Dear students,

Before we know it, the spring semester 2024 will be almost history, and exams will be just around the corner.

A few days ago, a major Swiss daily newspaper ran the headline: “Luc doesn't read, he prefers to learn with AI: Encounters with a high school graduate who had Goethe's ‘Faust’ explained to him in full by chat GPT – and achieved the top grade”.

New articles on “cogito” online

The 13th print edition of “cogito,” our university's knowledge magazine, will be published at the end of the semester. New articles are posted online on an ongoing basis. Recent additions include a portrait of Social and Communication Sciences graduate Shivaswini Mathiyaparanam (photo), an interview on interdisciplinary research on issues related to climate change, and a conversation with law alumnus Linus Fessler: www.unilu.ch/magazin (Dave Schläpfer, “cogito” editorial team)

June 25: Lecture by Corps Commander Thomas Süssli

In his lecture “Die Verteidigungsfähigkeit stärken,” Thomas Süssli, Chief of the Armed Forces, will provide insights into the current strategy of the Swiss Armed Forces. He will show how the army is preparing for defence readiness, technological innovation and international cooperation to face Europe's various security policy scenarios. (6.15 p.m., University of Lucerne, Lecture Hall 1, Livestream) More information

Save the date: Homecoming Party

After last year's big success, the Homecoming Party will be back on Thursday, 26 September 2024. Impressions from last year.

Closing week Uni/PH building

From 5 August to 17 August 2024, the Uni/PH building will be closed for annual maintenance.  Access to the building is only possible for employees with a key via the night access door. Building opening hours

Mensa 1574 will be closed from 15 July to 18 August 2024 for company holidays.  

Increase in SOL membership fee

Beginning in the Autumn Semester 2024, the membership fee for the Student Organisation Lucerne (SOL) will be increased from CHF 15 to CHF 20. According to the SOL's 22 April newsletter, the purpose of this adjustment is to raise the overall budget of the SOL and student councils so that all students can benefit even more from regular campus life. Enrolled students may terminate their SOL membership until 30 July 2024. To do so, you must submit a written cancellation to the university's Rectorate.

Application deadlines for student exchange

If you are interested in taking part in an exchange in the spring semester 2025, please consult the website of the International Relations Office (IRO) and contact the mobility coordinator at your home faculty. Please note the following application deadlines:  

SEMP-Programme (exchange within Europe): 1st September 2024
Partnership-Programme (exchange outside of Europe): 1st September 2024
CH-Unimobil-Programme (exchange within Switzerland): 31st October 2024

Mentors wanted

Starting in the 2024/25 academic year, the University of Lucerne, together with the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) and the PH Lucerne, will be offering a pre-study integration programme for people with a refugee background – the “Lucerne Campus for Refugees.” To support the participants, we are looking for motivated and committed students who are willing to form language tandems with the participants and organise smaller events. The mentors are supervised by a lecturer from the department of Social Work at HSLU. Depending on the faculty, social credits can be earned. A qualified confirmation of participation is issued at the end of the programme. Duration of the programme: 2 semesters. Time required per week: approx. 1 hour. We look forward to hearing from you at mobility@unilu.ch. Registrations are possible until 30 June 2024.

Sunday opening for students during exam preparation

The library is open on the following Sundays and public holidays: 26/30 May and 2/9/16 June 2024, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Students of the University of Lucerne and PH Lucerne with a valid CampusCard and HSLU students with the HSLU Card are authorised to access the library. Access via night entrance More information

Workstations for students preparing for exams

Looking for a quiet place to read and work? From 31 May to 28 June 2024, lecture halls 11, 12, 13 and 14 can be used for studying. The tutorial room in the basement is available for group work.

Library summer opening hours

From 1 July to 30 August, the library in the Uni/PH building will close at 6.30 p.m. (instead of 9.30 p.m.). On Saturdays, the usual opening hours apply (07.45 a.m. – 3.30 p.m.).

During the building closure from 5 to 17 August 2024, media from the Frohburgstrasse location can be ordered to other locations. The library at the Sempacherstrasse location will be open during both weeks of closure.

