It is my pleasure to introduce myself as your new Vice-Rector Academic Affairs. Since March 24, 2021, I have held this office as part of TU Dresden's Rectorate, and I am responsible for all matters concerning studies, teaching and continuing education.
The community of lecturers and students
("universitas magistrorum et scolarium") constitutes the basis of a university also in the literal sense of the word. In my capacity as Vice-Rector Academic Affairs, I aim to ensure that this community does not remain a mere commitment, but one that is experienced every single day, striving on lively exchanges, mutual trust, respect and appreciation. Teaching and learning must not be a burden, but should be a pleasure, driven by critical curiosity and a joint analysis of interrelations, with the constant desire to arouse a little more enthusiasm and to understand a little deeper.
This shall be my guiding principle as Vice-Rector Academic Affairs, even in the difficult times of the Covid-19 pandemic. The current situation places great strain on lecturers and students alike, yet it also offers opportunities for new teaching formats, innovative learning environments, and possibilities of intense exchange. We want to continue to expand and develop these opportunities in order to strengthen the community of students and lecturers.
I took over the office of Vice-Rector Academic Affairs from Prof. Gerald Gerlach on March 24, 2021. Prof. Gerlach headed the Vice-Rectorate from August 2020 to March 2021. On medical advice, however, he had to resign from office for health reasons. On behalf of the entire university, we, the members of the Extended Rectorate, would like to thank him for his great commitment during this challenging time. It was thanks to the foundations he created that the transition proceeded very smoothly.
The 2021 summer semester will be the 3rd semester in a pandemic situation.
Having spent a year living and studying under the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the desire for normality is strong for everyone - and at a university, this naturally includes on-site teaching. The Extended Rectorate fully understands this desire and very much hopes that this will be possible again without restrictions in the foreseeable future.
In light of the current (infection) situation, the Extended Rectorate has decided on the following guidelines:
- Initially until Pentecost, the courses will generally not be held on-site.
- Exempted from this regulation are events that require physical attendance due to the nature of the acquisition of competencies (internships, laboratory experiments, etc.).
I would like to ask you to inform yourself about the course formats at your faculties. Should you have any questions, please contact the lecturers and your Faculty Students' Council directly.
In order to make the start of the online summer semester easier for first-year students, but also for all other students, the Directorate University Culture has compiled a wide range of support services for "Campus life in times of pandemic":
- Under the motto "TU-together" the TU Dresden website and social media channels will provide you with all the support available and information regarding the coronavirus period: from sports and nutrition tips to motivational programs and opportunities to meet new people.
- Next week, on April 19, the fourth Future Lab will take place on the topic "What does university culture mean (to us)?" to which the Vice-Rector University Culture cordially invites all students. For more details, as well as for information on the Future Lab on teaching, scheduled for May 26, 2021, please go to: https://tu-dresden.de/zukunftslabore-2021
I wish us all a successful start into the new semester!
Safe. United. Digital. We persevere and keep the virus at bay.
Prof. Dr. Michael Kobel
Vice-Rector Academic Affairs