The General Student Committee (AStA) represents the interests of all students. It is the elected representative body for all students at the University of Marburg. To achieve this, the Marburg students annually elect the Student Parliament, which subsequently elects the government, known as AStA. The committee is comprised of various individuals, including referents, the executive board, and permanent staff, each of whom takes on different roles within AStA (see "How to Get Involved?"). These roles encompass tasks such as organizing parties, providing political education, offering assistance, managing student union funds, overseeing the semester ticket, engaging in committee work, and handling IT-related matters. The framework for this operation is defined by the Hessian Higher Education Act and our own constitution. The existence of both the parliament and AStA is mandated by the former, stemming from the post-war era (for more on AStA's history, please see our AStA history page).

To fulfill the legally stipulated responsibilities, funding and personnel are required. Funding is contributed by the students themselves. In each semester fee, a small portion is allocated to self-administration. Self-administration means that we, the students, independently organize and collectively shape AStA. The university, in parallel, is also organized under a self-administration framework. Key bodies in the university structure include the Senate and the University Presidency. As part of the university, students are represented in the Senate alongside various employees and professors. For an approximate overview of these bodies and their interconnections, please refer to our organizational chart.

However, student life encompasses more facets than examination regulations, appointment processes, and objectives. This is where student self-administration comes into play. The most prominent example is always the semester ticket. Currently, two student staff members are responsible for regular negotiations with transportation authorities. Without their efforts, the Marburg semester ticket would not offer the cost-effective advantages it does today.

Furthermore, for questions related to financing your studies, problems with your employers, or legal matters regarding your lease agreement, you can always find professional guidance at AStA. The staff of the Social, Hardship, and Legal Counseling departments are available each week via email, phone, or in person (you can find more detailed information on the Social Counseling, Hardship Counseling, and Legal Counseling pages).

Another core responsibility of AStA is representing the interests of students. Committee meetings are continually convened, whether it be AStA meetings, Student Parliament sessions, Senate meetings, University Conferences, or small gatherings with the Student Services, the University Presidency, administrative working groups, other student unions at the state and national level, or political representatives. Whether it's general agreements between the university and the Hessian Ministry of Science and Art (HMWK), equipping the dormitories with internet access, examination and study regulations, crisis management during the COVID-19 pandemic, or seemingly trivial matters like the availability of power outlets in the AStA corridor, students must invest weeks, sometimes months and years, sitting in committees and giving a voice to the student perspective.

As the numerically largest yet comparatively weaker variable in this equation, this work is not straightforward. Given the university's budget deficit and the fact that most problems require funding, it takes all of us. Only together can we advocate for a just, equitable university. There are many opportunities to get involved. In addition to AStA, faculty student councils (you can check with the Faculty Student Council or your department) and university groups (you can see the current groups at the Student Parliament) are good initial places to explore your engagement.

If you couldn't find the answer in the following links:

www.uni-marburg.de/de/international

www.marburg.de/buergerservice/dienste/auslaenderfragen-900000055-0.html

Then write to us at the email address: internationals@asta-marburg.de

We will try to answer your question as quickly as possible.

If you speak German, write to legalyer.specht@gmx.de or come to the AStA on Wednesdays from 10:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m

If you do not speak German, write us an email (internationals@asta-marburg.de) and we will find an appointment with the translation for you.

There are so many people in the AStA dealing with this topic and you can get in touch or take part in one of our events. As a representative of international students, we are responsible for connecting you with the support groups you need. So write to us or come to our office hours. We are all together in the fight against racism and discrimination.