Join the StuPa! - The StuPa election 2025

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The List for Diversity and Social Affairs is committed to an inclusive university where all students feel comfortable and safe.



No place for racism
As the installation of the anti-racism bench in front of the ZHG has had no effect and Nazis continue to find space on campus, we are calling for the installation of further anti-racism benches until the problem is solved. In fact, we promote the support and expansion of left-wing structures, organisations and educational opportunities.


Stop censorship
We want the servers of the ever-popular farm game HayDay to be unblocked with immediate effect. Due to its high level of realism, this simulation game is essential for students on the Environmental Engineering degree programme to gain practical experience and insights into agriculture.


Improving working conditions for student jobs
Student jobs at the university should be better remunerated.


Political education if empathy fails.
We demand the introduction of a new compulsory module on international humanitarian law for all voters of the Green University Group, for political science students and for our only law student Ben.

Promoting sport and culture
In order to promote the sporting and cultural participation of students in Cottbus, we advocate the recognition of sporting and cultural participation (e.g. in the 24-hour swim) as academic achievement in the form of credit points.


Promoting democracy! We demand the abolition of the parliamentary apparatus in favour of a grassroots democratic council structure. Student councils should be organised in democratically legitimised councils and directly represented by delegates. The List for Diversity and Social Affairs sees itself as a committed voice for the protection of student interests within this structure.


Canteen warm and tasty again! We want to improve the quality and quantity of cafeteria food. To this end, we are already in communication with those responsible.


Ice cream for everyone! After discarding the idea of the Mensa's own Mecc, we will be campaigning for a Ben & Jerry's fridge this year, subsidised by money accumulated during the coronavirus pandemic. (Business students excluded)


System criticism instead of consumer criticism
Criticism of consumption obscures the real causes of the climate crisis. This is why we reject the car-free university day organised by the Green University Group, as we believe it is still too uncritical of the system. Instead, we oppose BTU's partnerships and collaborations with coal companies and business associations that oppose climate goals. In addition, we demand a university-free car day as compensation, on which the Green University Group is obliged to provide vegan snacks.

My name is Venkat Harshith Yadav Govindappa, and I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence at BTU Cottbus. I am writing to express my strong interest in joining the Student Parliament (StuPa) for the 2025/26 term. Since joining BTU, I have actively engaged with the university community. I’ve participated in several cultural and academic events organized by the International Relations Office, including excursions that brought together students from diverse backgrounds. These experiences inspired me to get more involved in shaping student life and supporting my peers. I am currently volunteering as a BTU Buddy, where I assist incoming international students in adapting to life at BTU and in Cottbus. In addition, I founded a community for Kannadigas in Cottbus called Cottbus Kannada Sangha, aimed at creating a support network for Kannada-speaking students and helping them feel at home in a new environment. Through these efforts, I’ve developed a deeper understanding of the challenges students face and how we, as a community, can respond. I believe the Student Parliament is a powerful platform for representing student voices and advocating for inclusive and impactful policies. With my background in leadership as a startup co-founder, team lead in the tech industry, and now as a community builder at BTU,I am confident in my ability to contribute meaningfully to the StuPa’s work. If elected, I would focus on:

• Enhancing support and visibility for international and minority student groups
• Promoting mental health and well-being initiatives
• Encouraging cross-cultural collaboration and participation in student governance

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve and represent the diverse student body at BTU.

We are the Ring of Christian-Democratic Students (RCDS) Cottbus-Senftenberg.

A list for progress and unity!

For the past year, we’ve been committed to representing your interests at BTU, as part of Germany’s oldest and largest student political organization.

Our members come from a wide variety of degree programs and faculties. What unites us is the belief that student engagement is essential for a strong university. We believe in a BTU with a clear vision, real participation, and quality education at all locations.

That’s why we entered the Student Parliament (StuPa) one year ago with three seats. One thing is clear to us: We’re here to stay!

We’re running for you. So that your studies can succeed. Let’s develop our university together!

