Newsletter December 2024
Newsletter December 2024
Newsletter December 2024
December 1, 2024
December 1, 2024
December 1, 2024
Newsletter
Newsletter
VERSO
VERSO
VERSO
Dear students, dear university members, Having just started, the semester is already coming to an end. The autumn blues are being chased away by mulled wine and fairy lights, and it’s already time to say: Christmas is coming! Therefore, it's high time we provide you with some information about the last eventful, sometimes turbulent months. We started with some new faces and were immediately confronted with major issues such as the austerity measures of ZHdK and the federal government, which have kept us on our toes since the beginning of the semester. Some of these matters may have reached you – we are definitely on top of it and hope that the university will communicate transparently soon. We also want to keep you informed about everything current with this newsletter. So, let’s get started!
Dear students, dear university members, Having just started, the semester is already coming to an end. The autumn blues are being chased away by mulled wine and fairy lights, and it’s already time to say: Christmas is coming! Therefore, it's high time we provide you with some information about the last eventful, sometimes turbulent months. We started with some new faces and were immediately confronted with major issues such as the austerity measures of ZHdK and the federal government, which have kept us on our toes since the beginning of the semester. Some of these matters may have reached you – we are definitely on top of it and hope that the university will communicate transparently soon. We also want to keep you informed about everything current with this newsletter. So, let’s get started!
Dear students, dear university members, Having just started, the semester is already coming to an end. The autumn blues are being chased away by mulled wine and fairy lights, and it’s already time to say: Christmas is coming! Therefore, it's high time we provide you with some information about the last eventful, sometimes turbulent months. We started with some new faces and were immediately confronted with major issues such as the austerity measures of ZHdK and the federal government, which have kept us on our toes since the beginning of the semester. Some of these matters may have reached you – we are definitely on top of it and hope that the university will communicate transparently soon. We also want to keep you informed about everything current with this newsletter. So, let’s get started!
CURRENT NEWS
As at ZHdK itself, sometimes one piece of information or another gets stuck halfway at VERSO, no wonder with five departments and a considerable size. For this reason, we have created a new position in the Student Council (currently Kilian Brandscherdt (DMU)), which is primarily responsible for preparing and communicating higher education policy-relevant topics to you. We hope to optimize our information flow with this and to report more transparently about decisions and developments.
Our presidency and secretariat are currently in talks with ZHdK to clarify the payment options for students from third countries. This concerns the small jobs and activities for which students are paid by the university. The previous approach of ZHdK was not legally correct, which led to a large number of students no longer being able to be compensated by the university since spring. We reacted promptly and advocated for a solution. ZHdK actively supports our concerns, which is why we are optimistic that we will soon find a way to compensate students from third countries in accordance with the applicable law.
Even with new positions, we are advocating for an old but equally important topic: The "Room of Silence." The idea of creating a place to rest, unwind, and escape the hustle and bustle of the Toni campus remains close to our hearts. Last semester, we submitted a proposal to establish such a room to the university management, which was unfortunately rejected. However, we are not giving up and are now looking for alternative ways to create moments of silence in the Toni campus.
ZHDK STABILIZATION INITIATIVE
As you may already know, financial shortfalls in ZHdK's budget bring about some changes. The so-called "Stabilization Initiative," as the name suggests, aims to bring the finances back to a stable situation. The proposed savings will naturally also affect us students – some more, some less. Therefore, we have formed a working group in which we are developing additional strategies to best represent the interests of students in this situation.
At the end of September, we were confronted with the first proposals: A nighttime closure of the ZHdK premises was supposed to lead to savings in electricity and personnel costs. In a position paper to the university management, we expressly argued against such a nighttime closure. You can find the document on our website. Unfortunately, there will still be a nighttime closure of the Toni campus, albeit in a milder form. Through intervention, we were able to generate attention within the university management, and the proposal was eased.
We are in discussions with the university management regarding various measures and hope that our viewpoints will be taken into account in other measures. Because we believe: A failed financial policy at the management level should not come at the expense of students and their education! Savings measures must be proportionate to the student reality and communicated openly and transparently. It should not lead to further disadvantages for students who are already in precarious living situations.
We also want to encourage you to be active outside of VERSO and to advocate for your interests. Speak with each other, organize yourselves, and make your environment aware of the students' concerns regarding stabilization.
