), a crisis summit held for several hours. Temporarily were also the three vice-presidents and the Chancellor there. Tuesday-The result was a No to Auweter-Kurtz - with an overwhelming majority. It was the President himself, the University Council and Senator Gundelach on Wednesday morning. And on Wednesday afternoon in the citizenship then went alongside politicians from Greens, the SPD and the Left also Gundelach at a distance.

"We hope it goes fast"

"The characters from the university are clear," said Timo Friedrich, spokesman for the authority of science, on Friday morning. There were discussions with the President and the University Council on the further procedure and still a lot to negotiate. In an interview with blogs ONLINE Friedrichs be expressed more clearly on the future of Auweter-Kurtz: "We hope that they do not need too much cooling and that it goes quickly."

According to information from blogs, the University ONLINE Auweter-Kurtz, which is currently not located in Hamburg, where cooling over the weekend. But this is manifestly not the farewell to himself, only to the arrangements - could be cancellation, suspension or contract (in the toughest and most improbable case) dismissal. The six-year contract with Uni-President runs until 2012.

It is probable that Auweter-Kurtz now with lawyers legal and monetary issues, and probably also explains the possibilities of a return to Stuttgart, where they were before the inauguration in the North as head of the Steinbeis Transfer Center for Space Plasma and technology worked. For an opinion on the outstanding issues could ONLINE blogs can not reach - her spokesman Alexander Luckow confirmed only vague: "There are negotiations with senior members of the university and the academic authority to the leadership of the university."

Even before taking office in autumn 2006, there was criticism of Auweter-Kurtz Monika - students threw her tuition per occurrence and too close to the defense industry, which it the nickname "rocket-Moni" eintrug. You should university reforms vigorously push forward, was brought as a powerful maker - a
Break with tradition in German universities. Even after a few months ago there were arguments about their harsh treatment of university members. Professors and students criticized an authoritarian leadership style and brusque tone of Auweter-Kurtz, the discussions sometimes with "I want it but it" should have ended - what debattierfreudigen universities seldom sufficed as an argument.

Because of alleged transgression and expertise in finance official arrogance and appellate matters developed the faculties of Law, Humanities, Economics and Social Sciences in March 2008 with a 42-page lawsuit against the president. In tears should Auweter-Kurtz praised improvements have nobody whereupon the courts decided. "Has changed the behavior of the President but not," is now a law professor disappointed.

In the last two weeks, when the backing rapidly disappeared, had Auweter-Kurtz in the creep mode and humility rehearsed gestures, including publicly demonstrated remorse by press conference and with a
open letter to all members of the university. Your key messages is that the communication was "shortly to come" and they even have the university with their pace too much to accept.

"She has forgiven us ..."

Professors and scientific staff, the signatures collected against the president had responded, however, suspicious and hostile - they bought Auweter the new-Kurtz
Kuschel course simply does not. And the majority of deans saw no perspective anymore. From a student was left-Auweter Kurtz for their repentance letter mocks: "She has forgiven us," they wrote on a flyer and rejoiced sarcastically, "that we are the President, blind, deaf and numb can trust." And further, in allusion to the soft SchwÃ¤beln the boss: You could but now "a big reconciliation Fescht organize on campus, where we burn the University of Mission."

Had become increasingly loud demands for the resignation in early May, Auweter-Kurtz increasingly lost ground - partly because of her vote for a billion dollar university building in the port instead of a renovation and expansion in the traditional district EimsbÃ¼ttel. Exactly, but there are significant educational policy of the major parties anchored Town Hall, the Auweter against Kurtz-up with Wolfgang BeuÃŸ (CDU), Dorothee Stapelfeldt (SPD), Krista Sager (Green).

A direct political defeat saw the President, as the black-green coalition government, the adoption of a new "Science Promotion Act" in mid-June from the agenda adopted. Now, once the viability of the existing law to be reviewed. In the planned amendment was - against the protest of the professors - provided the university management to large departments to be strengthened. The President should be the sole right to submit proposals for the election of deans, which previously elected by the faculty, with the university management subsequent refusal right.

Sun refuses to Auweter-Kurtz since 6 May constant, the professors and students unanimously selected humanities dean to put into office. The theologian was a decisive 'yes' to collegial leadership and a clear no to presidential leadership in position. University Intern Auweter-Kurtz is also compatible with its structure and development plan for the future of the University of stuck. They wanted to in June in the Academic Senate, the highest government body, have durchgeboxt. But since this week is only once he has the insight for all.

If Auweter-Kurtz now, the new body president and internationally. Presumably, the acting vice president take the lead, depending on how fast the place farewell. By the end of the month would be the first deputy Holger Fischer in the series, from 1 July would then Gabriele LÃ¶schper replace.

"The communication was too short."

2009-06-25T22:30:00.000-07:00

For months already, there is considerable disquiet to Monika Auweter-Kurtz. Many professors, lecturers, students and deans are calling for the resignation of the Hamburg Uni-President. Meanwhile, it has acknowledged errors. ONLINE blogs documenting their open letter dated Tuesday, 23 June 2009.

Open Letter to the President

Dear Colleagues,

Campus toll hated than ever.

2009-06-25T21:28:00.000-07:00

For Germany's universities and educational policy, it is a slap in the face: In terms of tuition fees each student is lacking confidence. Almost three-quarters are for the immediate abolition, almost nobody believes in improvement of teaching. This shows a new poll.

If there was a golden cucumber miserable for dealing with tuition fees, the Niederrhein University would best chance of the negative price abzurÃ¤umen. Over more than a year disguised the college to the students what to do with their money charges happened.

As the students discovered it, gave her FH almost half the student euros, six million accumulated in two years, not for better teaching, but
bunkerte for bad times. The students were outraged, but that availed nothing: The university showed them the cold shoulder. Transparency and timely use for teaching? Nothing doing.

A glaring case-by GebÃ¼hrenschluderei is rather not. German universities in the six provinces that are currently a general campus toll money, shows a highly inventive when it comes to the use of the revenue goes. According to the rules of the countries is the money is always better and always learn from this. But what exactly that means - yes it can be interpreted very differently.

Three-quarters of the abolition of tolls Campus

A recent study by the University of Hohenheim shows nationwide feel inadequate fee payers on the use of several thousand euros, for which they must complete their studies up being informed. Almost three-quarters of the campus would toll rather than later to see abolished.

TUITION FEES

Click on the countries to learn more about the decision situation there to know ...

For the third time students raved on behalf of the Marketing Department at the University of Hohenheim and surveyed from 5600 paid-peers from 49 universities. The interest of researchers: What is the tuition and satisfaction with their use? For the individual universities, the results are now clearly prepared under
www.gebuehrenkompass.de Assessment.

Now is the interview with some hundred randomly selected on each campus students are not representative. But the study provides a fairly broad mood among the students, usually twice a year for every 500 euro will be charged - and each time wondering why, actually. This mood is gloomy than ever:

Nearly three quarters of the license fee payers are responsible for the immediate abolition of fees (72 percent). This figure is still only two percentage points higher than the result from the previous year.

71.5 percent of the respondents in their study environment, no direct improvement of teaching, the majority of this group (80 percent) foresee in the future with no improvements.

In school terms, the license fee payers are almost as unhappy as the previous year: tuition fees are "sufficient to poor" rated (4.2 grade, in the previous year: 4.6).

Least bad students in Claustal-Zellerfeld, at the RWTH Aachen and WÃ¼rzburg in the charges - but also their votes do not come with a 4 plus addition (3.5 and lower). Dissatisfaction are the students in Hanover (5.0), Wuppertal (4.9) and Hamburg (4.9).

Main criticism of the students - in addition to the fees themselves - is the lack of transparency. You will note the 4.3 is also very poorly rated.

Strongholds of the charges, according to opponents of Hohenheim investigation Braunschweiger Kunsthochschule and universities in Oldenburg and victories, with rejection rates of over 80 percent.

However nourishes the result, at least for victories doubts about investigation and method: There is the opposition of 52 percent last year to 80.4 per cent increase - a result that is Asta-Speaker Julian Hopmann from Siegen not quite explain. "There were no particular incidents. We are so unhappy as a year ago, and it is still very difficult for people against the tuition fees to mobilize," he said blogs ONLINE.

At the University of the study organizers in Hohenheim, the students are given the lax handling of their money in the past year particularly disillusioned. The university management under Rector Hans-Peter Liebig decided in his own glory, with the student money now gaping budget holes. Liebig was then by the students themselves as a fairly representative
Sun King parody of the money of students to the window herauswerfe.

For their behavior, the Hohenheim University in managing the receipt of the survey: While the satisfaction with the use of school can easily touch 4.5 to 4.2 have improved. But in Hohenheim almost nobody believes more in future improvements of teaching - only 15 percent in the previous year, more than twice as many.

This is true, however, the mood in all countries of fees: On average, only about every fifth student feels that the tuition will improve teaching. As is incubating, ferments, much discontent rumort, the license fee payers are very pessimistic. That, however, is at most universities where little.

Oskar Eyb
Voeth study Author: He calls for more transparency

Â As at the FH Niederrhein needed it in a whole range of universities and FHS in North Rhine-Westphalia only one
tangible threat by Science Minister Andreas Pinkwart (FDP), before the high school and responded
Now hurry million for its original purpose to spend the students since the introduction vorgebetet is better study conditions in the teaching, timely and transparent.

That these claims also Hohenheimer study author Markus Voeth to those at universities in the conclusion of the investigation. The road is still a long way to convince all the goodwill mission to Germany's universities. Voeth can even order at the same university where he teaches beginning.

"We want to see action soon."

2009-06-25T20:26:00.000-07:00

Per Signature list some hamburgers professors call for the resignation of university President-Kurtz Monika Auweter - and can not placate: interview offers were "no more than a PR campaign," three professors respond to an invitation. ONLINE blogs documenting their letter dated Wednesday, 24 June 2009.

24. June 2009

Dear Madam President,

Thank you for your letter dated 16 June 2009 and is included with the appointment confirmation (...). We will respond to your invitation to an interview with the Bureau in accordance with your wishes to all university teachers and professors who have signed our call, forward.

DDP
Monika-Auweter Kurtz: "Not more than a PR campaign"

We are surprised, however, by the contents of your letter in which you are not on the central point of our letter received on the question of the meaning and intent of the conversation. The Monita are well known and in the so-called deans letter much more clearly articulated than by us. You have in your
"open letter" to the University of numerous members of the criticisms raised. Therefore, we can not see what another reciting the well-known critique of a profit versprÃ¤che. In addition, we believe, like many colleagues, after two and a half years and not realized several announcements of changing their mind from you (the faculties complaints!) Is not simply that the current demonstrations are more than a PR campaign. To make it clearer to say: We want deeds, not repetitive Bedauernsaussagen hear.

Surprised we are still on your proposal for a conversation moderated by Mr Redlich, but his conditions are quite different than those you mentioned. Mr Redlich suggests in an e-mail three per three-rounds in small circles before, exactly the opposite of what you have called us, when you talk to all the signatories asked. As much as we use the

Redlich colleagues appreciate it is unacceptable for us, but the proposal, in the final semester of several rounds of talks in small groups to organize, not least because so that the wrong impression that the current situation was a personal conflict between you and the initiators of the call and could in a small group "finely" are.

We are on your offer to call received, because we give you the opportunity wanted us by our actions to convince. Their activities over the past weeks indicate, however, rather suggests that, under the keyword "Komunikationsverbesserung" is nothing in the matter, at least in the form of a little change. That is not enough. The trust relationship is irreparably disturbed, and even if not the reputation of the University of Hamburg were already severely damaged, the former should be sufficient to mature insight from regret to leave. With your resignation, you can make it clear that you have the university at heart - and not averting your deselecting on 9 July 2009.

Yours sincerely,

Prof. Dr. Michael Friedrich

Study in 1001 Nights.

2009-06-25T19:22:00.000-07:00

Zanzibar - that sounds like colonial grandeur, dream beaches, swimming with dolphins. Nowhere beautiful Africa can learn Kiswahili. At the University of the East African island group of German students come but only if they are good.

The entrance to the Institute of foreign language at the State University of Zanzibar is like a gate of the Cursed Sultanate. Behind the wooden door richly opens a courtyard with arcades and Holzbalustraden. On the colorful levels sit veiled female students, some holding a mobile phone connected stoffbedeckte ear.

On this staircase enjoyed in the last Sommersemester Nathalie Anthony also the sun. Now faces the 26-year-old Afrikanistikstudentin shivering the door to the CafÃ© in Hamburg "Africa House" on. Outside crackles cooler continuous rain over the cobblestones. "The weather was without question better in Zanzibar," she says and laughs. "It tastes to me after the eternal chicken with banana eating here again pretty good."

Two months Anthony has awarded a scholarship from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) on Unguja, the main island of Zanzibar, Kiswahili studied. More precisely: in Stone Town with its picturesque Old Town. "That was not a holiday, as was right," says the daughter of a Ghanaian.

Who are active in East Africa, should Swahili (Arabic: "coastal dwellers") dominate - it is the most widely spoken language in Kenya, Uganda and also in Tanzania, at which the autonomous Zanzibar heard those islands 40 kilometers off the coast in the Indian Ocean. 80 to 90 million people in total who speak Kiswahili, at least two words to know that most Germans: "Daktari", doctor, and "Safari" trip.

In the rainy season is for outdoor sauna Zanzibar

Anthony's photo hangs together with the DAAD Konterfeis the other students are still on the wall in the bare room furnished business of the "Institute for Languages and Swahili in Zanzibar", beside pictures of students from the USA, Britain, India or Italy. The photos will only be exchanged if the guest comes next swing, which will be coming fall semester.

The lecturer Ramadhan Abdalla Kututwa certifies the young people from Germany "great diligence." It is the exercise of this virtue for an average of 30 degree heat and a humidity of 110 percent is not perceived self-evident. In the rainy season, in March, Zanzibar is transformed into a kind of outdoor sauna. Neither the Library nor the spartanly VorlesungssÃ¤le are furnished with air conditioning. That is blowing in the walls Stone Townsville by a constant breeze which is always open wooden shutters.

UNIblogs 3 / 2009

TITLE
Fairly off
Uni-Kuehne Architecture makes learning beautiful

Content

A small roofed kiosk in the courtyard next to the bike rack provides shelter when the rain fall in torrents from the sky - and strengthening the Bude is the cafeteria. "Then you can experience something different," says Jennifer Domnick, 27, also Hamburg, also Afrikanistikstudentin, now in the 7th Semester. In Nairobi, Kenya, she had previously completed an internship at the German press agency. Now she sits with Anthony in the cafÃ© and the two remember the white beaches of Zanzibar. "But I'm not because of the beaches there," asserts Domnick. "I especially wanted me to prove that I can grab it, more so in a foreign culture to live."

Unguja and Pemba - the second largest island of the Zanzibar archipelago - are on the main trade route between India and the South African chapter thus acquired the former Sultanate of early significance: It served as a transit point for ivory and spices from the Tanzanian hinterland - and for slaves . There followed a checkered colonial history, trading companies in Germany also had offices early in the Sultanate. In the so-called Heligoland-Zanzibar Treaty was 1890, as part of a reorganization of the colonial territories in East Africa, the North Sea island of Great Britain to Germany. Today the autonomous Zanzibar seeks a partnership with the Schleswig-Holstein Helgoland to.

"With scholarship to get well on the rounds"

Some 70 German students compete for the 16 DAAD places in the State University of Unguja. Before the chosen direction Zanzibar break, they must be at least two semesters behind and brought a good Final Exam wrote. And they should be cogent reasons why it absolutely must be Zanzibar. After all, they could also Kiswahili six German universities to learn: Bayreuth, Berlin, Leipzig, Frankfurt, Cologne, Hamburg, Mainz and Munich.

For the German guests in Zanzibar begins the daily workload at 8 clock and goes only until 12 noon clock - a part time student, even with intensive care: in the groups sitting only six to eight students. After the internal fee structure of the language faculty, each time with the language currently seven U.S. dollars and equal to cash-Tribune earlier this month.

The DAAD supports the Zanzibar young Germans with a partial scholarship from around 1100 Euros, 500 for the school and 600 for the host family. "So good to get on the rounds," says Jennifer Domnick. "Although the flight part of them pay."

Who at the end of the East African language, allowed to "increasing job opportunities by NGOs or from the economy" hope says Hamburg Kiswahili Lektor Ridder Samsom, together with his wife Sauda Barwani this is a partnership between the Africa-Asia Institute in the Hanseatic city and the State University of Zanzibar, to forge.

Nathalie Anthony can not really complain about labor shortages, and their language skills you already have a job with the Afrika-Verein Hamburger negotiations in Tanzania is going to a job with a German pediatrician applies.

Today, approximately one million people in Zanzibar, 98 percent are Muslims. This has implications for foreign students: The strict Islamic Etiquette forcing women to dress more zugeknÃ¶pft if it between the crumbling facades of the Stone Town streets stroll.

Wildes student night life? Nothing

Close to the western foreigners, the conflicts of an Islamic society. "My host mother had a child, she was the second wife of a businessman, every second weekend in Dar es Salaam by ferry arrived to raise money to leave," recalls Jennifer Domnick. "In our Western European sense, that was not particularly happy marriage."

One night debauchery student life can be from such backgrounds tend not to expect. After all, Blue hour to hear the melancholic and rhythmic Taarab music, which the Hamburg mosquito Quinckhardt also at the local Dhow Countries Music Academy is promoted by the terraces of the major hotels in Zanzibar. And the evening can be wonderfully with octopus skewers on the grill for very little money to spend on the bank market, including Sunset. A water pipe with apple tobacco in a restaurant is close to the traditional hotels Africa House offered as a dessert after a home-made ugali maize meal.

"The nightlife is rather modest," says Jennifer Domnick too. My wildest experience: For private parties, she met fellow in hot pants and no bra, which she hardly recognized as such in the Institute always strictly veiled appeared.

In the afternoon and on weekends, the exchange students on a discovery tour. Old radiate pride and sadness, the original living quarters of Princess Salme the Sultan's palace, which once, from a Hamburg businessman geschwÃ¤ngert, Zanzibar and leave in cold Hamburg had to flee. A happy pastime: snorkeling and swimming with dolphins in the crystal clear waters of the south coast.

And finally, the Kiswahili students - especially meritorious - to the cultural exchange involved. A particular success landed Domnick and Anthony with urdeutschen culinary skills: They served their first baffled and then enthusiastic host parental self-made "poor knights".

Alone among students.

2009-06-23T22:34:00.000-07:00

A dream for any student: At Sookmyung University in Seoul to learn 15,000 women - and only ten men. BWLer Christian Baudisch from Bamberg is for two semesters here. Sometimes groups of female students admire him as an attraction at the zoo.

With quick steps hurried Christian Baudisch on the campus of Sookmyung Women's University. He is late to break the door to the auditorium, and is lucky: it is muttered and getuschelt, the professor is not here yet. Nevertheless, it is immediately stopped, all eyes are on him, because the business student is the only male student in a course.

As always.

Malte E. Kollenberg
BWL-Student Baudisch: Always on the image of the eighth

For two semesters studying the 25-year-old at the Sookmyung in July he will return to Germany. 15,000 women are enrolled - and ten students. At one university only with women, which could Baudisch before departure to Korea not imagine. In Germany there are no Women's University in Seoul alone five.

For over 100 years to write at the Korean university. It was founded to give women a chance in a male-dominated society. Today it is seen as forging elite women of South Korea.

The professor advises: "Keep your image clean

But as a man who at the sky on Earth thinks mistaken tremendous. "We are quite a few students with 23 or 24 years with their parents. No later than midnight, they must be home again," says Baudisch. WG-parties and a student life is like in Munster, Berlin and Bamberg? Nothing doing.

Your own apartment for the partner is taboo. Often, not even longtime friends take home. Togetherness is only in so-called Love motels instead of a room costs around 10 euros per hour, from 25 to 40 euro, the student for the whole night out.

Even at the university give the Korean very cautious, despite breathtakingly short skirts, Hotpants and high heels. In the corridors and the cafeteria will be sniggered, geguckt and getuschelt. And sometimes it happens that in front of the door has a group of students on waiting Baudisch - as an attraction at the zoo.

Photo: Kollenberg
Video: Malte E. Kollenberg

"Everything that the exchange students are concerned, makes the round very quickly," he says. Anonymity does not exist. Even the teachers have to keep an eye on the students. "A professor has warned us at the beginning: Keep your image clean!" For Baudisch is clear: "We men are very quickly down here, if we are too often the partner switch."

Reputation counts very much in Korea, especially for students at a women's university. The campus is extensive and almost similar to park created. Between the green tower nine blocks, the name emblazoned across the university, in stone or on one of the many flat screens.

"They have no natural relation to men"

The fact that even students at Sookmyung University be admitted, is due to a confusion. Sun wants to at least a legend among the exchange students: Next year is here, have a Finn. Since the administration for his first name was female, was the International by a student and let the Finns too.

The university, however, denies the version: You've just realized how important the exchange with the other sex is explained Soo Young Song, co-ordinator in the Office of Sookmyung.

Economics student Grit Haedicke surprised the obligation of the foreign students little. After two semesters at the Sookmyung shows the 22-year-old shocked by the jammed her fellow: "They have no natural relationship to men. If you are in life, only against women prevail had limited simply to the experience." Here Torschlusspanik break even, if the students with the university were nearly finished and still had no friend.

In the ideal case, had a Korean with 27 years under the hood. To take its would have been the parents meeting with the other sex arrange. Or the girls were on blind dates that explains Haedicke. The students then go into nightclubs, so-called booking clubs. For women, the occurrence of free men can book tables. The waiters bring the women on their own or at the request of the dance floor with the guys at the table.

The good thing is that Korean hardly adventurous are - 'it is still all believe in true love. "

Search scientists, offering data treasure.

2009-06-22T19:22:00.000-07:00

The results of the student-Pisa caused a sensation: men know more than women, fewer students than expected. What's, what does that mean? The blog calls for further research - and scientists presents all available data anonymous.

For six weeks the Republic wonders: How many countries are members of UNO? Why is sinking is not actually an ice floe in the water? And what is still equal to the Federal Minister of Education?

STUDENT-PISA

The Blog

How fit are you in politics and economy, how well do you know in culture, history and science from? Join us - and test it on your blogs ONLINE General Knowledge! more ...

Three of 180 questions, with those of the blogs in cooperation with the education of studiVZ German examined. Far more than 1.5 million times the test was on the pages of blogs ONLINE invited to more than 600,000 people answered the questionnaire - or
tried it at least.

"Student-Pisa" is the biggest test of general knowledge that it ever has in Germany. The results caused some surprise:
Men knew more than women, fewer students than expected, however brilliant doctoral students - and retirees as well.

But how does this, and what does it mean? Initial observations, the editorial blogs together with scientists already found. Now she wants to enable further research. The editorial team has decided that the data interested scientists, free of charge.

"The Data Treasury, has only partially lifted"

From the findings, an anthology is, in a renowned scientific publishing will be published. Scientists are therefore looking of the disciplines of psychology, pedagogy, social sciences, communication sciences and related subjects. Details will be
explained in the invitation.

"The student-Pisa is like a treasure data, which has only partially lifted," says psychology professor Sabine Trepte of the Hamburg Media School. It has the blogs in the design of the tests and discuss all issues in a scientific pre-checked.

Since the publication of articles in blogs and in online blogs have already quite a few scientists in the editorial reported. Some congratulated, others criticized, many wanted to know more - they all can now own investigations.

It goes without saying, as yet remains strict privacy: No participant must fear that his personal data into the wrong hands. The data are only fully anonymised form, of a link with some of the e-mail address of the participant is excluded.

To call for scientists

PISA STUDENTS: THE GREAT KNOWLEDGE TEST

Here you will find all the questions and answers from the five knowledge areas:

Politics - From the "German Autumn" to the "axis of evil"
History - Benedictine, Napoleon and the ancient Romans
Economy - oil multinationals, derivatives and Bio-Siegel
Culture - the crime scene, wetlands and Palazzo Prozzo
Science - Birds, Ultrasound, Chemistry
Get a coffee, leave your brain vorglÃ¼hen, take your knowledge Discontinued ... und ab dafÃ¼r!

Amazing visions 40 years ago.

2009-06-20T21:16:00.000-07:00

If education policy so slowly on the spot? 1967 questioned the blogs young Ralf Dahrendorf to higher education. His answers are surprising: For example, he called for a short study with the title "Bachelor" - the Lord, who died this week, everything has always been known.

It is a turbulent time, when the young Lord, the two journalists to interview receives. Fall 1967: Che Guevara is shot, the student revolt, the Federal Republic to the quake, the Berlin Senate is after the death of Benno Ohnesorg resigned in the U.S. is incubating the racial conflict.

AP
Dahrendorf (right; 1968 with Rudi Dutschke): Education as civil right

In an apartment Konstanzer keep two blogs editors a high-gifted compared. Ralf Dahrendorf, still many years away from the Lord, is only 38 years old, but there is no doubt: This is one of the faster and further than others may think. He wears a long two PhD and a professor, his book "Education is civil rights" has caused a sensation, and jointly with others, he has just finished a proposal submitted for a higher education. The blogs journalists ask Dahrendorf, the "Professor", so to his educational ideas.

Anyone who reads the interview today, is surprised and shocked at the same time. Almost 42 years have passed, but Dahrendorf in many passages sound like a politician of education today - a modern education policy today, mind you. Dahrendorf suggests, in the autumn of 1967, inter alia: a short study duration of six semesters, with the final "Bachelor".

No heart for education trotter

Other receivables still sound today. Dahrendorf 1967 speaks of the fact that some professors could teach more quietly than others. He warns against the pitfalls of federalism. It ensures that school and university studies in Germany so long. And he finds no way that a short-term studies to the right one, even a semester to idle: "While we want the students do not expect 40 hours per week lectures, but give them a certain latitude," says Dahrendorf, "but the short study will mean that the curriculum since they are employed. "

There are amazing visions of the later Lords. We can rejoice that such a visionary, and so wordy argument. And you would just like to know what to Dahrendorf
Education strike "of the students this week had said - among other things, they demonstrated against overloaded
Short courses for the degree "Bachelor" lead.

Anyone who reads the interview today, but also frightened. Because it is also so timely, because many problems in all the decades have not been resolved. There seem to arguments, which in June 2009 can be presented as October 1967.

Are we not got?

Autumn 2008: In a Cologne hotel keep two blogs editors a very opposite - Ralf Dahrendorf, now 79th In the polite small talk before the interview, the journalists want to know why he actually lived in Cologne. They expect the declaration of a sentimental old man, which is a changing life in a beloved city or treusorgenden people consulted.

The hope never dies

Dahrendorf Answer: In Berlin, he had a professorship, a house in the Black Forest, and the House of Lords known days in London - because Cologne is just very convenient, all cities are easily accessible by train.

Stefan Enders
Dahrendorf (2008): Wake, inquisitive, eloquent

Then he asked the journalists to his educational ideas. Dahrendorf is awake, is inquisitive, and he is
eloquent as ever. On education will herumgefummelt too much, he says, the "Education Summit" to the chancellor was just a PR show.

It is the question that must come: Lord Dahrendorf, more than 40 years ago, you have something called, which is now back in the discussion has been brought - "you still have hope that something is happening?"

The answer is a little of this wisdom of the great Lords. "Yes," says Ralf Dahrendorf, "because it would be too cheap to give up hope."

Via time machine to the year 1967: blogs blogs ONLINE documented the conversation with the German-British sociologist, on the last Wednesday in
Age of 80 died.

Police acknowledges rectorate in Heidelberg.

2009-06-20T20:12:00.000-07:00

Lasted two and a half hours of action, then the police had the Rectorate building of the University of Heidelberg cleared. Nearly three days had approximately 100 students as part of the education ausgeharrt strike peacefully. Elsewhere, the protests continued.

Heidelberg - Based blockades had the occupants still tried to hinder the evacuation. Again and again they cried "no violence". And indeed: The eviction was peaceful. It was a part of the protesters out of the building bear, but they made no violent resistance. According to a police spokesman of the action was "totally peaceful".

dpa
Police officers and protesters in Heidelberg: "We were ready for dialogue"

The students had the rectorate on Wednesday in connection with the nationwide education strike occupied. They demanded more say in particular at Germany's oldest university. On Saturday, the police then cleared the building. The reason was an advertisement for the University of trespassing on Friday.

Within around two and a half hours, the officials took about 100 squatters from the Rectorate. Were then found their identity. The students spoke of around 150 people.

Heidelberger students were disappointed with the eviction. "We were ready for dialogue," said the 23-year-old Sebastian Large. "What we have been offered, but not enough." The students want to, inter alia, that a participation in the basic regulations of the university is anchored. The Heidelberg College fulfills only the minimum requirements, so their criticism. Instead of concrete concessions them an ultimatum had been set.

"I want my great personal disappointment at this development can not hide," said University Rector Bernhard Eitel after the eviction. "There is always a failure, when police in the university must act." According to the rector had no alternative. For further discussions with the occupants and that there was no basis. The Rector announced, but an initiative of the Rector, which together with the students ways to search for.

Interestingly, the question of who the use of some 160 police officers in the raid pay. You may need to pay the squatter. That was them in any event immediately before the eviction was threatened.

In the largest protests in years of education
had this week tens of thousands of people nationwide for a better school and university system is protesting. They called for a free education and a fairer education system. Students turned against the "Turbo-Abitur" in twelve years, and against a view from their outdated staff. The Minister of Culture of the countries said repairs at the bachelor and master degree programs to.

On Saturday there were protests, inter alia, the following actions:

In Dusseldorf demonstrating students and students from North-Rhine Westphalia. According to the organizers came around 1600. They demanded free education for all, more teachers, a freer studies, and the abolition of the head notes, Turbo and central levels.

In Leipzig protesters took advantage of a visit by German Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) in the artists' studios of Baumwellspinnerei for their own purposes. A man with a megaphone signed up to speak, a young woman climbed onto the stage at the same time and handed over documents to the Chancellor the protests of students and pupils. At the end of her speech, Merkel said: "Germany knows that it only has a future if we invest our education."

In Marburg students hold protest against poor study conditions continue to be a Uni-occupied buildings. The some 30 squatters wanted the Institute for Political Science concessions only after the university management grant, said the student-writer Anna chairman on Saturday. In some respects, it is already in negotiations, where movement.

"In all the three parties, I am terribly much."

2009-06-20T19:08:00.000-07:00

42 years ago was Ralf Dahrendorf sociology professor at the University of Konstanz. His higher education reform plans caused great sensation. blogs ONLINE Dahrendorf, documents a brief, in the autumn of 1967 in the blogs appeared.

Ralf Dahrendorf

is professor of sociology at the University of Constance and, together with five other professors and industrialists a "Plan for Higher Education of Baden-Wuerttemberg elaborated far beyond this state has found echoes.

Getty Images
Ralf Dahrendorf (1974, as Director of the University of London LSE)

From the right-oriented Hamburger "world" as "truly transformative University Plan" from the liberal Munich "SÃ¼ddeutsche Zeitung" as a product of an "avant-garde educational" praised, this university is the first comprehensive practical recipe, the German education to prevent disaster.

Instead of expanding the university - more jobs for teachers, more money for research, more buildings and university start-ups - supports Dahrendorf in his plan is now primarily a policy of reconstruction "of the reform.

