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Our Tasks
Tasks
Anyone who has never seen the inside of a university will know that there is (nearly) always a refectory there. Not even the students themselves are often familiar with the organisation which, among other things, runs the refectories – the Studentenwerk (Student Union. As the name already suggests, we, the Studentenwerk, work on behalf of the students. Our task is to support students economically,healthwise, socially and culturally in order to contribute to the success in their chosen fields of study.
In more simple terms: We prepare tasty, inexpensive meals and snacks for you, create affordable accommodations, rent out and find rooms, run day-care centre, offer social and psychological counselling and our culture office initiates and promotes cultural activities. The „BAföG-Amt“ (student loans office), including the associated consultation and application process within the range of educational grants, also belong to the Studentenwerk.
Legal Structure
The Studentenwerk (Student Union) is neither an institute of the university, nor is it operated by the students. We are an independent organisation incorporated in public law. Our tasks are legally determined by the „Hochschulgesetz“ (an act concerning the universities of Lower Saxony (NHG)) and our statute. These laws also regulate our work as an independent „half-state“ institute supervised by a administrative board and a directorate. In these supervisory boards, employees of the universities, representatives of the public, as well as students are involved in directing the activity of the Studentenwerk. As a modern service enterprise we see this close relationship with our „customers“ as a huge advantage – enabling direct feedback and the continual improvement of our services. We are therefore always grateful for suggestions from students and members of the university. Simply send us an email or give us a call.
Responsibilities
The Braunschweig Studentenwerk’s area of responsibility covers the entire region of northeast Lower Saxony. Students at universities and colleges of higher education in Braunschweig, Hildesheim, Lueneburg and Wolfenbuettel are looked after. Furthermore we maintain organisations in Wolfsburg, Suderburg and Buxtehude, in such a way as to care for a total amount of approximately 40,000 students. The Studentenwerk Braunschweig is united with 61 further members of the governing body „Deutsches Studentenwerk e.V.“, which represents, particularly on sociopolitical questions, the interests of approximately 1.8 million students.
Financing
All students must prove during matriculation and before each following semester that they have paid the semester contribution to the university. This sum divides into a so-called administrative expense which goes to the state, the contribution for the representation of interests of students (AStA: Student Council) and the contribution for the Studentenwerk (Student Union). This one is currently 41€. In Lüneburg an additional 50 cent is added for the childcare service „Die Zwerge“ (the dwarves).
Similar to insurance liability, this is an obligational contribution. All students are thus united in a kind of commune of „solidarity“, securing a broad lineup of services for each individual through a relatively small contribution. The Studentenwerk earns the largest part of it’s income, approximately 63%, through own takings, in particular procceds from selling food in the refectories and cafeterias as well as from rental income (residential accommodations). The Lower Saxony county refunds the costs of educational administration (BAföG – student loans) and offers financial assistance. This sum is calculated on the basis of the number of students enroled and the number of meals sold in the refectories.