CURRENT NEWS
As at ZHdK itself, sometimes one piece of information or another gets stuck halfway at VERSO, no wonder with five departments and a considerable size. For this reason, we have created a new position in the Student Council (currently Kilian Brandscherdt (DMU)), which is primarily responsible for preparing and communicating higher education policy-relevant topics to you. We hope to optimize our information flow with this and to report more transparently about decisions and developments.
Our presidency and secretariat are currently in talks with ZHdK to clarify the payment options for students from third countries. This concerns the small jobs and activities for which students are paid by the university. The previous approach of ZHdK was not legally correct, which led to a large number of students no longer being able to be compensated by the university since spring. We reacted promptly and advocated for a solution. ZHdK actively supports our concerns, which is why we are optimistic that we will soon find a way to compensate students from third countries in accordance with the applicable law.
Even with new positions, we are advocating for an old but equally important topic: The "Room of Silence." The idea of creating a place to rest, unwind, and escape the hustle and bustle of the Toni campus remains close to our hearts. Last semester, we submitted a proposal to establish such a room to the university management, which was unfortunately rejected. However, we are not giving up and are now looking for alternative ways to create moments of silence in the Toni campus.
ZHDK STABILIZATION INITIATIVE
As you may already know, financial shortfalls in ZHdK's budget bring about some changes. The so-called "Stabilization Initiative," as the name suggests, aims to bring the finances back to a stable situation. The proposed savings will naturally also affect us students – some more, some less. Therefore, we have formed a working group in which we are developing additional strategies to best represent the interests of students in this situation.
At the end of September, we were confronted with the first proposals: A nighttime closure of the ZHdK premises was supposed to lead to savings in electricity and personnel costs. In a position paper to the university management, we expressly argued against such a nighttime closure. You can find the document on our website. Unfortunately, there will still be a nighttime closure of the Toni campus, albeit in a milder form. Through intervention, we were able to generate attention within the university management, and the proposal was eased.
We are in discussions with the university management regarding various measures and hope that our viewpoints will be taken into account in other measures. Because we believe: A failed financial policy at the management level should not come at the expense of students and their education! Savings measures must be proportionate to the student reality and communicated openly and transparently. It should not lead to further disadvantages for students who are already in precarious living situations.
We also want to encourage you to be active outside of VERSO and to advocate for your interests. Speak with each other, organize yourselves, and make your environment aware of the students' concerns regarding stabilization.
AGAINST THE INCREASE IN NATIONAL TUITION FEES!
VERSO is part of the Swiss Student Association (VSS), the umbrella organization of Swiss students that advocates for the interests of students in national politics. Our representatives Laura Gubler and Lisa Bach participated in the VSS retreat in Nyon in October, and Laura Gubler along with Jonas Bernetta were present at the Delegates' Assembly in Lucerne this November. In an intense debate, we advocated for the admission of the Association of Albanian Students as an associate member. Unfortunately, the admission was narrowly rejected by the delegates, which was not in our interest. However, we will continue to advocate for inclusion and diversity at the national level and hope to convince the students at the next assembly.
The central topic in the VSS is the so-called "Gaillard Report" – a report from an expert group that highlights potential financial savings for the Swiss Federal Council in various areas over the coming years. Part of the plan involves cutting federal funds to the cantons that are currently used to finance the school and university system. This could lead to a significant increase in tuition fees – for both Swiss and international students. Similar changes have already occurred at ETH, where fees for foreign students have tripled.
This is just the beginning of a long cost-saving process, and several steps will take place before such changes also affect the ZHdK. The parliament is expected to vote on this in June 2025, and a referendum on our part will be possible. Therefore, intense discussions are taking place in the VSS on how we – together with all student organizations – can address this issue. From these considerations, the VSS Taskforce has emerged, which aims to make the developments of the austerity measures visible. We are also planning actions at universities in Zurich for the upcoming spring.
We continuously inform about developments and our planned activities on https://bezahlbar-studieren.ch. You can also sign an online petition on the website. Share this information in your environment and raise awareness! If you want to actively engage with us against the increase in tuition fees, feel free to contact us at verso.info@zhdk.ch. We are also planning how and what we can contribute as students of the ZHdK.
MAJOR-MINOR
Since this semester, a large part of the students are studying in the new Major_minor system. As is often the case with new systems, not everything works smoothly from the start, and many students report a bumpy beginning. We have taken your concerns into account and have been able to meet with the responsible parties regarding this. We are planning a large exchange meeting where you can present and discuss your difficulties. This is expected to take place on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, in the afternoon. The official invitation will follow.