Core of the Baden-WÃ¼rttemberg "recommendations for reform of the structure and organization of universities, teacher training colleges, art colleges, engineering schools and higher professional schools" is one the idea that these different institutions to a "differentiated Gesamthochschule" to unite the other hand, the strong promotion of a " Short course ", which after only six semesters at a proper conclusion that should lead.

The separation into a short and a long study would also be true for the professors profound consequences. The traditional German unit of university teaching and research would be a system of soft, in which professors with a chair and lecturers will be - depending on whether they are primarily research or primarily in teaching.

Dahrendorf, 38, son of the Socialist-peak consumption Association functionary Gustav Dahrendorf, erschrieb already offered a 23-year-old in his hometown of Hamburg Dr. phil. He studied in England, and then acquired the English with 25 doctoral degrees. At 29 he became a professor of sociology at the Hamburg Academy for Community Economics, "then he was a visiting professor in New York and from 1960 to 1966 professor at the University of TÃ¼bingen.

With his book "Society and Democracy in Germany" (1965) he delivered a "textbook on German self-image, inability of Germany and of German hope" ( "Time"). Dahrendorf, married to an Englishwoman, is also abroad with the most respected sociologists of the present. He lives by his own sentiment "a part of my life in the Anglo-American Sociology" and was already "about a dozen" calls to sociology departments in England and the USA. As vice chairman of the founding committee for the University of Constance, he makes important obstetrician services for Kurt Georg Kiesinger favorite child, and not only that it will occasionally with members of a (nonexistent) Kiesinger-"brain trusts" are counted.

Dahrendorf, who also account the SPD was added and TÃ¼bingen once (unsuccessfully) on a FDP City Council candidate list was: "I'm not down and think about my voting in any new election. I have seen in our three principle parties fairly. that in all three of my lot is scary, does not bother me because I am a political being. "

From: THE blogs, No. 42/1967

The invitation to tender.

2009-06-19T19:56:00.000-07:00

Call for Book Chapters: The editorial blogs researchers want data from student-Pisa available and an anthology published - there are detailed information about the project.

Working title:

A check for 33 billion euros.

2009-06-19T00:14:00.000-07:00

Creative Education protests: in Berlin, as in other large cities, students and pupils played today bank robbery and demanded more money for education. In the capital, they stormed several branches. blogs-ONLINE-author Torben Waleczek was a branch there.

Suddenly, everything goes very fixed. In the 300 meters sprint, once around the corner, in red on the street - and straight into the bank. The police do not come so soon afterwards. About 40 demonstrators storming into the Commerzbank branch in Berlin Europe Center - Bank raid.

Inside the store, a confetti rain, loud cries echo through the lobby. Again and again: "Money for education rather than for banks." Some demonstrators wear black hooded sweater and sunglasses, most of them dressed every day. The suit makers at the counters look aghast. "I am afraid not," says a bank employee. "But it is pretty loud."

"Solves your checks!"

The young people storming into the first floor, looking for the branch manager. The aim on the large cardboard check to write, they have brought. Registered sum, which the students wish for education: 33 billion euros.

It is education week in Germany to strike - and after a
leisurely prelude and
Mass demonstrations on Wednesday were on Thursday nationwide symbolic raids bank announced.

The students dislike the fact that the State guarantees for billions of shaky banks, while schools and universities in their view, become lost. Feigned attacks started about, inter alia, in Munich, Hamburg, Flensburg, Cologne and Erfurt.

In Berlin, gathered in the afternoon several hundred demonstrators outside the branch of Hypo Real Estate. But the building of the police is already so heavily backed that nobody comes into it.

After speeches by
Peter Grottian, a political scientist and initiator of the bank raid idea of union and student representatives from the character suddenly comes to attack: "Solves your checks," a spokesman calls through the speakers. The volume is divided into several groups in different directions apart Stieber. 50 demonstrators create it before the police in a branch of Deutsche Bank, about 15 to 40 in Postbank and Commerzbank in TauentzienstraÃŸe.

"If you go now, the police must not admit"

Here fly brochures and forms through the stairwell, speech choirs resound with the megaphone of stairs and walls again. Police block the entrance now and wrangle with the back of demonstrators who still want it.

A friendly bank employee takes courage to negotiate with those who are in the bank have done. He smiles and says that one could still reasonably be agreed. "If you now voluntarily, then the police must not forcibly admit." The protesters want to but do not.

You have a check, let the store manager, please. On the side of the bank employees are officers with helmets and thick padded clothing. Meanwhile, the negotiators will disappear and some police officers in an adjoining room.

Applause for the friendly banker

In another office advises an employee just an old lady. Through the glass door look both confused about the demonstrators - and then continued their entertainment, as if nothing had happened.

The demonstrators are on the floor and wait. No one shatters windows, walls or the scribblings provoked the police. "We have no desire to shock," says a Berlin student, his name will not name. Attention so you get enough.

After a scant half hour then an offer, transmitted again by the friendly smiling staff: "We are happy to continue the message", the branch manager will be informed, but now is not to speak.

At least at a symbolic concession to the activists are talking about the Banker: The friendly Mr. sticking his business card on the 33-billion-dollar check. That brings him applause, some demonstrators away from him goodbye with a handshake.

Everything is gone - but the doors remain verrammelt

Actually, all so peaceful, like the whole time they were over, go home. But the entrance doors to the bank are still to be. Some munkeln, it will still give trouble with the police and judiciary.

A helmeted policeman explains what some have already feared: You will all demonstrators from the personal record, it is irrelevant in a criminal display of trespassing. That should not erstmal raus.

STRIKE-SPAM:
Satire TO PROTEST WEEK FOR EDUCATION AND SO

Pointless protests + + + Some + + + Yesterday's mistakes beginners + + +

Quotes Start: Click on the arrow

The demonstrators are becoming increasingly nervous, and some phone calls with lawyers and others looking for the toilets. Individually policemen lead the demonstrators outside. "We were all just here but in order to open an account," says one student. There's nothing even bear his name the officials on their labels A.

When all the activists out there again, it is clear that it is in the bank, perhaps better than some demonstrators were outside the door. Before a branch of Deutsche Bank near TauentzienstraÃŸe grabbed the police after reports of blogs-TV reporters to pepper spray to fend off protesters who tried to interfere in the branch to push.

"Elite is Schietere".

2009-06-17T21:30:00.000-07:00

Around 20,000 students joined Wednesday "education strike 2009" in Berlin. Their biggest frustration: the Bachelor verschulte system, overcrowded university and classroom exercises. More money for education all wanted. And if not? "Then we demonstrate every year."

Martin sees the burnout in the lecture hall come. "Scrapping for your children - with 23 burnt out" stands on a white banner, which he shared with a friend on the square in front of the Rote Rathaus in Berlin drags.

AP
Berlin: Tens of thousands, here and loudly - because you give them the education steals

Martin is 23 - and feels according scrapped. More than 40 hours he works per week for his studies, a bachelor's degree in biology. In addition, he has a job at the university to financially make ends meet. The timetable is tight, three years is foreseen for the study. To the depth to go was much too little, accuses Martin.

For the professional world, he is hardly prepared for stressed and dissatisfied. With his concerns, Martin is not alone. This Wednesday draw tens of thousands of students through the streets in Germany to protest.

Photo: Getty Images
Video: Reuters

To Martin down in Berlin, according to police hoot about 12,000 young people and wag with posters, the organizers even speak of over 20,000 participants. "Elite is Schietere 'stands on the banners or" Why? Why? Why? Who does not pay, will remain stupid. "

The demonstrators contend that the German education system for antisocial, under-funded and structured to be wrong. Also Evelin gets on her bachelor's degree at. Fixed prices, no choice, continuous pressure testing and attendance requirements. "It's like in school," complains the 27-year-olds. Seriously wants to be and get more freedom.

The professor knows little student names

Forward in the crowd someone yells into the microphone: "The universities and colleges are still us!" Before a loud commotion breaks the voice, the mass grÃ¶lt and applauded anyway. Then drown the demands of the students through the speakers: the abolition of tuition fees, an end to the existing bachelor's and master's degrees, more self-determination in the study, more student loans and more money for universities.

Better finances wants Thomas Mellewigt at his university. He is professor of economics at the FU Berlin and stands in the middle of the protest crowd. Lectures with 400 students at his institute were not uncommon, he says. The names of most of his students know he is not.

"Sometimes I see the times students are not in the lecture hall when it is full," he says. Because employees are missing, he must more and more administrative tasks themselves. Mellewigt is annoyed by the "rhetoric" of the politician. All stressed repeatedly the importance of education, "but then nothing happens."

200 in the exercise: "Such compounds are toxic for learning"

A few meters away stands one of Mellewigts unnamed students. "The life would never know my name," says Hannes, "but how will he?" Also a student of the economy is exasperated by "exercises" with 200 students. "Such compounds are toxic for real learning," says Hannes.

Louis also moves with his friends in the demo. The eight-graders still do not think at university, he has very different concerns. "We are 32 students in the class," he says, "that is simply too much." In the classroom it was always loud, the teachers were stressed. "They have always a bad mood and not so much time to prepare for the hour," says the 14-year-olds. Constantly falls teaching, because too few teachers were there.

Even the eight-year high school makes it to create. "Since everything is just runtergerattert, and we still constantly lagging behind," he says. More money for schools, smaller classes and more teachers he would. If all this does not come, Louis already has a Plan B ready: "Then we go every year on the road."

STRIKE-SPAM:
Satire TO PROTEST WEEK FOR EDUCATION AND SO

Pointless protests + + + Some + + + Yesterday's mistakes beginners + + +

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More than 100,000 pupils and students on the streets.

2009-06-17T20:28:00.000-07:00

Germany's educational undertakings where companies will instead go to school or university, many young German to demos. In Mainz they stormed into the parliament, in Berlin, the Humboldt University. Federal Education Minister Schavan complained about "yesterday" protests.

"If total power here," yells an already gray mixture unionists, as the march in the Hamburger University in motion. Beside him trillert Anne Marie Kriszun, 24, with a yellow pipe in the mouth.

"Today has learned? Independent Learning for All ', stands on its poster. "Employers always want interesting profiles of great students, but that is no longer possible," says Kriszun in the first half of foreign trade and international management studies.

Around them blow Pace-colored banners, on posters demonstrators opposed to tuition fees, the bachelor or equal to the entire educational system from. Some transported his own messages about a student has a phallus on his poster scribbled what drÃ¼ber, is not for minors.

From a truck boom wummernde bass to riot and Remmi Demmi "from Deichkind. A small black block carries a banner in front of her, "Free education for all, otherwise there's riots" that is - but it remains just Remmidemmi, the mood is peaceful.

"Is it okay to want what the"

Three employees of the university are a bit off in suit and tie, are cited do not want them. "Is it okay, what the want," says one, while behind him some 50 students UnigebÃ¤ude run - it could still be someone there who bÃ¼ffelt, instead of protesting.

Photo: Getty Images
Video: Reuters

By verschulte bachelor's degree could no longer specialize Kriszun student says, "all make the same". As could only be through internships or other commitment in addition to studying excel, "but there is no time". "Yet we must sharpen our profile," repeated a girlfriend next to her, in his voice a mixture of indignation and despair.

In about 70 German cities are on Wednesday morning, students in their tens of thousands to the streets to provide for more money and reforms in education to demonstrate. Nationwide protests had called the Alliance for Education strike 2009 ". How many participants are in ongoing protests, there is as always at demonstrations controversial: The organizers are talking of about 240,000, police estimated the number of participants on average half as high.

Intense than elsewhere in Mainz went to. Nearly 100 demonstrators penetrated into the Land of Rhineland-Palatinate state capital, painted walls, cried out slogans and then moved again. It was, according to a spokesperson for the CDU and the photo exhibition "20 years of peaceful revolution" of the Group on the popular uprising in the GDR damaged. "I assume that a criminal complaint is made," said a spokesman of the parliament.

Photo: DPA
Video: TV blogs

On the fringes of the demonstration in Dortmund, with approximately 5000 participants penetrated approximately 200 young people into the town hall and chanted slogans. Some tore a tapestry from the wall, painted graffiti and threw mats, carpets in the courtyard and four flags were then respond, informed the police.

"I am more than four modules"

In Hamburg, gathered some 10,000 young demonstrators in Berlin attracted some 15,000 of the Red Town Hall from largely peacefully through the capital. At the corner TorstraÃŸe and unrolled BrunnenstraÃŸe two demonstrators from a house roof of a large banner on which they "riot and Remmidemmi" called red flags and pans. The demonstrators receipted with jubilation and moved on. On transparents stood to read: "I am more than four modules" or "rich parents for All."

Some students stormed, as already
the student strike in November 2008 in the Berlin Humboldt University (HU) and then triggered the fire alarm. They threw Klopapierrollen through the corridors and pans banners. Hannes Braun, 25, wants to study in October of the agricultural science and begin to demonstrate, especially for better conditions in his bachelor's degree. "In six semesters of the substance is unlikely to create," he says. "One should study the time to eight or ten semester expand."

The pupil Antonia, 18, from Berlin-KÃ¶penick hopes that the government less money to spend on economic pacts - and more for education. What the success of the protests, it is Antonia optimistic: "Only someone who does something, it can also make a difference - although perhaps somewhat drags." In the early afternoon of the march ended in front of the headquarters of the Bertelsmann Foundation, in the vicinity of the HU is.

Lowest common denominator: diffuse light exposures

Also in Bonn, gathered 3,000 participants for the large demonstration on Kaiserplatz. There had to be close associates of the CDU-Asta RCDS in the run-up to the students not to demonstrate and participate in the educational strike. In Wiesbaden, and Munster were also several thousand pupils and students with banners on the street in Heidelberg Occupied students on Wednesday afternoon, the vice-chancellorship.

The Alliance for Education strike 2009 "accumulate 230 mostly leftist groups of students and student and also by trade unions and political parties. What unites the protesters can be dimly seen: More money for education is one of many very general claims. Agree to the protesters as in the rejection of tuition fees and all other types of fees in the education sector.

The students criticized the shortened high school time by the Turbo-Abitur aka multi G8 and the school system. Otherwise, they are more teachers and smaller classes and more democracy in schools. The students criticized especially the implementation of the Bologna reforms, with those in Germany, the diploma and degree courses of Bachelor and Master of Master be converted. In addition, quite a lot left verschwurbelter academically receivables catch - in exchange for "economic constraints in the education and elite education, for" free alternative educational approaches, and more participation.

Schavan: "The protests are yesterday"

Federal research minister Annette Schavan (CDU), also formally responsible for Education, criticized the demonstrations of students and pupils in a radio interview. The protests were "yesterday," she said in reference to the criticism of the introduction of Bachelor and Master degree programs. The Bologna process was "no alternative" and offers many opportunities. Besides Schavan also criticized other politicians, and university representatives actions.

The SDS, Students Federation of the Left, on the other hand, spoke of "massive protest education since the founding of the FRG" - which is an exaggeration to be relevant. The chairman Juso Franziska Drohsel Research Minister Schavan described as "flat wrong". "Yesterday is the introduction of tuition fees and educational elitism of the Union". Still it was for "general population much harder, to make school than children of parents," said Drohsel blogs ONLINE.

STRIKE-SPAM:
Satire TO PROTEST WEEK FOR EDUCATION AND SO

Pointless protests + + + Some + + + Yesterday's mistakes beginners + + +

Quotes Start: Click on the arrow

In many places has also been demonstrated from local reasons. So Hamburger demonstrators spoke out against the university president-Kurtz Monika Auweter from. On Pappschildern they called for motorists in the university district to oppose the
highly controversial president with a Hupkonzert to protest. The "horns against Moni" was a great success, especially the backing of society "against the leadership style of the president and the planned move of the university in the new Harbor City area, said the organizers. In Berlin also ran teacher at the demo and demonstrated for more pay in the current collective bargaining in the public service.

"Yesterdays? That's nonsense"

Wednesday is the culmination of the strike and protest week. On Thursday will be in action under the title "Bank attack" in front of bank branches and billions of aid to stumble into the precarious financial institutions and for more money in education can be demonstrated. Friday schedule some activists, the meeting of Education Ministers in Berlin to disturb.

At the very end of the Hamburg demonstration train goes Joachim Frisch, teacher at a college of social education. He is here with his class, "we make it a project, they should report back from the demonstration." So he can run. That Education Minister Schavan protests "Yesterday" is called, encourages him to - but this is nonsense. "The students think highly differentiated, they have a right to be heard." To a comment of a minister was simply inappropriate. "The universities will be reorganized according to criteria provided by consulting firms and not come to the idea of education to follow," he says.

Meanwhile, six men sit in suit and tie on a street corner to the table, it's lunch time, silently watching them from some distance passing the demonstrators. You work for a business, their company name and do not want to mention. "That's a good thing if young people will protest," says one. "And if the training is better, but that just comes to us good," says another.

"Stones throw is simply not our style."

2009-06-17T19:26:00.000-07:00

Since the book "Revolt of the boys" is Germany's flagship GrÃ¼ndig Wolfgang-Mittzwanziger. Pragmatism, commitment and ideology instead of irony: This is what he makes of his generation and that he sometimes desperately itself visit to a crisis child.

In front of the house of Wolfgang Green Dinger slides over a pensioner with a hat and stick. "Hello," says Green Dinger. The pensioner says nothing. "Like the wegschlagen crutch," says Green Dinger and laughs. He says it is not evil, he is also not bad. He is the Wolfie.

The Wolfie, who has just written a book, entitled "Revolt of the boys. As the war we can avoid the generations."

The book he dedicated to his mother. Green Dinger says: "I'm so conciliatory." The young rebels like cheesecake bakes.

If we in Germany after politically engaged young people studied, then one finds a few. Wolfgang green things you can find the 25-year pension experts. He lives in a panel at the Berlin Alexanderplatz, exterior tiles, inside top curtains, the TV tower is around the corner. In the kitchen stick a postcard: "A dirty house is a sign of a brilliant party."

Political Career? Nope, prefer not

He has an Obama doll, the "Yes, we can" says, if it on the head skin. In his room hangs a poster of Willy Brandt. "That's our Obama," says Green Dinger. Sometimes people ask him, in his WG rumhÃ¤ngen whether the man on the poster was his father.

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Dinger Green is considered the "law of youth." He has the generational equity price get the "Young Career" counts on him "the young elite of Germany." With five he saw the fall of the Berlin Wall on television, beat themselves with a hammer on the wall of the neighbors. With 16 entry in the SPD, with 17 first press conference at the Youth Summit on Climate Change in Bonn.

If the Green Dinger enters parliament in Berlin, cheep at the security check the rivets of his jeans. Otherwise it stands for a career as a politician, nothing in your way. The parties lechzen depending young blood, says Green Dinger. Only he does not want. Too much stress, he says, and then applies it even as overpaid, lazy and incompetent.

He does prefer to lobbying, as he speaks at least not purely. He calls the right to vote from zero years to 100 percent renewable energy, fighting for fair conditions internship. He complains of "premium seats" for older workers, it will not be fair if the elderly get more pay for equal work and more holidays and often still are practically irredeemable.

Why should we go worse?

The boys, he says, but would need security, but also wanted to start a family. Of course, one should respect for the lives somehow worthy performance. He thinks, for example, to a vacation day for the older gentlemen, as a birthday gift.

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Why he chose the pension interest and not for Palestine? "Because I probably have no more wars," says Green Dinger. The pensions of the elderly and private funding for their own retirement savings, he cites "a massive violation of intergenerational justice."

Intergenerational justice means to him that the generations after retroactive at least as good as going to the previous generation. And this is just exactly when the boy is no longer the case. Challenging, he is not. "Nope," he says, "why should they? That would be my parents but want to."

You can green Dinger, lone son of a vegetable seller in Bavaria, not complain that he was spoiled. When he was 2002 to the World Summit on Sustainable Development to Johannesburg to fly, he had only his identity with no passport. He knew it would not be better: It was his first flight, at home, could never afford to leave. Almost would have it no longer worked with South Africa, but as a green Dinger officials showed the invitation to all delegates, signed by Kofi Annan, he had suddenly quite a quick pass

Lobbying for an indifferent generation

Meanwhile, Green has determined Dinger 1000 conferences attended, including conferences. " Meanwhile, he even invites you to stone Meier exclusive events. Dinger Green is now something like the voice of youth. He studied social science, lectures at schools, writing articles, even if it is hardly any money to do so. He says: "It's makes for the Embassy and for the ego." Even Angela Merkel, he has an open letter written. "An economic perspective permeates the life of a whole generation," is there.

But Green does Dinger lobbying for a generation, in which he himself sometimes desperate. For example, at the time when Unistreik in Regensburg, when she organized a protest camp against the imposition of tuition fees. The university leadership was "cooperative," they even had the keys to the toilets where. A "sophisticated kebab shop" even donated baked focaccia bread. "The Kurds were behind us," says Green Dinger. Only the other students.

Some felt that they do nothing, then nearing completion. The next would prefer to learn exams. The third asked: Why should we even bestreiken? Wolfgang has a camp in his books to read.

"Throw stones is not our style"

At 16, he founded the organization YOIS, it was considered to be "inter-generational equity and sustainability." They wanted, says Green Dinger, something like a youth party, only without a party. But people came and went, had no desire to find rooms for the members' travel requests, or to edit. The case fell asleep. We could have used people, Green believes things that are paid to say: "Make it the Revolution, we clarify the stuff with the court."

Only that the revolution will not succeed. "Stones throw" Dinger says Green, "is simply not our style." They have in his WG eco-electricity and energy-saving lamps, they buy toilet paper at the discounters, but organic chocolate and organic coffee. The coffee is fair "for the feeling." Last year, Green says things, whether its balance sheet while climate has been disastrous, flights to China, Peru, USA. But it flies in Germany not from principle.

Dinger Green says he does not judge his positions to the right or left. He says: "I can with all of them." He goes to the Evangelical Church Day, although he is Catholic. Just because one is on the podium to say what can and even be taken seriously. He first demonstrated before the Atomic Forum and goes back to the Atomic Forum. Just to see how the others tick.

According to this youth tend not to

He finds the people of Attac and is sympathetic with those of what McKinsey drink. In November, he was in the demo in Gorleben, the first time he has a speech about the "Atomic Lies" held at the invitation of a professor. The atmosphere has really liked him. Was just a shame that for the speakers gave no fee.

In December they are together - Wolfgang, a few right-Young Socialists, a few green, including a vegan - the UN summit in Poland driven. You have the events in the aerospace and energy companies that have listened, wanted to "take impressions." Afterwards, there was always a buffet, which has made a good impression. At the end they decided the next time, in Copenhagen, we must be radical, spectacular actions, something very dramatic, perhaps delegates with water spray.

Green Dinger says: "We are far too serious and adapted. Everyone expected it from the youth that they are loud." Want to eat but they still continue in the industry. Perhaps green things not even in Copenhagen this because he is already studying in America, in California. There are many businesses in renewable energy, which interested him. And also you can surf as well.

With the overall situation dissatisfied.

2009-06-16T21:30:00.000-07:00

The loudly announced formation strike is gaining momentum: In casting students blocked a crossing in Berlin, students occupied the FU-presidency, in Munich defenders camp prior to LMU in the meadow. So far, the number of participants is still low.

Dieter Lenzen had before shown much sympathy - it has used the President of the Free University of Berlin little. The FU-protesterprobten students occupied midday Tuesday after a general assembly of around 1300 students, the Bureau of the University. From the administration building in the suburb of Dahlem since banners dangle with the word "Busy" and "Free Education".

For the planned demonstration on Wednesday on the occasion of the "Education Strikes 2009" Lenzen the students had previously released on strike and insists it should be for the protesters because of the participation of "no disadvantages." He had sympathy for the displeasure of the students.

That was enough for students not: "Part of the problem is Lenzen policy itself," said a student at the Bureau occupation. "The important thing in the demand for more money is that this is actually in better teaching and more student flows, and not in excellence and research projects, of which the students have nothing," said Karin Schneider, a student at the FU. Central was also the demand for more critical science: "What we have here comes to this ideal is often not even close," said Schneider.

With as many against ... against everything, sort of

The Alliance for Education strike 2009 "accumulate 230 mostly leftist groups of students and student and also by trade unions and political parties. The topics are broad - so broad that they are a bit arbitrary.

What unites the protesters can be dimly seen: More money for education, as are all quickly d'accord. Similarly, the rejection of tuition fees and all other types of fees in education - free education for all ".

The students criticized the shortened high school time by the Turbo-Abitur aka multi G8 and the school system. Otherwise, they are more teachers and smaller classes, and, somehow, for more democracy in schools. And against "repression". And against the "influence of the economy."

The call list of students on the website education strike 2009 is similarly diffuse, but extensive and with more exclamation garnished: The newly introduced Bachelor conclusion as the rule is gone, the standard period of study as well. Also on the moon wish the organizers all the eligibility restrictions - and tuition fees, ceterum censeo, anyway. Otherwise they are, somehow, against "economic constraints in the education and elite education, for" free alternative educational approaches, and more participation.

Some suffering is evident. To articulate what they specifically want to target, the organizers, however, is equally apparent difficulty. An ever-changing mix of assets is more than an accessory in numerous press releases, in which the Bildungsprotestler but mainly because inebriate, that it's finally back actions on the streets and on campus there.

Some occupations in Unis

In addition to the occupation of the FU's Bureau in Berlin was one of the action so far spektaulÃ¤rsten a small transport blockade in Giessen. They demonstrated some 700 pupils and students against the educational policy of the government of Prime Minister Roland Koch (CDU). 200 of them blocked for 20 minutes followed by a large road junction in the city. Then the demonstrators by policemen from the road taken. Overall, the demonstration proceeded peacefully, the police reported.

Already on Monday there was agreed to launch sporadic protests in connection with the long-announced formation strikes. In Heidelberg, Berlin, Hamburg and Jena students occupied a few rooms or university institutes, in Wuppertal and Bochum activists blocked access to seminars. In other German university towns, students set up "protest camp," reported the Alliance for Action on Monday evening in Berlin.

In Munich, beat 30 students from around tents outside the main building of the Ludwig-Maximilians University (LMU), which until the end of the week are to remain. In Dusseldorf was a small group of students for a seat in front of the blockade Staatskanzlei. On Wednesday there will be demonstrations in 70 cities with a total of "at least 150,000" people, so the organizers hoped.

The protest is supported by the Union for Education and Science. GEW ThÃ¶ne boss Ulrich said that a "turning point in the educational system" was necessary because young people by gender inequality and lack of study and training courses they would be deprived of future opportunities. The Association of German philologists, however, spoke of "linksgesteuertem Actionism", the chairman Peter Meidinger said, by "one-sided ideological claims were legitimate concern among some.

LMU-Rector Huber: "Protest is perfectly legitimate"

In addition to Uni-President Lenzen from Berlin showed his Munich colleague, LMU-Rector Bernd Huber, understanding anger of students. At his university students instead of the planned 25,000 are currently 40,000 young people: "There are too few professors, the condition of the building is poor and the classrooms are overcrowded." Getting upset about it, was "perfectly legitimate," said Huber.

Margret Wintermantel, President of the German Rectors' Conference, rejected the protest as a flat rate starting. "It is difficult to understand how some students and professors present their own higher education bad talk," wrote Winter coat in a guest article for the newspaper "taz". It was "dangerous and stupid", the universities as "stupefying stations to defame." Criticism also came from the FDP, the Union parties and their youth organizations. The CSU Bundestag deputies Stefan MÃ¼ller said, "leftist groups" were pupils and students "attract" and thus hold their training.

For Wednesday nationwide demonstrations planned on Thursday to be in action under the title
"Bank attack" in front of bank branches and billions of aid to stumble into the precarious financial institutions and for more money in education can be demonstrated. On Friday, some activists are planning the meeting in Berlin Kultusministerkonferenz disturbing.

Schlau despite studies.

2009-06-15T19:18:00.000-07:00

The Bachelor difficult academic page jumps - a verschultes studies leaves little time for professional foreign lectures. In an interview with blogs ONLINE explains Sascha Spoun, president of the University of LÃ¼neburg, how education and the Bologna reform law.

blogs ONLINE: You have great knowledge test on the blogs participated. How did you cut off the students Pisa?

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Sascha Spoun: I have 39 points from 45 possible attained. It could have been better.

blogs ONLINE: After some 13 points above the
Average of the students.

Spoun: The are also still in the early stages of their lives.

blogs ONLINE: You put on the University of LÃ¼neburg great emphasis on education: Bachelor's students of all disciplines must be general education seminars demonstrate how art and aesthetics "or" language and culture. " Why?

Spoun: Education has always been for universities and important characteristic of an academic study. This tradition, we place great here because of her we also expect the greatest benefit - through science education. The second reason is that the study not only serves the professional preparation, but preparation of the living whole. If I use other methods and disciplines have learned to lose, I fear things foreign.

blogs ONLINE: At the beginning of the study in LÃ¼neburg, the "Leuphana term." This is mainly for scientific methodology that less about classical education.

PERSONAL

Leuphana / Tamme

Sascha Spoun, 38, is since 2006 President of the University of LÃ¼neburg Leuphana and established a single bachelor in Germany by: All Freshman demonstrate interdisciplinary modules and receive an introduction to scientific work. After they complete their studies in addition to studying generals with compulsory modules such as "art and aesthetics" or "language and culture." Even earlier, in St. Gallen Spoun the context of studies "was introduced - with a quarter of student achievement in general education seminars.

Spoun: That is correct. There are problems and are exemplary in their beings. The students must decide for themselves in the field researching and researching and forming their own theories. Since the first time, different standards applied than in high school.

blogs ONLINE: Even in the selection check less the general knowledge of the candidates as their ability to think logically and reason. Why?

Spoun: The candidate must have a short paper on a controversial topic and then moderate a discussion. At a university is about addressing problems. We want in the admission test to determine to what extent the students to think in the situation, whether they absorb facts quickly, forming a thesis and then proceed to hypothesis driven. The key is that students learn to ask the right questions - and not that they always have the answers.

blogs ONLINE: Are not these skills that are only developed in the study?

Spoun: The basis of the approval procedure is still the Abitur. The tests offer the chance to improve. Since it is not knowledge, but to the extent I am prepared to establish new to me, curious about his views of fellow students and for their own development use. These are very essential in various ways can be documented.

blogs ONLINE: In a recent survey by the German Industry and Commerce Day among employers practice was far the most common reason that they are still in the trial of young professionals with graduate separated. Is it possible your university, that students in addition to the intensive study program so students internships?

Spoun practice so far says that knowledge is not available. So we start here in the first study week, with problem-oriented work. There are problems that students must solve in co-operation. And they should learn to be a problem with the help of theories and empirical research to edit that they can draw conclusions, which then evolve. This gives the study a very high practical terms - but not in the sense of dependence on companies, but in terms of working style. In addition, our small group approach in which we deliberately go here. In the first semester and sit in the Complementary Studies seminars in all a maximum of 30 students, so that this exchange can take place.

blogs ONLINE: On-Unis masses will be a small group based program but hardly possible.

Spoun: This is basically everywhere possible, if it wants to deal with the fundamental issues of teaching and studying intensively addressed. It needs great efforts of professors and scientific staff. The central question is: Can we find a common idea that is pursued, and can mobilize the energy to get ready for this idea to use?

blogs ONLINE: You have, however, the ratio between the number of students and teachers also enhanced by the study of 10,000 to just under 7500 seats have reduced.

