Seminars and events

This seminar is aimed at students who wish to further develop their academic writing skills and support others in their writing process. It consists of two parts: in the introductory phase, you will review the steps involved in writing an academic text. You will learn about non-directive counselling methods and practise providing feedback on texts so that you can specifically identify and pinpoint the strengths and weaknesses of texts. Together, we will reflect on our own writing journeys and build a foundation of knowledge in writing studies with a focus on diversity. Questions might include: What role do multilingualism, gender or mental health play in the writing process and in advising writers? You will then be able to put your knowledge into practice straight away by shadowing staff at the Writing Centre. By conducting an independent counselling session and presenting your e-portfolio, you will complete your training as a certified writing counsellor and will be able to apply to the Centre for Teaching and Learning for a position as a research assistant.

Dates: fortnightly from 30 October 2026

Time: 09:00–15:30

Lecturer: Lene Albrecht

Please register via Moodle.

The aim of this seminar is to identify and develop the skills relevant to academic writing by working through the process of writing academic texts step by step – from orientation and brainstorming through to research and revision – with each participant working on their own text. Before the seminar begins on 3 November, there will be a writing assignment which we will then develop further and discuss together. The majority of the assessment will take place during the semester. (Peer) feedback is provided in small, incremental steps directly on your academic work (research question, synopsis, search matrix), thereby enabling a process-oriented approach and the direct application of what you have learnt. We will conclude the seminar with a project day, working together in the new co-working space.

Dates: weekly from 3 November 2026

Time: 2.00–4.00 pm

Venue: AM 204

Lecturer: Lene Albrecht

(Module 1 of the PT training programme)

Please register via Moodle.

English: This seminar offers a practical introduction to university governance and student participation at the European University Viadrina (and its European alliance, ERUA). Universities as institutions and the role of their members are constantly evolving – democratic processes play an important role in this and are continually being renegotiated. We will make (decision-making) processes transparent and identify opportunities for action. Additional visits to university bodies and practical case studies enable students to observe and practise participation and democracy in real life. The seminar has been designed in collaboration with engaged students and student bodies, as well as lecturers from all three faculties. German: This seminar offers a practice-oriented introduction to university governance and student participation at the European University Viadrina (and its European alliance, ERUA). Universities as institutions and the role of their members are constantly evolving – democratic processes play a key role in this and are continually being renegotiated. We make (decision-making) processes transparent and identify scope for action. Additional visits to governing bodies and practical case studies enable participants to observe and practise participation and democracy in real life. The seminar is designed in collaboration with committed students and student bodies, as well as lecturers from all three faculties.

Block: 6 November 2026, 27 November 2026, 11 December 2026, 15 January 2027, 5 February 2027

Time: 10.00–15.00

Venue: GD 05

Lecturer: Niki Kasis

Please register via Moodle.

Online pre-session for this course: Thursday, 14 January 2025, 15:00–17:00 (sharp). Intercultural competence is regarded as a key competence and a skill for the future. However, the concept remains somewhat vague. There are a variety of definitions, as well as criticism. Intercultural learning and cultural awareness are becoming increasingly relevant, for example in the sustainability debate, as challenges require collaboration and consideration from an interconnected and global perspective. In this interactive and practice-oriented seminar, concepts of intercultural learning will be introduced based on theoretical approaches. At the same time, we will critically discuss and challenge these concepts and explore their limitations. Through small, hands-on exercises and by examining practical examples from various perspectives, including our own, we will heighten our cultural awareness and develop our ability to deal with ambiguity and uncertainty. Regular reflective practice and peer feedback will enable participants to deepen their learning experience and continually refine their communication skills. The course will benefit from Viadrina’s membership of the European Reform University Alliance (ERUA) through on-site collaboration with students from other European universities who will attend this course as part of an ERUA Intensive programme. Students will therefore not only gain an insight into Viadrina’s international networking activities; they will also be offered the opportunity to engage in genuine international collaboration and to practise their English language skills. Active participation, readings and written assignments will form a central part of the learning process. Within the Viadrina Peer-Tutoring Training programme, this seminar is equivalent to Module 1 in Intercultural Learning. Please note: If you have any concerns regarding your participation in terms of accessibility, please do not hesitate to get in touch by email (kasis@europa-uni.de) or by telephone (+49 335 5534 2345).

Dates: 15 February 2027 – 19 February 2027

Time: 10 am – 5 pm

Venue: GD 05

Lecturer: Niki Kasis

Please register via Moodle.

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.

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.