For Networking and Solidarity
Solidarity is the foundation of a strong student community. Only when we support each other and act in solidarity can we collectively overcome and master the daily challenges at universities. A good sense of community not only leads to a harmonious campus life but also enables students to learn from one another and motivate each other. Solidarity means that no one is left behind, because we all bear responsibility for one another, regardless of field of study, origin, or personal background. Strong networking strengthens solidarity and creates a supportive environment where everyone benefits from each other.
A university is more than just a place of learning. It is a space for social development and personal growth. Events play a central role in connecting students, enabling new experiences, and making the campus a lively place of exchange. Whether cultural events, workshops, or expert lectures—all these activities foster dialogue, broaden horizons, and strengthen the cohesion of the student body. Events also offer the opportunity to develop skills beyond everyday academic life and to actively participate in the university community.
More discussion spaces and cross-disciplinary events
A degree program should not be purely vocational training in one field, but should promote interdisciplinary thinking and offer opportunities for personal development. Therefore, universities should regularly host events for all fields of study to exchange knowledge and experiences and serve as a platform for discussion. These could include, for example, film screenings on interdisciplinary and societal topics followed by a (panel) discussion. Furthermore, these events should be offered as low-threshold as possible, meaning they should be easily accessible regardless of field of study, financial situation, or social background.
Digital platform for networking
Universities should provide digital platforms that connect students with low barriers. These platforms enable the formation of study groups, the exchange of information, and the organization of joint projects. At the same time, the diverse offerings of local student unions and the ÖH should be made more easily accessible on these platforms. Cross-university cooperation in developing such systems would be sensible to leverage synergies and create a unified solution. This could lead to tailored, data-protection-compliant „in-house“ platforms that meet the specific needs of students.
For tolerance of mistakes and responsibility
Mistakes are a natural part of human existence and the learning process. Therefore, a certain tolerance for mistakes must be established as an important value at our universities to enable individual growth and societal development. Students should not be discouraged by excessive demands or sanctions, but should learn in a protected environment to see mistakes as an opportunity for improvement. It is also clear that any action has consequences, but these must remain proportionate in the case of any transgressions. In addition to the responsibility students bear for themselves, we as a society also bear the responsibility to respond to mistakes with moderation and to give affected individuals the opportunity to acknowledge mistakes and reflect on their own behavior.
Constructive error culture in the ÖH
Mistakes are a natural part of human existence and the learning process. No one should be discouraged by excessive demands or sanctions. Everyone should learn in a protected environment to see mistakes as an opportunity for improvement. Therefore, we demand the introduction of a constructive error culture with transparent procedures for dealing with mistakes, clear feedback opportunities, and training for reflection—both at universities and within the ÖH.
For a successful start to studies
Every new phase of life initially brings challenges. The same applies when starting a university degree. The first weeks and months of a degree program are therefore often marked by uncertainty and seemingly insurmountable challenges. This makes it all the more important that students receive the necessary support at the beginning of their studies for an optimal start to this new phase of life. Through targeted measures such as personal contacts and the promotion of group formation, first-year students can quickly find connections, orient themselves, and start their studies successfully. A good student induction lays the foundation for students' academic and personal success. Therefore, we consider the first-semester tutorial, which we at FLÖ have actively helped shape since its inception, to be an essential component for starting a degree program.
Expand mentoring and tutor programs for the start of studies
To further ease the transition into university life, existing support services for first-year students should be expanded and made available across the board. Mentoring programs, in which experienced students serve as contacts for organizational questions and provide valuable study tips, should be strengthened and established at more universities.
Furthermore, it is important to actively promote the formation of study groups and social networks from the very beginning of studies through tutorials and orientation events, in order to strengthen cohesion among students. The ÖH first-semester tutorials play a central role in this. Where they do not yet exist, these should be introduced and better supported overall, as their often diverse programs—where fun is not neglected—make starting studies easier on many levels. The federal student representation should provide greater support to universities in planning and organizing these.