Mehr Leben an der Uni! // More Life at the University

Offener Brief des Fachschaftenausschusses der Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftlichen Fakultät an den Senat

Die im Januar abgewendete Schließung des Café Chaos hat uns zum Nachdenken angeregt und ist ein Ausdruck einer problematischen Gesamtentwicklung:
Auch wenn es in einigen Bereichen erfreuliche Gegenentwicklungen gibt, wird die Uni insgesamt immer mehr zu einem durchprofessionalisierten Lernsilo statt Lebensraum und Wirkungsstätte ihrer Mitglieder zu sein. Der Corona-Lockdown, aus dem große Bereiche der Uni immer noch nicht vollständig zurück sind, hat diese Tendenz zur Geisteruni beschleunigt. Dieses Problem spiegelt sich auch in der katastrophalen Wahlbeteiligung der jüngsten Wahl wider und in den Umfragen zu Mental Health, die regelmäßig massive psychische Probleme vor allem auf Grund von Leistungsdruck, Einsamkeit und Geldproblemen aufzeigen.
The closure of the Café Chaos, which was averted in January, has given us food for thought and is an expression of a problematic overall development:
Even though there are pleasing counter-developments in some areas, the university is increasingly becoming a professionalized learning silo instead of being a living space and place of action for its members. The Corona lockdown, from which large areas of the university have not yet fully returned, has accelerated this tendency towards a ghost university. This problem is also reflected in the catastrophic voter turnout in the most recent election and in the mental health surveys, which regularly reveal massive psychological problems, especially due to performance pressure, loneliness and money problems.

GPK: Picture a Scientist


Tuesday, 16th of April, 16.00
(16.00 Coffee & Cake in the foyer, 16.30 talk & discussion)
Lecture Hall III

PICTURE A SCIENTIST chronicles the groundswell of researchers who are writing a new chapter for women scientists. Biologist Nancy Hopkins, chemist Raychelle Burks, and geologist Jane Willenbring lead viewers on a journey deep into their own experiences in the sciences, ranging from brutal harassment to years of subtle slights. Along the way, from cramped laboratories to spectacular field stations, we encounter scientific luminaries – including social scientists, neuroscientists, and psychologists – who provide new perspectives on how to make science itself more diverse, equitable, and open to all.

Full announcement

Master-Welcome Program ’24

Tuesday, 2nd of April, 11:00 Cologne, Physics Department
Wednesday, 3rd of April, 11:00 Cologne, Physics Department
Friday, 5th of April,  Time follows

To welcome all new physics master students there are 2,5 days of program:

  • Getting to know each other: people from around the world, people from different German universities, people who have done their Bachelor in Cologne
  • All the information you need to plan a successful start without being overwhelmed by all the possibilities you have
  • Getting started in Germany, getting started in Cologne: Visa, health insurance, housing, public, German courses, free bikes transportation – whatever issues you have
  • What are the resources you can use in the Cologne Physics Department? From Software licenses to band rehearsal
  • Getting to know the course guidance and the student representative
  • Guided campus tour, sports program, student locations close to university…
  • Labtours and scientific talks by advanced students
  • Specialties of the German university system and their interesting history
  • Fun, fun, fun!

The program is always planned for the whole day (except for Friday where it starts in the afternoon), until late in the evening! (If you have problems going home late, don’t hesitate to contact us for a couch close to university)
A part of the program is outside, so take the weather into account.

The dates are not alternatives but there is a 2,5-day program (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday) for all people starting their master this semester (regardless if you have done your master in Cologne or somewhere else).

 

Master-Retreat March ’24

Tuesday, March 26th to Thursday, 28th
The next master retreat is just around the corner. From Tuesday, March 26th till Thursday, March 28th we will be going to a self-catering house in Hauset, Belgium with all Master students and those who want to become one soon.
The main language of the trip is English, participation including meals is (probably, we are figuring it out, worst case: 25€) free of charge. As always, there is plenty of room to get to know each other better, fun and free time, e.g. a food exchange evening on Tuesday, please bring something (best case: vegan & allergy-friendly) to the trip on Tuesday. You’re welcome to bring your own ideas and/or tell us about them 😉 Also there is something to work on, namely the welcome program for the new Master students, which will take place the week after the trip. If you want to come with us, and we would be really happy if you did :D.
The general registration is closed. If you nevertheless want to join spontaneously, please write us: fs-physik@uni-koeln.de