TU Braunschweig's ZSB Finds Silver Linings in Pandemic, Offers Digital Support
Kristin Busch, a study advisor at the Central Academic Advising (ZSB) office of TU Braunschweig, has found silver linings in the pandemic's disruptions. She appreciates the enforced deceleration and additional time with family due to canceled appointments. Meanwhile, the ZSB has adapted, offering digital formats to support students and prospective students.
Before the pandemic, Busch's work revolved around in-person meetings and events. However, these have since shifted to online platforms. The ZSB has developed new formats, including an online mailing list specifically for student parents to facilitate exchange and contact. Online events such as lectures and discussion rounds on relevant topics like mental load in family life and feminist perspectives related to parenting and the pandemic have also been introduced.
Digital formats have allowed the ZSB to reach students who may not be able to travel to the university for in-person consultations. New digital formats, such as the 'Virtual Student Talk' and online university information days, have emerged during the pandemic. Staff remain reachable digitally, by phone, by post, and through online appointment booking. The ZSB has not offered on-site open office hours for a year.
Busch encourages students and prospective students to find positive aspects in the current situation. She supports them in choosing and navigating their studies through individual advice via video and telephone, as well as telephone advice without prior appointment and email support. Digital meetings offer advantages such as reduced time requirements and increased flexibility in location.