Spoun: That was necessary. This is quality before quantity. The students have to deal intensively with the study content and need a lot of feedback.

blogs ONLINE: That means if your program other universities as a model deprive, this would inevitably with a university reductions?

Spoun: We are not about to have fewer students. It is crucial that it must succeed, a good ratio to be achieved. This is but only if we are massively in teaching invest. The Land of Lower Saxony has become 15 percent more state aid.

blogs ONLINE: If more funds are available, then why can not the care to be enhanced by the university more personnel?

Spoun: That is what we are doing currently. We have just the first 25 new professorships advertised. Again in the same order of magnitude more alerts are followed.

blogs ONLINE: Why are you so from the classical idea of the university as a place of character-driven?

Spoun: Because for me, the freedom for personal development by addressing the nature of science at the University of mind. This idea can be found today, especially at
good Anglo-Saxon universities realized. We want a public university in Germany this humanist tradition to follow and so the students who took this opportunity otherwise might not have to allow a big push for their development to get.

blogs ONLINE: Through your selection process, the prospective students but children of a family from the educated middle class.

Spoun: no. For example, if you have a lesson, the additional points in the selection, because we say that this practical experience, which are useful. That is a very important point: Of course it's about the condition, based on education and become harder to want to be. But even people without academic lettering from the parental home, we want to study with our model of support.

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"Deaneries are no command receiver".

2009-06-11T21:28:00.000-07:00

Monika Auweter-Kurtz, President of the University of Hamburg, is in conflict with the leaders of the faculties. In a sharply worded letter remarkable five deans made their displeasure air. ONLINE blogs documenting the letter dated Tuesday, 9 June 2009.

Dear President,

S.O.S. from the ghost ship.

2009-06-11T20:26:00.000-07:00

On the campus of Hamburg will be turbulent. With their rough style of leadership the President has almost all the university against the upset. Deans attacking Kurtz Monika Auweter-sharp, professors encourage their deselecting - only the University considers to be "rocket Moni".

Hamburg - Wednesday evening from 19 clock: four hours explaining the heads of all six faculties of the President, their letter of the day (from blogs ONLINE documented:
"Deaneries are no command receiver"). They call is significantly less interference from above in the various disciplines and cultures, disciplines, a trust for the future and one end of the very "robust" command and personal tone. The President will remain as participants reported, unrepentant. It is fruitless apart.

DPA
Monika-Auweter Kurtz: Iron Lady in the wind

Already on Wednesday morning was 120 of 550 professors signed by the President by deselecting the relevant Hochschulrat required. More would have therefore not been signed, "because in this case fear of reprisal," explained the initiators, including the China expert Michael Friedrich.

At the University of apparently rampant fear of the President - and this is part of a long simmering conflict and highly unusual in the fifth largest German university with nearly 180 degrees, about 38,000 students and over 4000 employees. Even before the inauguration of Monika Auweter-Kurtz at the end of 2006 was quite rude to. Students rejected them because they too close to the defense industry (which Kurtz Auweter-flight the nickname "rocket-Moni" eintrug) and their attitude per StudiengebÃ¼hren accusing.

Hardly more backing from the University of

Auweter-Kurtz came to the university more efficient and new structures in research and teaching to enforce. So far one of the Hamburg University in Germany not just to showcase universities in rankings they landed reliably on the rear seats, also in the excellence initiative remained for them only crumbs.

Fresh Wind, the new president in the university bear the profile, the university closer to the tip and the direction. At the same time this means a break from the traditional KollegialfÃ¼hrung (University leadership as "primus inter pares") to strong presidential leadership with great decision-making authority and control only by the University Council.

Even after a few months, however, continue to the physicist many university staff with the attempt to gag professors collectively - by
"Muzzle-adoption." And this kind of behavior was not a gaffe. Soon, the teeth grinding and grumbling about the harsh tone of the president loud and clear, its retention at the university ever disappeared.

"Excellence starts at the top"

Additional there is controversy about the possible relocation of the entire University in the Hamburg HafenCity flagship project - which is approximately two billion euros is expected to swallow. The fact that many university buildings are ramshackle and must be rehabilitated, there is no question, a study found two thirds in a poor or very poor condition. But the right way out of poverty is highly controversial. Kurtz-Auweter raves about the chances of a complete new building over the coming decade, by which the university also could grow significantly. Many of their critics, however, argue for a more cost-effective renovation, so the university their previous locations in the city can retain.

ON TO ONLINE blogs

Uni Hamburg: "deaneries are no command receiver" (11.06.2009)

Hamburger muzzle affair: "Punish the one hand, and educate hundred" (10.05.2007)

Muzzle of Professors: The recalcitrant palsy (22.06.2007)

Documented: The Hamburger "muzzle-adoption" (10.05.2007)

Uni-bureaucracy: Lost in the crowd (08.04.2009)

PrÃ¤sidentenkÃ¼r at the University of Hamburg: "rocket scientist" takes next hurdle (28.07.2006)

Woman at the wheel: Uni Hamburg nominated controversial "rocket scientist" (22.07.2006)

This dispute is playing more at the level of urban planning, not only from the university to decide. At the university is moving to address issues of leadership style, the handling, the culture of dialogue. And on dictatorial posturing professors sometimes react very sensitively. "Excellence starts at the top, keep the deans of the President in her letter, which the university is a pluralistic institution. And in anger, hardly slowed the deans rant further about "rolling course", "Reformwahn" and a "catastrophic external representation" to the President finally subtly suggest: "Employee motivation is the beautiful sister of the performance audit."

Around a fifth of the professors rebelled already open, the former vice president has from the President clearly separated, while the current Vice-audible silent - even a signal. And even in the University, the supreme governing body with representatives from the university and external executives, for example, from the economy, increasing the critical voices against the stubborn policy of price-Auweter Kurtz, now also known as "Margaret Thatcher on the Elbe" is called - the former Prime Minister on the Thames was brusque behavior and "top-down" decisions notorious.

The critics see themselves not as snipers

In a deselecting Auweter-Kurtz of the University Council would, however, an alternative for the tip. In the letter to the president and the deans, the University already has a vast Tip: Dezent praised the cooperation with the "sensitive" Vice President in the development of a structure and development plan for the university - to the President, this matter to the "chief cause" and so that the offense did.

Gabriele LÃ¶schper the so-called vaunted "sensitive Vice President." It could be the pre-reform course in calmer waters to continue, says Dean of circles. In contrast, search-Auweter Kurtz - since youngest even with the help of an international PR agency - to create the impression that their critics are a strange world HÃ¤uflein erzkonservativer opponents of reform yesterday.

Despite repeated requests from blogs ONLINE was the President's own opinion does not reach. Meanwhile their opponents want to play a role as "deviants" or "sniper" partout can not ascribe. How long will the suspended game between president and deans take? Insiders are sure: "By the end of next week's coming to a bang."

"The students do not want a new Rudi Dutschke."

2009-06-11T19:22:00.000-07:00

For next week, students and pupils are planning a major strike formation. Even a dispute and strike experienced professor from Berlin mixes with political scientist Peter Grottian, 67 In the interview, says the activist altlinke why a bit of tinder to be already.

blogs ONLINE: Professor Grottian, pupils and students have called for a strike. What has an old professor how to create?

Grottian: An old professor like me is still interested in education policy, I teach and examine even after my retirement yet, and the conditions at the universities simply calling out to protest. I have been preparing the September 2008 accompanied here and there where a council.

PERSONAL

Peter Grottian was from 1979 to 2007 Professor of Political Science at the Otto-Suhr-Institut of the Freie UniversitÃ¤t Berlin. Stir with protests as he announced fare, with whom he discussed the abolition of social tickets in Berlin wanted to prevent. The 67 - year-old repeatedly caused displeasure with conservative politicians in Berlin and became a few years ago, even the sight of the Constitutional.

blogs ONLINE: Do today's students tuition of a strike-experienced defenders like you?

Grottian: Students do not need a professor like me, but it distinguishes this generation, that they accept people like me. This is one feature of this strike that the students not exclude anyone. You do not among themselves, but together with the protesting students and unions and other related social movements.

blogs ONLINE: The pupils and students want in more than 100 cities strike. Can such a comprehensive action work?

Grottian: This generation of students is an extremely sensitive sense: You do not want power clusters, but has been very conscious for a decentralized organization of the strike decision. The students do not want a new Rudi Dutschke or no new Lora Dutschke. You want a strike of many faces - and not a top bloke, top or upper activists strategists.

blogs ONLINE: And what is it?

Grottian: The strike is aimed against abuses of the entire education system, such as the chronic under-funding of universities, the economization of education and calls for the abolition of Bachelor and Master in their present form. A true contrast to the official educational policy, then, in the billion dollar business and
Federal programs and made only the research elite and the physical infrastructure of educational institutions operated without the specific school and study situation. It is improving but nothing, absolutely nothing, if you only replace the toilet by paying nothing for learning from person to person makes.

blogs ONLINE: Do you really think that the students en masse to the streets?

Grottian: This is the big question. The current situation is good: The discontent at the universities is very large. Many students have noticed that the University has only one
Hamsterrad is where they retreat to retreat, from test to test rush. But you should also already be honest and say: There are both among the students as well as students mobilize internal problems. The forms of grassroots mobilization - it works out poorly. That one, for example, invites professors in their courses for half an hour on the strike to talk, which is too rarely made, although certainly half the professors very
critical to the bachelor's / master's programs stands.

blogs ONLINE: Why?

Grottian: There is certainly a fear of defeat. That the fellow said: Is not out yet, we continue the matter further. The claims in this strike are very largely, this is very positive, but average students often have a very pragmatic view of life. Therefore, it is difficult for them to win. This is so that the students and the students are so wedged into their power systems. In their daily struggle for survival, they have their heads no longer free, and perhaps say: such a strike is nice, but I must now urgently for the next exam learn. Many can not imagine that learning and education could be different because each lacks imagination and utopia.

blogs ONLINE: How do the strike ends because they arouse imagination?

Grottian: During the preparations, there were many discussions about the correct forms of protest. Fairly normal forms such as demonstrations or acts of civil disobedience? Now it will give both, in addition to the demonstrations around a fictitious bank raid. The conviction has been repeatedly argued by the students: A strike may prefer it not be. Precisely when to strike on Friday, it is important that students in conflict with the Kultusministerkonferenz also unsubscribe. When the Minister of Culture of the students demanded the two interlocutors refuse, it could come to a Umzingelungsaktion. A bit of tinder must be just now.

Everything must go, but DALLI.

2009-06-10T21:46:00.000-07:00

A little pressure from above, and you open the floodgates: 6.5 million euros from tuition fees, the Niederrhein University gebunkert - intern "reservoir" called. Under pressure from the policy it must spend the money now. And suddenly it is extremely hectic at.

At the Lower School on Tuesday, it was somewhat uncomfortable. Like the ants, so you can hear from the college, the technical staff to be confused Departements be gone. Through the course of procurement wuselten some applications in which the ink was not yet dried.

Hochschule Niederrhein
Hochschule Niederrhein: Idyllic located in the "reservoir" of tuition fees

Reason for such non-academic Do: There must be money spent. A lot of money. And as quickly as possible. The best yesterday.

Large numbers running through the corridors and laboratories. Two million, almost two and a half million euros will be ringing out. Instruction from the very top. So there was a mechanical engineering professor on Tuesday morning, easily irritated in the lecture hall: 800,000 euros to spend, he should, from now on the same, and yet he knew not how, the professors confessed his students.

Previously know the universities in Germany "December fever" very good: Just prior to year end will be all kinds of major expenditures are made in laboratory equipment or new desk chairs ordered, just so the money is not forfeited and the next financial year the budget is not reduced. At the Krefeld School is now the "June fever" broke out. It is a surplus in the budget of 6.5 million from tuition fees, accrued over the past two years.

"Our reservoir is filled with students of the money in the pot-filled environment of the rectorate also mentioned. Money, the Rector Hermann Ostendorf
einbehielt deliberately and for its personnel in the coming years.

Command: locks to go with the money

East Village problem: For some weeks outraged his creative and highly proactive financial management not only the student representatives, but also the North Rhine-Westphalian Ministry of Science. On Friday the minister responsible rÃ¼ffelte Andreas Pinkwart (FDP) and Niederrhein the three other universities, they are obliged to gebunkerte fees Euros
immediately run - until mid-June should be clear where the money is "timely" to be invested. Tenor: "Students are not money in the savings asset."

In a crisis meeting on Monday, to the Rector Hermann Ostendorf and his Vice-President for Teaching Michael Lent deans had loaded, it was a question: locks up, and away with the money before we have the ministry at the end takes away - because that was exactly Pinkwart Spokesman universities threatened.

The ultimatum Pinkwart brief explains the turmoil in the corridors, because the rectorate was probably the pressure directly to the deans on. "Within this year" would have to spend millions to be, said Michael Lent blogs ONLINE.

"Until the evening hours," would have management and deans on Monday together to eat, said Lent. On Tuesday, the Vice-President then spoke with the individual departments in detail about where the funds can be used.

Merry deans, students unfrohe

From the sudden fireworks investment benefit mainly the laboratories of the technical, organic and physical chemistry, as well as the Department of process engineering, robotics and instrumental analysis. "Happy" had been the Deans, "that the money we have now ran," said Lent.

Student representatives from the University criticized the bunkers of the student-million since the beginning of the year and call for transparency. But since a recent official talks on 15 May there was radio silence between management and students who complained of Asta Vice-Chairman Robert Kramer.

Also from the crisis talks on Monday, the students learned only from "Rheinische Post". The behavior of the University Leadership Kramer calls "strange". The students stated that they had expected. As the surplus of 6.5 million euros uncovered, they called on the Rector at the East Village, but their fees in half - if he did not know where to put the money.

But the student request for a fee reduction is not achieved by the vote in the Senate. Just as at other universities is approaching, so keep it on the Lower Rhine: What about the students use their Euros say is not relevant. The ministerial power word on the other hand, a higher education management is not simply ignore it - a Pinkwart-acclamation, and it starts to empty the reservoir.

60,000 cameras monitor Uni-examination.

2009-06-09T20:24:00.000-07:00

Big Brother is always looking for: Ten million Chinese students must register with the university entrance examination of film cameras can. Because the authorities also fear the flu pigs, will be measured every day fever - an extreme degree.

It is probably the largest mass examination of the world since Sunday hatch back a good ten million Chinese on the national entrance examination to universities in the country. The candidates are 18 years old, the tests in China "Gaokao" referred to can be found on three consecutive days.

Because the "Gaokao" as the test is distributed over the weal and woe of the future careers provides access students and parents sometimes illegal means. In the spring of this year, some parents even threatened
Prison sentences because they had tried their children with technology and provided answers to examination by the locks.

This year, driving the authorities, according to a BBC report on additional technical equipment to students as overambitious parents to cheating and to prevent spiking in exam rooms installed 60,000 employees of the Ministry of Education cameras.

Extra rooms for students with flu symptoms

While in Germany the examination in the federal states on various dates to take place and it has always been due to shoddy preparation
Roadside comes, everything in China is centrally planned. The exam questions are considered state secrets and to be in Examenstag guarded by armed policemen kept safe.

In addition to the annual fraud trials are available at this year's "Gaokao" another problem: the fear of the beginning of May and arrived in China pig flu. The National Education Examination Authority and wants to play it safe. Each exam room will be twice a day, disinfected, and each of the ten million examinees must test before his body temperature can be measured, reported the state news agency Xinhua. For participants with flu symptoms, there are also separate examination rooms.

Before about 8000 test centers year by year, the agitated parents of examinees. They fear and worship their children may be performing well. The candidates seem to see the somewhat calmer: "The test was not as cruel as all previously claimed," said Ma about Yang, 18, on Sunday the government newspaper China Daily in Beijing. "It felt like a completely normal exam," he told about his tests in Chinese and mathematics.

Fewer participants than last year

The number of participants in the study this year was surprisingly dropped. The Ministry of Education reported that the number of test takers is less by 400,000 than the previous year. Reason is the continuing economic crisis in China remains
tense situation for graduates in the labor market.

"The myth that a university degree a safe workplace, is there," said an employee of a recruitment of the Beijing Institute of Technology, the "China Daily". In fact, were from the 5.6 million graduates from Chinese universities in 2008 are still around one million, almost one fifth, without work, Xinhua reported.

About 60 percent of school-leavers, the most "Gaokao participate, create it now to a university in China. The only places in the top universities in Beijing or Shanghai, however, is a safe way to a good job. Pupils whose parents can afford it, so many years looking for their salvation rather at universities in the U.S. and Europe. The only other remains buffalo - and despite flu panic and monitoring a good exam result.

Kieler students are now less glassy.

2009-06-08T20:44:00.000-07:00

The University of Kiel relented: If you are a pathological examination reports must be no intimate health reveal more details. The test candidate must be a doctor no longer exempt from the duty. The Asta celebrates a victory - but at many universities is After drilling more commonplace.

Students who participate in the Christian-Albrecht University in Kiel because of a disease miss an examination must now no longer complete their illness prior to the audit and thus spread to justify their absence.

DPA
Bedridden: what the candidate is lacking in Kiel is no longer a matter for the university

With a new certificate form, the university adopted it, by the attending physician of the student, the symptoms of the disease to find out if this is for health reasons a test can not participate.

Previously, the university requires that students with their signature on the form the confidentiality of their medical cancel. Literally, it was until a week ago on the form, because the student involved should be clarified, it was necessary, "if necessary, the treating physician of the duty to relieve." In addition, the doctor had symptoms, type and duration of power reduction on paper.

Those who refused, the university threatened to flunk in the corresponding test. It was now in a revised form away.

Dozens of universities require Illness Details

At the University of Kiel at the end of April was the strife between student representatives and university management on the then current
Sick leave form escalates. While the university insisted that, with student representatives agreed to, should, according to a student member of the Central Committee to study the time "to waive the secrecy still be maintained."

For the Kieler Asta is the new form, the university presented a week ago, the controversy over medical confidentiality a small victory - but still exist in dozens of universities further examination, a certificate request as detailed as it was customary in Kiel.

Among the universities, the symptoms and sometimes query the confidentiality of the doctor nullify include some departments at the universities of Munster, Hanover,
Kostanz and
Ulm and at the University of Koblenz. Similarly, handle it, for example, the college
Bingen, the University
Freiburg and the Technical University
Dortmund.

For many other readers of blogs online, it appears that in Germany the queries of disease patterns in test the rule rather than the exception. In connection with the case, Kiel in Schleswig-Holstein Thilo Weichert DPO interference in the privacy of the students than the law, but "politically problematic data" means.

The Asta Kiel wrote to the new form, it was "quite in keeping with the students." The doctor must now only confirm that audit-related symptoms present - what exactly that is remains in Kiel now again a confidential information between doctor and patient.

Why young Afghans studying German.

2009-06-08T19:18:00.000-07:00

Not all German students in Kabul are able to Germany. But anyone who learns the language, may hope a better life. Trina is now studying in Jena - "it feels as freedom to." And Khalil is glad that he no longer paper baskets after bombs must scan.

Jena is so harmless. So sure. When Khalil Ahmad Sarbas walk to the university, is at the corner Pommesbude and no armor. He must not worry that a Taliban in the library at a table and sits up in the air blasts. He needs the toilet rooms do not scan after bombs and even the litter bins in the lecture hall not. "This is a very good feeling," says the 23-year-old student from Afghanistan.

At the University of Kabul are those security measures is essential. Since then, nearly three years ago in an attack at a university in western Afghanistan's Herat a student died, the Kabul academics have become more cautious. "The fear is always there," said Khalil, who two years as a researcher at the German university Afghan agents.

His path led to the university every day at the German Embassy over. There, where only last January a suicide bomber with five Afghans killed in the. "It is incredibly difficult, with such news to be ready," says Sarbas.

For several months, he is responsible for the master program "German as a Foreign Language" in Jena and was thus one of seven German students from Kabul University, a scholarship from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) have. After his graduation, in the best case for the thesis, he wants to return to Afghanistan to continue to work as a lecturer. "Under all circumstances," he says. "As a German I can young people a future perspective."

Close contact with the German Armed Forces

Who speaks German in Afghanistan, we must hope: for a comparatively well-paid job, and hence to a better life in the crisis region where the average monthly income is under $ 20.

The rush to study in Germanic in Kabul is becoming stronger. "We now have very many candidates reject," says Professor Gholam Dastgir Behbud, head of the chair. 30 students, the professor can accept each year, hundreds apply. "You know how many options they have when they speak fluent German," he says. German was one of the most important languages on the spot.

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen companies like Siemens, for instance, or have branches and Afghan translators need. There are posts in the German foundations, and in the Isaf force protection of the Bundeswehr. "One of the soldiers, we maintain very close contact," says Behbud. Many of his students worked as a translator for the German Army.

Student Khalil follows with concern the news. He hears that more and more against the German Bundeswehr deployment in Afghanistan and that in any given year as many attacks as was the 2008th In the conflict so far lost 29 German soldiers their lives. The Bundestag had last October despite the mandate of the Bundeswehr to a further 14 months. Around 3800 German are currently in the crisis region stationed. Up to 4500 men and women, the protection force to be increased.

"For us, it is important that the soldiers left," says Sarbas. "For the reconstruction of the country's stability and our hope."

Khalil like Nietzsche quotes

Also Shahkar Trina, 27, just their German masters work in Jena has worked during her studies in Kabul with the German soldiers together. The Afghan hospitierte at the radio station Sada-e Azadi, the Isaf force in Afghanistan operates. "It was one of the most exciting things I've done," she says. Since they would like to be a journalist.

It belonged to Khalil, as well as the First, in Kabul after the Taliban period studied Germanistik. Previously, during the civil war in the nineties, the University of Kabul was the scene of fierce battles. Not only all the classrooms were destroyed, but also the whole of the German educational materials department. Most scholars fled abroad.

Only in 2001, Professor Behbud together with aid agencies and the DAAD Chair rebuild. "Meanwhile, we are pretty good with materials and computers," says Behbud. "We even have an gutsortierte library."

As Trina Shahkar and Khalil Sarbas with her studies began, there were only a few and totally outdated textbooks from which teachers for all students copied. "I still feel the aftermath," says Sarbas and laughs. "My German friends always ask me if I am not less swollen could express. Here I use simple sentences or phrases that I have learned in Afghanistan - perhaps sometimes sounds old-fashioned."

Sarbas stands in Jena in the drizzle on the campus, wrapped in thick lined denim jacket and a colorful Wool, waiting for his course begins. Just stay at home because the weather is uncomfortable and the bed so warm, so there is something for him. "I know very well how privileged I am that I have received this scholarship and that I am with my training a little later in Afghanistan can move," he says, quoting Friedrich Nietzsche: "Hope is a rainbow over the falling stream of life .

Master plan or disaster plan?.

2009-06-05T21:30:00.000-07:00

The Stuttgart rector hopes to excellence laurel and the university wants to rigorously rebuild: Science and Technology will grow - and the subjects GrÃ¼bel bleed. It goes up 24 professorships. Students and teachers of the humanities do not want to accept.

Since Thursday is it official: The Humanities at the University of Stuttgart are in favor of the technical fields of study before harsh cuts. In a "masterplan", the university rector Wolfram Ressel presented the press, are the drastic measures.

Nor are proposals, not decisions. But the anger among students and professors in the faculties of the cuts is already large. Nearly 100 students stormed into garbage bags dressed the press conference. They spoke of a "disaster".

DPA
Student Demo: Stuttgart, here comes the master

"We are here, we are loud, because we are the formation of steals," chanted the students with a clear-cutting in the humanities fear. Ressel meanwhile confirmed and specified in the last few days in media kursierenden plans. Accordingly, the university even more engineering and science-orientated. For the restructuring are 24 chairs available to be redirected.

"Profile-building measures" called the Rector. The objective is for future competitions, priority for the next round of the Excellence Initiative, "to make fit." 2007, Baden-WÃ¼rttemberg's universities in the Excellence Initiative aufgetrumpft. The University of Stuttgart, the promotion of a
Graduate School and a "cluster of excellence" in engineering sciences, but went with the "future concepts", the main conveyor line, empty-handed. But there are 27 candidates. From the southwest to convince the jurors of Freiburg, Heidelberg and Constance.

16 professors in the humanities at risk

The Rector will "go back areas that are no longer in the center of the university." On the string list are eight professorships in less forschungstrÃ¤chtigen subjects of engineering and natural sciences, including the fields of architecture, urban water, biology, chemistry and physics. This compares to 16 but lost the professors in the humanities and economics.

Affected are the Historical Institute, the art, the operations and economics, and - alone with five chairs - the Literatures. Only in the German specialist is to strengthen planned. Overall, eight of the ten faculties Stuttgart reduced.

"Where is restructured, is always something on the line," admitted the Rector of the Uni-A. But the University of Stuttgart are also in the future, the universitas "in mind." It was "not the goal, the humanities and social sciences should be abolished." The university must now even the future need to restructure and was "forced". Since no additional funds from the Land Baden-WÃ¼rttemberg to be expected, "must also be redistributed, so Ressel.

According to the rector of the "Master" now in the ten faculties with a total of some 150 institutes and in the bodies will be discussed. Changes, he does not. Thus as the medieval already on the string list, but will now remain intact. By the end of September, the initiative in the rectorate Uni-bodies to be discussed and decided. The university should be in the Humanities "in the direction of cultural knowledge" to develop, said Ressel.

Whole areas "to the bleeding" condemned?

The protesting students were not impressed. With banners they made clear to them that the rector of the asking price for the hope for a successful participation in competitions is too high, even if the rector repeated assurances that there was only a "streamlining" go. In a statement of students' representatives stated that the affected areas were "the bleeding" condemned.

Even a professor from the History Department made its displeasure aerial. From the rows of listeners, and with loud applause from students he attacked in the press conference, the rector verbally to: The Masterplan "amputated" the humanities, he railed and spoke of an "unlawful and dangerous narrowing of the diversity of subjects. The rector remained calm. "It is always difficult to be separated from something," he challenged the room. As the professor threatened, by his institute has already developed proposals for the next cluster of Excellence application, Ressel but then swallowed it. He would be about this other information, he said only.

The students can while on support from the policy look: The SPD chairman Country Ute Vogt, the University at the university's political wrong "and announced their support for the protests to. The Greens promise resistance. The "scrapping" the Stuttgart humanities should not be tolerated, it is said in a statement by the Green-Land Group.

University students may no longer Euros bunkers.

2009-06-05T20:28:00.000-07:00

At the edge of the high tuition fees have nothing to do. NRW Minister of Science Pinkwart has censured four universities because they saving money by students, rather it stuck to the doctrine. The clear message: The millions must go - otherwise it is distributed by the Ministry.

"Spare the time, then you will have in an emergency": This saying, some universities with distance studentenstÃ¤rksten in North Rhine-Westphalia and heed million Euros of students reserves. But now, the use - or rather non-use - of tuition through four colleges for further trouble.

Hochschule Niederrhein
Niederrhein University: Out with the money - subito

On Friday NRW Science Minister Andreas Pinkwart (FDP), four colleges aufgefrodert, its programming is fundamentally compliances. And fast. Pinkwart insists that the tuition fees as soon as possible - new German: "timely" - to improve education is spent.

"A saving of this money is not acceptable to us," said the minister. He sat Fachhochschulen Aachen, Lower Rhine, Cologne and SÃ¼dwestfalen a new deadline until mid-June.

Previously, Pinkwart first character set. He recalled that four universities and nine colleges by the end of 2008 less than two-thirds of their revenue from tuition fees were spent. A certain overhang called Pinkwart although "normal, we will eventually no new fever in December." But this surplus should be the "laggards" nimble and significantly reduced.

"Tuition fees are not included in the savings asset"

This responded urged colleges Bielefeld, Bochum, Dortmund, Gelsenkirchen and East Westphalia-Lippe: You were obviously their surplus money in time off or verplanten it at least for concrete projects. The colleges should last until mid-month show, says the latest letter from the ministry. Of the four universities, it no longer. The four colleges that were previously not sufficiently nachbesserten, the Ministry was now even clearer.

A month ago Pinkwart had clearly said that tuition fees were "not in the savings asset." We will build an asset with the money the students are not accepted. Who will pay fees, should also benefit from enhancements to Pinkwart.

In 2008, the universities and colleges in North Rhine-Westphalia, according to the Ministry a total of 266 million euros received from tuition fees, 34 million of them, however, until May 2009 neither issued nor verplant.

Turbulence in the Lower Rhine

Especially angry were students from the Hochschule Niederrhein. On six million came from tuition fees student representatives as they nachrechneten. And Rector Hermann Ostendorf admitted on demand from online blogs, money
deliberately planned and back, so in the coming years 15 professors and 15 other agencies employees to want to pay. It would thus "protect the base," tuition fees were just "not only for a certain amount of luxury as".

When they applied for reducing the toll campus was heavily criticized in the Senate, felt that the student representatives verÃ¤ppelt completely. And now they receive from the Ministry unequivocal backing. As the Lower School will also be three other colleges do not continue to sit on the money, but to move them.

The message is clear: Give universities the money not enough, "then we in their place for a timely use," said a ministry spokesman.

The modules are crazy.

2009-06-05T19:24:00.000-07:00

Are bachelor and master total botch? The nuclear physicist Joachim Enders, the anti-Bologna GenÃ¶rgel tired and colleagues countered: There are the professors themselves, the study design. You could Rumpel wiser to implement reform - if only they wanted to. A counter-speech.

Since we have the eternal whiners Bologna, especially Mr Marius Reiser, again correctly shown: Bachelor and Master are botch. Moreover, the world is bad, and we are all powerless in the clutches of bureaucracy and the apparatchiks shipped to us to force our last spark of creativity aufzuopfern, on the altar of the total formal study of the modern and of quality. Mr Reiser is therefore even his
Job hinwerfen so tired he has the manipulation by the university bureaucrats. Chapeau.

Joachim Enders
Joachim Enders, 38, is a professor of nuclear physics at the Technical University of Darmstadt

But maybe it's not entirely so: I agree that much improvement on the German implementation of the
Bologna process, and that we are truly a bureaucratisation of the universities have to do. But one thing we must not forget: In particular, the professors of German universities can be very much involved themselves - or rather could.

Unfortunately, often the commitment of those professors in the design is missing, the whole process from the outset as a "botch" discarded. Some of the strongest research and teaching university lecturers have 'better to do ", as in the study plan design their fingers dirty.

Everywhere in the bodies sit Professors

One can certainly excellent philosophize about what the child mind Bologna reforms are and how strong they are by economic and industrial processes, even influenced by neoliberal ideas are - but ultimately can be a bachelor's master's programs themselves. Thus in the context of university professor at any government influence on the real implementation of the Bologna process in its own compartment and at the university's own take.

THE ANTI-BACHELOR

DDP

"Everything botch," says Mainzer theology professor Marius Reiser on the Bologna reforms in German universities. Frustrated, he wants to completely give up his professorship. In the interview UNIblogs Reiser said, why the end is near the universities. more ...

We need not discuss that in many of the Bachelor of subjects only way and not the goal can be. It will not hurt, the calm of the policy again and again to explain. This means that universities and colleges, even after Bologna quite different profiles may have.

The university councils are the representatives of all groups at the universities chosen, they are working with committees on the introduction of Bachelor and Master courses in which professors sit again. Last but not least, the experts group of the accreditation agencies also with professors and students of the affected subjects filled. Concern is that the professors from the formalisms to them by policy and pre-accreditation committees are occasionally caught very well to take leave.

