STEIL Summary - March 2023

S.7

Complaint:

Owing to the late effects of a serious car accident, one student suffered severe headaches as well as unusal memory lapses during her exam of "Einführung in die Rechtswissenschaften". When the negative exam result arrived in LPIS, the student was threatened with de-registration, as it was already her fourth try at this exam, and the loss of her vital student aid. 

Our answer:

We have taken up the matter with a strong vehemence and have intervened with the Vice Rectorate for Teaching and Students and at the same time submitted a request on our own behalf for the annulment of the examination result for important cause. In the end, the examination could be declared void, which ensured the continuation of the student’s studies in business law, as well as the continuing receipt of her student aid.

 

S.9 

An insight into the Department for Financial Affairs

On April 17, 1945, Austria was declared independent before the Second World War had even ended. Thereupon, on the same day, the newly formed provisional state government convened and founded the Austrian Student Union (“ÖH”). 

Since 1950 it is regulated by federal law.  From this moment on, the voice of the students was officially anchored in law and undisputed. With this responsibility, the ÖH members also took on the duties of the statutes we are familiar with today. These are: 

- Representation of the interests of students and their promotion

- Nomination of student representatives in commissions according to the organizational regulations of the university 

- Management of the allocated budget 

- Issuing statements on draft laws 

- Advising applicants and students. 

In order to do justice to the students and the fulfillment of these tasks, not only complete commitment, knowledge of educational policy and creative ideas from the ÖH members are required. Our predecessor were aware that a budget is needed to successfully implement our ideas and goals successfully. So a closer look was taken at the various financial resources of the ÖH, which were laid down in the Higher Education Act. Fixed sources of income, such as student fees, could of course not be changed. Hence, the Department for Financial Affairs got creative and searched for a solution that would bring added value to students and increase self-generated revenue in order to expand the services offered to students. So they created a new item in the P&L: "Income from advertisements and promotion." Basically, advertisements are print or digital advertising spaces that can be used by corporate customers after they have purchased the space for a period/an issue/etc. Meanwhile, students can find them in the weekly ÖH newsletter, STEIL magazine, on poster stands, flyers, on our website and all social media platforms. This addition offers WU students the opportunity be exposed to a group of companies aimed specifically at them. These companies can be potential employers, or be useful in many other ways. On the other hand, this additional self-generated income means even greater scope for ÖH to expand our ideas and offers for students. To be precise, these "revenues from advertisements" increased the total amount of income by 13.5% in the last business year. As a result, we were able to enjoy another year full of networking events for freshmen, student orientation fairs, travels for our incoming students and countless other highlights. 

 

S.10

Events

With March we also start into a new semester. Full of energy and recovered from the semester break, you can expect a variety of events and parties this month. 

Semester Opening Party

Where? Pratersauna & Vie I Pee (Waldsteingartenstraße 135, 1020 Vienna)
When? Thursday, 09.03.2023, 22:00
On the occasion of the start of the semester we combine Pratersauna and Vie I Pee. Together we will celebrate on four floors until the morning hours. Enjoy a mega party with drink specials and every bottle only half price. 

Blood Donation

Where? TC Building at WU
When? 14.03. – 16.03.2023, 11:00-14:00 and 15:00-18:00
Once again, you have the opportunity to donate blood right at WU Campus! Whether you’re doing this for the first time or regularly, you’re helping people everywhere!

ÖH WU Iftar

Where? tba
When? Tuesday, 28.03.2023, 18:00
Join us, together with the Muslim Community, for breaking the fast this Ramadan at WU!

Zell am See – Ski Trip

Where? Hotel Der Schütthof, Kitzsteinhornstraße 2, 5700 Zell am See
When? 29.03.-01.04.2023
Austria, mountains, snow … can you imagine something more amazing than white slopes, warm huts and après-ski parties? Zell am See is the perfect opportunity to experience all of this! This trip is definitely one of the highlights this semester! We’re taking the train to the little Austrian town Zell am See, where we enjoy three days of skiing, snowboarding, all-you-can-eat and lots of theme parties!

 

S.12 ff.

We demand a fair Mensa!

For us, a hot meal is not a privilege, but a basic need of every student. One academic year and three price increases later, the cost of a regular meal in our cafeteria is now more than 7 euros. Moreover, this has nothing to do with quality. Enough is enough! We had to draw consequences here and have made far-reaching changes for a lowering of the price level and an improvement of the food quality - because healthy food must not be a question of money. 

Mensa means table in English. The Mensa is literally the table at which everyone can sit down to 

eat together and talk to each other, exchange ideas about everyday life and discuss a wide variety of topics. In this sense, it is an expression of community and togetherness, as well as an essential part of knowledge transfer and university culture. This valuable platform is in danger of being lost, and we’re trying our best to prevent this from happening.

