focus!ng – my studies in focus

NOTICE

Two extra semesters at the beginning of studies can lead to graduation success: “focus!ng” starts with mechanical engineering

Sarah Blaß, Communication and Event Management,
Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences

Targeted support can help ease the transition to university studies. Therefore, the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences (Frankfurt UAS) is launching the project "focus!ng – my studies in focus" in the 2022/23 winter semester. Initially, students in the Bachelor's program in Mechanical Engineering will benefit. In the coming semesters, it will be extended to other Bachelor's programs: first Service Engineering, then Product Development and Technical Design, and finally Electrical and Information Engineering. "focus!ng" is part of the "Studying at an Adapted Pace" project, which is funded by the Hessian Ministry of Science and Research, Arts and Culture (HMWK) as part of the "High Quality in Studies and Teaching, Good Framework Conditions for Studying" (QuiS) program at all five Hessian Universities of Applied Sciences (HAW).

"Our university, like few others, stands for opportunities through education: We know that our students start with a wide range of backgrounds and want to support them in the best possible way. We have long observed that some first-year students feel overwhelmed at the start of their studies – especially if they haven't followed the traditional path of the Abitur (university entrance qualification). With the focus!ng project, we want to offer them early and targeted support so that their studies become a successful experience.".

“Thanks to the project, students can dedicate themselves to their studies in a particularly intensive and structured way,” says Prof. Dr.-Ing. René Thiele, Managing President and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Frankfurt UAS. Prof. Dr. Thordis Michalke, Dean of Studies for the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, adds: “With focus!ng, we offer students who have knowledge gaps, especially in mathematics, an opportunity to close these gaps. Mathematical knowledge, in particular, forms an important and crucial foundation for engineering.”

Basic idea of ​​the project

For students who choose the focus!ng study option, the first two semesters of a degree program (the introductory phase) are extended to four semesters, so that the standard period of study for a six-semester Bachelor's program is a total of eight semesters. In addition to the core modules, these students also take mandatory supplementary courses, for example, to help them orient themselves within the university system and their future career field – excursions to companies and lectures by company representatives are also included. The engineering profession is introduced in the first semesters: for example, by having students weld, disassemble and assemble engines, or design their first machines on the computer using appropriate software. Furthermore, students acquire key skills for their studies and career: such as teamwork, respectful communication, Microsoft Office training, and self-reflection.

Project goals

The focus!ng program aims to increase student success and reduce dropout rates. The initial phase of studies is streamlined, and the number of exams per semester is reduced – thus facilitating the transition from school or vocational training to university. The project is open to all interested individuals. Participation in this study option may be relevant for prospective students who have a vocational high school diploma (200 fewer hours of math compared to the Abitur), whose schooling was some time ago, who are starting their studies with a vocational qualification (e.g., as part of a pilot program), or who feel they lack essential foundational knowledge. Students benefit from the following advantages: a structured program and helpful additional resources for organizing their studies and for academic orientation. Furthermore, this study option is eligible for BAföG funding (German Federal Training Assistance Act). In addition, focus!ng is characterized by intensive student support – project coordinator Nina Ansorg-Rülke accompanies students throughout their entire studies.

enrollment

Those interested in the focus!ng study option should first enroll in the regular Mechanical Engineering program. Even after lectures have begun, students can still switch to the focus!ng option for up to four weeks. After deciding on focus!ng, students should contact Nina Ansorg-Rülke, who will guide them through all further steps.

Mechanical engineering students in their second semester who have not yet made any significant progress in their studies can also opt for focus!ng up to two weeks after the start of lectures.