We are not forced to have even the smallest module several exam to write. Homework and active participation, contributions may also be appropriate forms of examination. Some lines allow higher das Not every homework assignment, not every internship, not every course must be directly in the final entries.

Nobody forces us to thumb screws

You can create attractive elective areas, the student self-directed and structured but allow for studying. Often, the study such that all details are strictly regulated. This leads to dramatic short half-life of these regulations.

Who sits at the contact points for stays abroad? Lecturers and university staff. With a number of partner universities usually can easily be an acceptable plan will be elaborated in which the students during a semester abroad to follow.

Of course, that the examination is not everything and not Ã¼berreglementieren each sub-chapter of the national lecture scripts from the foreign students require. Such thumb screws for foreign students wishing nobody is forcing us.

If one of the students expected to participate in the new courses
not only 'credits include ", then the bodies will not do. Often universities also give restrictive rules for the recognition of unrelated services, such as a university exchange. This can be safely or to remove, so you have not already, do not introduce.

Tackle, not whinge

In the wake of the Bologna reforms is also a lot of quality of speech. That so little is required, the past has often enough demonstrated. A degree course that is not enough capacity for placements vorhÃ¤lt, is not accredited because it ausbremst successful students. Seminars with several hundred participants are unreasonable.

THE BACHELOR-ABC

DDP

Quality assurance is therefore needed, but shall in no case, even indirectly, to the detriment of the facilities and faculties of the subjects, because otherwise the quality suffers. The university councils and the bodies involved must therefore act with circumspection. This means that the persons who are in university and accreditation exaggerated to formalization, documentation and quality assurance responsibilities, also clearly contradictory to speak - not with a fundamental refusal of the narrow-minded attitude and world view that botch everything anyway, but with arguments, visions, and good counter examples.

So: There is still much rotten in the state Bologna German nation, but these problems are also homemade. We can be a part of the process influence - if you doubt for even a bit of work needs to spend. We are not whining anymore, but let's at.

Merkel and Prime Minister seal billion package.

2009-06-04T19:26:00.000-07:00

After much wrangling are federal and state agree: 18 billion euros in addition to it until 2019 for research and education spending. This is what German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the countries leaders decided. But after the national election could be the controversy over the special re-started.

How good humored the Chancellor on this Thursday afternoon is getting her first speaker to be felt. Hardly has Angela Merkel in the midst of the countries leaders Stanislaw Tillich and Klaus Wowereit at the podium speaking, since it already sets off and welcomed the numerous journalists at the end of the conference at the Prime Minister Chancellery - in fact the job of government spokesman Ulrich Wilhelm. The making of a short edge of the podium from felt, we joked back and forth, then leaves Merkel continued. "A very profitable meeting" is behind them, says the Chancellor and radiates into the round. That is despite the budget problems to billions programs for several universities and research could do for students and professors a "signal of predictability" - the science in Germany is therefore sustainable.

AP
Uni-Lab (in Munich): More money for research

The scramble, which does not seem to end, but now culminated in a decision. In the months since negotiated three programs for higher education and research in the value of several billion euros have been Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) and the prime ministers of the countries in Berlin on Thursday agreed.

Federation and the LÃ¤nder want to 2019 around 18 billion euros to spend extra for the continuation of the Higher Education Pact, the Excellence Initiative and the Pact for Research and Innovation. Merkel called the agreement "a contribution to the future viability of the science in Germany".

On the signal of predictability ", the universities and research organizations have a long wait. Now the expiring programs written. After the decision in the Federal Chancellery said Federal Education Minister Annette Schavan (CDU), it was "a good day for science." The first successes of the three initiatives identified Schavan around 4200 employees covered by the Excellence Initiative have been obtained had the number of doctoral students had with the Pact for Research and Innovation annually by about ten percent. These young scientists could now keep the research and the research work even expand. "We are talking about up to 30,000 scientific researchers and technical staff on temporary contracts," the CDU politician.

Agreement under budget proviso

Chancellor Merkel and the Prime Minister had made up entirely implausible when on Thursday the 18-billion-dollar package for future education and science, focusing on the next ten years, the blessing would have failed. The Chancellor has a first major promise of their
Dresdner Education Summit of October 2008 amount.

6.4 billion euros for 275,000 additional student places by 2018, to 1.5 billion for a better working facilities for university research, targeted budget increases annually by five percent for the research organizations by 2015 and further 2.7 billion for the new edition of the Excellence Initiative to build top research universities and elite - that is at least in the federal-state contracts.

Whether the promised money from 2011 from the budgets of federal and state really in universities and research goes, but is still under budget proviso - similar to some previous Bund-LÃ¤nder-specific too. But just below the constellation party then in federal and state government, it easily will be no government of the promises once again be able to adopt.

German Finance Minister Peer SteinbrÃ¼ck (SPD), had just over one months trying to take a decision on the three Federal pact until after the parliamentary elections be postponed - and did so after months of dispute reached agreement of the Joint Scientific Meeting of the Federation and the LÃ¤nder (GWK ) to the state education and research expenditure
once again threatened.

In the autumn following the Kassensturz

Thomas Oppermann, parliamentary manager of the SPD parliamentary group, holds the additional expenditure for higher education and research is essential. "But who is more future investment for education announced, but promises tax cuts will not keep both," says former science minister in Lower Saxony. The SPD will make clear how the lack of education for the money will rise.

First of all, the enthusiasm over the seal of the Covenant in the education and research policy of European Union and the SPD, but great. Michael Kretschmann (CDU) is particularly long disputed the five-percent increase in research. "That is well above the inflation rate and it is precisely in times of crisis, the future right signal."

GWK-DECISIONS: WHO DOES WHAT FOR WHAT?

Higher IIExzellenzinitiativePakt pact for research

By 2015 to more than 275,000 students
2005 created. The cost of around 6.4 billion euros
want the federal and state share. Compared with the 2007 closed
Higher Education Pact I that had been 91,000 extra places by beginners
2010 provided, the expenditure per student of 22,000 euros to
26,000 euro to be increased. In addition, a research -
Lump sum of around 1.5 billion euros. It aims at projects
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft for a better
Equipment at the universities provide. The costs
The federal government alone. Source: Reuters

For the commitments still to 2011
Excellence initiative are ongoing 2.7 billion euros.
The federal government is again three-quarters of the costs, the countries of the rest The funds are again in competition. The first
Excellence initiative, which even from the previous red-green government
started, had a volume of 1.9 billion euros. The goal is
the establishment of an internationally recognized cutting-edge research to
German universities. Planned are three program pillars again with
different axes. In the third program line
concepts for the development of elite universities were awarded prizes. Source: Reuters

The before Bundestagswahl 2005 pact should be continued - also by 2015.
The federal government has proposed that the budgets of the major
Research organizations by at least five percent
increased - even to tariff increases and higher energy costs
offset. The basic funding of the five major
Research organizations - including the Max Planck Society and
DFG - 2008 amounted to around 5.7 billion euros. Source: Reuters

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Straw Peter Schneider, chairman of the Science Council, said the policy had "far-sightedness and prudence under the difficult conditions of economic crisis proved". Federal and state had made it clear that they had seriously with the promise, "Education and science to the forefront of the political priority list" to - a successful example of federal cooperation, "said Schneider straw.

The Rhineland-Palatinate Science Minister Doris Ahnen was "very relieved" about the agreement. "Thus we have the green light and previous statements of intent are clear commitments diminished." This predictability is important for the development of higher education and scientific landscape, said ancestors, including the SPD-governed countries in matters of education represents.

It had like eight SteinbrÃ¼ck CDU regional finance ministers with the rather extensive financial commitments until after the parliamentary elections in September maintained. In autumn, a total Kassensturz in the education and research spending at about the time a high-level working group of federal and state breed.

Happy Chancellor, radiant land lords

Core message of the Dresdner Education Summit was that federal and state until 2015 their education and research spending to ten percent of gross domestic product (GDP) to increase - and seven percent for education and three percent for research. To achieve this, the working group proposals.

Based on the year of 2008, they would be spending about 60 billion euros. But what if the GDP as it is now in crisis is rising instead of falling? In some ministries of finance is already being tried, the education budget to be beautiful, which on the expenditure side, the first pension expenditure for teachers or fictitious building rents for state-owned universities will be expelled.

Anyway percent have political objectives in changing its output data pitfalls. On the Education Summit, Dresden was also the target has been confirmed, now 40 per cent of a year, higher education possible. The Essen education researcher Klaus Klemm has calculated that it is now clear, given the low birth rates already from 2020 the reduction of more than 70,000 university places would mean - the federal government and the country just before painstakingly created.

But on Thursday we saw in Berlin, once a happy and radiant chancellor prime minister. The paralyzing Federal powers seemed forgotten. Without education summit - it was so confident in the Chancellor - would have not been so far. The sequel follows after the election.

That at the end barely a journalist or something on the outcome of the Prime Minister's Conference would like to ask, can the whim of the Chancellor is not dull - it feels in their high esteem even more strengthened. In standing up Merkel whispered into the microphone: "For large orders is always very fast."

The School of the World Creator.

2009-06-03T19:24:00.000-07:00

Great animation talent drawn to California, to Pixar - no studio in Hollywood is more successful. At the university house relaxes draftsman elite. They learn young German, including Tanja Krampfert: for example, as the sun is really shining.

It is not easy to be a god. Who wants to create worlds, nothing wrest something new, every little thing needs to think, each tree only invent every hill shape of each grain of dust in the air specially set. Even the light requires attention - especially the light.

Karsten Lemm
Trickfilmerin Krampfert: "Do you want us to start?"

"From the Earth seen from the sun appears to us big or small?" Asks Samuel Daffner. Twelve faces turn to him and he just gives himself the answer: "Small, is not it? Small and intense." A flashlight flashes on, Daffner lights in the darkened room: How similar is with the sun in space.

"So we need our system to say the distance, the intensity and also, what color the light is." A projector hums, Daffner typing commands into the computer lines with computer codes scurry across the screen.

The creator of the world are aspiring Funny, they learn at Pixar University in California. It is a strahlendblauer spring day, but in Room 305, at the seminar for newcomers on the grounds of the film studios in Emeryville near San Francisco, remembers nothing of it. Curtains block the sun, because they are in the artificial lighting of the universe would only disturb.

In three series sit a dozen young women and men at long tables, in front of monitors, the designs of a digital landscape show. Technology and art of the hand: In a moment, everything revolves around file formats and instructions, next to the shadow patterns, surface textures and gradients.

"At Pixar to work has always been my dream"

Tanja Krampfert is today in the morning has come, "Ball Games" was still missing the final touch. The first exercise in the new film employers, because everything is right. "We are in the cinema", promulgated Daffner and knipst the light. The projector throws images of a small table lamp on the wall, with the rubber balls to play - sometimes it jumps through the area, sometimes with friends, at times it flits past the camera, sometimes they are hidden behind trees.

Every student has the task of a story with this table lamp to tell. Luxo Jr. Because history itself, he was the eponymous hero of the short film, with Pixar 1986 for the first time all eyes are turned on (the Oscar of the jury included). Until today, the Fidele Small jumps in front of every image through the film, makes the "i" in the Pixar logo and check platt pertly to the audience.

At the moment, Luxo Jr. flabbergasted shaking his head. From left to right, from all sides jump balls to him - not playing with them, they play with him. Krampferts classmates laugh. "Very nice," says Daffner, Brandet to applause. "The animation and timing are excellent." The 32-year-old German radiates. Recently sat Krampfert for Wallace & Gromit in England, designed to stunt the renowned figures Aardman studios in Bristol. But then, completely unexpectedly, the call from California: Do you want us to start?

"Technical Director" should be more you have not told her - but that already passed. "At Pixar to work has always been my dream," says Krampfert. "Unterm Christmas was every year a Pixar DVD or a book on computer animation." Now it has three weeks to absorb knowledge of what they need to help one of the most successful film studios in the world to play their role.

A university as a playground for new ideas

Pixar stands for "Toy Story," "Finding Nemo," "Wall-E" and half a dozen other classics of modern cinema. For over 20 years show the Californians their audience, small or large, how much fun you can prepare computers - if they are properly white. And while other Hollywood studios in their sag and failures have Pixar has yet not a single flop landed on the canvas.

One of the reasons because there is no doubt Randy Nelson, the hotel's own university. "Most companies are limited to job training," says the dean of Pixar University. "But training goes deeper - it is a long-term investment in people. And people are our most important asset."

In Hollywood, he says, are mostly ideas - which means money, with which one can act. At Pixar, on the other hand had all the creative freedom, to have something new to discover their own limits to break through. Only then can the Fun Factory reliably produce hits. "The university is a wonderful playground for new ideas," says Nelson, "and it is enormously valuable as a laboratory. Someone who is usually quite inconspicuous, shows in a course may lead."

As Nelson was 1997 to Pixar, had the young movie studio a few hundred employees and tried to separate the growth in railways to steer. "The challenge was not just the next film to overcome, but an unlimited number of movies - continued to be creative," says Nelson, a bustling mid-face with narrow and wide grin. He was at an early age on Broadway juggler and speaks with wider issue of gestures, as if he thought could better capture. "A company full of people who always continue to learn, is hard to beat," says the academy boss. "An innovative program you can save money. This is all by itself."

German shoe thrower acquitted.

2009-06-02T21:40:00.000-07:00

The German PhD student, who because of a shoe thrown at China's Prime Minister Wen Jiabao was in court, does not in prison and no fine paid. About the protest in Cambridge ruled the judge had mild and J. Martin with an admonition that come out.

The German shoe throwers Cambridge remains unpunished. After two days of negotiations, the Court saw no sufficient evidence for the accusation of the prosecutor, that Martin J. throw his shoe to the Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao did want to harm.

The prosecution had him for public disorder, insults and accused of calling for violence. At the hearing, said the 27-year-old doctoral student with a calm voice: "I wanted to symbolically against the presence of Chinese Prime Minister to protest. And I wanted solidarity with the people in China show that in the speech not occurred."

The young man had this responsibility that he, 2 February, during a speech by Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao in the English university town a shoe in the direction of Wen had thrown. The attack was an act of resistance against the Chinese Government, said Martin J. The shoe had missed the prime minister.

Warning by the judge

To launch the process on Monday had reiterated the prosecutor, J. had to throw his shoe to limit the permitted protest exceeded. Shouts and whistles of the doctoral students at Wen's visit to the University of Cambridge could be "lawful protest" to anticipate the shoe throwing, however, was an aggressive act, the prosecutor argued.

Critics accused the prosecutor that they had with their sharp indictment
China to behave submissive to foreign policy to smooth waves. Wen, however, had a few days after the fact for mercy for the Germans asked. "Training is the best help for a young student," was the Prime Minister on the Chinese Ambassador in London transmitted. "It is hoped that the university students the opportunity to continue his studies."

For sentencing Judge Ken Sheraton said to the German doctoral handily: "You leave the court with an acquittal, but with a warning for your future behavior." In the case of a conviction within the meaning of the indictment J. Martin had six months' imprisonment and a fine of 5780 euros converted threatened.

The candidate had already at a VoranhÃ¶rung in February as
"not guilty" means. "I am obviously the Iraqi shoe throwers inspiration", he said the aggressive protest campaign. An Iraqi television reporter in mid-December 2008 had his shoes in a similar attack on the former U.S. President George W. Bush in Baghdad thrown. The journalist Muntasar Al Saidi was initially for three years in prison, was now the penalty is reduced to one year.

"I wanted to not make an idiot out of myself"

The German was in his protests called in English: "How can the university for this dictator prostitute? How can you listen to the lies that he tells? Stand up and protest!" One of his feelings during his loud heckling during the speech Wen J. Martin says: "I had hoped to publish full sentences and not an idiot out of me to do. And I was worried that I get from the other niedergebrÃ¼llt could be." After the shoe throwing, he was removed from folders.

As the defendant states he had before his vociferous protest the shoes off. When he thought the speech by the Government was too late, he Krach beaten. As no one in the protest einstimmte and he saw that he should be removed, he had thrown the shoe. After he had his own view, despite the cold winter weather, his only extra-lightweight sneakers dressed. In addition, he is far to the back of the auditorium in order to better be able to be heard.

In the police report that shortly after the deed had been recorded, had shown the German surprised that nobody in the room was connected to his protest. He also told the police that he had the shoe on the stage and not to want to throw themselves Wen.

J. researching the tradition of University of Cambridge and is working on a biomedical immunology project. After the end of the process, leaving his lawyer make a statement by Martin J. "I hope that the attention now goes from me back to real issues of human rights in China," it says.

Process kick behind bulletproof glass.

2009-06-01T19:06:00.000-07:00

Between Posse and politics: Because he is a shoe in accordance with the Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao accused, a German PhD student at Cambridge before the court - behind bulletproof glass.

Cambridge - Ken Sheraton looks as if he had bitten a lemon. Probably, the magistrate court judge at the English university city of Cambridge prefer the radiant spring sun-sit.

AP
Security man with the corpus delicti: Shoe on Prime

Instead, the Sheraton in the negotiating room 4 a procedure guide, which is about lofty things like expression and demonstration of freedom as well as to tangible economic interests of the UK trading nation. At least does the air-conditioning.

On the dock, from the rest of the courtroom separated by bulletproof glass, sits the German PhD student Martin J., 27, in dark suit and tie. "Please understand that I can say nothing now," he blogs online said before negotiations start. A question of court servant, he answered "yes", otherwise, the narrow laconic German - very different than on that February evening, which is relevant in today's hearing goes.
Because he interrupted the speech of the Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao at the elite university with a whistle from his whistle, and protested: "This is a scandal. How can the university for this dictator prostitute?"

"Threatening and abusive behavior"

In the courtroom, the scene shown in the many Chinese in the audience the protesters quickly niederschrien. Then Martin J. withdrew the gray Adidas shoe from the left foot and threw him in the direction of the speaker and the Treter landed about a meter away from the podium. This behavior - apparently a copy of the Iraqi journalists, the former U.S. president George Bush with both shoes beworfen had - according to indictments is "threatening or abusive behavior" which, in the worst case, to six months imprisonment and 5000 pound fine. In addition, Martin J. his place at the world famous elite university lose.

At the first hearing is certainly not to the motives of the shoe thrower nor the human rights violations of communist dictatorship. In the dock - at least in a figurative sense - is the prosecutor. You must be defended against the suspicion that she had only reason the prosecution pushed to the Chinese leadership to do a favor. Same as the first witness is competent district prosecutor heard. It must explain why the German doctoral students, the process is done - after all, argued the defender, but was recently in London, an eco-Protestlerin the economy minister Peter Mandelson green food color into his face and was thrown with a warning like this come. They could say nothing, Punam Milhan explained: "Each case is subject to individual assessment."

Is there a public interest in the case?

It had also Milhan consider whether public interest in the condemnation of the Germans there. It affirmed the district prosecutor. Was there political influence? "Categorically no," said the prosecutor: communication with the government in London did not. Not more than with the law firm acting on behalf of the Chinese Embassy is working.

Their employees have diligently worked on the first hearing the same two Chinese students to speak as witnesses, whose statements weeks after the protest on the record have been taken. Brav say Honan Tongyan Wang and Lee, they were disturbed by J. Martin, and even felt a little threatened. "And yet you let him out of sight?" asks incredulously of the defenders, as Wang admits that he did not throw the shoe not seen.

As Judge Sheraton looks again as if he wanted to be better somewhere else. Including the entire effort? Usually takes care of the university disciplinary offenses to their students. Brav, the biochemist, the Pathology Institute is working with the Chinese ambassador in London apologized: he had "no intention, the Chinese people to insult." The accusation, Wen Jiabao when they were a dictator, let Martin J. unmentioned - the fall in the UK under the freedom of expression.

Devote attention to China

The Vice-Chancellor Alison Richard did not, however, to Devote to the high guest missing. After studying each year at least 600 Chinese in Cambridge, and their tuition fees are significantly higher than the contributions, the British and EU students pay. In the 800th Anniversary year of the institution is trying more intensively Cambridge students from Hong Kong to win. An enduring resentment of the Communist rulers want the university responsible, nor provoke the British government under Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who is also writing with Wen Jiabao apologized.

Much suggests that judges Sheraton and therefore be accused in the courtroom to braise them. The hearing will still persist until Wednesday.

Hart celebrate early.

2009-05-31T21:46:00.000-07:00

It has much the same as the English Patina jewelry Oxford or Cambridge: Trinity College in Dublin is one of Europe's Uni-pearls. But the tradition comes from the Irish so much more relaxed after the lecture go to the pub. But woe, it's not the morning out of bed.

Maximum of seven millimeters long can be the grass. And no, of course, the sacred grass will not enter. So much needs to be rigorous, as is the Trinity College in Dublin, the famous models in
Oxford and Cambridge not.

Who the patina of the walls is estimated there will also showcase the Irish university like. The wood-paneled dining room of the cafeteria, for example: The would do well in a Harry Potter film. Most of the buildings are more than 200 years old, in between the meticulously groomed green. Anyone who comes home after midnight, the campus needs through a small door, under the strict gaze of the night porter.

This all belongs to the standard repertoire of Anglo-Saxon tradition of universities. But Trinity has more to offer. The German professor Juergen Barkhoff, since 14 years in Ireland, calls it simply "fun". And to appreciate the students from abroad, for the Barkhoff is responsible.

Philosophizing with studies of the oldest organization in the world

Fun pub on the campus where the students after her lecture final drink Guinness and Dublin look. Enjoy the newly built sports center with swimming pool, sauna and climbing wall. Intellectual pleasure the regular discussion evenings of Philosophical and Historical Society, the oldest student organizations in the world.

STUDENT-PISA

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And the pleasure of listening to the wall not on campus. Skip then ranks a pub to the next, in the cool months, burns in almost any fireplace fire. Anyone who comes alone, it is said here that not long remain alone.

It belongs to the particularities of Trinity College, that his students in the evening to celebrate violently - but the next morning up early. You must learn the requirements for the traditional university are high. The college, with its 15,000 students, according to one ranking of the British newspaper "Times" to the 50 best universities in the world. The professors know most of their names with Eleven, who in a lecture unexcused missing ever get an e-mail with a demand by the lecturers. For the historians, says JÃ¼rgen Barkhoff applies a seminar with about 20 students as overcrowded.

"The care at Trinity College is fantastic," says the German business student Sabrina Marks, 22 They usually studied in Regensburg, after Dublin, it is for one year as an Erasmus student came. Your professors, she says, they speak with first names, and most of them replied to emails within minutes. Also, the equipment of the library and computer rooms, rhapsodizes Marks was very good.

Tuition fees of 6,000 euros, Erasmus for free

So much luxury is expensive. The Irish government plans, therefore, now also available for bachelor's students tuition fees of up to 6000 euros a year to introduce. Master's candidates already paid, depending on the subject, from 5000 to 10,000 euros. This excludes - and remain - Erasmus students. You only pay the fees of their German university, ie in the first degree a maximum of 500 euros per semester.

UNIblogs 3 / 2009

TITLE
Fairly off
Uni-Kuehne Architecture makes learning beautiful

Content

This is life in the Irish capital, no bargain. A WG-room costs around 400 to 600 euros per month, a dinner in an ordinary restaurant about 30 euros.

One reason for high prices is the enormous economic growth over the past years, the country the nickname "Celtic Tiger" missed. Like no other nation, Ireland has benefited from the growing together of Europe and from the services and financial boom.

It was the Green Island was once the poor man of Western Europe. Hundreds of thousands emigrated, until in the seventies went das Overall, the population within two years from eight million to four million well shrunk. But the time the bloodletting is over, many young immigrants it attracted in the last decade in Ireland, now has 33 years here with the lowest average age in Europe. Outside the gates of Trinity College is visible, how much the country has changed. On Grafton Street, there are expensive boutiques, hip bars all around, and many big cars barely fit on the narrow streets.

Parents must pay tuition fees.

2009-05-29T19:26:00.000-07:00

Students who have support from their parents will be allowed to impose extra tuition. This was decided by the Oberlandesgericht Koblenz. However, the parents before the beginning of semester to be informed - subsequently introduced will not do.

Who more than 18 years old and in training, has continued to support claims of his parents. Tuition covers the maintenance but not with that decided the Oberlandesgericht (OLG) Koblenz in a ruling known on Friday. Rather, it is the opinion of the judges called a legal dependents increases to the maintenance of the parent must pay an additional (reference: 11 UF 519/08).

The court granted the application so that a student against her biological father instead. He had refused, for the tuition fee amounting to 602 euros per semester needs. He was of the opinion that the applicant should address it from the usual maintenance fund.

The court saw the matter differently. However, the judge hearing the applicant was only partly right. Because they had until after the beginning of the study fees at the father demanded. Retroactive to be absorbed after the decision not to pay. The increased maintenance requirements should be much longer before the semester begins proceedings.

Failed lawsuit against tuition fees.

2009-05-28T23:20:00.000-07:00

They demanded the complete abolition of the tolls campus - but students, the Greens and the SPD with its action on the Bavarian Constitutional Court failed. The right of individuals to higher education will not be violated, the charges were allowed, so the judges.

University students in Bavaria have a report that continues up to 500 euros per semester to pay tuition fees. The action of students, Greens and the SPD, the abolition of fees wanted to achieve, failed, as the "SÃ¼ddeutsche Zeitung", relying on a ruling of the Bavarian Constitutional reported.

DPA
Demonstration in mid-May in Munich: charging opponent with plea failed

From the perspective of constitutional judges is that the tuition fees is not a "disguised tax" or an "undue special levy," it is said, according to the newspaper in a written verdict. The right of individuals to higher education will not hurt, therefore, stressed the judges.

The equality is guaranteed, since the collection of contributions due to soft loans and exemptions was socially. 24 percent of students were exempted from contributions. The court and the Bavarian Ministry of Science on Thursday evening was not reachable for an opinion.

At the end of April were already students of the University of Paderborn with its action against general tuition failed. The Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig has ruled that the fees did not infringe the constitutionally guaranteed principle of free work and study election violated.

The tuition expectations in the opinion of the judges is not contrary to the Constitution nor international law against the major UN social pact. That was the accusation of Paderborn students. The fees were not only socially unjust, they argued, but not with the Constitution and the UN Social Pact.

In mid-February was a further complaint against the campus toll in Baden-Wuerttemberg failed: The Administrative Court of Baden-WÃ¼rttemberg (VGH) determining that the local universities may continue to raise tuition fees. The fees were constitutionally and socially, judged the top administrative judges in the country.

In particular, the charges with the Basic Law guarantees professional and educational programming freedom because every state loans study Willigen higher education initiatives. The right to higher education for everyone is not entitled to a free study. Had sued a student of the Pedagogical University in Freiburg, as well as three students from the University of Karlsruhe

Prosecutor determined against Goettingen University employees.

2009-05-26T20:34:00.000-07:00

The Academe state research funds will be used improperly and partially which it has. Because of these allegations now determined the prosecutor. The authority looks after a first report of the DFG fraud suspicion.

In the affair of serious irregularities in million grant applications at the University of GÃ¶ttingen now determined the prosecutor. Because of the suspicion of the attempted fraud and embezzlement is employee of the university against a formal procedure has been initiated, informed a spokesman of the GÃ¶ttinger investigative authority.

DPA
Academe: Prosecutor determined against employees

Cause of the investigation was an initial investigation report by the German Research Foundation (DFG), which had been. It follows an initial suspicion against the scientists, said home gardeners. The prosecutor expects more reports of the DFG. Details of the allegations and the relevant researchers wanted the speaker does not mention.

The DFG has reviewed a quarter, as it happened, that scientists at the University of the resources of the research community is not properly used. In early May, the University of GÃ¶ttingen to a report from the blogs
massively in the criticisms. The news magazine has learned that funding from the DFG in the Sonderforschungsbereich 552 "border zone of stability of tropical rain forests in Indonesia" have been deliberately misrepresented: In September 2007, the university Kassensturz before and noted that 150,000 euros were left to the DFG had returned must. According to information blogs were simply several employees from other fields on the payroll of the tropics Researchers set.

In addition, 16 scientists from the same area in a grant application to the DFG false information about publications, and partly invented Publications.

In addition to DFG and the prosecutor's office is also the University itself, the allegations enlighten. University President Kurt von Figura had before the Science Committee of the Lower Saxony parliament announced that he wanted to examine the misconduct of researchers in relation to publications made in the first half concluded. Then, should the use of research funds to be reviewed.

It is unclear so far whether and, if so, how deeply the university administration in the DFG is entangled affair. At a meeting of the head of the finance department with a staff member of the Collaborative Research Center was established in November 2007, according to a memo argued that the future president of Figura "no irregularities let them" be. At the same time but was "willing to finance department, the CRC word and deed to stand, even what 'creative resources' concerns, because the tax is interested, no money to the DFG need to give back."

This confronts said Uni-President of Figura: "The false impression is characterized by a reckless wording emerged that an employee of the CRC in a note about a call made."
He rejected opposite ONLINE blogs also, however, that he or the university "any irregularities could go through." It had at no time "tricks at the expense of DFG" where.

The President of the University of GÃ¶ttingen announced meanwhile, also working legally proceed against employees who want to where during the test, evidence of misconduct arise.

President-elect shall not in office.

2009-05-25T20:26:00.000-07:00

It should be the end of a turbulent year - but the KU EichstÃ¤tt-Ingolstadt is again without a president since the beginning of May chosen Reinhard HÃ¼tter is not taken up his post. The Catholic Church in Bavaria would not meet its conditions.

The only three weeks before the newly elected president of the Catholic University of EichstÃ¤tt-Ingolstadt, Reinhard HÃ¼tter, enters his office not entirely surprising.

The Freisinger, the Bishops' Conference as a carrier of the university. We have "talks ahead despite no agreement on conditions for the coming HÃ¼tter achieved." The press release of the Bishops' Conference has also been posted on the KU EichstÃ¤tt-Ingolstadt published.

Scott Faber
The elected president Reinhard HÃ¼tter should have demanded too much

"That was a surprise for the university," said a Unisprecher blogs ONLINE. HÃ¼tter was on 6 May 2009 from the KU-University with 13 out of 16 votes were elected. The spokesman said that the University Council on 4 June with the deal will proceed. The Catholic University succeeds since roughly a year, a new president to find.

HÃ¼tter The cancellation was a "disaster," said Bishop Gregory EichstÃ¤tter Maria Hanke of the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. "The reasons revealed no coherent picture," said the bishop, and pointed to "excellent" references for the candidate.

The Bishops' Conference Freisingerstrasse had "requested by HÃ¼tter not accept personal terms" - and although "for the protection of KU," said in the statement. Among the conditions were "far-pension assets and the establishment of an endowed professorship is one of the 50-year-old HÃ¼tter" after the expiry of the presidency until his retirement should be guaranteed ". This would, according to Episcopal Conference "massive impact on the financial resources of the entire university bear fruit."

EichstÃ¤tt bishop appealed to veto candidates

According to the Bishops' Conference is now a new election of the President is required. Until this election should be the interim position will be filled again, it was said.

The theologian HÃ¼tter was on Monday afternoon for blogs ONLINE can not be reached. He currently teaches at Duke University in Durham (USA) and is vice president of the Academy of Catholic Theology. "

Almost exactly a year ago, the Bishop Hanke EichstÃ¤tter the appointment of Ulrich Hemel as the new President with his veto prevented. The theologian and former top executive was previously the University with a clear majority was elected.

