The Open University Day at the HSZG inspires 600 visitors with new degree courses, insights behind the scenes of research and over 75 program items. Great demand for the new teaching degree program.
On March 22, 2025, Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (HSZG) once again opened its doors to all prospective students and guests. At both locations - Zittau and Görlitz - numerous visitors took the opportunity between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to get to know degree programs, visit laboratories and talk to students and lecturers.
Presentations such as the opening talk with university staff and students outlined the path to studying at the HSZG and provided valuable overview information, while prospective students were given very specific insights into the many different degree courses in the course presentations, taster lectures and talks.
The Open University Day was not only aimed at future students, but also at their families and citizens from the region. The latter were not only able to take a look behind the scenes of HSZG research during the laboratory tours, but also gained an impression of the favorable living conditions and cultural diversity of both cities during the guided tours of the halls of residence.
In exciting taster lectures and practice-oriented hands-on activities, such as the workshop "Successfully using AI in the application process", interested visitors to the Zittau campus were able to become active themselves and gain valuable insights.
The information stands of the Faculties of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Mechanical Engineering, Economics and Industrial Engineering and the Department of Electrical Engineering were particularly popular, as were the guided tours through the modern high-tech laboratories, where the latest research topics were clearly presented. During the LaNDER³ tour, visitors learned first-hand what is important in the production of natural fiber-reinforced materials. The faculties also offered an in-depth insight into their work - from the CAVE's virtual 3D laboratory to the flow experiments of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Those interested in new degree courses were able to find out more about the English-language "European Business" course and "Environmental Sciences".
The ZukLOS team provided information on the Future Learning Location Oberlausitz project and the Student Council not only presented convincing arguments but also delicious cakes to show why it is worthwhile for students to become active in university committees.
The rides on the hydrogen scooter were particularly popular. Thanks to the efforts of the Institute of Process Engineering, Process Automation and Metrology (IPM), young and old were able to take a spin along the campus axis in the best spring weather. The IPM also delighted guests with the EnerSTRIX demonstrator - a 3D-printed functional unit for the treatment of process air.
The campus and city tours, the information stands on topics such as student financing, internship opportunities and apprenticeship training, the company exchange for those interested in dual studies and the information provided by the Fraunhofer IWU, Fraunhofer IEG and DLR rounded off the offer.
Interest was also high in Görlitz: visitors came to find out about degree programs such as "Management in Healthcare", "Social Work", "Childhood Education", "Computer Science", "Business and Computer Science" and "Applied Nursing Sciences" for first-year students and working professionals. Lectures on social science topics, an open-stage program by the Faculty of Management and Cultural Studies, information on studying abroad and formats such as "Meet your professor!" and "Student Talks" left hardly any questions unanswered about studying at the HSZG in Görlitz.
The Görlitz site also hosted the mobile laboratory - the HSZG Airstream trailer - was particularly well received. Inside it were various experimental and hands-on stations that invited visitors to marvel and try things out. The university library was open all day and provided all the usual services.
The opportunity to talk directly to lecturers, students and university staff was particularly appreciated. Many took the opportunity to receive individual advice and get to know campus life on site.
"It is impressive to see how many young people are enthusiastic about our diverse range of courses," said Vice-Rector Education and Sustainability Prof. Dr. phil. Małgorzata Maćkowiak.
Our new degree programs are not only a response to the current demands of the job market, but also contribute to actively shaping the future of our society. And that is well received.
”A particular focus this year was on the new degree program "Secondary school teaching degree with special needs education"which will start for the first time in the winter semester 2025/2026 in cooperation with TU Leipzig. The demand was overwhelming - many young people took the opportunity to find out more about the course content. The Rector of the HSZG, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Alexander Kratzsch, was particularly pleased.
The new offer makes a significant contribution to securing the future demand for teachers in Saxony and gives committed prospective students the opportunity to actively contribute to the region's educational landscape.
”He also emphasized that the Open University Day was a joint effort by the HSZG and praised the great commitment of the approximately 200 participants, who all contributed significantly to the success of the more than 75 program items in the form of course presentations, laboratory tours and hands-on stations.
The Open University Day 2025 not only answered many open questions, but also whetted the appetite for studying at the HSZG - in a region with a high quality of life, innovative ideas and close personal interaction.
In the end, many guests agreed that, in addition to the practical teaching based on the latest scientific findings, it is above all the unique location in the three-country region with its international flair and short distances to Poland and the Czech Republic that make the HSZG so attractive. The familiar study environment, the small seminar groups and the close exchange with lecturers are also particularly appreciated.
Photos Zittau: Tom Richter
Photos Görlitz: Sven Müller