Fair prices instead of inflation excuses

At our WU the dining hall is an important place of daily interaction and exchange. But after several price increases within a very short period of time, many of us many of us students - many of whom spend their daily everyday life on this campus - have to ask the question whether we can afford to eat this hot meal every day. With a standard menu of € 7.20, our canteen is the most expensive of its kind in Austria. The prices are on average € 1 higher than in other canteens. The question of whether this is justified is one that we have tried to answer, and we have come to the astonishing realization that this is a case of blatant cheating: Prices have risen noticeably more than the actual inflation. We have confronted the rectorated with a strong urge for more fairness and intervened with our cafeteria operator. The result was quite pleasing - the prices were have been reduced, for the time being.

Together with the university, we have defined strict bidding criteria, such as a tough framework for future cafeteria leases that will finally make a fairer Mensa a reality. More food variety, and in particular healthy food variet, is definitely also a main focus for us. After insightful consultation with experts and business input from WU professors, we went in with two tough demands for fair pricing: a full day's menu with soup, side dish, and drink for a maximum of 6 euros. For the small hunger there is a snack (such as the very popular Wrap) for a maximum of € 4. So that the quality of our nutrition does not remain a question of money.

Lasagna on Tuesday, Schnitzel on Wednesday, Burger on Thursday - a balanced and above all healthy nutrition looks different for us. In daily conversations with students the now rapidly declining quality of food is also clearly stated: Low-quality meat and frozen vegetables end up on our plates almost daily. This must and will change. In persistent but promising negotiations with the new Mensa applicants, we are pushing for more organic food, especially meat. We are also focusing on the regionality of our food - in the future, there should be labels of origin on all ingredients. . 

The changeover will take a little time - the contract with the old cafeteria operator expires in September, and from then on nothing will stand in the way of an affordable and healthy start of the 2023/24 winter semester: more diverse menus with health-promoting food and, above all, contemporary alternatives with vegetarian and vegan as well as gluten-free menu offerings - and all at a price that we can actually call fair. After all, the cafeteria is the where everyone comes to eat, and we want to preserve this at all costs. 

 

S.20 SBWL 

International Business

What’s it about?

The specialization “International Business” is one of the most popular specializations at WU. Its aim is to convey to students a deeper understanding of challenges that international companies are confronted with. Furthermore, students have the opportunity to specialize in three further optional tracks. The combination of theory and practice, the strong network of business partners aswell as the student network “IB-Club” make this specialization unique. International experience is particularly encouraged, among other things through English teaching or the numerous exchange students that take part in the courses of this specialization. IN addition, the majority of its courses can also be completed abroad!

How do I get in?

Access to this specialization is very competitive, you can apply every semester. On the one hand, GPA of the best 27 ECTS counts, on the other hand there is a 40 minute entrance exam (multiple choice) happening online on Learn. Both parts count 50%.

Recommended structure:

The specialization consist of five courses with 4 ECTS each. The structure looks like this:

1^st semester:

Course I: Foundations of International Business
Course II: International Business Applications

2^nd semester:
Course III: IB Strategies
Course IV: IB Markets
Course V: IB Resources

S.22 WU Check

SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS IN FINANCIAL HARDSHIP

With the ÖH-WU social campaign, we are helping financially disadvantaged students at WU in these difficult times with a one-time payment.

The next social campaign will take place from 1.3.2023 to 11.4.2023. Applications can be made during this time directly at the ÖH WU Service Center or online. 

You can download the application form from our website and fill it out directly on your computer or by hand. This ÖH-WU social action is basically not comparable with the student aid or family allowance from the state. Compared to these, it has two main advantages:

1. the circle of applicants is larger, because regardless of citizenship, all those who are pursuing a regular course of study at WU are able to apply.

2. secondly, not only a few partial aspects (age, gender, etc.) are taken into account, 

but we try to assess your overall social and financial situation, also with respect to current inflation! 

Decision criteria

- First and foremost, the applicant must be financially eligible; extraordinary burdens will also be taken into account, e.g. those resulting from the increased price levels during the last months. 

- Furthermore, a certain minimum level of academic success must be achieved. (For non-employed persons an average of 12 ECTS, for employed persons an average of 8 ECTS.)

- The time period for the proof of achievement consists of the past four semesters, whereby the semester with the lowest academic performance is deleted from the calculation of academic success. 

- If all these criteria are met, a basic amount is granted. 

In addition, a performance and/or child bonus may be granted. 

 

The specifics of this social campaign:

- Regardless of your citizenship 

- Child bonus

- Performance bonus

Special case of first semester students

Freshmen should not be excluded from the social action either. In this case only the proof of 

4 ECTS is required, i.e. at least one passed examination within the exam weeks that have taken place so far. 

IMPORTANT: Evidence and justification

Since we do not have access to income data or other information, you must be able to prove all the information you provide in the application by means of supporting documents. You will find instructions and suggestions in the application form. Unfortunately, incomplete applications must be rejected.

