New Databases, E-Journals, E-Books

The ZHB Luzern has extended its range of electronic media further.

An overview of the full e-media offer can be found via the ZHB-Website.

Esteemed students,

Welcome to a new semester of study! I wish you a good start to your studies and every success in your learning so that you may reach your goals. Please also take advantage of the University of Lucerne’s wide range of additional offerings: public events organised by each faculty and the library, opportunities for interaction outside class, the planning of an exchange semester with the help of the International Relations Office.

On the subject of teaching, I would like to draw your attention to two points in particular: ‘Ghostwriting’ leaves no room for interpretation and teaching evaluations.

Swiss Universities’ Manifesto

The Rector’s Conference of Swiss Universities has unanimously passed a new manifesto entitled ‘Swiss Universities’ Manifesto’ calling for Switzerland to strive to be at the centre of the European educational- and research landscape.

The manifesto clearly demonstrates the affect the ‘Mass Immigration Initiative’, which was passed in February 2014, has had on Swiss universities. The affects have been most keenly felt in the field of research as well as within the international student exchange programme ‘Erasmus’). Furthermore, it is suggested in the manifesto that, should the so called ‘Durchsetzungsinitiative’ which is due to be voted on, on the 28^th February 2016 be passed, then further development of Swiss universities will be significantly compromised.

Press release and Manifesto (in German)

(Prof. Dr. Paul Richli, Rector)

Talk series "Vom Studium ins Berufsleben"

A series of panel discussions on the topic of career entry and professional practice will begin on 15th April with an afternoon information session at the Federal Office of Personnel (FOPER) in Bern. You are cordially invited to attend. Travel costs will be assumed by the Alumni Organisation.
Afternoon info session in Berne: programme and online-registration

The following week, two podium discussions will take place over lunchtime: on Tuesday 19^th April on the topic of ‘Entwicklungszusammenarbeit’ (‘Development Cooperation’) and on Wednesday the 20^th April, the topic of ‘Kommunikation’ (Communication). The podium panel will share their own experiences and report on their own pathways from study to the work place. They will give practical suggestions and will answer your questions.

Details Podium discussions over lunchtime

(Wolfgang Schatz, Academischer Director)

Sunday opening times for students in the library

On the following Sundays and on Whitmonday, regular Sunday opening times apply in the library:
1^st/8^th/15^th/16^th/22^nd/29^th May and 5^th/12^th/19^th June 2016 (from 9am to 5pm).

University of Lucerne and PH students can gain access with a valid ‘CampusCard’. All self-service operations will be on offer whilst other library services such as specialised information services, research assistance or technical device support will not be offered at these times. You won’t be able to access other areas of the building. Jackets and bags may be taken into the library, however food and open drinks may only be consumed in the recreation room.
(Wolfgang Schatz, Academic Director)

Building closed in August

From the 1st to the 14th August 2016 the Uni/PH Building will be closed. Entrance to the building can only be gained by staff members with a key, via the night access door.

(Patrik Meier, Head of Facility Management)  

How to react when an alarm is triggered in the university

When an alarm is triggered, a loud whistling sound will be heard on the affected floor. This whistling sound is intended as a warning. Please stay where you are and wait for further information. In the event of an emergency you will be informed of any action you need to take by means of an announcement.

For your own safety we urge you to wait for the announcement and to follow the instructions given.
Further information can be found here: www.unilu.ch/safety

(Patrik Meier, Head of Facility Management)

Semester-Info in German or English

Distribution of the Semester Info is done in either German or English.

German version

If necessary, you can change your language within UniPortal (German or English). The language you opt for will then apply to all of the bilingual communication that is sent out by the University of Lucerne.

Next edition: 24th May 2016

The Semester Info provides you with official announcements and information from the Executive Board of the University at the beginning and end of each semester. 
The faculties will contact you directly with information about lectures and your course of study.

Mentors for incoming exchange students

The International Relations Office (IRO) is looking for Lucerne students interested in becoming mentors for incoming exchange students from all over the world. As a mentor for either one or more semesters you would be tasked with helping our exchange students with general questions relating to their studies or day to day life, helping to organize small events (picknicks, fondue evenings) as well as excursions (tobogganing, sightseeing trips etc.) or simply meeting up with the exchange students for a coffee. You would also be invited to all official IRO-organised events. Students from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences wishing to be mentors can gain ‘Social Credits’. We can also provide you with a confirmation of employment, if desired. If we have managed to spark your interest please contact uta.zehnderremove-this.@remove-this.unilu.ch.