If you cannot find a solution for specific problems, the "Advisory Network ZHdK" team is available to assist you regarding Major-Minor. You can find them in the Kaskadenhalle on the 3rd floor or at https://www.zhdk.ch/studium/beratung. And if you don’t know where to turn, our VERSO departments can help you further:
AGAINST THE INCREASE IN NATIONAL TUITION FEES!
VERSO is part of the Swiss Student Association (VSS), the umbrella organization of Swiss students that advocates for the interests of students in national politics. Our representatives Laura Gubler and Lisa Bach participated in the VSS retreat in Nyon in October, and Laura Gubler along with Jonas Bernetta were present at the Delegates' Assembly in Lucerne this November. In an intense debate, we advocated for the admission of the Association of Albanian Students as an associate member. Unfortunately, the admission was narrowly rejected by the delegates, which was not in our interest. However, we will continue to advocate for inclusion and diversity at the national level and hope to convince the students at the next assembly.
The central topic in the VSS is the so-called "Gaillard Report" – a report from an expert group that highlights potential financial savings for the Swiss Federal Council in various areas over the coming years. Part of the plan involves cutting federal funds to the cantons that are currently used to finance the school and university system. This could lead to a significant increase in tuition fees – for both Swiss and international students. Similar changes have already occurred at ETH, where fees for foreign students have tripled.
This is just the beginning of a long cost-saving process, and several steps will take place before such changes also affect the ZHdK. The parliament is expected to vote on this in June 2025, and a referendum on our part will be possible. Therefore, intense discussions are taking place in the VSS on how we – together with all student organizations – can address this issue. From these considerations, the VSS Taskforce has emerged, which aims to make the developments of the austerity measures visible. We are also planning actions at universities in Zurich for the upcoming spring.
We continuously inform about developments and our planned activities on https://bezahlbar-studieren.ch. You can also sign an online petition on the website. Share this information in your environment and raise awareness! If you want to actively engage with us against the increase in tuition fees, feel free to contact us at verso.info@zhdk.ch. We are also planning how and what we can contribute as students of the ZHdK.
MAJOR-MINOR
Since this semester, a large part of the students are studying in the new Major_minor system. As is often the case with new systems, not everything works smoothly from the start, and many students report a bumpy beginning. We have taken your concerns into account and have been able to meet with the responsible parties regarding this. We are planning a large exchange meeting where you can present and discuss your difficulties. This is expected to take place on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, in the afternoon. The official invitation will follow.
If you cannot find a solution for specific problems, the "Advisory Network ZHdK" team is available to assist you regarding Major-Minor. You can find them in the Kaskadenhalle on the 3rd floor or at https://www.zhdk.ch/studium/beratung. And if you don’t know where to turn, our VERSO departments can help you further:
EVENTS
To continue providing you with great events on all levels, the event planners of our five departments have recently connected with each other. This means: More exchange through united forces. DMU and DFA kicked off last semester with a fantastic Mario Kart tournament featuring live music, and we are excited to see what the future holds.
Moreover, at the end of October, our members' and general assembly took place, to which all students are invited. We were able to successfully approve the budget for this fiscal year and our annual report. In the annual report you can read about what we worked on last year.
This semester, two semester council meetings have already taken place. In our largest body, a total of 30 representatives of students from all departments exchange ideas. The first meeting primarily focused on interdisciplinary exchange between the departments and the issues with majors and minors. In the semester council in the first week of December, the council dealt with the applications for the VERSO Project Fund. We have allocated 6410.- to support six wonderful projects from students that promote community, diversity, and networking at ZHdK.
FAREWELLS AND NEW BEGINNINGS
Over the summer and since the beginning of the fall semester, we have had some changes in the student council. For Maja Altermann (DFA), Timo Andenmatten (DDK), Louise Mayer-Jacquelin (DDK), Catalina Paredes (DMU), and Lisa Bach (DDE), we are pleased to welcome Vera Steinmann (DFA), Esther Gaspart (DDK), Lea Grünbichler (DDK), Kirill Kohl (DDE), and Corentin Bezençon (DMU) to our ranks.
At the end of the semester, our current co-president Jonas Bernetta (DKV) will also conclude his studies and thus his work at VERSO. We have found a motivated successor in Lea Grünbichler (DDK), who will take over his position in the co-presidency and continue the work with Laura Gubler (DKV) passionately.
We would like to sincerely thank the now former members of the student council for their work and commitment to VERSO and wish them all the best!
We hope we were able to give you an insight into our current work in this newsletter and look forward to a wonderful remaining semester at ZHdK with you.
