Clara Schünemann stands among the branches of a tree and smiles at the camera. To her left is the lettering "Driven to Make a Difference – Student Engagement at the University of Mannheim" and to her right a quote from Schünemann: “Getting involved has made my university experience so much richer”

History, German Literature and Brain Games

The Guest Student and Senior Citizen Program at the University of Mannheim is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. What began in the 1980s with 35 students is now a firmly established program enrolling hundreds of participants each semester.

On the afternoon of April 25, 2024, the Aula is bustling with people and activities. There is a keynote lecture on academic continuing education in the second half of life, complemented by a panel discussion. Attendees shake hands and thank each other. Together, the guests at this anniversary event look back on 40 years of the Guest Student and Senior Citizen Program at the University of Mannheim.

The 1983 winter semester saw the first 35 senior citizens entering the lecture halls of the baroque palace. This was thanks to the efforts of former Mannheim professor Dr. Elfriede Höhn, who had laid the foundation for the senior citizen student program and vigorously promoted its subsequent development. In 1995, she passed on her role to emeritus professor Dr. Hans Raffée. From the outset, the program was designed as an integrative experience with older generations attending the same lectures alongside regular students. That idea also appealed to Dr. Rosmarie Günther, a lecturer in ancient history, who continues to advocate intergenerational learning to this day.

Learning new things and staying mentally fit

Although most participants are over 60 years old, the Guest Student and Senior Citizen Program is also an opportunity for younger students to explore and learn new things. But for the approximately 400 guest students, other factors play an important role as well.  “Post-retirement is often a big issue. No one wants to fall into a deep dark hole after retirement, so those interested in continuing their education come to me in advance to plan their senior citizen studies,” explains Doris Lechner, who has served as the program’s coordinator since 2007.

Guest students enroll in the program for a variety of reasons: Some say that they want to stay mentally fit, others want to be exposed to new perspectives or to fill their free time with something meaningful. Participants also include older couples who want to spend their time together. Among the most popular subjects are history, philosophy and social science programs.

This special type of university study is open to everyone. In practice, however, most participants have earned at least a university entrance qualification (Abitur) at some point in their lives. According to Lechner, three in four participants even hold a regular university degree: “Unfortunately, for many people, attending university classes is a barrier if they have never done so before. But we try to be very clear in our admission criteria that the program is aimed at everyone, regardless of education, origin and age.”

Online courses are also available

Every semester, around 250 courses from all areas of study are opened for guest students and senior citizen students by the instructors. In addition, there are special projects such as “Learning and Research for Seniors” and one-time lectures or lecture series specifically designed for guest students. In response to high demand, some courses have been moved to online delivery, which is particularly beneficial for less mobile people.

“Of course, digitalization does have some advantages,” says senior citizen student Hans Uhrig. “But a few years ago, it was easier to interact with young people. Whenever they missed a lecture, they were always happy to get our notes.” Twenty-four years ago, Uhrig and his wife took part in the Guest Student and Senior Citizen Program at the University of Mannheim for the first time. Since then, the two have only missed one semester, proving the point that you never stop learning.

Text: Alina Fröhlich / August 2024

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Further information can be found on the website of the Guest Student and Senior Citizen Program.