We look forward to hearing from you!

(Uta Zehnder, Project Collaborator IRO)

Application deadlines for student exchange

SEMP-Programme (Swiss-European Mobility Programme, exchange within Europe): 1^st March 2016 for the autumn semester of 2016 and the spring semester of 2017

Partnership-Programme (exchange outside of Europe): 1^st March 2016 for the autumn semester of 2016

CH-Unimobil-Programme (student exchange within Switzerland): 15^th April 2016 for the autumn semester of 2016.

If you would like more information regarding our exchange programmes, please consult the website of the International Relations Office (IRO) and register in good time with the mobility coordinator within your home faculty.

(Catrin Scheiber, Head of International Relations Office)

SNF Project Submissions: Lunchtime Info Session on 13th April

This session will provide you with tips and tricks on how best to compile SNF project submissions in view of the SNF reforms in the areas of project funding and third-party institutional/private funding.

Target audience: Master students, Candocs, Postdocs from all faculties. More info (in German)

Wednesday, 13^th April 2016 from 12:15 to 1pm, Room 4.B54

Please register for this session via: fokoremove-this.@remove-this.unilu.ch

(Bruno Z'Graggen, Head of Research Promotion Unit)

SNF Scholarship Scheme und SNF Career Funding Scheme: Info Session on the 20th April

During this session the Head of the Research Promotion Unit and the Prorector for Research will inform you about the SNF Scholarship Scheme and the SNF Career Funding Scheme with reference to the opportunities available at the University of Lucerne. More info (in German)

Wednesday, 20^th April 2016 from 12:15 to 1pm, Room 4.B54

Please register for this session via: fokoremove-this.@remove-this.unilu.ch

(Bruno Z'Graggen, Head of Research Promotion Unit)

Neptun: Hardware at reduced prices

"Projekt Neptun" offers a selection of Apple, Lenovo and HP-laptops, printers and screens at significantly reduced prices. The devices are available for purchase from now until the 14^th March 2016. More information via www.projektneptun.ch

Demonstration Day: On the 2^nd March from 10am to 2:30pm the Neptun team, as well as representatives from various laptop manufacturers and shops will be with us in the university building (foyer area) to demonstrate their devices and to answer your questions.
(Marco Antonini, Head of IT)

Workshop "Salary Negotiations for Female Students" on the 13th May

This workshop aims to prepare the University of Lucerne’s female students for their next salary negotiation. The content of the workshop includes different negotiation techniques, dealing with role- and gender specific differences and stereotypes, preparation for salary negotiation as well as increasing awareness for the targeted control of processes. Participants will have the opportunity to role play negotiations and to reflect on their own behavior in such situations. 

Friday, 13^th May, 9am to 1pm
Registration deadline: 10^th April.
More info and registration form (in German)

(Simone Sprecher, Head of Equal Opportunity Office)

Swiss Study Foundation

The Swiss Study Foundation supports young people who are willing and capable of assuming more responsibility in our society. The foundation supports excellent students from universities and universities of applied sciences who due to their personality, creativity and intellectual skills are in a position to contribute to science, business, culture and politics. The Swiss Study Foundation was founded in 1991 and is a private, non-profit organisation. Since 2015 Prof. Bettina Beer from the Department of Ethnology has been involved as a support lecturer.

The students and lecturers involved in this support programme offer the foundation a rich palette of complimentary educational services, financial assistance, individual support and advice as well as a variety of networking opportunities.

The requirements for joining the programme can be found here.

(Prof. Dr. Bettina Beer, Professor of Ethnology)

Psychological Advisory Service - Campus Lucerne

The demands of studying are complex. Those who experience lapses in concentration and motivation, time pressures, crises that cause sleep disruption, disruptive patterns of (learnt) behaviour , a lack of self-esteem etc. are encouraged to get in contact with the 'Psychological Advisory Service Campus Lucerne'. On the website, under the section helpful literature you will also find details of self-help reading material. A personal advisory session can be arranged via online contact form, e-mail or telephone.
For more information consult www.pblu.ch.
(Maria Lichtsteiner, Head of the Psychological Advisory Service)

Coming soon: Uni-Magazine No. 54

From 7^th March on, the next edition of the University Magazine will be available free of charge at several newsstands within the university building as well as online at: www.unilu.ch/uniluaktuell. The tablet version offers extended contents, it’s worth taking a look at it!
(Dave Schläpfer, Corporate Communication Services)