University of Siegen waives free attempts: Students breathe a sigh of relief!

University of Siegen waives free attempts: Students breathe a sigh of relief!

The University of Siegen will introduce free attempts for bachelor's and master's students starting in the 2025/26 winter semester. This was decided by a large majority at a meeting of the Senate on April 16th. Loud uni-siegen.de These free attempts are intended for all subject sciences and teacher training courses. The Education Commission, the ZLB Council and the Rectorate have also approved the new regulations, which underlines the university's student-friendly approach.

Students receive three free attempts in bachelor's degree programs and two free attempts in master's degree programs. These can be used flexibly in self-selected modules in order to cancel a failed attempt. The aim of this regulation is to reduce exam anxiety and encourage students to take exams earlier.

Background of the regulation

The introduction of free attempts was a response to students' lawsuits against the previously missing regulations at the University of Siegen. The university had been unfriendly to students for a long time, which put it at a significant disadvantage compared to other universities in North Rhine-Westphalia. In spring 2020, the Ministry of Education in North Rhine-Westphalia allowed universities to count exams as free attempts, but the University of Siegen ignored a corresponding regulation. This information provides asta.uni-siegen.de.

According to the AStA website, students were forced to not pursue the lawsuit against the university to avoid costs, despite hopes for more student regulations, especially in times of lockdowns.

Regulations and effects

The free attempt regulation also applies to the last examination attempt and to all degree programs without an opening clause. An important restriction is that free attempts cannot be used to improve grades, but are only intended for failed exams. Vice Rector Merzendorfer estimates the additional effort involved in correcting exams to be manageable, which suggests that the introduction is being approached pragmatically.

It is important for all examinees to register for the state compulsory subject examination by the end of the eighth semester. The decisive factor here is the receipt of the report by the Judicial Examination Office. The exact deadlines are clearly regulated and are listed on the website olg-hamm.nrw.de carried out in detail.

Studying at the University of Siegen is therefore facing a change that could significantly improve the conditions for students. In view of the challenges to date, especially during the corona pandemic, this measure can be seen as a step in the right direction.