FauSt: Conference of Environmental Student Associations
FauSt stands for “Fachschaftentagung umweltbezogener Studiengänge”.
FauSt is a nationwide networking event for students and student associations of environmental science programs. Each student association from an environmental-related program can send representatives to the conferences. The event is hosted each semester by a different student association and serves as a platform for exchange among the associations.
During the conference, relevant environmental and university policy issues are discussed, ideas and experiences regarding student association work are shared, and statements and position papers are drafted. There is also a focus on quality control and the comparability of study programs.
The conference spans several days and is usually held at a university or college. Topics are addressed in working groups and discussed and presented in a final plenary session. Between conferences, FauSt is represented by the permanent committee (StAuF), which is elected at each FauSt and consists of 3 to 5 students from various institutions.
Founded in 2017 in Weimar at the UrFauSt, FauSt has been continuously evolving since then. We aim to establish innovative concepts for sustainable technological transformation in universities, the economy, and society through exchange, as well as improve education at universities. With comprehensive knowledge about environmental issues comes the responsibility to address these challenges. We strive to meet this responsibility to the best of our ability, given our resources.
Website: https://faust-vernetzung.de/
Email: faust.fsbgu@ed.tum.de
The 8th FauSt from the Perspective of Students from BGU at the Technical University of Munich
The 8th FauSt (Conference of Environmental Student Associations) took place in the summer semester of 2024 at the Technical University of Berlin from May 9th to 12th. With over 50 participants from 17 student associations, it was the largest FauSt to date. Our student association, BGU (Building, Geo, and Environment), made the long journey from Munich once again, with some members traveling by train in advance and the rest arriving later. Upon arrival, we were thrilled to reconnect with familiar faces and meet many new ones. The event was organized by the student council UTEX (Technical Environmental Protection TU Berlin) and took place on the university campus in Charlottenburg.
After a warm welcome and a shared meal, we immediately started with the opening plenary. Time was of the essence: we set up at the Zwille, a popular student hangout, and then embarked on a late-night “Späti” tour of Berlin organized by the hosting student council.
The next morning brought an unexpected surprise: our mascot Mauli had gone missing during breakfast. Despite our worries and a thorough search, his whereabouts remained a mystery for a while.
The goals of this year’s FauSt were more ambitious than ever. Participants delved into various working groups: AK Current Affairs, AK Public Relations, AK Key Issues Table, AK Founding a Club, and AK Future Visions.
To add some variety, we enjoyed activities such as a walk in the Tiergarten, one of Berlin’s largest and most famous parks. Here, we relaxed, enjoyed the summer weather, and engaged in informal conversations. We also had an excursion to the TU Berlin’s sluice tank, a test facility used for studying the flow properties and hydrodynamics of ship hulls. We had the opportunity to observe experiments and learn about the scientific principles and technical applications involved.
A special highlight was the party organized by the student council in the UTEX student lounge at TU Berlin, affectionately known as the “Jungle Room.” It’s an open and creative space where students can gather, work, and celebrate. The party was a great success, contributing to the positive atmosphere of the event. The evening was filled with good vibes, laughter, dancing, and deep conversations.
On the penultimate day, intensive work took place in the working groups. The exchange was productive, and we prepared the results for the closing plenary. The closing plenary, although long, was highly successful: the foundation of the new association was initiated! The statute was established, and the new organization is named “Förderverein FauSt e.V.”
The StAu (Standing Committee) representing FauSt between meetings was elected. This committee, which is elected at each FauSt, consists of 3 to 5 students from various universities. Lea from our student association is a current member of the StAu.
On departure day, everyone was more or less well-rested, despite the late-night plenary. Despite the fatigue, we said heartfelt goodbyes to all the new and old friends. After the feedback session, we began the long journey back to Munich. We are already looking forward to the next FauSt in Leipzig.
And did Mauli make it back to Munich?
Of course! Mauli was temporarily “borrowed” by another student association but was well taken care of and returned to us just in time.
The 7th FauSt (Conference of Environmental Student Associations) from the Perspective of Students from BGU at the Technical University of Munich
In the winter semester of 2023, the 7th FauSt was hosted by the Environmental Engineering Student Council (FSR) of Ruhr University Bochum. The student council had previously organized this event in 2018, but at that time it took place in Essen due to logistical issues at the Bochum campus. Eager to showcase Bochum and its campus, the student council set a goal to bring the FauSt to Bochum again, and this time successfully.
We were thrilled to be welcomed as participants from November 23-26, 2023, at Ruhr University Bochum. Our student association BGU (Building, Geo, and Environment) traveled all the way from Munich and arrived late in the evening. Consequently, we missed the warm official welcome and the subsequent grill party, socializing, and refreshments.
Friday morning started with high motivation. Organizing accommodation for a large group of students is never easy, but the Ruhr Uni students provided a perfect solution. We were able to set up our camp at the KoFabrik, an event venue in the heart of Bochum, where we enjoyed a well-deserved rest. Since the venue was used during the day, we packed our things in the morning and headed to the campus to begin the productive discussions and working group sessions (AK work). The Ruhr Uni Bochum campus is a bit off the beaten path, so it was about a 15-20 minute drive from our accommodation. A special feature of this semester’s FauSt was that the organizers allowed us to start the day with a visit to the campus swimming pool.
No good start to the day is complete without breakfast, which was served in the student council room. Did you know that at a FauSt, only vegan food is available?
After a hearty breakfast, we kicked off with the opening plenary and quickly dived into the working group sessions. The morning was fully utilized, and for lunch, we were invited to the cafeteria, which also offers vegan lunch options.
Besides work and discussions, there was also leisure time planned. We were offered a guided tour of the Botanical Garden and an excursion through the Hydrological Laboratory and the Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel of the faculty. In the Hydrological Laboratory, we explored various measurement and simulation techniques for studying water flows and quality. The Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel provided insights into fluid mechanics, particularly the study of the atmospheric boundary layer, which is crucial for environmental and engineering projects.
After a brief interim plenary, we all headed back to our lodging to prepare for a relaxing night. However, the Bochum locals were keen to introduce us to their pub culture, leading to a spontaneous “pub crawl” through Bochum. Around 35 students from various parts of Germany came together to explore Bochum’s city center. A small dance and sing-along tribute to Bochum’s legend Herbert Grönemeyer made for a memorable experience for everyone.
On Saturday morning, despite some groggy wake-ups and surviving the journey to the campus, we did not slack off. The day continued with productive working group sessions, including three parallel open discussion rounds on topics such as awareness concepts, freshman recruitment, and accreditation issues.
The day culminated in the grand closing plenary, which wrapped up around 01:00 AM, followed by a nightcap at a favorite local spot of the student council.
Sunday, the departure day, was marked by a bittersweet farewell and the excitement of having experienced an exceptional FauSt. After taking a group photo, we gathered for a final round of feedback and wished each other a safe trip home. However, the journey turned out to be more challenging than expected for the young FauSt participants from TUM, as a signal failure in Bochum caused the regional train to Dortmund to be canceled. We didn’t hesitate and took a taxi, which took us in the most dubious manner to Dortmund, where we managed to catch our train on time.
The FauSt in Bochum was a thoroughly successful event that will remain a cherished memory for all of us.