 

Our Commitment to You:

Strengthening student engagement – living initiative!

1.    For the Future:

We are committed to a strong and supportive welcome for new students into the university community.

The first days of university are a completely new experience for many. We want to make that experience a positive one.

 

2.    Organizing Student Groups

Our university thrives on its diversity. Art, culture, politics, business, events, many student groups operate outside of the formal structures of the subject councils (Fachschaften). To give this interdisciplinary engagement a secure foundation, we propose a general regulation for student initiatives outside the subject councils.

Our goal:

These groups should be officially recognized, eligible for funding, and better integrated into student life. This will strengthen the entire student community!

 

3.    Supporting Volunteering – Reducing Bureaucracy

 

Those who engage should be supported – not slowed down. We advocate for lowering bureaucratic hurdles in the application for funding.

Volunteering needs freedom – not forms!

 

4.    Enabling Self-Responsibility

We want to strengthen the subject councils, through more funding, more freedom to act, and less dependency.

Our motto:

“Clear the way; for associations, subject councils, and events.”

 

5.    Parking Permits for Subject Councils

Engagement requires logistics. Many subject councils organize events, transport equipment, or store materials.

We call for the introduction of special parking permits for subject councils, allowing them to park in restricted areas for logistical purposes.

6.    Strengthening the Public Voice

Participation thrives through involvement! We advocate for:

·       More referendums on university policy matters

·       More rights to submit motions for students and subject councils

·       Open committee work – also for students outside the parliament

·       Higher voter turnout – by creating incentives for students to vote

Democracy needs participation, not closed doors!

7.    Shaping, Not Just Managing, Modernizing Statutes

Student self-governance is a right and a responsibility. But much of our student statute still dates back to 2013. That’s no longer up to date.

Our vision:

·       Modernize statutes

·       New regulations for new challenges

·       A growing university needs a flexible student body

 

8.    A Chamber of Subject Councils – For Stronger Student Influence

The current “Round Table of Subject Councils” is a toothless body, without decision-making powers. We want to change that!

We Demand:

·       Transforming the Round Table into a Chamber of Subject Councils

·       A second student body with the authority to make decisions in special cases and on requested topics

We plan to submit this proposal to the Student Parliament through our own statutory initiative.

 

9.    Making International Affairs a Priority

BTU is international – around 50% of students come from over 80 countries. International students are a central part of our university community. Yet many face major challenges in everyday life, whether it's finding housing, dealing with public authorities, or settling in on campus. We see these problems and don’t want to just watch; we want to act.

As part of student self-governance, we want to actively contribute to solutions.

Our Demands:

·       More support for intercultural initiatives e.g. a language café

·       A new “Student Housing” dialogue with the city of Cottbus to seriously address the housing crisis affecting international students

·       Strengthening international student associations through better support and more say in university committees

 

We also emphasize the importance of addressing the topic of student housing more comprehensively and clearly, so we can work together with those affected on real solutions. We understand that this issue exceeds the limits of what student governance can do – but we believe it's important to take the first step, so that others can follow.

International cooperation is also a key part of BTU’s strategic goals. As the university becomes more internationally connected, student self-governance must be an active and shaping part of that development.

 

That’s why we call for:

·       Strengthening the EUNICE project – through targeted financial support for joint courses and exchange programs with partner universities

·       More student-led collaborations in the European Higher Education Area – to build real connections between campuses, not just on paper but in daily student life

·       Better coordination with student governments at our partner universities abroad

 

These are just some of the points we’re running on.

You can also find more information about our candidates on this page.

If you’d like to learn more about us and our ideas, feel free to visit our Instagram channel:

RCDS Cottbus-Senftenberg (@rcds_cottbussenftenberg)

Dear Student Body,

I’m Muhammad from Pakistan and I’m studying Masters of Artificial Intelligence. I’ve already been the member of StuPa for the last 2 legislative years and have learned a lot through the ups and downs that happened here. This year I’m focusing on two major topics:

1. Language barriers between International and Domestic Students: Currently in BTU, German language is not offered at large number. The inflow of International students is way bigger than the language opportunities. Moreover, there are very few options to learn the German language for the Students privately. I would push university and Cottbus city administration to introduce more opportunities so that people could learn the language and potentially help progress the region.
   
