Seminars and events

In this seminar, you will learn how to write your own literary texts, how to talk constructively about texts (your own and others') and how to design and lead creative exercises in an autonomous writing group. After a joint kick-off weekend in a seminar centre in Brandenburg, the work will be continued and deepened in small groups over the course of the semester. In consultation with the lecturer, they will take it in turns to organise writing events that incorporate different methods, literary forms and genres. For this purpose, a selection of writing exercises, methods and exercises for productive text work will be made available; the groups themselves determine the focus of the individual writing group sessions. At the end of the semester there will be a self-organised final reading. As you engage with your writing, you will also sharpen your awareness of your own voice, expressiveness and writing processes, from which you can also benefit in academic writing.

Dates: Block 17.04.2026 - 19.04.2026

Time: 10 am - 6 pm

Seminar trip

Lecturer: Lene Albrecht

Please register via the form.

Like riding a bike, academic writing is not learnt overnight, but only through regular practice, practice, practice - this means: you can only learn to write by writing! The aim of this seminar is to develop the skills relevant to academic writing by going through the writing process step by step in the seminar.

Dates: weekly from 02/06/2026

Time: 2 pm - 4 pm

Location: GD 202

Lecturer: Lene Albrecht

(Module 1 PT training)

Please register via Moodle

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European higher education is undergoing significant reforms and changes. In the past few years, 73 European University Alliances have been created, involving almost 650 universities and creating a huge multi-layered international network of higher education institutions. These alliances, such as the European Reform University Alliance (ERUA), are transforming higher education - locally and in Europe. With the recent developments, new frameworks, models, recognition systems, and governance structures emerge and universities are negotiating how to adapt to those changes.
- What does this mean for students? How can they make their voices heard and be active actors in this transformation?
- How do European Higher Education strategies emerge, how do European University Alliances operate
- How can student representatives navigate both local governance structures and cross-border networks?
- How can these developments create an impact on inclusion of international students in shaping university life? This course provides a hands-on introduction to student engagement and student representation at the intersection of the local university context and rapidly changing international higher education landscape, supporting students in navigating and co-shaping current developments. It focuses on the university as an institution, the role of students, inclusion of international students and empowerment for meaningful democratic and sustainable participation in university governance and campus life. By involving experienced student representatives and engaged students from different European contexts, the course will explore the multi-layered system of higher education governance and address central questions such as:
- How do local governance structures function (student councils, academic senates, faculties)?
- How is student representation organised at international level?
- How can concerns and strategies be formulated and communicated confidently across different status groups, cultural, linguistic, and institutional boundaries?
- How do traditional governance structures (student parliaments, faculty councils, Senate committees) include international students-what barriers exist?
- How can students find and access reliable information, such as regulations, statutes, strategy papers-and what's their function?
- How can networks among students and collaboration with staff strengthen the role and voice of students as members of the academic community?

Block: 18.05.2026 - 22.05.2026

Time: 2-5 pm

Location: Coworking space

Lecturer: Niki Kasis

Please register via Moodle

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In today's professional world, teamwork skills are essential - regardless of whether you become a lawyer, manager or museum director. Studies show that this skill cannot only be learnt in theory. That's why our seminar offers a practical team experience that is divided into three phases: 1. theoretical introduction: the basics of team dynamics and project management. 2. autonomous group work:The participants work in teams to develop their own project ideas that are relevant to their subject and fit in with their field of study, and work independently on their realisation. 3rd presentation day:Results are presented and experiences are reflected upon. You will deal intensively with concepts such as group dynamics and topic-centred interaction. Through collaborative learning and critical questioning, you will not only strengthen your specialised knowledge, but also your teamwork skills. The aim is to develop innovative projects on current topics that promote student engagement at the university. The seminar is accompanied by experienced trainers who support the participants throughout the entire process.

Dates: weekly from 14.04.2026

Time: 10 am - 1 pm

Location: GD 303

(Module 1 PT training)

Lecturer: Dr Roméo Kolegbe

Please register via Moodle

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Discover how you can create deeper connections and more harmonious relationships through empathetic listening and clear, respectful expression. Our hands-on workshop will show you how to resolve conflicts and avoid misunderstandings by better understanding and expressing your needs and the needs of those around you. If you are interested in the workshop, please contact us by e-mail at zll@europa-uni.de.

Facilitate access to your documents with accessible PDFs. In our hands-on workshop, you will learn how to design PDF files so that they are accessible to everyone - including people with disabilities. Learn which tools and techniques you can use to make text, images and graphics accessible. Optimise your PDFs for screen readers and improve usability for a diverse readership. If you are interested in a workshop, please contact us by email at zll@europa-uni.de.

Master your studies/work and everyday life with new serenity and inner strength! Discover the superpower of resilience in our workshop "More serene and stronger through your studies and everyday life". Learn effective strategies for coping with stress, overcoming challenges and strengthening your mental resilience. Learn how to deal with setbacks and find your inner balance. The workshop is open to Viadrina students and staff. If you are interested in a workshop, please contact us by email at zll@europa-uni.de.

As part of the Writing Didactics certificate programme at the university, teachers expand and consolidate their repertoire of writing didactics methods, receive practical materials and develop concrete implementation strategies for their own writing-intensive teaching.

Further information

In this seminar, participants will learn essential principles of active and writing-intensive teaching and will try out ideas and approaches that they can immediately implement in their own teaching. The seminar is aimed at experienced university teachers who want to revitalise their approach, new university teachers who are interested in the latest research findings, students who want to teach in their communities or work as academic supervisors at the university, and anyone else who is curious about teaching and learning.

As a university lecturer or third-space employee, are you interested in working more openly and collaboratively, regularly exchanging ideas on professional challenges and integrating open educational resources (OER) into your teaching or work practice? Then the Co-WOERK meetings ("Community for Knowledge Transfer OER: Network of Educational Stakeholders") offer an ideal opportunity for further training and networking.

Further information

The PROKODIL programme offers Viadrina lecturers the opportunity to test the concept of Faculty Learning Communities and establish them sustainably in their faculties. In the winter semester 2024/25, participants will work in interdisciplinary groups on the theory and practice of this collegial exchange in order to moderate their own communities in the summer semester 2025 and further advance teaching at the Viadrina.

Use this opportunity to network and further develop your teaching! Further information

Thursday, 18 April 2024 - 13:30 - GD 03 without registration

How effectively do I read academic texts? In this lunchtime lesson, we will reflect together on our reading strategies and collect helpful tips and tricks to deepen our reading process together. Come along and join us!

Thursday, 05.05.2024 - 13:30 - GD 03 without registration

Do you have little time but still have a pile of texts on your desk? No problem!
We'll show you a few helpful tricks on how to speed up your reading speed permanently. We look forward to seeing you!

Thursday, 16 May 2024 - 13:30 - GD 03 without registration

What is the motivation behind it? How to get started? In this lunchtime lesson, you will find out what you can do when you have a lot to do, deadlines are pressing and you don't know where to start.