HSG Start Week 2024: 1,800 students get to know their university

Starting a degree programme can be challenging for young people: In addition to a new living environment, they have many questions about university life. To make it easier for students to get started, the HSG has been running the StartWeek for over 20 years: during these five intensive days from 9 to 13 September 2024, 1,800 first-semester students get to know their university.

‘Our aim is to integrate them socially, academically and administratively during these days,’ says Miriam Mrisi, Head of the HSG StartWeek.

This includes introductions to the examination system, the study architecture, the library and the HSG campus. In addition, the students work in groups on a case study on the topic of ‘polarisation’.

An important part of the StartWeek is also social events such as a barbecue evening for the student body. ‘Of course, imparting important information is at the centre of the StartWeek. But it's also important for students to make as many new contacts as possible during this time,’ says Mrisi. In addition, many of the 140 HSG student societies introduce themselves to the new students.

Experienced HSG students as counsellors

The 1,800 new students are divided into 72 groups during the Start Week. Each group is supervised by two experienced HSG students. They have been trained for their role as tutors in a two-semester course. They are always open to questions - and also show the HSG students around the city of St.Gallen. ‘The tutors have to apply. Many remember how important their own StartWeek was and want to make a contribution to the HSG community,’ says Mrisi.

In keeping with HSG tradition, the special week also has a competitive element: each group has to prepare a 90-second short presentation as a result of the case study on polarisation. The task is to develop a strategy against the increasing drifting apart of society. The groups can call on political scientist Regula Stämpfli and communications coach Michael Berndonner for support. The HSG Americanist Claudia Brühwiler and the HSG philosopher Michael Festl will also provide input on the case study during the week.

At the end of the week, six selected groups will present their ideas to a jury, which will ask critical questions. The members of the jury include HSG computer scientist Barbara Weber and HSG political scientist Christoph Frei. However, these ‘pitches’ do not take place in a seminar room, but are organised as an event in a hall at the Olma trade fairs.

Master's students from 40 nations

In addition to the StartWeek, the English-language Kick-off Days also take place. At these, the HSG welcomes over 800 new students at Bachelor's, Master's and doctoral level. The introductory programme gives the new arrivals from 40 nations an insight into the organisational processes and all the study-related positions at the University of St.Gallen.

A team of 11 HSG students from higher semesters will accompany the StartWeek in the media. In addition to posts on Instagram and Linkedin, they will produce a daily TV programme together with Tele Ostschweiz. The HSG's Teaching Innovation Lab is supporting them in this endeavour.

StartWeek is one of the most comprehensive projects realised at the HSG. The core team consists of five employees, supplemented by four student project managers. ‘There are never as many people on the HSG campus as during StartWeek. During these days, it shapes the University and, to a certain extent, life in the city of St.Gallen,’ says Mrisi.