2. Housing issues: This issue started in recent years and needs to be addressed. Its a complicated problem as new construction is apparently not an option and students from across German and around the world face this issue when they have to move here for study. To address this issue, potentially the university can help by setting up a small team that actively assists the students to prepare the documentation and finding the accommodation before reaching here. Alongside these major issues, I would actively contribute positively towards the students welfare and in important legislation with the help of experience from last two years. I request to vote for the list RCDS so together we can contribute for a better student experience in the coming days.

Kind Regards,

Muhammad Abdul Rehman Shah

Dear students of the BTU, My name is Tim Wendler and I'm studying History of Art and Architecture. A year ago, I was elected to the BTU student parliament for the first time and was given one of the seats on the StuPa. In my first legislative period, I was confronted with many issues relating to student self-administration and our student body. It was both an honor and a responsibility for me to be part of the parliament, and I would like to take my experiences from the previous legislative period into the new one. I came into contact with student self-government through my student council, and one thing is clear to me: the student councils and associations at this university form our most important and sustainable foundation on which we can build. That is why it is important to me to modernize the statutes of the student body. It is not acceptable for us to work with outdated rules. We need to modernize and expand our statutes and regulations so that our student engagement remains active and the university's associations and student councils can refer to clear regulations in their activities. We also need to be able to plan events better and with more support. I am convinced of this! Furthermore, it is time for us as StuPa to be more open and present. Democracy means participation for everyone. That's why I would like to advocate for a broader presence of the StuPa

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Hi, I'm Jan Pfründer, I'm studying Industrial Engineering and Management in my 2nd semester and I'm running for the StuPa at BTU in the upcoming election. Why am I running? Because I want to actively stand up for the interests of our student body. I am convinced that we need more transparency, better communication and concrete improvements in everyday student life. My aim is to make the organisation of events for the university and students easier and to support them more actively.

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Hi, I'm Jonas and I'm studying Urban and Regional Planning for my Master's degree. I would like to stand up for the student concerns of my student council and all students. I also sit on the student council and could therefore represent urban planning interests directly in the StuPa. I draw strength, forbearance and lessons for everyday life from my Christian convictions. I live with disabilities, which is why inclusion is a particular personal concern of mine that I want to stand up for. I believe in a world full of charity, in which people also like to give without taking, take responsibility without charging, and accept each other without judging. Kindness is the way. Anger, hatred, ideology and destructive emotions are stupid and make people unhappy. Let's work together to make this university a beautiful and inclusive place where everyone feels welcome.

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My name is Benjamin Hoppe, I study mechanical engineering at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. I'm running for StuPa again because I want to campaign for objective and contemporary civic university policy. My focus is on concrete improvements rather than left-wing ideological debates. The housing situation for international students at the central campus is particularly important to me, as they often face major hurdles. I would also like to strengthen the student councils and associations at our university, which play a central role in everyday student life. I ask for your support for a reliable and solution-orientated voice in the StuPa. Yours sincerely, Benjamin Hoppe

Hello everyone! 😊

I’m Rahul Oruganti, a second-semester M.Sc . AI student here at BTU Cottbus. Moving from

Hyderabad, I’ve quickly seen how small changes (like better lab hours or clearer online portals) can make

student life easier. After volunteering with the Wahlkommission, I realized I want to do more—so here I

am, running for StuPa.

What I care about:

 Fair Semester Ticket Options:

Some friends who commute can’t afford the full ticket. I want to work with StuRa to find

discounted weekend passes or shorter-term options.

 Mental Health & Peer Support:

AI projects are exciting but stressful. I’d push for more peer-led workshops, mindfulness

sessions, and stress-busting events where we can lean on each other.