Before No. of Hanke was known that the Vatican refuses Hemel. Hemel life - the clergyman is married for the third time - and his critical attitude toward Pope Benedict XVI as a background were suspected of resistance. Hemel criticized
In an interview with online blogs, we did not provide him with reasons and any "no chance left, a relationship of trust."

Bishop Hanke widened after his veto Hemel his participation at the KU officially: For any future presidential election he secured an indirect pre-law - he must, the list of candidates to view and delete names. The University agreed.

Catholic Church wants durchregieren

Shortly after the failed candidacy of the former Hemel was chancellor of the University, Gottfried Freiherr von der Heydt, on leave with immediate effect. The Senate chairman MaximilianstraÃŸe fox came out of his office back.

In November, the Bavarian bishops for renewed controversy at the University: Although they announced that every year 1.3 million euros in addition to the regular budget of the fund goes to university. At the same time, Bishop Hanke, however, the influence of the Catholic Church on the university to expand - suggesting harsh criticism from students and teachers met. The bishops want a higher profile of the university as a Catholic educational institution: "This profile does not only mean the Confessional," said the Archbishop Reinhard Marx of Munich. Rather, this means profiling, "from the horizon of the Christian faith" science activities.

The Catholic University of EichstÃ¤tt-Ingolstadt is unique in the German language area. The university has eight faculties at present, about 50 subjects taught. The approximately 4,600 students from 120 professors and more than 200 scientific staff supervised. The University is approximately three-fourths of the state of Bavaria, a district of the Bavarian bishops funded.

By phone Joker by Eastern Europe.

2009-05-25T19:24:00.000-07:00

You are at the borders of Europe have gone - and to their own. You have gestaunt and argued, haggled and celebrated. 16 Leipziger students hitchhiked through the new EU member states. On blogs they tell ONLINE right politicians, and the benefits Krisengewinnlern Polish milk bars.

From campaigning for the European Parliament, the reporter mephisto 97.6, the local radio station of the University of Leipzig, not much noticed, with their tramp trip through Eastern Europe. In the big cities were a few posters and the info centers in the EU were poorly attended, and candidates sometimes desperately tried to voters closer to the European Union. Like the Germans seems to be the majority of new EU citizens not for the Parliament in Strasbourg and Brussels to be interested.

Nevertheless, the Leipzig students gained deep insights into the life in the Baltics, Poland and the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Slovenia. They found: Since the EU enlargement in 2004, the new member countries, a lot. At that time, ever Leipzig Radio Reporter losgetrampt to the prejudices and fears towards the new EU states to meet. Five years later met the Leipzigers to a new understanding between East and West and between tradition and future.

Team Poland had been ill for a brief week in Germany. The remaining teams were allowed two weeks only hitch to move, had a place to sleep every night and had to organize with language difficulties. On blogs ONLINE Tramper now looking back on their trips to the East and tell a typical story from each country.

Walking between the worlds.

2009-05-22T19:24:00.000-07:00

They are young, motivated and push into Europe: Rose breeders and young politicians, and students Kneipiers in the new EU member states are oriented to the West - without the East to blame. 16 students from Leipzig Europe's borders and explore the lifestyle of a generation.

Located in the Euro-election campaign by traveling reporters mephisto 97.6, the local radio station of the University of Leipzig, criss-crossed by the new EU member states: two weeks through the Baltic States, Poland and the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Slovenia. Hereby it is not simple: The students may only hitchhike, train and bus are prohibited. Hotels and hostels are also taboo, the Leipzig need every day looking for a new berth and private accommodation.

Thus the students get a different look at the countries and meet people who do not normally occur in the media. With the project to make it to a tramp-trip from the year 2004. At that time, shortly after the EU's eastward expansion was already Leipzig Radio Reporter losgezogen to tackle fears and prejudices against the new EU states to do so.

Now once again report on Leipziger Tramper blogs ONLINE from the life of the new EU citizens. They take it to a Latvian student with Russian roots and a strong sense of Europe, cross the Hungarian-Serbian border, and experience the arduous campaign of a 24-year-old Romanian Parliament for Europe first hand.

Flying visit in the Roma ghetto.

2009-05-21T19:12:00.000-07:00

Between bottomless frustration and glorious plans: The Roma are a scattered million people which is never quite it. Leipziger students meet with their tramp trip to Eastern Europe by members of the largest minority in the EU - and learn why people with Hindi among Roma land.

Located in the Euro-election campaign by traveling reporters mephisto 97.6, the local radio station of the University of Leipzig, criss-crossed by the new EU member states: two weeks through the Baltic States, Poland and the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Slovenia. There are strict rules: Students may only hitchhike, train and bus are taboo. Hotels and hostels are also prohibited, the Leipzig need every day anew in a place the residents are looking for.

So take it to people who are not normally in the media, and get another view of the country. With the tramp trip they make to a project from the year 2004. At that time, shortly after the EU's eastward expansion was already Leipzig Radio Reporter losgetrampt to the fears and prejudices against the new EU states to meet.

Now once again report on Leipziger Tramper blogs ONLINE. Teams make three totally different encounters with the largest minority in the European Union: the Roma. Eight to ten million live according to estimates in the European Union, most of them in Eastern Europe. Team Slovakia allegedly visited Roma only professional theater in the world, the Czech Republic team is talking with a family in a house Pilsener Roma on prejudices and Hungary team meets in the Roma ghetto of Szeged to Attila, who alone in a cottage signal resides.

With the plush crocodile on the gay parade.

2009-05-20T20:34:00.000-07:00

Also in Riga are homosexuals on the street. At the time of their parade "Baltic Pride" under the supervision they need to celebrate. The Hitchhiker's Guide 16 Leipziger students explore the new EU member states - and make a special experience in border no-man's-land between Slovenia and Croatia.

Located in the Euro-election campaign by traveling reporters mephisto 97.6, the local radio station of the University of Leipzig, criss-crossed by the new EU member states: two weeks through the Baltic States, Poland and the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Slovenia. The strict rules: Students may not train or bus, hitchhike only is permitted. Hotels and hostels are also taboo, the Leipzigers looking every day anew in a place the inhabitants.

To get the students another view of the country and meet people who are not normally in the media spotlight. With the tramp trip they make to a project from the year 2004. At that time, shortly after the EU's eastward expansion was already Leipzig Radio Reporter losgetrampt to the fears and prejudices against new EU member states to meet.

Now once again report on Leipziger Tramper blogs ONLINE from the life of the new EU citizens. You and discuss poker in a Hungarian village youth club, discover an alleged piece of Slovenia on the Croatian territory to attend a gay parade in Riga and ask for the leftovers of the Romanian revolution of 1989.

When a patient is really sick?.

2009-05-20T19:30:00.000-07:00

The University of Kiel distrusts their students and want's to know exactly: it just tweaks in the knee, or the student is bedridden? A standard certificate is not enough - who missed a test, seeks to revoke his doctor confidentiality. Student representatives are outraged.

Who is sick, can not write test - where are the student representatives and the Bureau of the Christian-Albrecht University in Kiel, just agree. But: When you are sick enough to cancel an examination and she later completed? And: How much should the university know about the sick to get to form their verdict? At this point there is discord instead of harmony between university management and students at the Kiel Fjord.

Corbis
True or tiefenentspannt sick? The University may ask - with (almost) all the means

Moreover, if an illness is bad enough to make an assessment to be absent, is not just a doctor to decide - this is the university's Bureau. The Examination must determine who is healthy enough for a test. This, however, need more detailed information from the Office a doctor.

The form, which the university for this purpose to the students, still requires much more than an ordinary sick leave. The university is obviously assume that their doctors always studying patients from complacency inability attest audit. Therefore, the physician should submit a statement. The particulars are ...

the name of the disease "(with the addition of" optional ")
"Symptoms / type of power reduction"
whether the disorder temporarily (including "expected duration") or permanently (and since when it exists)
whether from a medical perspective a significant effect on performance exists "- with the words:" fluctuations in the daily form of stress testing and the like are no significant adverse effects "

The Kiel Asta finds this appalling practice and criticized the university forced the students to a "soul striptease before the examination." The student representatives are calling the "disrespectful management practice" and more on trust must be set.

We just wanted to "test all students equal opportunities allow" and "injustice and abuse possible to exclude," says the University and on the other hand, is certainly so in the spirit of the students to act. The procedure is also not new. Already "several years" to use this form and are in accordance with law and order.

Data protector "not thrilled"

This is confirmed by the Schleswig-Holstein Thilo Weichert DPO. 1996, the Federal Administrative Court in the matter of medical examination determined that precise demands of offices in student illness was legitimate. Nevertheless, Weichert form of "not enthusiastic" and considers it "politically problematic data. The Examination is a field in a university, the medical information and could not do this data then keep for years.

Now is certainly not for every disease for a simple cold, a gastro-intestinal flu or a broken hand. There are many possible cases in which students have a legitimate interest in ensuring that no one at the university familiar details - neither the precise diagnosis or the symptoms from which you look at the disease may include retroactive.

Should an audit around them know that a psychology student occasionally suffers from depression? The fact that the would-be doctor is a sexually transmitted disease, or captured, the future jurist was addicted to drugs? That the sport student anorexia have to deal with, the economists HIV-infected, or that the engineer has multiple sclerosis?

"The student is pregnant" - Oops!

Such findings are strongly in the intimate and embarrassing. You could also affect the career prospects - for example if a student is a student assistant job or applying for an examination candidate seeking an academic career, possibly at the same university, which it examines. Of course, each university would always swear that info from the Examination never, never, never passed on or are getratscht. Indians honor the sacred word. But: Will you be as a student genuinely leave German universities since the data often
quite nonchalant handle?

Where juggling with private information can lead, shows a breakdown on the "taz" reported: At the Berlin Humboldt University (HU) have an audit committee chairman of a round-mail to the Institute written distributors - and in a subordinate clause ausposaunt that a student was pregnant. Big Oops. A happy event, but one that nobody at the university have a stake. HU student representatives now gather signatures calling for an end to the medical data.

Students are protected as intellectual curiosity bad workers. Whether a student or an examination schwÃ¤nzt really sick, if an employee makes or blue with complaints battling evil - such questions should always be clarified by courts, says Weichert. He sees a certain imbalance between labor and student life. For employed persons regulate dozens of meticulously rules what is allowed and what is not - it hardly matters remain open.

Tender notice: do you say No, you fall through

Generally employees are obliged to inform the employer to report for work and by demonstrating a medical certificate. And of course they can not feign illness. The employer has no right to the exact reason of the incapacity to experience - neither the employees nor the doctor, because the diagnosis is covered by the confidentiality obligation. Deviations from this general rule is only in special cases, under strict conditions.

When the test is different, a Uni can blithely questions. Interesting on-up "Medical clearance" of the University of Kiel is especially the fine print: There is not enough that the doctor examining inability attest, there is. Because the student must participate in the clarification, it was necessary, "if necessary, the treating physician of the duty to relieve."

PDF Download: clearance form the University of Kiel

The candidate could refuse consent although, it says further. But then could a test for "not sufficient" to be explained. The note shows the candidates for the case of non-cooperation the same time the instruments of torture: no one can ever say - and then fail. "Quite voluntarily, that is not," says Weichert data protectors.

Not just a nuisance Weichert unease, even the university schlingert now a little. In a hasty press release on Tuesday is in bold: "The doctor will not be relieved of its confidentiality." The passage, however, is further evidence on the official form, including the possible lifting of secrecy. And this applies to form, said the university ONLINE blogs on demand.

"Release of Confidentiality should be maintained"

Weichert says he criticize the past two years, the clearance procedures of the university - where it says you are so occupied for several weeks. Due to an internal discussion, the Board on 29 April, together with student representatives decided that in June a new form to use. There is currently working jointly with the students, said a university spokeswoman blogs ONLINE.

To do it is by no means agreed to insure student representatives. In the Central Study Committee had requested that the end of April, to introduce certificate forms, "to refrain from medical data," said the student committee member Benjamin Raschke blogs ONLINE. Although the professors have pledged to use the forms to work, "the exemption from the duty and the indication of sensitive data such as symptoms of disease but should be maintained."

With students and Asta parliament had no discussions since then, so Asta-Officer Anne Spall. So far, only individual faculties, the controversial form in case of illness required. In the summer but could now form in order to review and for the entire university will be introduced, they feared. How exactly the new form should look like, was the university press office does not answer. For questions or an opinion on Tuesday was not a Board Member to speak.

Killer Questions for wannabe Schlau Meier.

2009-05-19T20:28:00.000-07:00

Who is Germany's most expensive painter in Europe and most powerful men - and where is again Kenya? ONLINE blogs shows questions where the student-participants Pisa desperate. Did you know?

The test was student of Pisa, but that could not scare Ilse Rasmussen. 79 years old she is old, since 17 years in retirement, their students is a long time back. But why not just join?

Ilse Rasmussen reader: "Greetings from the prairie"

The pensioner had her joy: "The PISA test was fun and I thank you for the opportunity to be able to see that I am after all the rest totally rusted'm not," she writes the Mirror editorial staff - and includes her e - mail "Yours sincerely, from the prairie."

Rasmussen is in Germany and has lived for more than half a century in Wichita in the U.S. state of Kansas. The PISA questions shocks do not. "History was not particularly difficult, because I (unfortunately!) Have witnessed a lot of them," Rasmussen wrote. Geography and science were her always easy. The questions about film and television have their problems because they avoid both. "At worst, I found it, the photos of certain people to identify them. I always think that politicians are somehow equal. Psssst! :-)"

What knowledge counts when everything just a click away?

So it is therefore their old head, Rasmussen writes. The secret of their success they also reveal: "In the morning reading blogs online, then I always know what is happening in the world is going on, here's before we see on TV." Rasmussen has long worked as a teacher and like a non-conceal: their disappointment over the performance of younger participants.

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It should not be necessary, eight decades of history on your own life experience to have to adapt some of the facts, "says the 79-year-olds. "If Google and Wikipedia as a role play? If it is unnecessary to have anything in mind to have when the knowledge 'just a click away?"

This is one of the exciting questions which the students PISA test of blogs and studiVZ raised. It is probably the biggest test of general knowledge that it ever has in Germany. More than 1.5 million times, he was on the pages of blogs ONLINE invited to more than 600,000 people tried in 45 questions from the five areas of knowledge
Politics,
History,
Economy,
Science and
Culture.

The results reported in the blogs in detail in its latest edition. "It's amazing how such appalling", the magazine is located. The article also discussed the issue, the Ilse Rasmussen arises: What is knowledge worth today? The educational researcher Ulrich Trautwein, a professor in TÃ¼bingen, said in the report, blogs, why you have a little clue should have: "Without knowledge only criticism is annoying and stupid."

For younger school knowledge score of participants

But what were the hardest and the easiest tasks? ONLINE blogs presents a hit list: five very easy questions for more than three-quarters of all participants were able to answer, and five special difficult issues to more than three-quarters of the participants failed.

From Barroso on beer bottles to the Minister of Education - in the photo gallery you can see the list of popular errors and the known truths.

Once the overall results in numerous rankings were compared, an analysis of individual responses is now also the strengths and weaknesses of certain groups of participants. Younger people generally cut some worse than older, in a typical school knowledge but they are superior. About: What is the sum of the interior angles of a triangle? 89 percent of the participants under 20 years, typed in the correct answer (180 degrees) - such a good value reached no other age group.

editor blogs is the discussion

On average, participants had 24.5 of the 45 questions to answer, or roughly half. Women students in cutting-Pisa worse than men, on average, they sparked 21.5 questions correctly, however, men 26.5. Older participants scored higher than younger, reached peak values in addition to the retired and the doctoral students. They came in the middle of 30 correct answers, to 26 students.

In which subjects are particularly many Schlau Meier assemble the tables below. The complete circuit to cope with error-free, which was only 26 of over 600,000 participants - that is just 0.0043 percent.

The results of the students discussed Pisa blogs editor Mark Verbeet this week on the
Pages of the partner studiVZ. He presents several questions of studiVZ users: on Tuesday (11-14 clock, clock 20-22) and Thursday (15-17 clock, 20-22 clock).

Here you will find all the questions and answers from the five areas of knowledge. Get a coffee, leave your brain vorglÃ¼hen, you grant your knowledge Discontinued:

Politics --
From the "German Autumn" to the "axis of evil"

Why young Americans to leave Prague.

2009-05-19T19:24:00.000-07:00

Lange led Americans into a life of Prague, Bohemia, now the EU is in the escape. 16 Leipziger students hitchhike through Eastern Europe. You encounter alien worlds and bizarre tales - some of Nadija, the night officially no longer existed.

Located in the Euro-election campaign by traveling reporters mephisto 97.6, the local radio station of the University of Leipzig, criss-crossed by the new member states: two weeks in the Baltics, Poland and the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Slovenia. There are strict rules: Students may only hitchhike, train and bus for the trip are prohibited. In hotels and hostels, they may also not have to stay and every day anew in a place the residents are looking for.

The Leipzig meeting so people who are normally not in the public eye, and get another view of the country. With the tramp trip they make to a project from the year 2004. At that time, shortly after the EU's eastward expansion was already Leipzig Radio Reporter losgetrampt to the fears and prejudices against new EU member states to meet.

Now once again report on Leipziger Tramper blogs ONLINE from the everyday life of the new EU citizens and of old problems. You can stay at a Slovene, because a law does not officially exist anymore, explore both sides of the Slovak EU external border with Ukraine, report by the exodus of many Americans exile from Prague and discover the idyllic mountain village, a Muslim in Bulgaria.

Fight the stereotypes.

2009-05-18T20:28:00.000-07:00

Why do the Slovaks suddenly the euro? Where to start in the Balkans? And tastes like rum from potatoes? 16 students from Leipzig hitch explore Eastern Europe. They argue and haggle, they celebrate and have fun. And they have to struggle with prejudice - especially with their own.

Five years after the EU's eastward enlargement and the middle of the campaign for the European Parliament travel reporter mephisto 97.6, the local radio station of the University of Leipzig, across Eastern Europe. Under difficult conditions they explore the Baltic States, Poland and the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Slovenia.

Because the trip is subject to strict rules: train and bus for the students are forbidden, they may only hitchhike. Hotels and hostels are also taboo, the Leipzig need every day anew in a place the residents are looking for.

HOTEL-QUIZ

[M] DPA; blogs ONLINE

As you make your bed, so one lives: a bad accommodation can be the whole holiday letting. Sometimes, however, is the hotel alone worth the journey. Do you know the most famous and finest hostels in the world? Test your knowledge in the hotel Bilderquiz.

So do the students during their journey through the new EU member states very close to the people approached. In the meetings and talks, they learn to know sides of the country, about which they previously knew nothing. With the tramp trip they make to a project from the year 2004. At that time, shortly after the EU's eastward enlargement,
were ever Leipzig radio reporter in the new member countries getrampt. In their reports, they wanted to the fears and prejudices against the ten new EU member states meet.

Even the tramp duo from 2009, with stereotypes and prejudices to fight - especially with their own. ONLINE reported on blogs, as they fought on the other hand, and they overcame.

Women Patzer, 26 Neunmalkluge triumph.

2009-05-18T19:26:00.000-07:00

More than 600,000 people did, but only 26 hit the big test of the knowledge blogs: The results of the students are surprisingly Pisa. Know more men than women, political triumph on lawyers and mathematicians - and the brightest students in Berlin.

At least in the beer bottle then knew almost every decision. Why they just burst in the freezer? Exactly 81 percent of the participants typed in the right of the four answers: because the liquid expands during freezing.

STUDENT-PISA

The Blog

How fit are you in politics and economy, how well do you know in culture, history and science from? Join us - and test it on your blogs ONLINE General Knowledge! more ...

The question comes from the biggest test of general knowledge, which is available in Germany has ever existed. Hundreds of thousands of people have in recent weeks, the knowledge test and dared the "students of Pisa" of blogs and studiVZ join. More than 1.5 million times the test was on the pages of blogs ONLINE called, over 600,000 people answered the questionnaire completely. Or at least tried it.

It was necessary to solve tasks in five areas of knowledge. Now, the results are available. And they show how hard the students had to crack Pisa. Only 26 people broke all tasks correctly, that is just 0.0043 percent of all participants.

One of them is Hendrik Hornbostel, 23: "I'm about to test studiVZ attention. Some questions I found relatively easy, others I was not so sure. The identification of birds and trees, I still most likely problems," OsnabrÃ¼cker said the business student.

Reinhard Zander, 61, graduated from the course with flying colors. "I stand against seven in the morning, read newspapers and then often look like the Internet," says the retired Essen. "The test has given me much, mainly because he not only multiple-choice questions were like the quiz shows in TV. The I look at only rarely. I always have a lot of value placed on factual knowledge. Maybe helped me. "

Why are the only women's poor results?

On average, participants answered 24.5 of 45 questions correctly, ie slightly more than half. In its current issue reports to the blogs in detail about the results and presents a ranking of universities and disciplines. The magazine also analyzes the findings, the editors of the most surprising: women cut in the "Student Pisa" worse than men. On average, they sparked 21.5 questions correctly, however, men 26.5.

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Therefore the question arises as to whether the sample was not representative of the questionnaire or not balanced. Or is factual knowledge as important for the test was easy for men to play a greater role? The article examines blogs to an answer.

Irrespective of gender is in any case: The older the participants were, the better cut it. Peak reached in addition to the retired and the doctoral students, they answered an average of about 30 questions correctly. The students, however, landed in less than 20 questions correct. And the students? More than 200,000 made with about one in ten students in Germany. They came in the middle to 26 correct answers.

As an upper Schlau Meier's policy turned out to students. They achieved the best result from the historians, the economics students and physicists. Very brave to be the educators and social workers: They landed at the last ranking of the study subjects. ONLINE blogs shows exclusive compartment for compartment in which academia, the brightest minds to study. For each of the 25 subjects, the students most likely to be chosen, there is a separate ranking (see below in the tables).

Gap between universities and disciplines

Thus in a university in the evaluation was, at least 50 students with the major of this university have participated. Colored marker to show whether the students of this university to the top group may include more or less than the total average landed. Dark green means absolute peak. Dark blue means very bad.

Serves as a benchmark the result that all university students from universities with over 1000 participants have achieved. The classification of groups was based on a recognized statistical procedure, a so-called t-test (0.5-percent significance level).

What of the results to be discussed blogs editor Mark Verbeet from Tuesday, 19 May 11 at the clock studiVZ partners. There is, inter alia, to the questions: Are such rankings are not totally dishonest? Why have education,
if it is Wikipedia? And how can the different performance of men and women? Of course, this is also an issue in blogs, online forum.

Those who participate in the test questions will try again, may be submitted to the quiz from blogs ONLINE mitmachen. There are every 180 tasks in the five areas of knowledge to see:
Politics,
Economy,
History,
And culture - see the bottle of beer --
Naturwissenschaften. In the original test was conducted after each participant an equal random selection of 45 difficult tasks presented. Among other politicians are able to identify the main cities to designate historical events and classify plants and animals to see.

Dice is tricky

The tasks had an editorial team of the blogs elaborated, the specialists from the editorial staff, the documentation department and the market belonged. For several hundred proposals, they chose the most exciting questions. These were from the Hamburg psychology professor Sabine Trepte in a pre-checked.

The beer bottles question proved to be relatively easy, far above many of the participants were able to answer. As an almost difficult question in the test turned out to be a different task from the field of science and mathematics. It reads: You roll two dice - how great is the probability that both dice show the same number?

The hit rates with a simple chance was not so small because there were four responses to choose from set (1 / 3, 1 / 6, 1 / 12, 1 / 36). But only 16 percent of all participants came to the right solution for 1 / 6. Also, the students performed on this issue by no means better.

After they serve in their personal evaluation of the outcome have been elucidated, some complained that even in the editorial blogs, because the supposedly too stupid to be arithmetic. They were in a small tutoring hour by e-mail elucidated. Who doubts unchanged and all mathematical statements of the result may not be interesting, which is probably only one thing - Kniffeln sufficiently extensive. So: At the dice, get set, go!

Here you will find all the questions and answers from the five areas of knowledge. Get a coffee, leave your brain vorglÃ¼hen, you grant your knowledge Discontinued:

Politics --
From the "German Autumn" to the "axis of evil"

The time has yet ....|| One day, a week verplempert without a single line of the seminar or exam work? With a few tricks can students the inner pig dog trick. Bring but not much, says a Berlin writer praises and joyful fatalism. Â The document on the laptop will simply not fill themselves. That is unfortunate, because there really should be, where the void yawns in a few weeks to almost 50 pages bachelor work. TMN Homework: Timing is everything But to start? Must be the same now? There are so many other important things to do. For example, the dishes, television, trash - and the shell holes still want to be stared air. This horror caught almost every student once. Or ever again. And it has a name: Aufschieberitis, the technical term Prokrastination. On the other hand, fighting is usually futile. This means at least Kathrin Passig, the author of a book with the promising title "get things regulated - without a spark of self-discipline." ! Has written the Berlin journalist and writer, the book together with Sascha Lobo. Both work in the network of the Central Intelligence Agency (ZIA) and understand themselves as part of the "digital Boheme." The phenomenon of Prokrastination encounter with a kind of cheery fatalism and acknowledge that they themselves the "black belt in the Move" bear. How about a need-to-do list? The book is Passig Lobo and eventually managed - from defense, "as they are in their Prokrastination blog write: "We want to give many people a voice to be made between the hardened fronts Ã¼berfleiÃigen work of animals and the idler allesablehnenden live." Not, however, they want the "lying around, the laziness or the deceleration 'prices. And also warn Prokrastination and depression to be confused. As a "feel-trick" recommended by the authors find, for example, "Not-to-do lists," the quasi karthatische effect may simply write down things, "the man is doing anyway, or an extr! emely hard fall." But if now tiresome seminar or thesis no ! longer a

2009-05-17T19:10:00.000-07:00

Uni staff to prison.

2009-05-15T20:26:00.000-07:00

In this chaos no one had the insight: An employee of the Foreign Office at the University of Trier had many millions of black running accounts and embezzled some 120,000 euros. In an unusual process, the district court imposed a prison sentence without parole.

From the mid-nineties until 2004, the staff of the International Office an extensive account system and hindurchgeschleust million, of which 120,000 Euros embezzled. The money, the university staff's investigation, according to the Associated Part for events such as group tours for students, but also for private purchases.

The court saw the Trierer evidence and sentenced the accused to a prison sentence of two years and four months without parole. Eight months of which are due over a long duration than enforced. The defense will appeal.

Wolfgang Lenders
Court records: meters of paper on the University of Trier Chaos

Rainer M. (name changed) is a creative person. One who is not working on the looks of the evening sometimes even longer stays or Sunday work, if need be. None of it through regulations constrict.

M. was successful, sunbathing, the University of Trier in his success. 2004, the Foreign Office Trierer project for the "excellent care of foreign students at German universities" from. M. had a care center for foreign students. Front, there was coffee, cocoa and tea, held back M. and student tutors from Sprechstunden.

The university knew little - or wanted to know little

M. The award was in Berlin in conjunction with the university vice-presidents opposite. But not considered how its employees use the money for the care center had. It had long been M. in a network of illegal transactions involved. That same year, he flew on, the university announced it summarily, for years identified the Prosecutor.

With a red head sat M. on Friday in the courtroom. He was visibly embarrassed, what comes to light. "I've accepted that I have taken private money, and I am ashamed of this," he had at an earlier court hearing said. When the prosecutor is now two years and nine months imprisonment demanded M. held hands before the court and looked down. He did the work of great joy, he said in a break. But he was simply not of the Chaos Lord has become longer.

He pushed money between accounts and forth, even the money for the care center came in part from accounts intended for other purposes in mind. There were, inter alia, rents and security deposits for dormitory rooms. About 220 rooms were rented and M. they are switched to foreign students. They paid for more than fellow students, their rooms directly from the student had hired. According to a statement, the M. in 2004, the Association of the counseling center, presented, he made the dorm rooms with an annual turnover of almost 470,000 euros and a profit of 19,500 euros - if the room even during the holidays to Course participants were rented.

Over the years ran millions of euros on the accounts of M., in the form of rents, security deposits, grants from the German Academic Exchange Service and student contributions to seminars - past the budget of the University of Trier, past the country's higher education fund. Some of the accounts had established M., others mid-nineties by his boss when Auslandsamt over. The first was in the eighties opened. A letter from the year 1988 indicate that the M. 's attorney presented the court said an employee of the university's budget department this procedure well. It was customary at that time as been said M. 's former boss as a witness in the process. "It has therefore led black cash?" Asked the lawyer. "If you like, yes," replied the witness.

Money diverted for Willy Brandt Biography and Porn

An accounting for the accounts had not M.. But until 2004 he discovered, examined the university administration does not even touch the account from which they knew. Then needed a university employee for one year to the accounts overview chaos sources.

Commercial infidelity in 138 cases and misappropriation of around 120,000 euros, was lastly, the indictment the prosecutor Trier. Payments of about 14,000 euros M. admitted first. Uncontroversial privately, for example, was the purchase of food, a Willy-Brandt-porn biography and folders. The had it in divesting from M. 's office found, said a university employee in court.

For the most part but it went to university for expenses related purposes. M. Sun organized group of foreign students, such as Prague and Vienna, for which there was no official promotion, travel for seniors and students at the University of Trier, such as Scotland or in the Lombardy - and thus losses.

The process revealed a shambles Chaos: M. reported from Prague money for a trip. Several thousand euros have been in a desk drawer to be placed, but were gone. Whether he is in the police complaint had asked the judge. "No," said M. sheepishly. The students still went to Prague, M. took the missing money from his accounts. They were mostly negative.

Prosecutor: "For the money I have three years to work"

M. was looking for a way out of the dismal situation. "I was clear from 2000 that everything is sitting on me. Hence the efforts of the care center," he said in the process. The Association should be appointed by him to convey the dorm rooms take on. But first, M. needed money to build the care center, among other things, he vouched for a private credit institution of the Association over 25,000 euros. But the bill did not go to the Association in the late 2004 bankruptcy. The center had to close the 25,000 euros M. must pay off.

Today, the University of Trier care center know nothing - a private affair of M., as a university employee in the process. Just as some groups of foreign students and senior students. Lack of control of the university acknowledged that sees but especially M. and his direct supervisor's responsibility and is against both claims raised. The amount was "substantial," said University Chancellor Klaus Hembach and quantified the damage at about 160,000 euros.

Rainer M. was sentenced to prison, finally without parole, slightly below the demand of the prosecutor of two years and nine months in prison "in order to earn 120,000 euros, I have three years work," says the plea. "Since seh" I do not understand why the accused not to be sitting in three years. " M. 's lawyer had a maximum penalty of two years on probation is required.

In the ruling the court followed largely the arguments of the prosecutor. Despite the chaos, it could not be anything to push the university: "It is not the atrocities committed in the fund - you can not push on overload," said the judge. Stark weight had fallen, that M. does not have attempted to repair the damage: "You have a character set times, so it just does not work."

The prison sentence will not accept M.. He will appeal against the sentence, his lawyer said immediately after the process.

Daumen raus - and from Eastern Europe.

