Student transformation workshop

Are you concerned about global sustainability issues, such as the climate crisis? Are you tired of hearing about 'individual responsibility', and would you like to see systemic change instead? Would you like to apply your theoretical knowledge in practice? Would you like to bring about lasting change at your university but don't know where to start?

During the 'Student Transformation Workshop', you will collaborate with students from various disciplines and university stakeholders to plan and implement your own sustainability projects. The seminar aims to create opportunities for structural change and experiences of self-efficacy, strengthen decision-making and action-taking skills, and demonstrate that change is possible through joint commitment and strategic action, particularly among students.

At the beginning of the seminar, we will establish a common theoretical basis by addressing the following questions: ‘Why is sustainability important?’, ‘What does sustainability mean?’, and ‘How can it be achieved in practice?’ On the following excursion day, we will visit university initiatives that are driving forward the transformation process in their respective fields. You will then develop your own project idea with the help of other participants, planning it in cooperation with university stakeholders and implementing it with the support of consultation and impulse formats. The seminar will conclude with a presentation of the results and a detailed reflection session.

During the course of the seminar, we ...

• discusse theories of socio-ecological crises and social change.
• learn about and analyse local transformation processes.
• develope our own project ideas and flesh them out with our partners.
• implement projects independently in small groups.
• reflect on and document our experiences together.

This workshop gives you the opportunity to take on responsibility, realise your own ideas and experience self-efficacy. It relies on the commitment of its participants and their diverse perspectives, as well as their shared goal of actively helping to shape sustainable change at university, in Bonn and beyond.

Academic achievements:

• regular attendance
• project outline
• presentation
• reflection portfolio

This seminar is a service-learning programme offered by the University of Bonn. It is characterised by its practical relevance, the integration of social expertise, and the design of concrete, problem-oriented solutions. This means that both students and cooperation partners can use the results of the project work as starting points and development impulses.

Registrations:

DRegistration is open until 10 October 2025. This service-learning project seminar is open to students from all faculties. It comprises six credit points and two contact hours per week. If you have any questions about credit eligibility, please contact the Service Learning Coordination Office: service-learning@uni-bonn.de. You can register via Basis or by emailing the Service Learning Coordination Office directly (including your student ID number and department): service-learning@uni-bonn.de. 

Lecturers: Severin Schwellenbach, Max Frenken