Target group

First-year students are eligible for a buddy if they:

• are a first-year FSW student, and
• need extra support in their studies and/or social life.

The procedure

The buddy system is a permanent facility. A buddy can be requested throughout the academic year. This can be done by sending an email to the coordinator. This email must state the following:

• Why the first-year student thinks they need a buddy.
• Why the first-year student thinks a buddy can help them.
• His/her goals for that academic year.

An introductory meeting with the coordinators will then take place. The first-year student will be given a short questionnaire. This questionnaire will consist of various types of questions relating to a person's personality, beliefs, wishes, and preferences. This will enable the coordinators to match the first-year student with a suitable buddy.

Regulations

• First-year students and buddies are expected to show mutual respect. Personal information exchanged between them should not be discussed with third parties.
• First-year students should be open to constructive criticism from their buddy.
• It is possible to stop participating in the buddy project at any time if the support of a buddy is no longer needed.
• First-year students must be honest with their buddy about their results and/or resits.
• If a first-year student is unable to arrive on time or attend an appointment with their buddy, they must notify the buddy in good time.
• If the first-year student is late or does not show up for the second time (without canceling), this must be reported to the coordinators. The coordinators will then have a conversation with the first-year student.
• A buddy is not responsible for the first-year student's study progress.
• How the buddy and the first-year student stay in touch will be discussed in mutual consultation.
• The first-year student must take into account that the buddy may not always be available.
• If there is a shortage of buddies, the first-year student will be placed on a waiting list.
• At the end of the academic year, an evaluation interview will take place with one of the coordinators.
• If the regulations are not observed, the first-year student will be excluded from the buddy system.