ABUSE AND POWER IMBALANCES

According to the current procedure for withdrawals, a discussion with the major administration must be held, in which valid reasons must be provided – significant dissatisfaction with the course of the minor does not count. A university is a place where power imbalances exist, particularly between instructors and students. A process in which a higher authority decides whether the reason is 'serious enough' results in the discomfort of students being assessed. It can lead to students feeling reluctant to speak up: either out of fear of being academically disadvantaged or, in the case of a rejected withdrawal request, having to continue working with instructors who are aware of the situation and might develop biases or treat them differently as a result.

We do not consider outlining and evaluating the reasons in a discussion to be a respectful way of interacting with students. There is no need for justification for changing a major, nor is justification needed for changing a minor at the university – so why should it be required for a minor? An interrupted study program is enough 'punishment' and is often a well-considered decision by the person who invests their time in this education. Accordingly, the authority to decide where, what, and when a person wants to study should always remain with the students.

ANCHORING IN THE FRAMEWORK REGULATIONS OF THE STUDY

The criteria for changing, choosing, and withdrawing from minors must be accessible to students. There is a regulation for registering and allocating minors, but not for withdrawal and change. Students must be fully informed about the framework conditions and legal bases. VERSO has looked into the framework regulations of the study and found no statements regarding these topics.

For example:

II. Section: Study, A. Structure of the Study

§ 9. 1 Students must register for a minor study program within the specified deadline. Any withdrawals must also be made within the specified deadline.

Neither the intranet nor the registration regulations (MinAr) provide a concrete reference to this 'specified deadline'. Students must be informed about the framework conditions and deadlines of their studies, especially if withdrawal after the deadline is no longer possible.

V. Section: Organization of the Study

§ 36. 1 For students who wish to change the minor study program, the provisions of the chosen new minor study program apply.

“Wishing to change” implies that a desire for a change is permitted, and action can also be taken thereafter. This statement in the framework regulations is, for us, a very clear assertion that cannot be explained differently. Currently, a minor change is only possible if the program has not yet started. This means: Only during the enrollment phase until June 22 at the latest, when the iCu tool closes. Thus, if a change is desired for structural reasons, it usually becomes clear during this phase, and actions can then be taken. However, the reasons for wanting to change a minor after the start of the program must be taken just as seriously as organizational justifications. And these concerns will only become clear after the start of the program.

COLLABORATION BETWEEN VERSO AND THE ADMINISTRATION

Representatives from VERSO are in communication with the university administration, Learning & Teaching, and HSV regarding this issue. They have taken our suggestions into account.

We continue to seek collaboration and wish to share our experiences, which often differ from interwoven regulations, so that students can freely choose their fields of study and be informed about their rights.