Happy holidays and best regards 🎄
VERSO
EVENTS
To continue providing you with great events on all levels, the event planners of our five departments have recently connected with each other. This means: More exchange through united forces. DMU and DFA kicked off last semester with a fantastic Mario Kart tournament featuring live music, and we are excited to see what the future holds.
Moreover, at the end of October, our members' and general assembly took place, to which all students are invited. We were able to successfully approve the budget for this fiscal year and our annual report. In the annual report you can read about what we worked on last year.
This semester, two semester council meetings have already taken place. In our largest body, a total of 30 representatives of students from all departments exchange ideas. The first meeting primarily focused on interdisciplinary exchange between the departments and the issues with majors and minors. In the semester council in the first week of December, the council dealt with the applications for the VERSO Project Fund. We have allocated 6410.- to support six wonderful projects from students that promote community, diversity, and networking at ZHdK.
FAREWELLS AND NEW BEGINNINGS
Over the summer and since the beginning of the fall semester, we have had some changes in the student council. For Maja Altermann (DFA), Timo Andenmatten (DDK), Louise Mayer-Jacquelin (DDK), Catalina Paredes (DMU), and Lisa Bach (DDE), we are pleased to welcome Vera Steinmann (DFA), Esther Gaspart (DDK), Lea Grünbichler (DDK), Kirill Kohl (DDE), and Corentin Bezençon (DMU) to our ranks.
At the end of the semester, our current co-president Jonas Bernetta (DKV) will also conclude his studies and thus his work at VERSO. We have found a motivated successor in Lea Grünbichler (DDK), who will take over his position in the co-presidency and continue the work with Laura Gubler (DKV) passionately.
We would like to sincerely thank the now former members of the student council for their work and commitment to VERSO and wish them all the best!
We hope we were able to give you an insight into our current work in this newsletter and look forward to a wonderful remaining semester at ZHdK with you.
Happy holidays and best regards 🎄
VERSO
EVENTS
To continue providing you with great events on all levels, the event planners of our five departments have recently connected with each other. This means: More exchange through united forces. DMU and DFA kicked off last semester with a fantastic Mario Kart tournament featuring live music, and we are excited to see what the future holds.
Moreover, at the end of October, our members' and general assembly took place, to which all students are invited. We were able to successfully approve the budget for this fiscal year and our annual report. In the annual report you can read about what we worked on last year.
This semester, two semester council meetings have already taken place. In our largest body, a total of 30 representatives of students from all departments exchange ideas. The first meeting primarily focused on interdisciplinary exchange between the departments and the issues with majors and minors. In the semester council in the first week of December, the council dealt with the applications for the VERSO Project Fund. We have allocated 6410.- to support six wonderful projects from students that promote community, diversity, and networking at ZHdK.
FAREWELLS AND NEW BEGINNINGS
Over the summer and since the beginning of the fall semester, we have had some changes in the student council. For Maja Altermann (DFA), Timo Andenmatten (DDK), Louise Mayer-Jacquelin (DDK), Catalina Paredes (DMU), and Lisa Bach (DDE), we are pleased to welcome Vera Steinmann (DFA), Esther Gaspart (DDK), Lea Grünbichler (DDK), Kirill Kohl (DDE), and Corentin Bezençon (DMU) to our ranks.
At the end of the semester, our current co-president Jonas Bernetta (DKV) will also conclude his studies and thus his work at VERSO. We have found a motivated successor in Lea Grünbichler (DDK), who will take over his position in the co-presidency and continue the work with Laura Gubler (DKV) passionately.
We would like to sincerely thank the now former members of the student council for their work and commitment to VERSO and wish them all the best!
We hope we were able to give you an insight into our current work in this newsletter and look forward to a wonderful remaining semester at ZHdK with you.
Happy holidays and best regards 🎄
VERSO
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Found what you're looking for?
Quicklinks
Newsletter
All ZHdK students receive the newsletter automatically. If you do not receive the newsletter, you are welcome to subscribe to it here.
Found what you're looking for?
Quicklinks
Newsletter
All ZHdK students receive the newsletter automatically. If you do not receive the newsletter, you are welcome to subscribe to it here.
Nov 24
Newsletter
General Assembly, statements, information event and more
Sep 15
Newsletter
EP27, stabilization initiative, question students, etc...
More articles
Nov 24
Newsletter
General Assembly, statements, information event and more
Sep 15
Newsletter
EP27, stabilization initiative, question students, etc...