Fourth attempt: Changes to examinations as of the winter semester

No compulsory registration for resit examinations and a fourth attempt after three failed examinations: Students at the Working Group for Teaching and Studies (Uni-LuSt) of the Students’ Representatives suggested these ideas around a year and a half ago. They have been the subject of much discussion at FAU since then and have now been adopted by the Senate.

“The students presented their ideas in a very constructive manner and, at the same time, were prepared to make a compromise,” says Vice President Education Prof. Dr. Andrea Bréard. What the Students’ Representatives actually wanted went a lot further.

“I am very grateful for the culture of debate at our FAU and for the fact that students and teaching staff at Uni-LuSt were prepared to make compromises and concessions – on behalf of and for the benefit of all our students. This is exactly what progress at FAU based on dialog should look like,” says the Vice President.

The new rules will come into force in October for winter semester 2024/25. Information about what exactly is changing can be found below.

Information about the fourth attempt and the abolition of compulsory registration

New: Fourth attempt for examinations

As of winter semester 2024/25, it will be possible to take three resit examinations instead of two. This does not apply to preliminary examinations (Grundlagen- und Orientierungsprüfung, GOP) and final theses. Special rules may also apply to practical courses, field trips and excursions.

More information is available on the website of the Examination Office.

Abolished: Compulsory registration for resit examinations

In addition, compulsory registration for resit examinations has been abolished without replacement as of winter semester 2024/25. From the coming winter semester onwards, students will be able to choose when they would like to resit a failed examination and they will be able to register themselves to sit a resit examination via campo.

More information about this is also available on the website of the Examinations Office.

Leon Bernáth, member of the Working Group for Teaching and Studies of the Students’ Representatives:

“For us students, this result is a clear improvement to our study conditions:
It reduces the psychological stress that arises due to compulsory participation in examinations and the fear of failing an examination at the final attempt, which has a detrimental effect on performance. It also offers more freedom for us to structure our degree programs individually.

The debate also showed us that, as students, we really can achieve something at this university if we put the work in, talk to people and deliver persuasive arguments. We are very grateful to those responsible for their constructive team work and hope to be able to continue this in the future.”

Contacts:

Working Group for Teaching and Studies
stuve-lust@fau.de
https://stuve.fau.de/refs-aks-2/lust/
(The group always welcomes new members!)

Vice President Education
Prof. Dr. Andrea Bréard
andrea.breard@fau.de
About Professor Bréard