Podcasts "We are UP"

In this episode of “We are UP,” Henrik from the Accessibility Team talks with Robin Peter. Robin is pursuing a Master’s degree in Psychology at the University of Potsdam and has a visual impairment. In the conversation, he shares how he manages the start of his studies and his everyday life, what particular challenges arise, for example, during literature research, but also what crucial support he receives from friends, understanding lecturers, and technical aids such as AI tools. Furthermore, they discuss the importance of self-advocacy, mutual understanding, and how inclusion for Robin at the University of Potsdam is successfully lived outside the lecture halls as well – for example, in university sports or the university choir. (Transcript)

Important Links:

Counseling for Students with Health Impairments / Chronic Conditions
Counseling on Inclusive Studies

Dr. Lucas Mielke, together with Ulrike Sträßner, works as a student advisor for inclusive study design at the University of Potsdam. In this episode, he offers deep insights into his work, including the associated opportunities and challenges. (Transcript)

But who exactly are Ulrike Sträßner and Dr. Lucas Mielke?

Dr. Lucas Mielke:
Dr. Lucas Mielke studied German Studies, Political Science, and Education at the University of Potsdam. Since 2016, he has been advising prospective students, current students, and doctoral candidates in the Central Student Advisory Service on issues of inclusion, motivational challenges, as well as methods and difficulties in academic work. What he enjoys most is discovering new perspectives on a topic together and sharing his enthusiasm for writing. His own academic work focuses on aesthetics, psychoanalytic cultural studies, and political theory.

Ulrike Sträßner:
Ulrike Sträßner studied History and German for secondary school teaching at the University of Potsdam and is pursuing a PhD in Early Modern History, at the intersection of regional, gender, and Reformation history. Since 2016, she has been advising prospective students, current students, those re-entering university, and teaching staff on how to make academic studies more inclusive. She especially enjoys helping students rediscover and sustain lost motivation, encouraging reflection on acquired skills, fostering a love for academic writing, and supporting them in preparing for exams with as little stress and anxiety as possible.

Important Links
Counseling on Inclusive Studies

As part of the Erasmus Staff Exchange Program, Alexis Lemaire-Patin from Sciences Po in Bordeaux visited the University of Potsdam. Alexis is the French counterpart to Robert Meile, the representative for students with disabilities at the University of Potsdam, and Annette Guzmán, the representative for staff with disabilities or chronic illnesses, also at the University of Potsdam. In this episode, the three discuss the similarities—as well as the important differences—in their work, from which both sides can learn. (Transcript)

Important Links:

Studying with disabilities
Inclusive study design
Study abroad for all