University News

Consultation, Information, and Support in Focus – GIBeT Conference in Flensburg

The "Society for Information, Counseling, and Therapy at Universities (GIBeT)" is hosting its annual working group conference in Flensburg. Around 110 counselors will come together in 10 working groups to exchange ideas on professional topics.

A woman is standing in front of a seated group of people and speaking
Sabine Kröger from the Central Student Advisory Service of Europa-Universität Flensburg (EUF) welcomes the participants to Flensburg.

Participants of the conference are traveling to the far north from all over Germany and Switzerland. For over 50 years, staff from student counseling centers at state universities have been engaged in nationwide exchange. This year, the conference is taking place in Flensburg for the first time. Sabine Kröger, head of the Central Student Advisory Service at Europa-Universität Flensburg and board member of GIBeT, is very much looking forward to welcoming over 100 participants. Several colleagues from Schleswig-Holstein are also taking part in the GIBeT conference, some for the first time.

A group of people is sitting and looking to the left, out of the frame
The participants of the GIBeT conference in Flensburg

Always in focus: the high quality of information and counseling for prospective and current students, in order to provide the best possible support in choosing a course of study and navigating university life. In 2021, the General Assembly of the German Rectors' Conference (HRK) reaffirmed the importance of student counseling in the student life cycle as a hallmark of quality for universities.

A man is standing in front of a group of conference participants who are sitting with their backs to the photographer
Nils Düster, Head of Student Services at Europa-Universität Flensburg (EUF), welcomes the participants

The range of topics at the Flensburg conference is broad: In addition to classic academic advising, participants will also exchange ideas in areas such as "Studying with Disabilities," "Doubts About Studies and Dropping Out," and "Psychological and Psychotherapeutic Counseling at Universities." During the final plenary session, the results from the working groups will be shared with all conference participants.

In Flensburg, the following working groups and circles are meeting:

  • Working Group: Leadership in Academic Advising  
  • Working Group: Digital Academic Advising  
  • Working Group: Study Information Centers  
  • Working Group: Psychological and Psychotherapeutic Counseling at Universities  
  • Working Group: Studying with Disabilities  
  • Working Group: Quality Development  
  • Working Group: Doubts About Studies and Dropping Out  
  • Working Group: Student Counseling at Universities of Public Administration  
  • Working Group: Hochschulkompass (University Compass)  
  • Experience Exchange: Talent Scouting and Collaboration with Schools

The professional exchange is accompanied by a supporting program featuring campus and city tours. This allows guests not only to gain new insights and ideas but also to explore the city of Flensburg.

About GIBeT

A woman is speaking in front of a group of seated people
Beate Lipps, Chairwoman of the Board of GIBeT e.V., opened the conference with a welcoming address

GIBeT was established as an association in 1994 to promote networking among university counselors and their professional development. In addition to formulating quality standards for counseling, the association has, for example, developed an extensive training curriculum with certifications for areas such as educational counseling and educational management. The association provides its members with professional input, fosters communication among them, and issues statements on higher education policy issues.

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