2009-05-15T19:22:00.000-07:00

They go to the borders of Europe, even to their own. 16 Leipziger student travel hitchhike across the Far East. On blogs ONLINE report tramp Exchange, giving in the new EU states widerfÃ¤hrt - under difficult conditions.

For the students clear rules: train and bus are prohibited only hitchhiking is allowed. Hotels and hostels are also taboo, the Leipzig need every day anew in a place the residents are looking for. The 16 reporters of mephisto 97.6, the local radio station of the University of Leipzig, in two teams on the road. They travel to the Baltic states, Poland and the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Slovenia.

With the tramp trip they make to a project from the year 2004. At that time, shortly after the EU's eastward expansion was already Leipzig radio reporter in the
new member countries getrampt. In their reports, they wanted to the fears and prejudices against the ten new EU member states meet.

Meanwhile, much has changed: In Slovenia and Slovakia, for example, you pay with the euro, Bulgaria and Romania to the EU are newly added. For Leipzig, it is time to take stock: How has the EU's membership to the countries expected? How has it the life of the people changed?

Located in the election campaign for the European Parliament, the Leipzig students hitchhike up to Eastern Europe. Because of the special conditions of their journey they come into close contact with people in their countries and meet people, do not normally reported in the media would. Their stories they want to tell in the coming week also blogs ONLINE.

And these are the eight two-person team ...

Lisbon, sunny and sÃ¼ffig.

2009-05-13T19:22:00.000-07:00

Portuguese order ever pig ear salad or beef tongue. But otherwise, Lisbon is an enchanting city, the view on the Tagus azure highlights the same mood. Tilo Wagner knows where it is for students particularly relaxed or exciting way.

The sheltered estuary of the River Tagus, Lisbon is located at, it was already 2500 years ago by Phoenician traders as an ideal anchorage discovered. The pleasant climate and rich fishing grounds may have contributed to that in Lisboa successively the Romans, Visigoths and Moors settled before 1147, the Christians in control of the city won and the founding of Portugal driving.

The country successfully defended himself against claims of power of Castile. But Spain has become a difficult to overcome the barrier to Europe, why Portugal's relations with the world more linked than with the continent. Only after the Carnation Revolution in 1974, the nearly 50 years ruling clerical-fascist dictatorship of Salazar to an end, began the European integration. And a time of enormous social upheaval, as today is evident.

Greater Lisbon is one of the fastest growing cities in Europe. Today, over 3.5 million people between the Atlantic Ocean and the Tagus estuary. The population in the historical city limits shrinking, however, many vacant, decaying buildings in the Old Town show unsparingly the mismatch between the center and suburban settlements. Local politicians seek meanwhile, the historic building before the expiration to maintain the shape because the charm of the city is crucial.

Pleasure: Well, on foot and by train to the beach

In the baggage Lisbon Erasmus students may not be missing: comfortable, sturdy shoes. Over the hill moves it is best on two legs, and who on the abgewetzten nationwide typical white cobblestones not slip at every turn wants to respect preferred and non-slip rubber sole profile.

The yellow tram emblazoned as a symbol of the city on every tour brochure, but the little box is only suitable to comfortably through the city to manage. The most efficient public transportation is the subway. The network is not very big, but we achieved many important strategic locations.

Then it says: Running. Who in the subway near resident can accept the simple monthly ticket for 18,50 Euro and buy the expansion to bus and tram (28.10 euros per month) refrain, in the tough city traffic is not really fast forward and no exact departure times know.

Taxi rides are still pleasingly cheap, for small groups may be comfortable to ride directly in front of the door even cheaper than the bus. On the weekend attract the surrounding beaches: The easiest are the beaches of Cascais and Estoril to reach outward and return with the S-Bahn for â‚¬ 3.40.

The heart of the Old Town is the Rossio, one of four old buildings and the National Theater enclosed space. Who the obelisks between the two wells is large and looks south towards the Tagus, is on the left side of the castle with its huge pine trees on the city enthroned. It goes right through countless steps up to one of the seven hills, where the chic boutiques of Chiados to the bar and pub district Bairro Alto limitless. The University is about five kilometers from the city center and is located on the yellow metro line.

Academe pressure rises.

2009-05-12T20:30:00.000-07:00

"Creative Implementation" and "internal transfer lists": A memo brings GÃ¶ttingen Uni-President in ErklÃ¤rungsnot. Did Kurt von Figura longer of tricks with research funds? The University has the accusations back - their opinion raises new questions.

The scandal of publications and Finanztricksereien invented by scientists of the Sonderforschungsbereich (SFB) 552, University of GÃ¶ttingen device now President Kurt von Figura pressure: Internal documents, the blogs are available, lay the suspicion that the university administration for a long time about the illegal dealing of their tropical scientists with research grants, was informed.

DPA
Academe: Academic leadership under pressure

At a meeting of the head of the finance department with a CRC staff member was in November 2007, according to a memo discussed that the Uni-President will "no longer let irregularities" will. At the same time but was "willing to finance department, the CRC word and deed to stand, even what 'creative resources' concerns, because the tax is interested, no money to the DFG need to give back."

As a result of the meeting were not corrected false postings, but "internal (!) Rebooking lists" were introduced. With them were personnel and acquisition of other university institutes inconspicuously by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) SFB untergeschoben be funded.

Academe dismisses Allegations

From meeting minutes show that such tricks at the expense of the DFG by the General Board of the CRC have been approved. In this body is from the GÃ¶ttingen university leadership, the Head of Department for Strategic Research.

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On Monday the DFG responded blogs on the report and announced to verify that the Bureau of Academe in the year 2007 from the "illegal dealings of its tropical scientists with research grants," has known.

The Bureau of the University, the allegations in an opinion back from Saturday. The university had "in September 2007 having regard to possible problems with financial management in one part of the project SFBs at a participating university received" - ie not in his own house. The university has led to this investigation by a reputable auditing firm had minor objections, which the DFG had been.

Which university is concerned, the Bureau gave the GÃ¶ttinger unknown. A great mystery, it is not: The University of Kassel Department was using its "Organic Agricultural Sciences and Center for Environmental Systems Research at GÃ¶ttingen until 2008 research program involved.

President obviously cared for the Excellence Initiative

A spokeswoman for the University of Kassel, blogs ONLINE confirmed that the Figura Kasseler university says in its opinion. It is, however, "problems in low volume": to "a billing problem," which is a sum of "under 1000 euro" was gone. On the other hand, these were "not complete its proper receipts for travel and foreign services on the spot in Indonesia with a combined volume of just under 10,000 euros."

Georg-August-UniversitÃ¤t GÃ¶ttingen
Uni-President Figura: About Financial Tricks informed?

For this outcome was a "major public accounting firm" has. She was from the Universities of GÃ¶ttingen and Kassel instructed, after "internal to the possible problems were discussed," the university spokeswoman Kasseler to blogs ONLINE. The procedure for the missing documents had not yet completed, the audit report of the DFG and the Academe been sent. According to the Kasseler University Chancellor Robert Kuhn are "typical management issues which are relatively common in DFG projects occur."

The Bureau of the University of GÃ¶ttingen is also expressed on the blogs of note cited, Figura would "no longer let irregularities". The accusations were based on quotes that are "out of context and thus sinnentstellt" are. In response to a blog-ONLINE inquiry Figura keeps itself against the impression "that I or the University any irregularities could go through. The false impression is characterized by a reckless wording emerged that an employee of the CRC in a note about a conversation has made it to the finance department staff led. "

The opinion of the Bureau, however, raises new questions: The finance department, said the university on Monday, then have indicated that "on the DFG, the BMBF will examine more closely how money accounts, especially in regard to spending funds in connection with the conveyor line 3, "said the note from November 2007.

Surplus at Kassensturz

The conveyor line 3 says the state university of excellence - and the president seems Figura is ensured to have. The Excellence Initiative is a funding program of the Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF), which is 75 percent federally funded. The review will, inter alia, by the DFG implemented. Since October 2007, under the Excellence Initiative is a graduate program, an Excellence Cluster and the future concept of the University of GÃ¶ttingen encouraged.

Figura emphasized in its opinion, the central government had at no time "tricks at the expense of the DFG" approved. Why, however, in November 2007, shortly after the university to "elite university" was crowned, it was clear words why so explicitly before stricter controls DFG warned, remains unclear. The University said this vague: After an employee was changing the "new employee of the Finance Department on issues relating to the DFG-compliant financial management can enlighten" and this in a note held so Figuras concise answer to a blogs ONLINE request.

A week ago, the University of GÃ¶ttingen
massively in the criticisms. The blog reported that DFG deliberately misused funds were: In September 2007, the university Kassensturz before and noted that 150,000 euros were left to the DFG would have returned them. According to information blogs were simply several employees from other fields in the salary list of the special research range.

In addition, 16 scientists of the Sonderforschungsbereich "stability of tropical rain forest fringes in Indonesia" in an application for funding from the German Research Foundation (DFG) false statements made about publications Publications and partly invented.

Promote research in the tropics is running out soon

To avoid scandal, the university withdrew the request for 8.6 million euro research funding and also waived the usual outlet financing. The promotion will be on 30 June 2009 question.

Whether the affair criminal consequences, is open. The prosecutor GÃ¶ttingen examine whether an initial suspicion of infidelity exists. Whether an investigation is initiated, had not yet been decided, said a spokesman on Monday. The University will request written documentation were not yet available.

DPA
GÃ¶ttinger cheering "elite" students (in October 2007): first place in the Excellence Initiative

The University itself has initiated an investigation, the DFG also has affected by the 16 scientists called opinions. "Duration and outcome of the DFG process are at this moment not yet in sight," said DFG Secretary Dorothee Dwzonnek last week. If the suspicion confirmed, would be recovered due. The amount Dwzonnek wanted no details.

Figura had also acknowledged that in another graduate program on biodiversity a similar suspicion "existed. On an application for renewal of this college should be enstschieden on Friday. After blogs information but the decision was postponed to November.

Forschungsgemeinschaft examine practice in grant applications

In response to the allegations against the University of Kassel, renowned scientists had compared ONLINE blogs criticized the fact that universities now to cover the basic third-party financing are dependent on - and so the
Release pressure on the scientists climb. Moreover, in the applications demand specific keywords and the result should ideally be already determined. Also this year the winner of the Leibniz Prize had
significant criticism of the practice review of the DFG said.

"The DFG is examining whether and how their policies on literature data in grant applications must be reviewed," said DFG Secretary Dorothee Dzwonnek blogs ONLINE on Monday. The question should be pursued in the relevant bodies will be discussed. On Wednesday will be the scientific committee of the Lower Saxony parliament on Wednesday in a special session dealing with the affair. Uni-President Kurt von Figura has been invited to this meeting to give information.

Child pornography Professor cost the job.

2009-05-12T19:28:00.000-07:00

A professor at the University of GÃ¶ttingen had child pornography on his computer service. Therefore, he was suspended - and rightly so, as the Administrative Tribunal. Students should not be expected, by a professor to be informed of possess child pornography.

The possession of numerous child pornography costs a university professor GÃ¶ttinger his office. The distance of the lifetime of the service officers was lawful, the Administrative Court ruled GÃ¶ttingen.

The scientist had admitted child pornography images and videos from the Internet service on its computer to have. But he had an arrest warrant in the amount of 9000 euros. After receipt of the allegations more than two years ago, the university suspended the researcher.

The professor had by its conduct, the relationship of trust with his employer finally broken down, said President Thomas Smollich Court in the ruling. The married father had more than one year of relevant Internet service providers charge files with child pornography images and videos based on his university computer.

This was a serious misconduct, the removal from the civil servants must lead, partly because of the reputation professor at the University of severe damage had Smollich said. A professor had a socially prominent position. To him had similar challenges such as doctors, teachers, judges or police officers.

After his exposure, he continued child pornography

Students could not expect any rate, from an academic teacher to be informed of possess child pornography and consider. Aggravated come, adding that the scientists even after the freezing of his computer by the investigating authorities find child pornography and other material terms and on his home computer had saved.

The court followed its decision in the application by the university. Their legal representative, the removal from service as the harshest possible disciplinary action also from general preventive grounds "is required. The lawyer on the other hand, the professor had only demanded a salary reduction.

The scientist was in his concluding speech said he was stunned, given his behavior, which he deeply regret. The court was shown them, however, just as impressed by the fact that the researcher following the receipt of the allegations in psychological treatment who has gone to his propensity for child pornography reappraisal. This, said the President, but was rather a matter of course.

(File number: 5 A 4 / 07)

No diploma for students renitente.

2009-05-11T20:24:00.000-07:00

For months it rumort French universities, students and professors of higher education to covet. It now wants the Minister of Education militant boycott your accounts refuse: Let there be no "Doctor in blocking", so Xavier Darcos.

The spirit of rebellion in France's universities had not yet been to get small. For months already put students repeatedly University Events lame, professors and assistants went to the streets against the reforms of Education Minister Xavier Darcos and higher Minister ValÃ©rie PÃ©cresse. For 15 weeks daily gather reform opponents at the Paris City Hall plaza and walk silently in a circle.

Still, the teaching at many universities disrupted, many institutions remain blocked at some universities, the students complete at home. Now, the French government to bandages harder: Given the continuing protests militant student wants to deny the accounts.

"We are those who are responsible, that universities do not work, no diplomas," said Education Minister Xavier Darcos on RTL radio Monday. The ongoing blockades damaging especially the most vulnerable students, such as those who are self-financed their studies.

Touch with professors threaten boycott

"Take careful," warned the militant demonstrators Darcos. The change in public opinion, the students supported the blockades no more. There would be neither a "doctor in blockade" nor a "Master in petition" give.

Now threaten professors: They announced a Note boycott and a boycott of participation in school committees and wish all students the same note issue, reported the online magazine Telepolis. Thus, they want to force the controversial government decree on working hours of university teachers - adopted at the end of April - is withdrawn.

The French government has failed so far with the experiment, the protests simply auszusitzen. But the opponents of reform are also far away from their targets. In addition, students now with the consequences of the ongoing protests to fight: Tens of thousands must be due to the failure to make teaching and training hours with a shift of tests expected. Partner universities in the U.S. already cancel their exchange programs and recognize the semester abroad in France because of the lack of evidence is not in power, reports the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

The protest movement came from faculty, but then widened to the students. It was directed against the "Law on the autonomy of universities", which shortly after President Sarkozy's election was decided in 2007. According to All 85 universities by 2012 its funding, premises and staff to manage themselves. "The University is not an undertaking, education is not a commodity," is the credo of the demonstrators. In addition, the new law requires the work of professors by the University president to evaluate. Reform opponents fear the elimination of positions.

New influent receiving the protests, since Education Minister Darcos announced the trainee year for prospective teachers want to emphasize instead more student teachers to the universities to send. They would then be referred to an entrance without educational preparation in the classroom to be dismissed.

"From front to rear botch".

2009-05-11T19:22:00.000-07:00

Marius Reiser no longer wants to be university lecturers. In protest against bachelor and master, he abandoned his professorship. In the interview, says the theologian, Mainz, why he is the "abolition of the university" looks close - and what Mahatma Gandhi has to do with it.

Uniblogs: Professor Reiser, lacks the German university teachers in Courage?

Reiser: Yes, without doubt. They can be things like that they do not have to put up. You're just unresisting, as with a diploma without a degree not abolished, by which we are envied around the world. This lack of any understanding to me.

Uniblogs: You sound as if it were the downfall of the West, not the
Reform programs.

Reiser: It's about the abolition of the university.

Uniblogs: Is it not something?

Reiser: Not in the slightest. If we abolish all this, what makes a university, then it creates the university itself. The University has been autonomous, and their goal was education. Now it will depend on the requirements of the economy. It's no longer about education, but only for training. The student can not even choose which priorities he wants to study, but he gets, like in school, all the contents of hair and are small in a
pressed tight timetable. This is the end of academic freedom. That I will not participate.

UNIblogs 2 / 2009

TITLE
Know yourself
Students can examine their brains

Content

Uniblogs: The transition to Bachelor and Master degrees will be comparable across Europe and the Uni-change in the study easier. These are lofty goals.

Reiser, the stand but only on paper. If we really wanted to have comparable qualifications, we should all universities the same shape. All disciplines should be the same and the same staffing levels have, over the need to exactly the same, boring content taught. A terrible idea! And University of change through the bachelor's degree even more difficult, because the lesson plans so rigid and narrow. Many students will be given to the great duty program is no longer trusted, while studying abroad to change.

Uniblogs: It is the graduate courses that you want to save, but they are often already heavily verschult.

Reiser: You are particularly at colleges. There is indeed in order. But please not at the universities, where an elite education in science should be exciting. Science is, think independently, argue and judges to learn, not given to studying for exams timpani.

Uniblogs: Do not believe it wise student will create left and right of the prescribed lectures interesting content broke?

Reiser: It is much, much harder. Because it is also constantly tests in which the substance is again queried. Thus also for university teachers is a huge administrative burden and correction. Personally, I would remain in such a system, little time for thorough research.

Uniblogs: What do you want to, after 18 years at the university, will live?

Reiser: I am a Undemanding man, I have no car and no TV. I will use the time to select a book to review, and hope that I have one or the other can speak.

Uniblogs: Are you disappointed that none of your colleagues followed your path?

THE BACHELOR-ABC

DDP

Reiser: No, I would ask of anyone. Many of those who positively responded to my announcement, must support a family or have other commitments. But incomprehensible to me that some colleagues do not even resist, without which they could afford any risk. Previously, when the call came on a short-term courses or examinations must have the dean back, we needed this time and would give notice when we are finished. This would have the absurd new regulations for a long time on ice can be. Instead, today, but all requests will be immediately followed obediently.

Uniblogs: You have the students called upon to defend and to Mahatma Gandhi recalls. Was it not also a small number?

Reiser: Gandhi, I have only mentioned because of the methods with which a democratic opposition was possible. The students gradually recognize themselves, what to expect and that they are forced to a degree, with a little bit later they can start. With a Bachelor's degree, they may not even be primary school teachers!

STUDENT-PISA

The Blog

How fit are you in politics and economy, how well do you know in culture, history and science from? Join us - and test it on your blogs ONLINE General Knowledge! more ...

Uniblogs: With your departure from the university but also give you the opportunity to consider the weaknesses of the system for the benefit of your students must be in balance.

Reiser: To improve, there is nothing. The system is from the front to rear botch. If at least until a pilot done and the system at selected universities for a few years would have tried, then we would have noticed that it does not work. But not even this is happening. Now an entire generation of students pay for the foreseeable future must be chaos. I decided to not participate.

The award certificate - you've got mail!.

2009-05-07T19:16:00.000-07:00

How difficult is it to test students Pisa to crack? The blogs were the Germans puzzling over half a million people with made. Now until the end of the week you send personal evaluations. And provide some eye-opening effect.

It was a ride-Parforce criss-crossed by five areas of knowledge - 45 questions
Policy and
History,
Culture, Science and
Economy. And it should be all too easy for the participants Pisa students do not have. The action of the blogs in cooperation with studiVZ let people puzzle, made with hundreds of thousands.

The Blog

Most called for a personal evaluation. And now know more: Since Wednesday and until the end of the week, students are sent Pisa certificates. By e-mail each participant gets the questions again to see that he was asked and the answers he gave. Moreover, he in black and white to read the solution, which would have been correct.

The certificates are expected for some eye-care effect. Because only a minority of participants have succeeded in all tasks. About two thirds - ie 30 out of 45 questions - to answer has to know, is already above the average.

A detailed analysis will be published shortly in blogs to read, the magazine is expected to be reported in detail in May. Then, any remaining mystery resolved: Knowledge women more than men? What can the average student? Which universities studying the brightest minds?

The general knowledge test can be found on blogs continue ONLINE - Pisa student quiz with all 180 questions, divided into the different fields of knowledge. Among the responses, often there is additional information and links on the topic.

Here you will find all the first questions and answers from four areas of knowledge (science will be added). Get a coffee, leave your brain vorglÃ¼hen, you grant your knowledge Discontinued:

Politics --
From the "German Autumn" to the "axis of evil"

Habemus president.

2009-05-06T21:28:00.000-07:00

White smoke on Eichstaett: Reinhard HÃ¼tter now heads the Catholic University - by Bishop Grace. A year ago, had already been a top manager as the new head of Uni-gewÃ¤hnt. But then sparked a Bavarian Upper Shepherd and the Vatican from fierce infighting.

Reinhard HÃ¼tter, 50, becomes the new President of Personalquerelen beleaguered Catholic University EichstÃ¤tt-Ingolstadt (KU). The University chose the theologians on Wednesday in the second ballot - with 13 of 16 votes.

HÃ¼tter was previously a professor at Duke University in Durham (USA). His office is in EichstÃ¤tt on 1 August applies. HÃ¼tter follows Rudolf fish, which had led KU acting. This was the university for all three candidates before the election
safety of the church statement "Nihil obstat" obtained.

DPA
Uni EichstÃ¤tt: After much infighting, a new President

This should be an udder scandal be avoided. Almost exactly a year ago, the EichstÃ¤tter Bishop Gregor Maria Hanke the appointment of Ulrich Hemel for new president
with his veto prevented. The theologian and former top executive was previously the University with a clear majority was elected.

Before No. of Hanke was known that the Vatican refuses Hemel. Hemel life - the clergyman is married for the third time - and his critical attitude toward Pope Benedict XVI as a background were suspected of resistance. Hemel criticized in an interview with online blogs, we did not provide him with reasons and any
"no chance left, a relationship of trust.

Catholic Church wants durchregieren

The bishops want a higher profile of the university as a Catholic educational institution: "This profile does not only mean the Confessional," said the Archbishop Reinhard Marx of Munich. Rather, this means profiling, "from the horizon of the Christian faith" science activities.

The EichstÃ¤tter Uni should be for example in the field of educational research to make a name. The decision of the seven bishops in their dioceses Bavarian Autumn Assembly in Freising.

Eichstaett Bishop Hanke wanted HÃ¼tter, the Office on 1 August applies to God's blessing. With the election was a viable foundation for the
Future has been laid. Hanke assured the new president's "full
Cooperation "to.

"This is not an isolated case".

2009-05-06T20:24:00.000-07:00

When erwischt fib: 16 GÃ¶ttinger researchers are suspected of having falsified lists of publications to cover funding abzurÃ¤umen. In scores of science with as many publications. Strengthens the practice of evaluating the trend towards mass class?

In June, in GÃ¶ttingen, the "Adventure Science" is celebrated. Thus, a festival with which the city the title "city of the young science 2009" will rejoice. But Kurt von Figura, Rector of the University of GÃ¶ttingen, is now so do not celebrate feast. The reputation of the university was "significantly damaged", he informed on Monday in an opinion thereof.

DPA
Library of Academe "reputation significantly damaged"

Research in GÃ¶ttingen was too recent to be adventurous. On the fiasco of the "elite university" came in Sonderforschungsbereich 552, which deals with the change in the rainforest in Indonesia covers: Scientists should be in an application for research funding by the German Research Foundation (DFG) false statements made about publications Publications and partly invented.

In the open was the dizziness in February when evaluating the application for further promotion of the Collaborative Research Center, publicly he was a
Report in the current blogs. Meanwhile, also on the prosecutor GÃ¶ttingen and examine whether an initial suspicion of infidelity exists.

The notice came from the science

To avoid scandal, the university withdrew the request for 8.6 million euro research funding and also waived the usual outlet financing. The promotion will be on 30 June 2009 question. The University has initiated an investigation, the DFG also has affected by the 16 scientists called opinions. "Duration and outcome of the DFG process are at this moment not yet in sight," said Dorothee Dwzonnek, Secretary General of the DFG. If the suspicion confirmed, would be recovered due. The amount Dwzonnek wanted no details.

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The DFG, with a budget of 2.3 billion euros in Europe's largest research funders, wished to not comment further questions. Ulrike Beisiegel, as the DFG ombudsman since 2005, with questions of scientific misconduct employed, but already the case in GÃ¶ttingen was "not an isolated case," she blogs ONLINE. Again and again they get fake trials on the table. "We get but of course only the tip of the iceberg can be seen," says Beisiegel.

In GÃ¶ttinger case cited researchers in their application of 3 December 2008 manuscripts that have not yet published, but only when journals were submitted, a practice by no means rare in the DFG process. The fact that the manuscripts, however, not yet or only existed in the initial stage, the evaluators learned only by a hint of a scientist. Perhaps it would be inappropriate otherwise hardly been noticed. "The naming is not yet published manuscripts is customary, it should not be," says Beisiegel.

In most cases, the DFG and valuers in the requests referred to submit manuscripts. For a detailed assessment, however, often lack the time: "The scientific system is running a little about, there are too many applications and too few experts," says Beisiegel ombudswoman. Was necessary to rethink the whole system: "Three publications should be good enough - instead of a long list."

Evaluators under time pressure

Even Hildegard Westphal, geologist at the University of Bremen, and even expert, notes that there is "here and there, the mentality that goes mass before class." The basic problem was that "the basic facilities of the universities has become increasingly worse and the universities are dependent on third-party." While thus the pressure on scientists and the growing importance of applications for the universities are growing, according to the experts working in the shadow Westphal, the appreciation of the consulting activities is too low. "It costs a lot of time when you want it right, but it appears not in the biography and play in the proper performance grades do not matter. Would that otherwise would certainly change a lot."

The literary scholar Albrecht Koschorke with the procedure of the familiar advice - and gives to the entries in the applications to trust. "It would not me in the sense that my assistants loszuschicken to the publications to verify," says Professor of Constance, in 2003, the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize of the DFG won.

However, there are differences between the humanities and the sciences. There it was "very difficult, in the major journals to publish", manuscripts were very long in newsrooms before they were adopted, so Koschorke. Time, the deadlines specified in the requests often do not stick.

"More on the manuscripts eight"

For problems with the application considers Koschorke anyway less than the publication lists the need for innovation. "At the request must prove that a completely new product works." A little freedom, he also looks at the themes of finding research projects. "In the report, certain keywords occur, for example, globalization, religion and violence, and the project should be interdisciplinary," said Koschorke. "That leads to a single topic in the applications submitted." Moreover, always referred to, which at the end of the research will come out. "If you blufft, then by more promises than you can eventually find out."

Also, the literary scholar, the applicant, given the financial plight of the universities to the success damned: "The universities are so emaciated that it was to safeguard the fundamental need to raise external financing." About the bureaucratisation of research proposals recently led the German Leibniz Prize plea. In a
blogs ONLINE survey wanted the GÃ¶ttingen philologist Heinrich Detering less about "the application and advice prose."

GÃ¶ttingen Rector drew in his opinion the first consequences of the counterfeiting allegations in requests from his university would in future only be published or accepted for publication publications "are indicated, Figura. Moreover, initial steps towards the improvement of quality management have been initiated.

Beisiegel ombudswoman praises these steps, the University was exemplary, "because they act consistently - that I wanted from all universities." She is sure that the scandal will also have something good: "The referees will be more on the manuscripts are ensured."

Academe stops scandal researchers.

2009-05-06T19:20:00.000-07:00

Sudden end of a flagship project: Following allegations of forgery includes the University of GÃ¶ttingen Sonderforschungsbereich rain forests - the tropical scientist, said the accusation that wanted to grant money wrongfully. The case also presents weaknesses of research funding in Germany.

Hamburg - For a department of the University is approaching the end: Because of the justified suspicion of academic misconduct will be the Sonderforschungsbereich 552 in the coming weeks, gave the university on Wednesday. The executive committee of the area had its items are available, the economist Stephan Klasen, the acting director, said it further.

DPA
Aula of the University of GÃ¶ttingen: 'reputation significantly damaged "

The Collaborative Research Center bears the name of "stability of tropical rain forest fringes in Indonesia". For almost nine years under a hundred members of changes in the Indonesian jungle. The flagship project of the elite university now ends in a fiasco: 16 scientists from the special area will be in a request for assistance by the German Research Foundation (DFG) false statements made about publications Publications and partly invented.

For already published articles have referred to the investigation of the University of any irregularities, said a university spokeswoman, on Wednesday. The allegations took only information about the publication of manuscripts submitted to journals by scientists. When the university internal investigations are completed, could not yet say.

"Regardless of the outcome of the test procedure is the reputation of the University of GÃ¶ttingen significantly damaged," said Kurt von Figura rector on Monday. A similar suspicion was also in a graduate program on the "importance of biodiversity for material cycles and biotic interactions in temperate deciduous forests" result.

To avoid scandal, the university withdrew the request for 8.6 million euro research funding and also waived the usual outlet financing. The promotion will be on 30 June 2009 question.

The notice came from the science

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The University itself has initiated an investigation, the DFG also has affected by the 16 scientists called opinions. "Duration and outcome of the DFG process are at this moment not yet in sight," said Dorothee Dwzonnek, Secretary General of the DFG. If the suspicion confirmed, would be recovered due. The amount Dwzonnek wanted no details.

The DFG, with a budget of 2.3 billion euros in Europe's largest research funders, wished to not comment further questions. Ulrike Beisiegel, as the DFG ombudsman since 2005, with questions of scientific misconduct has, however already: GÃ¶ttingen was "not an isolated case," she blogs ONLINE. Again and again they get fake trials on the table. "We get but of course only the tip of the iceberg can be seen," says Beisiegel.

In GÃ¶ttinger case cited researchers in their application of 3 December 2008 manuscripts that have not yet published, but only when journals were submitted - a practice by no means rare in the DFG process. The fact that the manuscripts, however, not yet or only existed in the initial stage, the evaluators learned only by a hint of a scientist. Perhaps it would be inappropriate otherwise hardly been noticed. "The naming is not yet published manuscripts is customary, it should not be," says Beisiegel.

Evaluators under time pressure

"More on the manuscripts eight"

GÃ¶ttingen rector had, in its opinion on Monday the first consequences of the counterfeiting allegations considered in requests from his university would in future only be published or accepted for publication publications "are indicated, Figura. Moreover, initial steps towards the improvement of quality management have been initiated. Now, the university management obviously Tabula rasa, and therefore, the department closed.

"The students do not have much of it".

2009-05-05T19:26:00.000-07:00

Monstrous six million euros from the campus toll bunkert the Niederrhein University. And do not think that the money be returned to the students: There will be high on the edge store - a remarkable example of brazen dealing with tuition fees.

Too much money to have is a rather rare, a beautiful, a luxury problem. Too much money can you spend or give away. It could also saving so that security for poorer times wins. In any case, it should be one's own money, not the money of other people.

Hochschule Niederrhein
Niederrhein University: "Now we have it in black and white"

Just the throw but students of the Niederrhein University in Krefeld and Moenchengladbach before their college. Since the winter semester 2006/2007, the approximately 10,000 students, like their fellow sufferers almost everywhere in North Rhine-Westphalia, 500 euros per semester to pay tuition fees.

Since a lot of money comes along. And it should, so the fees have friends like National Science Minister Andreas Pinkwart (FDP) always insisted on the improvement of teaching are spent, for nothing else. This is also in North Rhine-Westphalia study contribute Law: The revenues had been "earmarked for the improvement of teaching and study conditions" to be used.

At first glance, it looks at the Niederrhein University, the second largest University in the country as if that would Rector Hermann East Village to meet this requirement. Language and psychosocial counseling were created tutorials for the students and staff time purchased, the library has received more money, and you managed equipment for lecture halls and laboratories at.

