Welcome you to the new semester at the University of Lucerne.I am delighted that you have chosen our university as your place of study.I have something in common with the newcomers among you, as I too began a new phase of my life: On 1 August 2024, I took up my new position as Rector of the university.Believe me, I am just as excited as those of you who are about to start your studies.

The University of Lucerne has changed a lot over the past few years. In the coming autumn semester, the Faculty of Behavioural Sciences and Psychology will start teaching - an exciting new beginning for the university. There is also a new Master's programme, Climate Policy, Economics and Law, which brings together three of our faculties. Lastly, we are expanding our university to include the former post office, giving us more space to meet your needs - perhaps you have already discovered the café in the Studiladen?

Although we have grown, we are committed to remaining a small and informal university. This allows us to offer you an intensive study programme focused on research and teaching. At the same time, I am pleased to say that our recent expansion has enabled us to explore new academic perspectives, offer more subject combinations and provide additional student rooms for your daily studies.

With our focus on the human sciences, we are now well positioned to respond to the many challenges of our time by offering you an excellent education.

I wish you a fulfilling and enriching course of study. Be curious, take advantage of the opportunities offered by our university, and dare to view this phase of your life as one that will not only change you but may also change us in return. We look forward to meeting you!

Professor Martin Hartmann, President