HSCL: Sports offer and vacation training

Save 10% on entry fees when you register via the HSCL. All students and employees at Swiss universities, as well as members of a university sports organisation, can register via the HSCL. Our registration link will also get you a running shirt and separate changing rooms. More information and registration (in German)

The Psychological Counselling Centre is also there for you during the semester break

The Lucerne Campus Psychological Counselling Centre offers personal counselling sessions during the semester and the semester break for students and staff facing challenges in their studies, at work and their private lives. Workshops “on demand” on various topics such as stress management, mindfulness, resilience or procrastination can be requested from the Psychological Counselling Centre at any time. More information and registration

Prevention of Sexual Harassment: Counsellors

The three Lucerne universities offer a joint service for people affected by sexual harassment. Any form of sexual harassment at a place of work or study is unacceptable and will result in appropriate measures and sanctions. Affected persons have the opportunity to receive quick and competent support by contacting one of the four counsellors. More information

horizonte – Chaplaincy for students

We would like to point out that Fabian Pfaff and Lorenzo Scornaienchi are always ready to listen to your concerns and difficulties. In addition, we are ready with our coaching offer to accompany and support you in achieving your personal and professional goals.
From Sunday, 21 July to 28 July, we are planning a trip to the Taizé community. If you are interested, you can register here. Discover more events on our website: www.horizonte-luzern.ch

Studierende gesucht!

We are looking for students to support us at a conference from 6 – 7 June 2024 at the University of Lucerne.

Remuneration: CHF 25.-/h

• Various tasks, e.g., reception, cloakroom, technical support, etc.
• Possible time frames and desired activities can be specified.
• If you are interested, please contact us as soon as possible at gabriela.rychener@unilu.ch

News from the Studiladen - Dissolution of Bücherflohmi

As the Studiladen is moving to the new part of the building in the summer to open a café/bar, the Bücherflohmi will be closed. All materials not yet returned will be given away for free in the last week of the semester on May 20. All students are cordially invited to bring the semester to a sustainable close. Opening hours 

Modern Hebrew language courses (IVRIT)

The Institute of Jewish-Christian Research at the University of Lucerne (IJCF) offers two Modern Hebrew courses (beginners and advanced) per academic year. The courses take place once a week as a double lesson. They are open to all interested parties, including students and audit students. More information

University choir concert “Sir John in Love” on 8/9 June

The University Choir is dedicating a concert to the great English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams and showcasing the diversity of the musical master's works – with “In Windsor Forest” from the eponymous opera “Sir John in Love.”
Saturday, 8 June 2024, 7.30 p.m. & Sunday, 9 June 2024, 5.00 p.m. at Kirche St. Johannes, Lucerne | www.unichor-luzern.ch | Flyer (pdf)

iubila!” – 20-year anniversary of the Lucerne Campus Orchestra

In 2024, the Campus Orchestra will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a performance of Antonín Dvořák's Ninth Symphony “From the New World.” 
The Campus Orchestra (COL) is made up of students, staff, alumni and alumnae of Lucerne's universities. The COL will be performing two concerts to mark the anniversary:

Friday, 22 November 2024 at the Maihof in Lucerne

Saturday, 23 November 2024 in the Kursaal in Engelberg (OW).

Newmusicians, especially string players, brass players and percussionists, are very welcome. No audition is necessary. Rehearsals usually take place on Monday evenings during the semester. More information

Lockers: Key return at the Infodesk

Have you rented a locker? Please return the key to the Infodesk by Friday, 28 June 2024 at the latest.
Important: When returning the key, please empty the locker completely and leave it open! Fees and more information

Semester Info in German and English

The Semester Info is available in both German and English.
German Version

You may change your language preferences (German or English) in the UniPortal. Your chosen language setting will apply to all University of Lucerne communications distributed bilingually.

Next issue: 17 September 2024

You will receive official announcements and information from the university management in the Semester Info at the beginning and towards the end of each semester. The faculties will continue to inform you directly about courses and study programmes.