 Reliable Digital Infrastructure:

In hybrid courses, I’ve seen how laggy Wi-Fi and clunky lecture tools slow us down. I’ll advocate

for better campus internet during peak times and clearer guides for our learning platforms.

 Strong City Connections:

At a recent meeting with the Mayor of Cottbus, I pitched “quiet study zones” and pop-up career

fairs. I’ll keep those conversations going so our voices shape city decisions—like bike lanes and

housing near campus.

Why vote for me?

I believe clear communication and true inclusivity matter. Coming from abroad, I know how intimidating

it can be to speak up—so I’ll reach out to students across all programs to make sure every perspective

counts. I’m organized (I’ve juggled master’s coursework, tutoring, and club projects) and committed: I’ll

show up for meetings and keep my inbox open for your ideas.

If elected, I promise to listen and follow through—whether that means funding a new study lounge,

pushing for greener dorm energy, or hosting monthly “Open Office Hours” where you can drop in with

any idea. Let’s make BTU a place where every student feels heard and supported.

Thank you, and I’d love to represent you this year! 🙌

Warmly,

Rahul Oruganti

M.Sc . Artificial Intelligence (BTU Cottbus).

Hello! We are the MultiFak list. We come from different faculties, study programmes and semesters and are committed to the interests of all BTU students across faculties and locations.

Our goals are

• a lively and active campus through the promotion of student projects and cultural events
• promoting environmental awareness at the university
• the preservation of a affordable Semester-Deutschlandticket
• a modern student self-administration that runs smoothly
• a mensa meal plan that tastes good to everyone
• pellkartoffeln with quark (with vegan option / non-vegan option) in the mensa every day

We are firmly opposed to discrimination and anti-democratic attitudes.

Our work is focussed and targeted. With our new list members, we are bringing a breath of fresh air into parliament and - now in our second year - will endeavour to incorporate the many different perspectives of our university. Do you have a project idea that you would like to realise? Do you want to promote something on your campus? Get in touch with us and we'll see what we can do together!

Hi, I'm Stefan and I'm studying mechanical engineering in the 16th semester. I've already been a member of the student parliament for four years, one year of which I was a member of the presidium. I would like to continue to contribute my experience. What is particularly important to me: A clear commitment to anti-fascism, more student participation and a green campus on and to which you can move in an environmentally conscious way.

Hi, I'm Carina, a computer science student in my eighth semester. Last year, I campaigned for greater visibility of all students and their diverse interests in the StuPa. In the upcoming legislative period, I would also like to promote open cooperation. As well as social issues, I am particularly interested in topics such as the digitalisation of the university, especially since it is a technical university.  I would therefore like to campaign for projects that reduce paper usage and promote digitalisation.

Hey, I'm Maite and I am studying Land Use and Water Management in my 6th semester. During the last legislative period, I have actively contributed to an open, diverse, and sustainable university life, e.g. by being a member of the commissions for Environment and Mobility, Culture, as well as Diversity and Social. I am eager to continue this work. My focus is on promoting greater environmental awareness and social justice, as well as achieving better representation of FLINTA* at our university.

I look forward to your support and to creating positive change together!

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I'm Anna and I'm studying social work in Sachsendorf. My aim is to tackle social issues at the university. I want BTU to be a safe space for open, social dialogue and networking. All people should feel equally represented and all concerns should be heard. I would also like to work towards better cooperation between students on the different campuses.

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I'm Hannah and I'm studying social work in my fourth semester. It is important to me that the university is a place for: open and diverse interaction, participation and networking. I would like to promote cooperation between the Sachsendorf campus and the central campus and create safe spaces for students to network.

My name is Johanna and I study art and construction history.  As you might guess from my study program, I am particularly interested in cultural issues. That is why I would like to support projects that promote cooperation between the university and cultural professionals in the city and the nearby area.

I'm Jakob, 25. I'm studying urban planning and urban design and would like to work in the StuPa to promote student and cultural events. I would like to see our campus become greener, delicious food in the Mensa and no Nazis in parliament.