The students: "Let's buy a football club"

Student representatives have meticulously calculated after: all this has cost the first year of fee collection and 2,068,789 euros in the year to 3,865,355 euros again. The problem: In the year 2008, the University just over three million euros in income from fees, which they had spent in 2007. A year later, the turn of the year 2008/2009, this amount had already doubled and was at six million euros swollen.

Given such large sums of money the students make sense now the question: If the university tuition fees, which they do not need?

The UAS now sitting on a nice pile of money, "criticized the Asta in the" 42 "- along with a meticulous listing of the revenue from tuition fees and expenditure, broken down by funding for the Social Fund, the definitions and general expenses. "Now we have it in black and white," says Asta member Robert Kramer, 30

Gestolpert the students were on a list of revenue and expenditure, the university presented in autumn 2008 - up a chaotic, "said Robert Kramer," we were all just a big question mark over his head. " Thus did the student representatives out ackerten by Zahlenwust and attracted a lot of money to the university either intentionally withheld or simply could not spend. Therefore, the Asta some sarcastic suggestions parat: "Why not take a football club to buy?" Or five million chocolate bars. Or a small island in the Mediterranean Sea ...

The Rector: "It is the State, which saves a bit"

From the perspective of the East Village Rector, however, everything is in the green: "We reckon there and back, our revenue from tuition fees are six million euros a year," he said blogs ONLINE. The fact that three million euros per year are left, is already more well known and well intended. The money would be "medium term until 2015 to invest in personnel, specifically in 15 professors and staff as many bodies," says Ostendorf.

Hochschule Niederrhein
Rector East Village: "Charges will also form the basis"

Actually, the creation and payment of professors task of the country, says the Krefelder Hochschulrektorenkonferenz - as far as he is with the student representatives agreed. But what should he do? "We have given further thought, because the country will in future not so provide, as we need it."

Tuition fees were just "not only for a certain amount of luxury here, but also secure the base," says Ostendorf. The fact that the students who are already $ 1000 a year to pay for their studies, this "medium" planning nothing useful, also rector of the way: "The students do not have much of it, we as a university can not - it is the State of some saves. "

The Lower School also shows considerable else penchant for thrift - according to the students at the same time it pads with four million unspent state funds. Power with the campus toll-Euros together satte ten million, all accumulated for worse times. But if the FH the money sometime later for professorships or construction issues, many of today's students have already graduated. So you pay for future generations of students.

The Senate: Hurray, finally, we are millionaires

Before the Senate meeting on Monday expressed the Asta-million because of provisions a clear demand: Because the FH only half of the money issue, we also want to pay only half, ie 250 instead of 500 euros per semester. With their application bites the students in the 23-member Senate, however, on granite. Halving the toll Campus - criticized, with 14 abstentions, four yes and four abstentions. And the reduction of 100 euros, as a professor requested - criticized, with the narrow majority of twelve votes against.

TUITION FEES

Click on the countries to learn more about the decision situation there to know ...

Two and a half hours discussing the Senate on the campuses tolls, and everything stays as it is: The Rector, the more money bunkers. And costly plans for the future forge. "This is very bitter," says Robert Kramer. He speaks very quietly, but his anger is clearly apparent, and he shares with other student representatives.

"For students, 1000 euros a year crass financial burden," says the student of electrical engineering, "this money just to park for years, it is sheer mockery." In his view, the rectorate humiliates the students and selects "the most convenient way." "They should do their homework and the millions of us make sense or to return, because we need it urgently," he exhorts.

What the purpose is yet, and when students are verÃ¤ppelt feel, is on the Lower Rhine as in many other German universities a dispute theme: "Improving the Teaching", which may be considered by the Rectorate mean so much - including the investment in
Stones,
Heating of classrooms or the renovation of
Toilets. Or they
Simply dumping the money in the budget hole.

The Minister: Lectureships Euros from students? Famos!

Professors to pay only part of their working time devoted to teaching, is so far unique to the tasks of the country. Also this should be in NRW students now pay. And a driving force for science minister Pinkwart.

As in the autumn of 2008, the University of Cologne announced, 50 students and professor with money to finance Pinkwart quite enthused. Also Bielefeld and Bonn had before, to create such bodies, the Minister announced in late November: "I welcome this trend and would like to specifically encourage the universities to get more involved."

Baden-WÃ¼rttemberg allowed this sin is somewhat earlier, for the first time last summer. There will soon
300 professors, students paid.

It is now clear where the journey leads. Only major improvements were promised, then the tuition fees in several German states introduced. And now, nearing the end of the period of shame: By and by taking students through the funding of the normal program at the universities and polytechnics. Meanwhile, can the state is the primary draw back and the money saved. Improvement of teaching? Not in the long run.

This creeping process harms not only the students but also the politics, angry Robert Kramer. Actors such as Pinkwart were guilty but that "more and more people to 'up there' curse ', because they feel veralbert". Kramer is not apathy, he wants to continue fighting. But he can understand the fellow who retire frustrated.

"Call them, she is not married."

2009-05-04T19:24:00.000-07:00

When studying abroad in Jerusalem Markus Flohr has an accident with the scooter, celebrating Israel's carnival, flirts with a girl named Liat. And must be in the middle of the Purim-bustle of his grandfather justify - Part III of his diary.

Thursday, 22 January: Large saber rattling

For three days I only see my bed and the bathroom. My stomach is crazy, the head hurts, as if someone has a sidewalk plate crush on him. I think: Israel threatened my health. Maybe I have just too much to drink tap water.

I read the news. In three weeks elect of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, the rights occurs against a half-ciples to Livni. The head of the supposedly left Labor Party is Ehud Barak, current Defense Minister, former Prime Minister and one of those responsible for the attack on Gaza in December. The big star of the election seems to be Avigdor Lieberman. He is still right as Netanyahu and Livni and leaves rather than the saber rattling Barak.

My roommate Esther brings me a cup of tea. I wonder who they will choose. "Let us talk about it later," she says. "I have just a good mood."

Wednesday, 28 January: Jesus, a Kibbuznik

Uni-excursion in the Jerusalem Old City. We sit at the foot of the Temple Mount. Lecturer Schaul Sapir tells how King Herod 2000 years ago, the second Jewish temple to develop.

On the southern wall he built a huge porch, which is also non-visitors were allowed to enter. By the time arose between the pillars of a market in which the visitors to buy sacrificial animals and money could change. The Bible says that Jesus of Nazareth was precisely here, the tables of money changers and they chased umschmiss.

IMAGES-BY JERUSALEM TRAVEL

Impressive photos of a fascinating city

My instructor has his own interpretation: "Jesus came from the north, from the country. Today he would be a farmer from a kibbutz, a Kibbuznik. He had no idea of the city. He attacked the money changers, though they do not directly in the temple sat. Then he founded a new religion. "

I think there is worse than a Kibbuznik to believe.

Friday 30 January: Jalla, Habibi

With Samuel and I look JÃ¶rn Bundesliga. They are German Zivis, but complete their service here. When there is JÃ¶rn German television. Today, the HSV Bavaria with the 1:0 sent home.

UNIblogs 2 / 2009

TITLE
Know yourself
Students can examine their brains

Content

After the game we go into the Old Town, in the pub of a Palestinian Christian, says Pascal. We are the only guests. The old city is after dark empty and dead night life there is only there, in the west of Jerusalem, around the Jaffo Street.

There are hookah, beer, and it runs a plate with nineties-years-Hits, in Arabic nachgesungen. Pascal has a funny hairdo, a neck with a spoiler and Minipli. In Germany he would certainly Manta driver.

If he would understand how we talk about him, he would perhaps bouncers. But then - "Jalla, give me another beer, Habibi, and ignite the Waterpipe again."

Tuesday, 10 February: The election

Avigdor Lieberman is sitting in the office of his party "Israel Beitenu (Israel Our Home) in the small town Kirjat Gat, half way from Jerusalem to Gaza. 20 journalists whir around him. Today, the new elected Knesset, the Israeli parliament. His campaign slogan: "No citizen without loyalty."

PERSONAL

Matthias Thiele

Markus Flohr, 28, was editor for blogs online since October and is studying history at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

This is mainly addressed to the Palestinians living in Israel. When Israel's army in the Gaza Strip in the war, they go on the road that often leads to riots with the police. Many Jewish Israelis, they are as a fifth column of Hamas seen. You even have the feeling second-class citizens to be.

Lieberman finds, the Israeli army in Gaza would have even greater need to succeed. He speaks Hebrew with a Russian accent. His voters will find it especially among the Jews who immigrated from there. Today, on election day, he toured through the cities: Kirjat Gat, Aschdod, Ashkelon.

In the evening, the projections: Livni seems, with 23 percent just before Netanyahu to lie, but the victory would not help her, because she can not bring together a majority. Third strongest force Lieberman, he landed at twelve percent. Barak Labor Party crashes.

During the night a storm moves over Jerusalem, waterfalls plunge from the sky, the power is out, the Internet is gone, everything is dark. Ten hours a day, I do not know who really won. In any case, Avigdor Lieberman.

Researchers should have invented Publications.

2009-05-02T19:14:00.000-07:00

Actually, they examine the rainforest in Indonesia, are now more than a dozen researchers from GÃ¶ttingen even before a commission of inquiry. After blogs information when they apply for funding geschwindelt - and some publications simply invented.

Hamburg - 16 researchers from the Georg-August-UniversitÃ¤t GÃ¶ttingen must before a commission of inquiry of the university because of the suspicion of scientific misconduct responsibility. The Uni-President confirmed Kurt von Figura the blogs. The allegations are serious: The researchers will be in an application for research funding by the German Research Foundation (DFG) false statements made about publications Publications and partly invented.

DDP
Teaching at the Georg-August-UniversitÃ¤t GÃ¶ttingen: "The reputation is significantly damaged."

In the open is the dizziness in February when evaluating the application for further promotion of
Sonderforschungsbereich 552, which deals with the change in the rainforest in Indonesia addresses. For the project work in the universities of GÃ¶ttingen and Kassel together. In principle,
Special research areas for up to 12 years from the DFG promoted. But they have to work their regular external check.

The disgruntled expert in GÃ¶ttingen threatened their suitcases to pack immediately. To avoid scandal, the university withdrew the request for 8.6 million euro research funding and also waived the usual outlet financing.

A similar suspicion "against scientists, there is, according to university management, including in connection with a graduate program on biodiversity.

Because of the incidents fears Figura university president to the reputation of the elite university: "The reputation is significantly damaged." Auditor of the DFG and the University are also looking at the question of whether the already approved research funds were used properly. The blogs present e-mails and minutes of meetings lay the suspicion that at least 200,000 euros for other tasks may have been diverted. Figura wanted to make any comment and referred to the ongoing examination.

SteinbrÃ¼ck slows billion package.

2009-04-30T21:40:00.000-07:00

Well, times that we have about it: After long and tough negotiations to the Minister of Science billion in research and education pump. But Finance Minister Peer Steinbrueck, however, is - he wants the decision to delay the parliamentary elections.

Everything again from scratch - when Finance Minister Peer SteinbrÃ¼ck (SPD) prevails, the universities have a long wait for the billion dollar federal-state research and special programs for universities. Steinbrueck said on Thursday, on his own initiative, would be the three programs under budget reservations. Federal research minister Annette Schavan (CDU) confirmed the budget proviso.

This is a decision before the national election in September, very unlikely. SteinbrÃ¼ck said that his action was coordinated with the Chancellor.

AP
Finance Minister SteinbrÃ¼ck: braking maneuvers in the formation

SteinbrÃ¼ck locates incalculable financial risks, particularly given the economic crisis. He now manages on a collision course with the Education Ministers. On 4 June to Chancellor Merkel and the Prime Ministers of the countries over the billions programs decide.

If they do not, as SteinbrÃ¼ck it now calls the decision could be a very long plod along: first, the Bundestag, then possibly lengthy coalition negotiations, a new cabinet with new ministers and departmental interests that need to be re-balanced - and all this only on the side of the federal government.

Still tough and lengthy is usually the opinion of the countries: in education issues, the federalism increasingly zirzensische trains. The countries have all the options, the painstakingly laced package unravel again, on the extent and distribution once tedious to argue - or completely special to bring. The need to "with all the necessary resources," said Schavan on Thursday, "this must be no uncertainty for the affected students and scholars emerge."

SteinbrÃ¼ck programs will not "go against the edge"

Such uncertainties make SteinbrÃ¼ck and his counterparts from the country finance ministries. Just over a week had the science minister after
months of struggle finally agreed as the most important higher education programs for research and teaching will be financed. The Joint Science Conference, the ministers from federal and state sit rang in Berlin as a compromise, which is a finely balanced equilibrium between countries producing and investment of 18 billion euros for the next ten years.

The Joint Science Conference make three special programs perpetuate the excellence initiative to develop academic excellence, the Pact for Research and Innovation, and the Higher Education Pact. A large part will go into research, the Higher Education Pact until 2015 but about 275,000 additional places for the baby boomers born graduates create.

GWK-DECISIONS: WHO DOES WHAT FOR WHAT?

Higher IIExzellenzinitiativePakt pact for research

Â ->

Finance Minister Steinbrueck said that in addition to the budget reserved for the three programs, there is also in some LÃ¤nder have appropriate Cabinet decisions. "It is but natural that for Research and Development, for the Excellence Initiative as the Pact for Higher Education in the next few years, cash flow needs," said SteinbrÃ¼ck. He had no interest in the programs "against the edge to go." Next said the Minister, the Chancellor's action was not contradicted. However, should the new government and parliament after the election to have any chance in the context of an overall balance priorities and risks involved.

Even the finance ministers of the countries want the universities to the Bundestag vertrÃ¶sten. On Thursday, they referred to a strategy group, which until October proposals for better funding of education and research to make. "There is therefore no need at the moment, the results of this strategy by a group of early adoption of the individual measures to prejudge what the public budgets and in addition a considerable burden", says the decision of the Minister of Finance.

"Scrapping per stroke of the pen, education experienced"

The SPD deputy chairman SteinbrÃ¼ck used the announcement of the budget proviso to an attack on Chancellor Angela Merkel. The 28 billion euro, the Union and FDP now campaigning as a tax relief versprÃ¤chen, had been in the past year in education will naturally have wanted the prime minister actually seven per cent of gross domestic product by 2015, invest in education. This goal had Merkel and the Prime Minister in October on the so-called
Education Summit in Dresden announced.

Michael Kretschmer, university and research-policy spokesman of the Union Group, turned against SteinbrÃ¼ck. The politicians of the Union Research Group, expected at the meeting of Chancellor and Prime Minister on 4 June in Berlin "a binding decision on the future of vital projects." Both in the countries as well as the federal government should now "concrete commitments" made.

Also North Rhine-Westphalia Science Minister Andreas Pinkwart criticized SteinbrÃ¼ck. "The billion-dollar scrapping with the stroke of a pen approved, innovation and education are experienced," said the FDP politician.

"Disappointed and concerned" showed Matthias Kleiner, President of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG). "The decision on the continuation of the pacts only after the Bundestag election, I believe that for fatal," said Little, "I hope now to make a word to the chancellor and the prime minister." The future of its investment is essential and should be decided now, they expanded far more sustainable effects than many other initiatives to combat the economic crisis. "

Action against tuition abgebÃ¼gelt.

2009-04-29T23:08:00.000-07:00

The tuition fees in North Rhine-Westphalia are no insurmountable barrier for prospective students and violated it is not against the UN Social Pact. That is the Federal Administrative Court and a plea of Paderborn students dismissed.

Really, it was not surprising: students from the University of Paderborn, with their lawsuit against general tuition failed. The Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig ruled that the fees did not infringe the constitutionally guaranteed principle of free work and study election violated.

DDP
Pierre Schade of Paderborn Asta: The application failed

The campus toll of $ 500 per semester is therefore legally - at least in form, how the fee system in North Rhine-Westphalia is designed, namely, the ability to record loans.

The tuition fees violated the judge's view, neither the Constitution nor international law against the major UN social pact. That was the accusation of Paderborn students. The fees were not only socially unjust, they argued, but not with the Constitution and the UN Social Pact.

Interest burden is acceptable, according to court

Asta had sued on behalf of a student of economics, represented by attorney William AchelpÃ¶hler who has several students in similar cases considered. The social pact was regulated that a university solely on the candidate's qualifications of a study should be made subject, the lawyer said: "There's just no qualifications and finances, there is only qualifications." In addition to expectations fees against the Article 12 of the Basic Law, to free choice of employment.

TUITION FEES

Click on the countries to learn more about the decision situation there to know ...

The court saw the different - and so decided like other judges before,
last in Baden-WÃ¼rttemberg. Franz Bardenhewer, Presiding Judge of the 6th Senate in Leipzig, did the question in the space, whether the tuition is not a "social barrier" would be built. The problem would be if the school fees of a study would be discouraged.

But the court ultimately decided, because poorer students in North Rhine-Westphalia may obtain a loan, which it only after the completion of their studies to pay back the barriers are low enough.

Due to the interest created by such loans are, could have a "considerable burden for the affected students showed," says the verdict. The right to equality does not call that "complications" which taxes would be through study, through social support measures fully compensate "them. It must only ensure that the tuition is not "too insurmountable social barriers" are. These requirements would be tuition fees loan and the interest rate regime in North Rhine-Westphalia justice, states the decision, the interest burden is "even more" acceptable.

Perhaps the case still landed in Karlsruhe

"That is regrettable. We would have obviously preferred a different result," said the Paderborner Asta chairman Pierre-pity after the verdict was delivered. AchelpÃ¶hler lawyer had announced that if necessary, before the Federal Constitutional Court in Karlsruhe to want to draw. There was the topic
2005 Topic StudiengebÃ¼hren ready. However, the supreme judge ruled in Karlsruhe only that a ban on tuition fees was not the Constitution. The presiding judge then dismissed but explicitly pointed out, not always on the admissibility of tuition decided to have.

Now the current ruling should only be reviewed AchelpÃ¶hler lawyer said, "basically we want to exhaust all possibilities." However: Even in the earlier students had the plaintiff not successful.

North Rhine-Westphalia's Minister of Science Andreas Pinkwart (FDP) said after the verdict in his state would be no one for financial reasons prevented from further studies. "For one, because everyone can choose whether his tuition fee immediately or after admission paid profession. On the other hand, because the vast majority of recipients of student loans, tuition fees in fact, completely free," said Pinkwart. According to his ministry are now collecting 29 of 33 public universities in North Rhine-Westphalia tuition fees of up to 500 euros per semester. 2008 came in this way, 270 million euros.

Tuition fees of up to 500 euros per semester since 2006/2007 in six LÃ¤nder collected. Hesse has vigorously disputed the charges removed.

Whether the fees deter potential students, is hotly debated: According to a study by the Higher Education Information System (HIS), the Federal Ministry of Education by mid-October
was kept under wraps, this sets the context but close. This means that 18,000 graduates of the 2006 through fees from student can hold. Another result of the study: children who do not come from academic families, leave their education more because of the impending charges unused as children whose parents have already attended a university.

Elite-Uni stingy with spirit.

2009-04-29T21:30:00.000-07:00

In the Excellence Initiative, the University of Heidelberg crowned with laurel. Now it ferments starved in the humanities, especially in the Romance languages. Students see first-class teaching of no trace, just a mass operation on emergency power.

Heidelberg University, Tuesday Noon: The sky above the Old Town is repellent gray. In the ground floor and staircase of the Roman seminary urges the young academic. University Rector Bernhard Eitel is to negotiate and has dealt with some faculty and students in a room withdrawn. Now we wait.

AP
Library of the University of Heidelberg: Unhappy Geisteswissenschaftler

Many students from other disciplines to show solidarity with the "romanistas" - "because there are institutions in which the situation was similar bad or worse," says Nils Best, a student of political science. "The professors build primarily on their research, because you are so profiled, and the doctrine it handles the dirt."

Best defines precisely the Magister exams. "I had in the last few months, no way, with my faculty contact," his e-mails are simply not yet been answered. The prospective German Ziad Emanuel Farag reports from his department over the past seminars and an online registration system that is consistently short time before the end of collapse.

A touch of'68

For the image of an elite university will not fit - Heidelberg harvested
Laurel in the Excellence Initiative, but has big problems in the humanities. With colorful banners, info booths, plenary sessions and excluded Romance professors had students last week a touch of'68 through the Institute can blow. In protest against poor conditions study occupied it for three days the seminary building.

"The reason is the systematic under-funding of the Roman seminary," says her spokeswoman Veronika Zill, a petite young woman with a quiet voice. Zill deplores especially the lack of instructors and courses. In some courses are pressing for more than 50 instead of the planned 20 participants. In the new bachelor's degree offers a cultural studies compulsory course not, and cash flows from tuition fees not included in the improvement of education, but serves only to maintain the "core doctrine". Because we deal with the Romance languages professors but now agree, says Zill, the occupation was being adjourned.

Also from other liberal arts institutions are always discontented tones - although Heidelberger Ruperto-Carola herself as "classical full" describes. The Excellence million, almost exclusively for the research to the advantage of simple students go empty-handed. That there are many unjust. Student says John Michael Wagner for the Student Conference: Excellence times now need resources, "which comes from the doctrine." "There are shifts instead of" raises the Wagner administration.

Rector wants to smooth the waves

The voices of professors are divided. "The students have no reason to complain," says German Wilhelm KÃ¼hlmann. The Anglist Beat Glauser sees the situation somewhat differently: "One has the impression that the visibility is more important than a sound doctrine." "The resources must be fairly and appropriately distributed," said Diamantis Panagiotopoulos, Director of the Institute of Classical Archeology. His house but by the excellence initiative, with ten additional PhD positions. Romance Gerhard Poppe Berg points out that teachers of the university "in the next 30 years the fate of our children say." Germany could be a lack of teaching simply can not afford.

QUIZ: THE NAME OF THE SPITZ CAMPUS BUILDINGS

REUTERS / Humboldt University / Free University Berlin / Julia Scheel

Germany's university buildings bear fiese often abbreviations like SBS95E or HS201 - ie students miss their homes higher nickname. Times beautiful, sometimes bizarre: Try the blogs ONLINE Quiz, whether Germany's campus master gibberish. More ...

Tuesday afternoon: The crowd of students gathered long waits, after an hour and a half to open the door of the meeting room again. The Rector is progressing down the stairs and down a piece of the Word is directed to young people: "The problems here are not new." Applause and laughter. Now we must seek solutions together, then Bernhard Eitel continued, and announces new budget negotiations for 19 May. "Everything comes on the table, all will be heard in the same way, everyone can openly say his word."

The Rector will appear to flatten the waves. "For you, it is important that you continue your studies completely regulated can bring to an end. Then you are entitled." But concrete Eitel makes no promises and asked to look at the financial situation of the University for the inconvenience. "I must constantly with a lifelong lack of management." Finally, a curious admission: "We have problems, but do not know, so they are causing."

White of the head of a "university of excellence" such as not, what difficulties some institutions of his college fight? In an interview with blogs Eitel ONLINE draws on many unexpected changer tray of Italian in Spanish the way, also produced the new bachelor's degree apparently "friction losses". There were "uncertainties", and perhaps were "problems with the self-control of the Institute" to blame for the misery. "Financial constraints are everywhere at the university," says Eitel continued - "normal operations", due to the "political climate".

What now - maybe the times rectorate occupy?

So sit the players in the state capital Stuttgart? Carefully Eitel speaks only of a certain "conflict" between the tasks and financial resources other. In matters Romanistk he was confident: "We get the boat afloat again."

Among the students is rife after Eitel visit a perplexity. When was talk of a potential "streamlining" of the courses, as a participant. So could a deletion of teaching made, for new posts, however, there was "no sign of readiness."

"We need to show that we can not muck around," a student calls and calls for new actions. "Eitel money can not take from the air," says another. The seminar will continue to fill the teaching would further harm, says a third party and reaps applause. A student suggests: Could we do not occupy the rectorate? "What we can with the Rector verscherzen? He has offered us nothing!" At the end, but decided the only dissatisfied with a brief demonstration on the University Square. And it's raining again.

Half nine, twilight moves to the corridors of the Roman Seminary are to leave. In Room 018 light still burns. Veronika Zill is written into the face of fatigue. Right now, it has a handful of fellow with a new press statement: "The students of the Roman seminary, require that we comply with their demands. Otherwise, the consequences are not coming."

Nevertheless, the occupation is lifted, "at least until the budgeting briefing on 11 May," says Zill. So you want to wait, do not give up. "The community between faculty and students is undiminished," has Romanistics Professor Gerhard Poppe Berg stressed. Anyway.

Green young politicians complained about racist incitement.

2009-04-29T20:26:00.000-07:00

Aftermath of the "Pro religion" argument: The Green Daniel Mack, 22, has apologized to Twitter disparagingly about the Catholic Church said. Political opponents hung at the great bell, now faces the Hessian young politician has - and says it was his skin color.

Daniel Mack does not know the woman, but she knows it. The MittfÃ¼nfzigerin has his photo in the local newspaper. At a bus stop in Bad Orb speaks to the 22-year-olds to: "Dude, how can you as a foreigner to insult our indigenous religion?" Mack replied politely and disappears. He does not want a confrontation.

Daniel Mack
Daniel Mack: Does the Catholic Church insane

For the Greens are encounters like these are now everyday. Since his youth associations by accusing the CDU and SPD, the Christian faith to discredit, he experienced in his home town running the gauntlet.

The online service Twitter Mack had the initiative "Pro ethics" is supported - by the words "no advertising hours more for a totally crazy Catholic Church." He participated in the discussion so that the of the churches with great verve and church-run money Berliner popular "Pro religion", which deals with religious instruction as Wahlpflichtfach went - so far to visit students in the capital of the ethics and religion can also voluntarily choose.

"In the supermarket people look at me hateful to"

So will it remain so. Because the referendum last Sunday reached the initiative does not have the necessary quorum, the majority of the votes cast - and was
failed twice. For their very aggressive campaign in which they are sometimes on the fringes of probity argued, had two major Christian churches insert a lot of criticism.

Photo: TV blogs
Video: TV blogs

"Berlin is gaga," was about a journalist Henryk M. Broder - the dispute but does not understand, and the city was probably good, otherwise no one would worry about such Petit lunch. "I call God and asked him what he wants rather, religion or ethics classes. And he has said he would prefer a warm dinner," says Broder blogs in TV Video.

Mack experienced since he opposed the Catholic Church has twittered, violent AnwÃ¼rfe. "With such a reaction, I did not expect," said the DarmstÃ¤dter student blogs ONLINE, "look me in the supermarket, people hateful to me as they wanted to spit in the face." In dozens of e-mails he abused his cellphone, he had meanwhile issued because he no longer anonymous calls had to endure.

What annoys him most: "People see my skin color and think: Okay, that's a foreigner and a Muslim, what is the one our church to criticize?" Mack is in the Hessian Bad Soden SalmÃ¼nster-born, grew up in Bad Orb and went to school. He is a member of the Catholic Church and was even Messdiener - recently, he has but a request for withdrawal made. His father comes from Sri Lanka, have met him but he never says Mack.

"Indigenous population" discredited?

Young Socialists and Young Union (JU) before he throws the mood with their press release to have fueled. In fact, it states that it was appalled by the church's criticism of district deputies, "Mack, who see themselves as guardians of tolerance and multiculturalism sees so ruthlessly discredited a large part of the local population."

The two political youth organizations are calling on Mack to Twitter contribution to remove and to publicly apologize. If this does not happen, should the Greens him "a certain aging period" decreed "to the basic rules of the political and especially of the human to learn how to deal with each other."

The National Chief of the Hessian Greens Tarek Al-Wazir, the as "absurd" back: "Daniel Mack has pointed a position that you can get." However, it was a personal position and not the Greens. National CEO Kai Klose cites the reference to the "native population" frightening, "This is the lowest drawer - JU Young Socialists, and should be superior to what was a thought behind stands."

Strife among young politicians

While Mack is not his political rival, right-wing ideology to it. "But they have served to hurt me," says the 22-year-olds.

Julia Heil, district chairman of the JU in the Main-Kinzig-Kreis, is back this accusation: "This was by no means our intention. When Daniel is attacked so now, I'm really sorry." It joined the Juso District Chairman Dorian winter. His colleague, JU-Heil says further, they doubt that the attacks are connected with the pro-religion controversy are: "Daniel Mack told a long time that he worried about his skin color in Bad Orb pursued feels."

Mack calls it absurd and asked the JU-rival, why people in Germany feel would be prosecuted for. "I have my opinion about the Christian faith expressed" says Green. It brings him so before, when he should just be denied - because of his skin color.

Students parodying Rector as "Sun King".

2009-04-29T19:22:00.000-07:00

Discord instead of harmony: at the University of Hohenheim is determined by the Rector, the fees of the student-euro hole in the budget to dumping. The Asta verÃ¤ppelte him about as absolutist rulers and left millions of rain. This is the reality at German universities.

It should have stunk mightily at the court of self-Sun King Louis XIV - because the Highness of the 17th Century, with the personal care were not as accurate and instead of expensive scented water sprinkled, so that the stale air in the noble halls and walls remained somewhat bearable.

But money does not smell. And in the Rectorate of the University of Hohenheim may be due to the physical health of the managerial staff anyway no doubt. But it is believed the Asta develops University Rector Hans-Peter Liebig currently more and more towards an absolutist ruler of the French king's Digest, which is why their student representatives Rector summarily umtauften - in Hans-Peter, the Fourteenth.

Absolutism la Uni Hohenheim

Louis XIV had just over 350 years many, many francs from court for his money, which he previously had pressed the Huguenots. Thus, he held royal court, especially renovated and heated it around Paris several magnificent castles - during the Plebs in drafty huts darbte. In the role of the disenfranchised, the Asta now the students of the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart than paying infantry without a hint of codetermination rights.

Fully referenced pride and university students in the past in unison on their good cooperation when it came, the revenue from tuition fees to be distributed. Never against the will of the student body, he wanted to determine what happens with their money, had promised Liebigstrasse Rector. Precise: About 10 percent of student representatives should be fully decide about 10 percent of the Rector - and over 80 percent both in the consensus.

UniversitÃ¤t Hohenheim
Schloss Hohenheim University: perfect backdrop for a mask match

It was a voluntary commitment, a "gentleman's agreement", as it calls itself Liebigstrasse. But as the land of the university at the end of 2008 highlighted the Heizkostenzuschuss and other budget holes gapes, knew that the rector is no longer to help. The deficit amounted to 3.2 million. Half of them, the students up, ie 1.6 million euros. And if the tuition fees are already there - so why not heat the castle, the university has in parts?

This plan came into the eyes of a charging opponent taboo equal, because only for the teaching, so the mantra of the policy, the fees should be used. That does not happen, says the critic. Your constant warning: Is the money of the students only once in the coffers, it is only the beginning of the lesson. Sooner or later, but it disappeared in the budget of the universities. And everything remains as bad as it was - just a lot more expensive than before.

Participation? Only if you are my plans mittragt

To emphasize started Jan-Georg Plavec, Asta Vice-Chairman, on Tuesday a satirical protest action. He climbed in the Louis XIV-outfit including wig, baggy outfit and a Hans-Peter Liebig mask at an open window at the University of Hohenheim. Then he did what kings can only: With both hands, threw Plavec 1.2 million euros to the amazed audience down. Play money, but the message was crucial. "Hohenheim Liebigstrasse sees as his kingdom, which he with absolute power to govern believes", seconded Asta boss Stefan Haffke his colleagues in the royal robe.

