In view of the increasing number of corona infections, the Austrian Student Union (ÖH) again calls for a general obligation to wear face masks at universities. University activities must be accessible to everyone who wants to study and especially for people from risk groups, the mask obligation means that they can participate more safely in university life, according to ÖH chairman Keya Baier (Greens and Alternative Students/GRAS).
The ÖK does not want to wait until autumn, “there is no way around it”. The point has already been reached that people from the risk groups are de facto prevented from taking exams or participating in seminars by lifting the mask requirement at almost all universities. “This is an untenable situation for us.” Being able to plan is also extremely important with a view to the coming academic year. That each university can decide autonomously on its Corona rules is very understandable given the very different requirements – from individual artistic classes to mass lectures. However, the universities should in any case announce the relevant regulations at a comparable time.
Every third student has money problems
In addition, Baier, who took over the ÖH board chair from Sara Velic of the Association of Socialist Students (VSStÖ) in June, is urging the ministry to give more support to students with the financial problems exacerbated by Corona. The most recent, broad student survey with about 30,000 participants shows that one in three students has difficulty making ends meet. Long-term answers are needed here, for example by entitling more people to student grants.
Baier is “very happy that the government has announced the long-requested valorization of scholarships with its anti-inflation package with its anti-inflation package. And I don’t think that would have happened if we hadn’t asked so hard for it last year.” used up quickly and requires a much wider circle of recipients. Due to the restrictions (age requirements, performance certificate, exclusion of foreigners) currently only twelve percent student grant.
Savings could hit study assistants and teachers first
In view of the rising prices, more money is also urgently needed for the universities themselves. They have already announced that without financial compensation from the Ministry of Education there is a risk of a wave of layoffs. “We have to keep a very close eye on that,” says Baier. After all, in this case study assistants, tutors and research assistants would be affected in the first place. “These are students who are sitting on the street and their income is falling.” For example, in 2019, half of the student assistant positions at the University of Salzburg were cut to close the budget gap, according to Baier, who was the local ÖH chairman there at the time.
After the historically low turnout of just under 16 percent in the last ÖH elections, the ÖH is trying to increase its presence among the students – through “good political representation work” and more student involvement. The election campaign for 2023 is already planned. In addition, efforts are made to make the relatively unknown federal representation better known and to support the other ÖH levels (university, faculty and study representation) in their concrete work for the students.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