My name is Iven and I study Digital Society. In my free time, I am involved in the local cultural scene, which has given me a keen interest in expanding the university's participation in city life.

Hiii :) I’m Yu Chuan, a Master’s student in World Heritage Studies. I would like to be part of supporting a joyful, inclusive and diverse academic space. I believe quiet voices also matter, and that we shouldn’t ignore discrimination or exclusion. The student parliament can do more-for students, for campus life, and for fairness.

My name is Seunghye Kang, a first-year World Heritage Studies student from South Korea.
I’m running as a candidate for the upcoming STUPA election because I believe that student voices matter — and I want to help amplify them.
With a background in cultural heritage and community engagement, I’m passionate about creating more inclusive, diverse, and supportive spaces for both international and local students at BTU. Whether it’s organizing fun events, promoting better communication, or making sure your concerns reach the right ears — I’m here to listen and act.

Hola! My name is Nikol, and I’m an international World Heritage student. I advocate for a respectful and inclusive university community where everyone feels welcome, valued, and treated equally—without any form of discrimination.

I’m Renee and I study World Heritage Students. As an international student, inclusion and opportunities for newcomers are important to me. I hope to lead and support work in this direction!

Hi, I’m Meiko from Japan. I am currently in my second semester of the World Heritage Studies Master program. And similar to how I am fascinated by the other cultures, I want other BTU students to feel the same passion too by creating an inclusive campus life where everybody can make various new experiences and memories with each other. To achieve this, I already engage in the StuCo of our program - and the next step is the StuPa.

My name is Alex Kurian Mathew, and I’m a student in World Heritage Studies. As someone who understands the value of cultural diversity and global perspectives, I recognize how underrepresented international students are in our student parliament, despite making up nearly half of the campus. Language barriers and systemic gaps have too often kept these voices out. I want to help change that by fostering more inclusive dialogue and ensuring that student leadership truly reflects the diverse makeup of our university.

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I am running for the student parliament because I want to actively contribute to ensuring that our interests as a diverse student body are represented in a fair and balanced way. It is particularly important to me that the parliament is not unilaterally characterised by conservative positions, but continues to offer space for progressive, social and open perspectives. I am willing to contribute to discussions in an objective and responsible manner, to find compromises and not to lose sight of the day-to-day concerns of students.

I’m running for the Student Parliament because I care deeply about keeping BTU an open, diverse, and safe space for everyone – regardless of background, identity, or beliefs.

Given recent developments, I believe it’s important to take a stand for democratic values and inclusion. I bring perspectives from my academic background in Social Work and my volunteer engagement in inclusive projects. My goal is to contribute, learn, and help shape a student body where everyone feels represented.

This candidacy is not about power or position – it’s about showing up, speaking up, and standing up for a campus that welcomes all.

Tim-Julian Lehmann
Master's student – Social Work

Dear fellow students,
We are Linke Liste–Campus für Alle.
We are students from across disciplines, cultures, languages and experiences—international—brought together by a commitment to justice, equality and sustainability.
We believe the Student Parliament should reflect the full diversity of our campus—not just a select few.
That means real representation, transparent decision-making, and practical support for those who need it most.
We’re running to make sure student voices are heard, supported, and empowered.
Together, we stand for:
• Fair and transparent funding for student groups, cultural events, mental health services, and grassroots initiatives
• Genuine representation for all students—including international, working-class, queer, and marginalized communities
• Sustainability and social justice as core principles in university policies and everyday campus life
• An inclusive, welcoming community where solidarity replaces exclusion and dignity defines our collective experience
We’re not just candidates—we’re already active in building a better campus.
From organizing events to advocating in student bodies, we work every day to make the university more open, fair, and socially engaged.
This election matters.
Your vote helps ensure our campus remains democratic, inclusive, and future-oriented.
Vote for Linke Liste–Campus für Alle.
For representation. For solidarity. For all of us.
For representation. For solidarity. For all of us.