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Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Friedrich Schiller University Jena welcomed around 3,800 first-semester students today with a welcome ceremony for new students in Jena’s Volkshaus. University President Prof Dr Andreas Marx encouraged the new students to see the diversity of the university as an opportunity and a responsibility.
»Our university thrives on freedom and diversity—in the ideas, life paths and perspectives of its members. Utilise this diversity, discuss, question, learn from each other«, said Marx in his welcoming address.«
He emphasised that diversity and openness to the world are core values of the University of Jena: »In a time that is often characterised by polarisation, universities are places where diversity does not divide, but enriches. Here, diversity becomes the basis of academic creativity and social responsibility.«
Panel discussion on the living and study situation in Jena
After an interactive introduction to the newly enrolled students, a panel discussion on the reality of living and studying in Jena took centre stage at the ceremony. Moderator Lea Deubner spoke with Jena’s Lord Mayor Dr Thomas Nitzsche, the head of the Studierendenwerk Thüringen, Dr Torsten Schubert, the student senator Willi Kröning, Jasmin Weske, coordinator of university sports and University President Prof. Dr Andreas Marx about how the city, university and student services organisation can work together to create good conditions for studying and student life.
»Your studies mark the beginning of a new phase in your life—full of opportunities, encounters and challenges«, said University President Prof Dr Andreas Marx. The University of Jena is a place »where you can discover knowledge, take on responsibility and experience community.« He encouraged the students to actively shape the coming years: »Use this time to ask questions and get involved. Your commitment makes a significant contribution to the atmosphere of the university and the city.«
Lord Mayor Dr Thomas Nitzsche also emphasised the special atmosphere of the university city: »Jena is not only a place of excellent science, but also a city that lives from its students. We want young people to quickly feel at home here and want them to stay beyond their studies.«
Dr Torsten Schubert from the Studierendenwerk emphasised the importance of reliable infrastructures for students: »As a student services organisation, we are your student services organisation. We want you to feel at home with us—in our university) canteens, in our halls of residence and at the events we organise. But we also want to help you when you need advice—whether it’s providing legal advice or dealing with psychosocial or general issues relating to your everyday student life. As a student services organisation, we rely on your participation in our body|committees, e.g. in the Jena canteen committee or in juries, as well as in our surveys, in order to be there for you.«
As a student member of the University Senate, Willi Kröning also emphasised the importance of participation: »Don’t just focus rigidly on your studies. Join the body|committees, contribute your ideas and help to improve studies for future generations. Without such commitment, we would not be able to benefit from advantages such as the culture ticket.«
Jasmin Weske, coordinator for the Dance (subject) area|field at University Sports Jena, described University Sports as an opportunity to get to know people and make your studies healthy: »University Sports is your space for exercise, socialising and health. You can choose from over 700 course options each semester—from yoga to climbing, from dance to team competitions. We don’t just want you to do sports here, we want you to experience community and recharge your batteries for your studies.«
Awards for special achievements
The university then honoured the best graduates of the previous year of study|academic year. The examination prizes—endowed with 250 euros each and donated by the Society of Friends and Sponsors of Friedrich Schiller University Jena—were awarded this year to Rebekka Velacagua (Faculty of Theology), Maximilian Lipp (Faculty of Law), Fabian Hennig (Faculty of Economics and Business Administration: Business Analytics), Maria Genina (Faculty of Philosophy), Emily Ahrens (Faculty of Social and Earth Sciences), Rebecca Köhler (Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Sciences), Julian Frank Arnus (Faculty of Physics and Astronomy), Jakob Meyer (Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences), Konrad Sebastian Frahnert (Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Sciences) and Dr Jorina Wendt (Faculty of Medicine). Jorina Wendt (Faculty of Medicine). Henrike Münch received the prize for the best teaching exam.
Another honour went to Irish student Darragh Donnellan: the 24-year-old was awarded the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) 2025 Prize for his outstanding academic achievements and his wide-ranging commitment to intercultural life at the university. Each year, the prize, which is endowed with 1,000 euros, recognises foreign students who have distinguished themselves through special academic achievements and social commitment.
Tradition and future: tree dedication on the new Inselplatz campus
The ceremony concluded with the tree dedication on the new campus on Inselplatz. Together with students, University President Marx dedicated a Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) as a symbol for the programme start|start of studies in 2025/26.
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University President Prof. Dr. Andreas Marx (right) and Vice-President Prof. Dr. Karina Weichold (le ...
Quelle: Nicole Nerger / Uni Jena
View of the ballroom during the ceremonial matriculation of Friedrich Schiller University Jena on 29 ...
Quelle: Nicole Nerger / Uni Jena
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