Annual Report 2023
Dear readers,
While the coronavirus pandemic is fortunately now behind us, the war in Ukraine started by Russia is still ongoing – as it will be throughout 2023 – and further sources of unrest have been added in the Middle East since Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel. In terms of society as a whole, crisis is almost the new normal. Studierendenwerk Münster is now also crisis-proof and so well positioned that we are able to master the challenges posed by the crisis in addition to our normal tasks. However, this is only possible because we are taking the externally changed conditions seriously and are working internally to become better and better. In line with our strategy, we aim to improve our service for students as much as possible while increasing our efficiency.
In this annual report, you can see that we have achieved many things in 2023, but that others are still under construction. As an institution that is now over 100 years old, we are undergoing careful but constant change, while remaining committed to our basic mission – serving students. The motto “We for you” also applies after the anniversary year 2022, and all the more so the more difficult (economic) times become. Unfortunately, there is little hope of significant financial support in the coming years, which is why a lot will depend on the continued great commitment of my colleagues (thank you very much for this!) and on the Studierendenwerke working well networked – with each other, but also with their stakeholders.
Together with the responsible Ministry of Culture and Science NRW (MKW), the NRW student unions are currently conducting organizational studies to make the student unions fit for the future. As Studierendenwerk Münster, we are also in a good starting position here due to our strong university location, but it is important – together with the newly constituted Administrative Board in 2023 – to continue to take a fact-oriented approach and set the right course, which will not always work without discussion. Looking back, however, we can see that important decisions were already made in 2023, which is encouraging for the future. These include, for example, the increase in the student social contribution required to compensate for inflation and the introduction of parking space management at the residential complexes.
From the students’ perspective, the topics of food, Accomodation and social affairs are particularly relevant. In terms of catering facilities, the opening of the first purely vegan/vegetarian canteen at Bispinghof should be highlighted – we are responding to increased demand and the offer has been very well received. With regard to Accomodation, we are trying to improve the difficult situation on the rental market with alternative offers, such as the expansion of emergency accommodation for students. In the area of social affairs, the BAföG administration is modernizing despite difficult external requirements, and the Counselling – International Affairs – Culture (BIK) department is ensuring cohesion between students with its events and programmes.
However, I would not like to forget the processes within the Studierendenwerk itself that are less visible to the outside world, but no less important: In addition to the continuation of the strategy process, these include the launch of a management development program, the introduction of a health management system and, of course, Erika, our Studierendenwerk’s employee app. The successful installation of appointment booking software has also had a positive impact both internally and externally. And what’s next? Perhaps we will soon be talking about the wider use of AI …? In any case, I am excited and look forward to continuing to play a key role in shaping the development of Studierendenwerk Münster.
You can find out more about our important work for students in this annual report, now in an appealing and contemporary form. I hope you find it interesting reading, probably have an aha moment or two and … please stay tuned!
Best regards
Yours, Dr. Christoph Holtwisch
