Student council for all those studying mechanical or process engineering

The logo? A rooster. The parties? Legendary. The advice? Individual and to the point. The support? Always and for everyone. And where? In their own rooms on campus. We're talking about the Student Council for Mechanical and Process Engineering, as Rico Schwab and Elias Groel explain.

What exactly is the student council and what exactly is the student council? Basically, it's quite simple: all students of the relevant subjects belong to the Student Council for Mechanical and Process Engineering. Students elected by the entire student council are actively involved; they form the student council. In addition, there is always the opportunity to get involved in individual projects, for example, without being a member of the student council.

Networking and finding support

There are several advantages to coming to the student council rooms: For one thing, there is always someone there - so you can get to know people or simply not be alone when the ceiling falls on your head in the student hall of residence. There is also a comfortable sofa in the common room and a drinks fridge that is regularly restocked by the student council. For a small fee, every student can get coffee, mate, soft drinks or even a beer here. "We have three rooms in total: the lounge in Building 42 Room 479, the PC pool in Building 42 Room 475 and the study room in Building 42 Room 258. For me, the study room is the most important," says Rico Schwab, a member of the student council, with a smile. He is probably biased, because the LAN parties he initiated take place in the study room. Once a semester, the night is spent here with pizza, slush and games.

On the other 363 days of the year, the door to the study room is always open to all students in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering. "There are several larger screens in the study room to which you can connect your own laptop to work with two screens. Everyone can also use the fridge, microwave and bubble machine or coffee machine. Donations are welcome," explains Elias Groel. "One thing is particularly worth mentioning - perhaps not now in the winter semester - but next summer is sure to come: The study room has air conditioning and guarantees work without oppressive heat in summer," adds Rico Schwab. "Of course, you can also just come to study and are rarely alone - a great advantage, especially when questions arise that higher semesters can help with," says Elias Groel.

Responsibility and co-design

Rico Schwab is the current managing director of the student council. Why does he get involved alongside his studies? For him, it's a clear-cut matter. "For me, having a say in the various university committees is an important point. We are in close contact with the departments and the examinations office. We also sit on other university-related committees. We were able to achieve the latest change with regard to elective subjects." According to Rico, a fellow student representative successfully managed to get robotics lectures included in the compulsory elective lists for mechanical engineering with a focus on computer science. "I myself, with my enthusiasm for electrical engineering, approached the head of the degree program to have other suitable subjects added to the compulsory elective list for energy and process engineering. On the one hand, working on the student council is a responsibility, but on the other, it's fun to be able to actively help shape things," says the energy and process engineering student.

Elias Groel, spokesperson for the student council and a fourth-semester mechanical engineering student, has a similar view: "I also wanted to give something back. The Freshers' Days organized by the student council made it much easier for me to arrive at university and they were also really well organized." Now he is a member of the student council himself, the person responsible for everything and the person in charge of the shot stand at the big Masch parties.

Commitment: it's fun and adds something to your CV

"Our parties are legendary - we have a big stage, lighting technology, DJs and various stands. I organize the shot booth, from purchasing to managing around six people," says Elias Groel. "That's also an important point: you not only learn a lot and can actively shape university life - student council work also looks good on your CV," adds Rico Schwab, adding: "The student council issues certificates to the council members for their work. I'm convinced that this has given me an advantage when applying for my exchange place in Norway. Commitment is appreciated."

Anyone who would like to go from party-goer to party-maker or get involved in other areas of the student council can seize the opportunity and stand for election. But of course, anyone who wants to get involved or is curious about student council work is welcome to drop by. Either in one of the student council rooms or digitally at mv.rptu.de/fachschaftsrat.