Mr Sibler was accompanied on his visit by District Chief Executive Thorsten Freudenberger and Neu-Ulm’s Deputy Mayor Antje Esser. During his visit, the Minister was impressed by the Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences’ response to the corona outbreak.
The Minister said: “Despite the challenging situation facing the Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences this semester, the students should not be put at a disadvantage by the lockdown. The Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences is taking exemplary steps to ensure that this summer semester is a success despite the exceptional situation we find ourselves in! Everyone involved can be very proud of this joint team effort. Thank you very much for all the hard work you have put in.”
The President of the Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences, Prof. Dr. Uta M. Feser commented: “Before the corona outbreak, we had been working very hard on developing our digital and online provision at the Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences. We were therefore able to put in place our full range of courses on an online platform very quickly, working closely with all those involved. We have remained true to our reputation as an interdisciplinary and international educational institution – and are now projecting this through a digital medium. As an international business school, the Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences must currently suspend all physical exchange programmes with students from other countries. However, we are still able to ensure that virtual learning carries on across national borders. In the so-called digital foundation seminar, for example, some 60 students from three countries have been working together on new business ideas.”
The future of nursing
Mr Sibler also discussed the future of nursing with Prof. Dr. Uta M. Feser.
“In view of the increasing social importance of nursing and other healthcare professions, the Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences sees itself as being responsible for ensuring the provision of demand-driven courses in the field of health management. This increases the appeal and attractiveness of the nursing profession. Graduates can use their newly acquired expertise to contribute to better care over the long term,” said Prof. Dr. Uta M. Feser.
Sylvia Schafmeister, Course Director for study programmes in ‘Management for Healthcare and Nursing Professions’ and ‘Leadership and Management in Healthcare’, reported on the planned bachelor programme in ‘Applied Nursing’. She also presented various online modules provided by the Faculty of Health Management.
“Nursing and healthcare,” said Mr Sibler “are the professions of the future. The corona pandemic shows us once again how urgently we need highly trained professionals in these fields. The Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences offers a comprehensive range of courses, and this means that the need to bring about the academisation of the nursing profession is now becoming a reality. The Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences’ success in bringing about comprehensive online provision of its range of courses means that students can continue to study and learn effectively throughout the summer semester.”
Digital Nursing
Prof. Dr. Walter Swoboda, research professor at the Faculty of Health Management, also reported on various projects funded by the Free State of Bavaria. These projects are currently being run in cooperation with the Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences and other universities. The projects include CARE REGIO (the digitisation of care in the Swabia region) and DIGEMED (digitisation in neuropathology).
