Student Council

Psychology student council

You're probably wondering who we actually are? What is a student council and what does it do? We can put your mind at rest! All of us had these questions at the beginning of our studies and we can tell you that they quickly become clear ;).

First of all, who we are: We are students just like you who are committed to the interests and wishes of all psychology students in Osnabrück.

And that brings us to the second question; what exactly we are and what we actually do: We are the representatives of the Psychology student body and are therefore responsible for representing the students in various committees and thus enforcing the wishes of all. We also act as a point of contact for psychology students and lecturers and can help to mediate in conflicts between these two parties.

But that's not all! We also organize celebrations and parties (such as the Christmas party or the summer party) and invite psychotherapists and other people from the field to give you the chance to gather as much information for the rest of your life as you want.

So if you enjoy a bit of university politics and like to stand up for others, then you've come to the right place! Just come along and join us!

Members

So that you can get an idea of the faces of the student council ;)

Committees

In addition to state laws, university policy is also made directly at the university on a small scale. Many decisions that affect teaching and research at local level are made in various committees - and students also have a say in most of them. We would like to introduce you to the most important committees here.

Student Council

The official, student-elected version of the student council for all official matters means the elected members of the student council.
As the student council represents the schools' students, CogScis and health scientists also vote. So there is only one student council in school 8, which is made up of psychos, CogScis and health scientists, but the CogScis and health scientists each have their own unofficial student council, just like us.

Members:
7 students

School executive board

The highest body of the school. It decides on matters of fundamental importance in research and teaching.
This includes, for example, decisions regarding the orientation of degree programs and study regulations, the allocation of funds within the school, habilitation projects and appointment lists as well as other decisions that are important for the future of research and teaching at the school.
It decides on the school's regulations, in particular the examination and doctoral regulations, and gives its opinion to the Presidential Board on the introduction, closure and significant changes to degree programs.
Binding decisions on applications and submissions from subordinate committees are made here.

Members:
Chairperson: Dean (non-voting)
7 professors
2 academic staff
2 technical and administrative staff (MTV group, mid-level staff)
2 students

The Dean's Office

The members of the Dean's Board are elected by the school executive board. The Dean's Board consists of the Dean, at least one Dean of Studies and up to three other members.
The Dean's Office manages the school and implements the decisions of the school executive board, to which it is responsible. It is responsible for all matters relating to the school, unless otherwise stipulated by the Lower Saxony Higher Education Act.

Institute Council

The highest body of the Institute of Psychology. Decisions relating purely to psychology are made here, e.g. regarding the distribution of financial resources or the appointment of new professors (following the results of the relevant appointment committee).

Members:
Chairperson: Head of the Institute Council (non-voting)
7 university lecturers
2 academic staff
2 technical and administrative staff (MTV group)
2 students

Study Commission

This is the most important body for students - it is only there for us. The Study Commission is there to ensure that the lectures, tutorials and seminars on offer enable students to study properly. This committee discusses everything that concerns teaching, the course offerings for the next semester, planning the development of the degree program (Bachelor's/Master's) and drafting resolutions for changes to the study or examination regulations, use of tuition fees...
All important developments and innovations should also be communicated here. However, the Study Commission does not make any decisions, but only submits recommendations and proposals to the higher-level committees; in principle, these can still be overturned by the Institute Council, FBR or Presidential Board. Nevertheless, 50% of the Study Commission is made up of students and must be consulted on all decisions relating to teaching.

The meetings are usually open to the public.

Members:
Chairperson: Dean of Studies (non-voting)
2 professors
2 academic staff
4 students

Examination board

Clarifies questions relating to examinations: decisions are made here on special applications (e.g. for a second repeat examination) and recognition of academic achievements from other universities or from abroad. Appeals by students against examination decisions, changes or additions to the existing examination regulations, examiner appointments and inquiries about the examination regulations are also discussed here.

The meetings are not open to the public as they almost always deal with confidential issues.

Members:
Chairperson: Chairperson of the Examination Board
3 professors
1 research assistant
1 student (advisory vote only: not entitled to vote on examination decisions)