Also, the longer and more detailed your justification is, the more accurately we can understand your social and financial situation! Here, also a possible emergency situation due to the current inflation explained to us, so make sure that your documents are easily understandable! Documents which are not in German or English language must be must be translated, otherwise we cannot consider them. 

If you have any further questions, please contact us at soziales@oeh-wu.at.

 

S.33 ff. ISPs

ISPs

International Short Programs (ISPs) are organized by WU or in cooperation with partner universities and take place either at WU or abroad. Through ISPs you can gain international experience during your studies. In addition, you can accelerate your study time, as ISPs are usually offered during the semester break. Since ISPs are open to WU students and international students alike, you can also you can also expand your academic and personal network.

We talked to last year's participants to share their opinions on International Short Programs (ISPs).

How has the International Short Program helped you in your personal and academic development? 

AYNUR TEMEL (PORTO SUMMER SCHOOL): What I learned the most were intercultural and interpersonal skills. How two countries have completely different cultures and ways of life in everyday life - that fascinated me every day. Working with the Portuguese participants was also interesting because of this - the pace, the intensity, the interpersonal interactions in the group work. I can definitely say that these three weeks have broadened my horizons considerably.

LUISA LACKNER (BANGKOK SUMMER SCHOOL): Participating in the Bangkok Summer School has helped me to develop personally, professionally and academically. Personally, I have grown by going to a new country, even to a new continent, where I did not speak the local language and was not familiar with the culture at all. Fortunately, the ISP Bangkok became a perfect experience and broadened my horizons. Professionally and academically, I was able to develop myself through through the courses on sustainability and international business. I also appreciated the company visits and the contacts I was able to make.

ANITA BORDILOVSKA (PORTO SUMMER SCHOOL) : As far as the personal aspect is concerned, I can safely say that through intercultural communication I have learned to be more tolerant of differences and misunderstandings. The same is true for the academic and professional development. In addition, the topic of sustainability has certainly helped me to further expand my entrepreneurial knowledge.

How did you like the social program? Did you have 

opportunities to make new contacts? 

JESSICA ECKLER (BANGKOK SUMMER SCHOOL): I was delighted by the social and cultural program. The activities were varied and different They varied from a lecture in a hospital to making your own massage oil in an organic village. Through the many unusual program points, one could get to know a new side of your fellow students and also make new friends. The group work brought us closer to the Thai students and even phone numbers were exchanged. The friendships will remain even after the end of the program!

UNA LUKIC (ENGAGE.EU SUMMER SCHOOL): I have met people from different countries, cultures and backgrounds. Short Programs are a great opportunity to gain insight into other lifestyles and mentalities. We still have a WhatsApp chat and are in regular contact!

What can you tell us about the academic program 

and the lecturers? What was your impression?

STEFAN FILAUS (PORTO SUMMER SCHOOL): Thanks to the lecturers from different fields of sustainability and through a variety of different activities (group work, presentations, and discussions) we were able to immerse ourselves in the topic and gain different perspectives. In addition, we had to work on a real case study to combine the concepts we had learned and apply them in practice. This made the academic experience all the more profound.

UNA LUKIC (ENGAGE.EU SUMMER SCHOOL): My impression of the academic program was extremely positive. The teachers were knowledgeable and passionate about what they were doing. They provided us with ample opportunities to have meaningful discussions and to participate in real-life projects.

What was your personal highlight and your best memory of the ISP? 

memory of the ISP?

MARINA MARJANOVIC (PORTO SUMMER SCHOOL): My personal highlight was the many acquaintances I was able to make. I am still in contact with some of them today. This program gave me the opportunity to expand my circle of friends internationally and to make connections that will hopefully last for many years to come.

JESSICA ECKLER (BANGKOK SUMMER SCHOOL): My personal highlight was the visit to Wat Prayong temple. I especially remember the conversation with an Austrian nun. I was fascinated by her way of thinking and her career, her stories were inspiring. Since the meeting, I have always carried the Buddha of Happiness that she gave us in my handbag at all times. The whole environment had a special atmosphere and the nun took us on a small private tour, where we got to experience the chanting of the monks in one of the of the temples. This trip was so inspiring and definitely left lasting impressions.

GOOD TO KNOW:

-In the summer of 2023, you will have a choice of different International Short Programs. Together with partner universities: the Porto Sustainable Business Summer School in Portugal, for example, and the Bangkok Summer School on International Business and Sustainable Development in Thailand.

-A number of ISPs will also be offered at WU, such as the International Summer University WU and the ENGAGE.EU Summer School. 

-Between March 6 and 13, 2023, you can apply for both the International Short Programs Abroad and for the International Summer University WU.

-The application process takes place online.

-You can specify up to two preferences when applying.

-Details about the application process and all programs can be found online.

-If you have any questions, please contact the ISP team in the International Office via spwu@wu.ac.at.