The University of Lucerne is coming to the end of its last semester with three faculties. In the fall semester the Faculty of Economics and Management will open its doors with a Bachelor in Economics and Management. As described in the course description this new study programme will provide 'a comprehensive and in-depth teaching of business and economics'.

A Milestone for the University of Lucerne
The opening of this new faculty is an important milestone in the short history of the University of Lucerne. This will be the second establishment of a new faculty within 15 years. The Faculty of Law opened its doors and welcomed its first semester of students back in the autumn of 2001. Will things continue at such a pace? I would not like to make any predictions, but what I can say is that the University of Lucerne with its now four faculties is in a very strong position. The portfolio of courses on offer has reached a new level of attractiveness.

Lecture room allocation and Mensa
You are of course wondering whether this is all possible in the university building. I have just recently received the allocation plans for our lecture rooms in the upcoming fall semester and can confirm that all classes can be accommodated within the Uni/PH building. This is, in part, due to the changes made to the timings of classes, as previously communicated. These changes have freed up an extra two hours of class time between 12am and 2pm. In addition, the pressure on the Mensa will be significantly reduced. Over the lunchtime period there will now actually be double as many places in the Mensa than before. What will be important, however, is the way we choose to use the extended lunch period. In this regard we are currently in discussions with the management team of the Teacher’s University (PH). We are planning a coordinated approach whereby members of both universities are duly informed and dissuaded from all heading towards the Mensa at midday. The success of this measure will largely depend on the Mensa’s patrons being a little more flexible in their eating habits. More information will follow at the beginning of the fall semester.

A good start and still climbing
To summarise, we can certainly say that the University of Lucerne is well underway. I expressed this conviction already during the Dies Academicus 2015. I would very much like to share with you the picture message above: 'A good start and still climbing'.

All that remains for me is to wish you a good end to the spring semester 2016 and every success with your upcoming exams.

Prof. Dr. Paul Richli, Rektor