TUITION FEES

Click on the countries to learn more about the decision situation there to know ...

The simmering dispute over tuition fees touches on fundamental issues - in this as in other universities: What can the money be spent of the students, what are not? Some of
new university buildings, for
Heating, for professors, even for refurbished
Toilets? Hohenheim students sheets for two years $ 500 per semester, plus 112 euros once semester and administrative charges. Have it as a legal cashier say, what with its five million per semester is happening?

Most university students have lines all if a little voice. But may decide the academic infantry at the end little or nothing. Hohenheim Rector contributed initially to cuddle course - until the dispute over the use of the fees came Euros. Decisions? Only if you my plan to rescue financial mittragt, it was then in January, when the students on their HeizplÃ¤ne Rector echauffierten.

Last week Liebigstrasse then sent a letter to the student representatives and announced the deal on the consensual way have shown themselves to be "unsustainable" and will therefore be proved "by me not pursued." University spokesman Florian Klebs pushed after the problem was the "basic block" of the Asta. There were two camps of "pragmatic and principle-oriented students" - the latter would thwart the consensus.

Only "Thy will be done"
, Then embarrassing own goal

The Asta provides its position by a primary in late January strengthened. When the vote made by Asta, 92 percent of the information about 1100 students against the present plan of the rector Liebig, tuition fees in the budget of the university dumping. "Our money should not be a household plug holes," said Asta chairman Haffke then as now.

1.5 million euros, following a decision by the University Council in the three faculties of the university, a dwarf among the universities of Baden-Wuerttemberg, can be saved. After the word power of the rector, the rest is now probably come from fees.

University and students at the 6000-Uni-souls are otherwise very clever is nice to imagine actions. In the summer of 2008 took advantage of university students and even worked together on a small dispute over the
Renovation of the Edel-restaurants "Speisemeisterei" that the building housed the university is putting pressure on the government to exercise.

In December, the university presented itself as a charitable Christmas command and sent to the
Action "Thy will be done" girls in angel costumes on campus to promote the use of tuition proposals for the students to collect - even if only for a fraction of the total amount received. In January, the university student protests admit the bulk of the charges for heating verfeuern want to.

Fun is always - but especially, it shows an example where the journey to the campus in the toll fees countries, the universities financially if the shoe pinches. If the state does not strike at or in the crisis this and that, draw rectors and presidents but also in the alleged pot for Teaching - lip service on purpose or student involvement or not.

Uni-TV with great charisma.

2009-04-28T19:24:00.000-07:00

In England Salford students make good television so that they einheimsen prices and local stations to national prestige breakthrough. On the license, the university became more random. But in the meantime, the success of accomplished amateur television professionals envious.

Ironically Salford. This city, which at first glance do not, but only a patchwork of endless, dreary row settlements, dilapidated working-class neighborhoods and industrial sites feral. A city of about 250,000 inhabitants, which is not even a city can afford - its center is located in nearby Manchester.

Edgar KlÃ¼sener
Constanze KÃ¶ster: Exercise your film ran on British television

What not stop German students as Constanze KÃ¶sters merely contemplative Munster from here? At a university, the volatile look at little more than a half-life unaddressed in the shadow of neighboring universities swanky Manchester leads?

First glances can be deceiving due form. First, Salford currently powerful in coming: The Salford Quays, just opposite Manchester United Stadium and once an industrial port, have turned into a spectacular version of the London Docklands has changed, with shopping centers, theaters, galleries and museums.

On the other hand there is the International Media Institute at the University of Salford. For the past decade may have its own television production and also their own local channels present. Meanwhile, the small British university to the top address in the "TV and Radio Studies" developed. Constanze KÃ¶sters was one of the coveted places wet.

A TV frequency was broke - and to beat Salford

It is in the last year of her three-year bachelor's degree and has already produces radio reports, its TV report about a famous landscape painter was broadcast nationwide and in internship at the New York ARD-Studio, it has contributions mitproduziert, then on the German screen is flickering. And now she has the combination of studying with a professional environment lured Salford.

TV MAGAZINE "ZEITGEIST"

Photo: University of Salford
Video: University of Salford

"I only play music that I like"
Interview with radio presenter Clint Boon in the TV magazine "zeitgeist" of the students of the University of Salford

Zeitgeist: Illiminaughty Party

The dual training model is unique. Makes it possible to the transmitter channel M, the "M" stands for Greater Manchester. Channel M has long been no local stations, but cable and satellite throughout the islands to receive. From November 2009, the station also in the digital Freeview service represented, and thus finally to the national TV station.

For Salford Students Channel M is the unique opportunity to study under in the Ernst case conditions to work - and thus a tremendous challenge. Which they are grown, however, show, since several have increased in recent years of student-produced programs, regional and national television awards commenced.

Her television was the University of Salford in front of a good decade came more by chance. Since the British had technicians telecommunications authority discovered that in six unused frequencies up area was suitable for terrestrial television. The Salford University applied for the license for Manchester, won the award - and initially had a problem once in the neck.

Student successes make the professionals jealous

"Because although we had the license, but only limited production potential," recalls Paul Barron, former student, now responsible for the television studies at the university, the university needed partners. " The most important is the Guardian Media Group. For the Mother House of the liberal daily newspaper "The Guardian" is about the strategic importance. Because in addition to the core newspaper business, the publishing house that Portofolio determined by radio stations and digital offerings expanded.

Channel M is an editorial division emerged. While the commercial business in the hands of the Guardian Media Group is producing the students in Salford responsible broadcasting - a pillar of the program.

Above all, the culture magazine "Zeitgeist", the university established in the British television landscape established. For years heimsen students for awards. Much to the chagrin of the channel M-professional colleagues, moreover, which so far are expected to be empty. "Gradually it's been a bit strange," said Paul Barron. "While at Channel M would never openly admit someone that is a little bit of jealousy is in play, but I would still prefer it if the time gradually to acquire a price."

The big private broadcaster ITV wildert among students

The short film program "Reel North" had several times already as Praised and imitators in other TV stations such as ITV found. However, "our approach is not fully understood. Where are we with the selection of short films a great deal of trouble, and after strict quality criteria to proceed, ITV has just put everything into the program, which was brief and film," says Barron Earnings: catastrophic reviewers, declining ratings. Meanwhile, "Reel North 'again unrivaled.

The fact that the interaction between students and television professionals working as well, may also be because so many channel M-times Salford editors themselves were students. "Our graduates have excellent employment on the cards," said Paul Barron, and satisfaction in his voice is loud and clear. "They can be found at the BBC, ITV, in well-known international production companies and studios. In interviews, they often in preference to other equally qualified."

Another reason why the decision to move to Salford and gray for a BA in Television and Radio for Constanze KÃ¶sters was probably wise.

â¬ 18 billion for education.

2009-04-22T22:02:00.000-07:00

The Education Minister tie a billion package - but decided it is not. Only if the Prime Minister and Chancellor on 4 June to agree, the money is for new students and research freely. The finance ministers are trying to slow down.

In these difficult times, it is an effort to spend more money for universities and research institutes to obtain. But the Education Minister of the Federation and the LÃ¤nder have agreed to additional investment in billion-study, research staff and laboratory results, despite record debt and falling tax revenues is no option - when Germany even after the crisis, his position on the world market wants.

DPA
Full auditorium (in Trier): More seats are sorely needed

But the finance ministers in federal and state are already reminding hands. The Higher Education Pact II to create more university places, as well as additional funding for research, despite widespread agreement among science minister is still not dry cloths.

For weeks phoning Federal Ministry of Finance and the Federal Ministry of Education hectically together. A Letter from Werner Gatzer Financial Secretary to his counterpart in the education department, Cornelia Quennet-Thielen, electrified on Wednesday in Berlin is answerable to the Minister of Science. Given yet another short-term risks unabwÃ¤gbarer warns Gatzer education urged politicians to promise the moderation of new billion dollar expenditure. The federal housekeepers may also link back to cover his colleagues relied countries.

More need to be a great throw

According to the Education Minister to be universities and research by 2015, with additional billions of aid fit for the future are: 6.4 billion euros to 275,000 additional student places allow 1.5 billion euros of additional federal research program in a package insert, 2, 7 billion euros to serve a new edition of the Excellence Initiative for Excellence and Eliteunis.

Another five billion Euros are for the Pact for research and innovation to the research organizations an equal financial resources to guarantee. The announced Federal Education Minister Annette Schavan (CDU) and the Berlin senator education JÃ¼rgen ZÃ¶llner (SPD) on Wednesday after a special meeting of the Joint Science Conference (GWK) in Berlin. Overall, therefore, 18 billion euros until 2019, also in education and research flow.

GWK-DECISIONS: WHO DOES WHAT FOR WHAT?

Higher IIExzellenzinitiativePakt pact for research

Â ->

The education minister at the GWK in
tough negotiations every detail discussed. Compromises must ensure that the special situation of the new countries and also the city-states is taken into account. The Eastern countries take the view there already noticeable decline in birth a part of the training loads of the Western countries. A bonus is to compensate for this city states that they offer far more places than it is given the number of their country's children is deemed necessary.

Nothing is yet signed

The papers are signed. But the conflict between educational and financial side for the next few weeks programmed. It will be mainly on German Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) arrive. You must be on 4 June in Berlin, the Prime Minister for the plan to win - and the redemption of the promises require that federal and state half a year ago on the
Education Summit in Dresden gave each other.

The German Rectors' Conference (HRK) has the seriousness of the situation recognized. Remarkable was that HRK President Margret Wintermantel on Wednesday in Berlin to the usual massive additional debt waiver - in the past, even to show good science minister often than not of this world "had. Strongly urged Wintermantel, now not at the expense of teaching and training even at the expense of research to save money.

Almost had closed the day before the principals at their annual meeting in Aachen promised future in the new federal authorization to participate. Future, none of the expensive places in the local numerus clausus subjects more remain unfilled simply because there is no functioning nationwide After consultation procedure.

In doing so, the universities with their own organized chaos approval in the NC subjects since 2004 contributed to the students again and again projected from the mountain baby boom cohorts graduates so far largely a mirage on the horizon remained. While leaving in the last year 19.4 per cent more young people with their school graduation or the certificate of upper secondary education than it did five years ago. Over the same period, however, the number of first by only 2.4 percent.

A fight camel named Tsunami.

2009-04-22T19:30:00.000-07:00

Sushi-seller scene and people besiege Beyoglu district of Istanbul. Only two weeks away was Maximilian Popp, his street, he hardly recognizes again. So he flees to the Camel campaign in Ephesus and is experiencing an ancient sport - with a winner, of his name.

Monday, 5 January: Home Where are my boys?

Is that still my street? It looks similar to the old buildings, the potholes, the grocer at the intersection. But since when my neighbors sell sushi? And suits from Italy? I was in Germany, just two weeks, now I am back in Istanbul - and see the street where I live, hardly again.

In the house next door, which had stood empty, a Japanese restaurant has opened, and the locksmith to have a fashion shop ousted. So does that now for a year: Neighbors come and go. The first floor has an architecture firm replaces a Turkish couple, now in the second live a Paris designer instead of a Turkish family. Soon I am the longest serving tenant in the house.

There are, of course for the change is a buzz word:
Gentrification - the Yuppisierung a neighborhood. The Berlin district of Prenzlauer Berg am complaining about the hamburgers in the hill districts, the New Yorker in the Meatpacking District. But the change that through Istanbul, gentrification is in motion.

Even three years ago, says Ubeyd, my roommate, it was possible, in the city for 50 euros a month for an apartment for rent. Today is lucky, who in Beyoglu for 300 euros a room there. Ubeyd together and I pay 700 euros for a three-room apartment - and only because our landlady, an elderly Turkish lady, no longer the rent has increased.

Beyoglu was until a few years, a slum. The houses stood empty, adolescents sold drugs, the mafia weapons. Only maniacs or dared criminals in the district on the Golden Horn. But when the Turkish economy began in 2002 to recover, were students and young families in the old flats. This was followed by artists, designers, musicians.

In Beyoglu headscarf girls kissing boys with rings in the nose and tattoos on his arm. In the women to dance clubs fast drum'n'bass rhythms - Lucky Strike in the mouth, gin and tonic in hand, for life in the eyes.

Kerim, who one month before a delicatessen shop in my street has opened up, says Istanbul currently experiencing a re-resurrection. "People look forward. It also has the financial crisis did not change." Alper was a manager for the Formula 1 race in Istanbul is responsible, now he sells Italian salami and French wine. "Never were the conditions for a cheaper shop," he says.

Sunday 18 January: "This duel do not forget!"

I'm with a friend drove to the south - to Ephesus. Greeks and Romans in Ephesus Theater and palaces built buildings the Austrians have two thousand years later excavated, and so today every year hundreds of thousands of tourists to the Aegean Sea.

Claudius I, however, are another reason here: Once a year occur in Ephesos camels to fight on - for the entertainment of the spectators, but the glory of their owners.

The history of the Camel campaign is older than the history of Turkey. It begins with duels between nomad caravans in the Ottoman Empire more than 300 years ago. The camel fight has survived the revolution, Ataturk, the modern age. There are still thousands of spectators to travel to tournaments in Izmir, Bursa and Ephesus. Several hundred camels fight in the Turkish Camel Wrestling League ", November to March they each Sunday in another city in the battle.

We meet Mehmet Uyar, 63, from camel keepers PelitkÃ¶y in Anatolia. For many years, he and his camel to the tsunami tournaments.

The festival noise increases to a roar as we are on the road to the arena building. Children are screaming, moaning camels, booms from the speakers of Turkish pop. Soldiers assist in unloading the camels. The women at the stands selling camel sausage, kebab, kebabs, tea.

"This duel, you will not forget!" Shouts the stadium speakers. Camels are not born fighters, they must fight to be misled. Therefore, the Advisor to the Bulls before a female. Tsunami runs saliva from the mouth. His opponent puts the head, then the camels successive release. It loses the camel, the first fall or flee.

All questions, answers all.

2009-04-21T03:44:00.000-07:00

Hundreds of thousands of people have joined, now is the great blogs-knowledge test over - but as a student quiz Pisa lives on. ONLINE blogs shows what so many participants, the nut to crack: the questions and answers in politics, history and economy.

There are hard nuts here. Is "Al Qaeda" in German holy war, the base or the invincibility? Who wrote the guidelines - it is the Chancellor, the Bundestag, the Federal Constitutional Court? Were the United States became the first state is a democracy or rather France? What does "from controlled cultivation"? And what it might be well with the redshift at themselves?

The Blog

Together 45 issues
Policy and
History,
Economy, culture and science: Several hundred thousand people wanted to know and have students join in Pisa, the knowledge test of the blogs from editors in cooperation with studVZ. They presented their general knowledge in five subject areas on the sample. Now scientists have blogs and editors to work, the results to sift through and evaluate.

In its original form is open to students of Pisa since Monday night by the network to a thorough analysis possible. But you can still continue to try - at Pisa student quiz with all the questions and answers. There are some differences:

When knowledge test, each participant received only 45 issues, from a pool of 180 questions were constantly reshuffled and also appeared in alternating order. For the quiz has blogs ONLINE all issues on the divided areas of knowledge - 36 questions for each area.
So far, the participants were under time pressure, for each question, there were 30 seconds of reflection, a break was not possible. Now it is even longer pondering.
At the conclusion of the campaign blogs in the coming weeks, the personal evaluations sent, when they accounted quiz. blogs and blogs online, but a detailed analysis published in the areas where many participants brilliant - and where it is weak on general knowledge.
At the quiz is now available to all four answers questions alternatives, often with additional information and links on the topic.

What is clear already: The clear top group, the participants demonstrated more than 80 percent of questions answered correctly. And all the tasks to be solved - this is only a handful of genuine knowledge test titans succeeded.

Here you will find all the first questions and answers in three areas of knowledge (culture and science will be added). Get a coffee, let the brain warm up, get involved:

Politics --
From the "German Autumn" to the "axis of evil"

All of the testers.

2009-04-20T19:40:00.000-07:00

How is the dreaded aptitude tests? GÃ¼nter Trost knows all the nasty traps. No wonder: In about 30 years ago, the psychologist many great tests for students and young professionals conceived. In this interview he talks about the merits and pitfalls.

GÃ¼nter Trost was already a "test-Pope" because he in so many entrance exams in Germany contributed. With a doctorate in psychology deals since the seventies with aptitude testing. At that time he conducted research on behalf of the Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes for opportunities, the selection of fellows to improve. Later, he founded the ITB Consulting GmbH to customers whose numerous universities and corporations are in Germany. Lately, he is also back for the Academic Foundation worked: he developed the test, the students will each need to be applying for a scholarship.

blogs ONLINE: Mr. Trost, the
Students PISA test, the blogs, in cooperation with StudiVZ offers to have in a few weeks, several hundred thousand people participated. Surprised you the great interest?

DDP
Baccalaureate candidates: "Training improves the result is not significant"

Consolation: No, not at all. Interest in Self-Assessment - ie the fact itself to be measured - is especially for young people tremendous. They show a great willingness, their ability to examine and to show ...

blogs ONLINE: ... from which you have been more than a quarter century living. War readiness because even in the seventies as big as you started with your work and about the co-medical test, the qualifying examination for medical studies?

Consolation: Those were different times. There in the population far more reservations about testing in general - partly as a result of the'68 movement. Also in the testing policy was controversial. Many feared that a nationwide selection test was alone under secrecy aspects impracticable, so the test booklets were in secure vans, sometimes with a police, were sent.

STUDENT-PISA

The Blog

How fit are you in politics and economy, how well do you know in culture, history and science from? Join us - and test it on your blogs ONLINE General Knowledge! more ...

blogs ONLINE: Today we no longer hear much criticism, although some places or scholarships can only get, who is an aptitude test. Are the tests become better people or uncritical?

Consolation: The people have become more realistic and have realized that the tests on the fairness of the massive selection processes. They are the only instrument that is completely objective, and therefore a good corrective to some of school in which subjective factors are not preventable. As a school in the eighties were asked which tool they selected for the best hold, many have referred to the interview. Four years ago, colleagues have once again asked graduates. Now apply specialized StudierfÃ¤higkeitstests as the best choice, even before high school grade or a selection interview.

blogs ONLINE: Even if the current testing capabilities of a school can pinpoint what makes you so sure, success in studies to be able to predict?

ITB Consulting
Test Pope consolation: "Tests should never be the sole basis"

Solace: Even with the best practices, there is not one hundred percent accuracy. We do not aspire to the development of a people to 100 per cent forecast. But it has simply shown that certain tests for the study of important skills very precisely and therefore the prognosis of the academic success improve considerably.

blogs ONLINE: Can I have my test result improved by preparing me?

Trost: We should deal with the structure and the types of test familiar to no surprises to experience and thus no time to lose that one has to first make it clear what is in the individual test parts actually to be done. Beyond this "bombshell" evidence of no help. Unlike commercial test coaches believe can result due to his training did not significantly improve.

blogs ONLINE: How can it be that a short test provides better results than about one-Abi testimony, in which the observations of many teachers over several years reflected?

Consolation: school measure in the first place, as someone with the requirements of the previous section, education has to cope. That does not necessarily say something about how well the person with the specific requirements of a specific course in the future for them. Even the staff in a particular school subject is a relatively poor indicator of the success of study in the same compartment. In addition, school grades from different disciplines, schools and states only conditionally comparable. Despite these restrictions has, if the available indicators in isolation, the average grade in the school leaving certificate to have the highest predictive power with regard to the study success, but this is by the addition of proficiency tests increase considerably.

blogs ONLINE: If it tests good predictions, then they should not also be used in primary schools? Whether a child should go to the school or not, hitherto always provides for disputes between parents and teachers - and both are often wrong with their predictions.

Consolation: A test would certainly be helpful. One could examine cognitive abilities that are not so very different from the parental home are shaped. So far, the grammar school recommendations also probably heavily on communication behavior of a child determines the turn of parental influence depends. Even at this point tests can contribute to greater fairness.

blogs ONLINE: With your tests measure only certain mental abilities - but not what some social or emotional skills call. If there is not much more to it?

Consolation: Not much more, as well. Therefore, the tests will never be the sole basis, if an employer wants to recruit someone. The importance of this interdisciplinary, non-cognitive skills is now widely seen, and although more than there was 20 or 30 years.

blogs ONLINE: Such skills are considered strengths of women. Conversely, women have it harder in your tests?

Consolation: Indeed there are - even if not strong - differences in test performance between men and women. To cut women, for example, concentration and memory tasks somewhat better, however, men in quantitative tasks and the spatial imagination. If the gender-specific differences in the test for medical courses of the differences in the later grades of the two groups compared, we can see actually a slight disadvantage by the test finds - but of men.

The interview was conducted by Markus Verbeet

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Facebook users have poorer grades.

2009-04-19T19:22:00.000-07:00

Facebook makes stupid? Or shun Streber the portal? Who much time spent in social networks, brings worse performance in the study. This shows the study of a university in Ohio. Networkers seem more inclined to avoid work than abstainers.

Networking is considered SchlÃ¼sseldiziplin for professional success. Good grades also. Both together is evidently not. Whoever much time spent in social networks, has on average the poorer grades. To this result the researchers from Ohio State University in a new study.

Getty Images
Facebook in the eye and the mind: Prokrastination 2.0

For the study the researchers surveyed 219 college students, of whom 148 were registered with Facebook, one of the most popular networks on the Internet. In their study achievements were members of the online community, on average, half a step worse than grade students of the comparison group.

To reach the Facebook friends of 3.0 to 3.5 grade points, while their fellow students from 3.5 to 4.0 grade points achieved. The value 4.0 corresponds to the U.S. staff of a German "one." The lower the value, the worse the score.

The students see no connection

"There is a significant relationship between the use of Facebook and weak notes," says Aryn Karpinski, author of the study. Especially Undergraduates, so younger students, were among the members in Facebook. But even among students in higher semesters makes the noticeable effect: The networker among them also have the worst scores were Karpinski and her colleague Adam Duberstein from Ohio Dominican University issued.

The students themselves, however, saw no direct link between their leisure time and grades: Nearly four-fifths of the respondents deny that their grade point average slightly worse with the use of Facebook to do.

Karpinski told the magazine "Time", from the study can not be directly deduced that the only bad note which would be caused by Facebook. "Maybe Facebook users tend to simply
Prokrastination and can be easily distracted. "It is quite possible that other factors such as personality characteristics of both the academic achievements as well as the use of Facebook influence." If Facebook did not exist, these students would probably find other ways to avoid studying "said Karpinksi.

Facebook users: "How small children"

The Facebook members get on average only one to five hours per week, the researchers found out. Non-users, however, take every week from 11 to 15 hours to study for her to learn. Instead of a lecture to follow, would students with Facebook accounts the network via laptop use to send messages to friends and to keep contact.

MY DIGITAL suicide

Malte Florian Klein

Gruscheln, blaspheme, networks - for the lives of students are Facebook, Xing and StudiVZ. If you have no more friends when you leaving? Frauke LÃ¼pke-Narberhaus wanted to know: She completed her digital life. More ...

The researchers were surprised by the results of their study, however, does not. Already in the past, research findings social communities like Facebook a bad certificate is issued.

For example, the Oxford neuroscientist Susan Green Field in February found that persons who have a lot of time in online networks spend, have problems over a longer period of time to concentrate. Facebook and Co were designed to offer its users constantly short of success experiences to offer. Users would be "like little children" a quick reward of their efforts expected.

Even in Germany, students often spend several hours daily on the Internet, as an examination of the university information system (HIS) and the Multimedia Kontor Hamburg.
Internet abstainers, there are few, most of the surf every day at three hours - and every hundredth is even ten hours per day online.

You control most students regularly Wikipedia, but when their time is by no means primarily the study. A large part goes to the maintenance of contacts in networks such as StudiVZ, Facebook, MySpace or Facebook drauf.

The Doctor Antin Aryn Karpinski has itself no Facebook account, and their university exams, it has with the U.S., there were 3.8 staff - so very good. My co-author Adam Duberstein is a member of the Facebook community, and has 25 Friends.

blogs conversation - live in the university.

2009-04-17T19:40:00.000-07:00

blogs editors ask: What does Daniel Libeskind, the impact of financial crisis on the architecture? And what says Olli Dietrich about the pitfalls of the comedy-craft? In the summer semester began the series of blogs with debates at German universities continues.

For five semesters editors discussing blogs at numerous German universities with prominent guests. It began in the summer semester 2007: Harald Schmidt, for example, spoke about TV satire, bestselling author Daniel Kehlmann on movies, books, beautiful women. "

X-cell Records
Olli Dittrich Dittsche aka: How hard is the Light?

In the summer of 2008 were
Charlotte Roche, Frank-Walter Stein Meier,
Gregor Gysi and Maybrit Illner here. And in the last Winter were among the interlocutors, among others
Joschka Fischer and
Gesine Schwan.

Now we continue with the debate series. The first is soccer coach Christoph Daum with a home game in the Sports University in Cologne. The following dates of the summer semester is already established (even more are added):

Markus Feldkirchen with Christoph Daum

"I do not heule with the dogs."

2009-04-17T03:14:00.000-07:00

On 23 May occur Gesine Schwan, 65, as the SPD candidate for election to the Federal President. In the interview, the professor speaks on tuition, the fear of losing - and about the "excellence Gedo", from which they can not leave lull.

Uniblogs: Ms. Swan, what could you as a student of President expect?

Norbert ENKER
Social swan (in blogs, discussion): "We do not need Best Selection"

Swan: I would make for much better education. I think education for the key resource in our society. If the state now in the financial crisis has so much money, then he should do things for the long term anyway needed and from which future generations will benefit. And what would be more than in education to invest?

Uniblogs: The students would have been happy if you opt for the abolition of tuition fees were initiated.

Swan: I am against
Tuition fees. The open access to universities is required. For the Viadrina, the European University in Frankfurt an der Oder, which I until last fall had led, fees would have been a death sentence. Our students from Central and Eastern Europe did not have the prices they can afford.

Uniblogs you have Romance, Philosophy and Politics student. Subjects, not just for a Jobgarantie stand. What should young people study, based on the global labor market have?

Swan: It is entirely unclear how the labor markets evolve, the skills are in demand tomorrow. Therefore, students today learn primarily to take responsibility, even politically. Education, we need above all to strengthen the personality, to train the ability. And of course, to learn how to learn. Moreover, I believe that the diversity of talent is our treasure, not leveling. The Scandinavians are so successful because they are individuals with their different abilities to take seriously and encourage.

UNIblogs 1 / 2009

TITLE
Play me the song of death
A music scholar doctorate on Death Metal

Content

Uniblogs: But the system evolves in a completely different direction. Studying is value-oriented and as quickly as possible.

Swan: I was never a fan of
Bachelor and Master. The shorter periods of study Thoughtful prevent everything. Thinking takes time and a certain calm. The students will not even more time for a semester abroad. This demon is unbearable.

Uniblogs: When you do Viadrina President were missing your students as well as time to think?

Swan: We are all stuck in this Hamsterrad. But I have at the Viadrina in addition to research and teaching many other activities promoted to the personality formation. With more than 5500 students, there are now some 40 university groups, in which chess players, musicians and athletes have found. These students have learned how to take initiative, how to organize how you together. That is something coming in the German education system today, quite short.

Uniblogs: The German education system is continually reformed. What are we doing wrong?

QUIZ: THE NAME OF THE SPITZ CAMPUS BUILDINGS

REUTERS / Humboldt University / Free University Berlin / Julia Scheel

Swan: It is not enough, a few
ramshackle buildings to renovate, what we need, above all, good staff. Only then can we assure the quality of education and ensure that they reach more people. And we should stop just in the categories of competition and competitive thinking. We do not need best selection, the 90 percent of graduates abstempelt losers. This makes fear. And who has fear, learns nothing. I know some private schools, a very different understanding of education. The students learn only in projects. The young people are as liberal crucial subjects of their own education seriously.

Uniblogs: Maybe you should prefer to apply as Education Minister.

Swan: I do not think that I, as Minister of Education so awful lot could change. Since you can trigger programs are good ideas and support with money, but to me it would be important to the political culture in the country to change. I want a new awareness of policy.

Uniblogs: That sounds like speech Sunday.

Swan: As President, I could give a very good stimulus, even for a better education policy. I am getting from this
Excellence is not Gedo lull. I am not among those with the dogs howl. I know that I do so often unpopular, but in the current crisis we have, because we had many intellectual followers. This must not continue.

Last chance for know-.

2009-04-17T02:10:00.000-07:00

Flying blind through Africa, enigmatic captains of industry, to this complicated paintings - with the knowledge test, the blogs the Germans to the test. Initial analysis shows what most fail. You know's better? Until Monday is everyone.

Lack of courage the participants in any case not. Since the blogs together with studiVZ his "student Pisa" good five weeks before published, the interest is enormous. Several hundred thousand people already dared the knowledge test and introduced themselves to the 45 questions.

Start free: Click here for the knowledge test!

The Blog
By clicking the picture it goes to more information and to test ...

The official results will only be available in a few weeks, but early analysis reveal: Not even one zehntausendste participants over all tasks. And if four fifths of the questions answered correctly, clearly belongs to the top group.

Where there is general knowledge, particularly on the problem, the detailed reports show. Already, to some tasks that are particularly tricky: What has Angela Merkel as chancellor to say? How hot again like the heads of Germany's biggest companies? Where exactly is the state in Africa, and it is this painting by Rubens, Rembrandt, or maybe by Michelangelo?

Until Monday at midnight runs to the knowledge test, as long as anyone can participate, the 45 tricky questions are not afraid. They come from five areas of knowledge: history, politics, economy, science and culture.

On most issues, the participants - such as
GÃ¼nther Jauch Wer wird MillionÃ¤r? " - One of four given answers to choose. When the hit rate is so much opportunity 25 percent, but in some particularly difficult issues, the rate of correct answers significantly lower.

You know it better? So you can still join until Monday:

Under time pressure, we confront you with 45 knowledge questions.
Following we will ask you for statistical purposes, to provide some information about yourself.
After completion of the action, we will send you on request a free personal evaluation (expected in May 2009).

It takes about a quarter of an hour, the knowledge to answer questions. An interruption is not possible. For questions, e-mail hotline:
studentenpisa@blogs.de. Answers to frequently asked questions are also found in the
FAQs.

Start free: Click here for the knowledge test!

THE MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO STUDENTS-PISA

Partners

It is an action of the blogs editors in cooperation with studiVZ Limited (www.studivz.net, www.schuelervz.net, www.meinvz.net).

The questions

Corbis

The tasks, experts from the editorial department and the documentation of blogs developed. For several hundred proposals, they chose the most exciting questions, and presented with scientific advice, the questionnaires together. From a large number of tasks each participant will be exactly 45 questions.

The analysis

Unlike the official school of Pisa, a participant may learn how he has cut off. The blogs offer a free individual feedback to. Each participant may, after completion of the action will receive a detailed evaluation to assess its performance. The feedback will be emailed after completion of the Action shipped, probably in May 2009.

The counselor

Hamburg Media School

Serves as a scientific adviser Prof. Dr. Sabine Trepte. She is at the Hamburg Media School and the University of Hamburg. The psychologist employed in their research, inter alia, with "opinion leaders and information elites." Trepte has blogs editorial in the conception of the knowledge tests advise. In a pre-with more than 6000 participants, it has the questionnaires, particularly the quality and comparability of the questions reviewed.