Mentoring Bachelor Informatik
Mentoring in the degree course phase - a compulsory module in the first and second semester
Concept and goals
The foundations for a successful course of study are laid during the introductory phase. With our first/second semester program, we want to help increase the success rate and improve the quality of studies. Participation is compulsory for students in their first and second semester.
Setting the course for a successful course of study
Our program aims to make it easier for our first-year students to start their studies and to help them quickly and competently if they have any problems. To achieve this, students receive intensive support during their first semester in weekly group meetings and later in learning workshops. Students can also take advantage of individual counseling sessions with a view to their overall study and life situation.
Reducing the dropout rate in the introductory phase
Show alternatives - accompany the decision-making process
Students who nevertheless decide to drop out of their studies, either out of their own motivation or because it is not advisable or possible to continue their studies, receive help and information on the difficult path of reorientation so that the time until they drop out can be shortened. We help to find alternatives and perspectives that are more in line with the student's inclinations and talents, from changing subject to changing institution (university of applied sciences/vocational academy) to taking up a dual course of study or a qualified apprenticeship.
Compulsory mentoring - why?
Mentoring - one of 5 mandatory events
In addition to the computer science and mathematics lectures, there is another compulsory course that you must attend in the first and second semester: computer science mentoring. Mentoring helps you to find your way around the university and successfully master your first semester.
Are you wondering what this is all about?
On the one hand, we know that a poor start to studies tends to have a negative impact on the further course of studies. This is reflected, for example, in longer study times and lower grades. On the other hand, many students report that they felt lost at the beginning of their studies or that they simply underestimated the professional and personal demands of their studies.
This is more than understandable, as university works very differently to school. Right from the start, you are responsible for your studies and their progress. You have to reorganize yourself, make many decisions and take the initiative yourself. In addition, for many students, their entire personal environment changes in one fell swoop: their first apartment, friends and family are far away, everything is new. This situation is also perceived as very stressful by many students in their first year of study.
For these reasons, the Department of Computer Science, together with the student council, considered how it could better support first-year students so that they can get off to a good start in their studies. The result was the development of a mentoring program for first-semester students, in which first-semester students are accompanied and supported by student mentors, i.e. computer science students from higher semesters, in smaller groups from the introductory week throughout the entire first semester.
What happens during mentoring?
During the weekly mentoring sessions, you will deal with everyday study topics in the group. Together, you will remove stumbling blocks and develop solutions and strategies that can help you to successfully overcome the challenges of your studies. In addition to the group meetings, you have the opportunity to discuss personal problems and difficulties in private with your mentor. The whole thing has the positive side effect that you can get to know new people quickly and easily during mentoring and you can network well right from the start. You will see: There's also plenty of fun to be had, whether it's laser tag, a barbecue or a cozy evening in a pub.
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The course takes place in small groups. The module is worth one ECTS credit. There is no alternative module with which you can earn this credit. As the program is tailored to the needs of first-year students, it makes no sense to postpone the module to a later semester. Therefore, the module is a hard requirement for all compulsory courses from the fourth semester onwards.
Which topics will be dealt with?
The mentoring program addresses the issues that students find difficult in their first semesters. It covers the topics that will make you fit for your studies:
- Study entry: How does studying at the RWTH work? What do I need to know in order to manage my student life cycle and reorganize myself?
- Learning during your studies: What has changed compared to school? How can I cope better with the high level and the amount of material?
- Exam preparation: How do I prepare for exams? What strategies and help are available?
- Everything about studying computer science: What is an examination regulation? What is the difference between ZPA and PA? What rights do I have? What are my duties?
Become a mentor yourself
If you enjoy mentoring and would like to get involved with others, you can later become a mentor yourself, either as part of your Non-technical elective subject or as a small part-time ("Hiwi") job.