Office Hours and Coffee
This article first appeared in the FORUM issue 1/
Last year, the university introduced two new opportunities for direct conversation. In “Coffee with the President,” Thomas Fetzer invites a small group of students and staff—no more than five people at a time—to discuss a current issue with him. This gathering takes place once each semester; since then, conversations over coffee, tea, and cookies focused on artificial intelligence, diversity and sustainability at the University of Mannheim. The next meeting is on 10 November and will focus on Future Studies / Future Work.
he “President’s Office Hours” offer one-on-one meetings. Members of the university community can sign up to talk with Fetzer about individual concerns or ideas, and two sessions take place each semester. “I’m really glad to have these new opportunities to speak directly with students and staff,” Fetzer says. “I hear about concerns and challenges, but also suggestions that might otherwise never reach me.” The next appointments are on 5 October and 3 November.
Advance registration is required for both programs. If demand exceeds the available spots, participants are chosen by lottery. Upcoming dates will be announced on the university website and intranet.