For more diversity in Bayreuth

The university and the city attract international workers, students and guests, while also being a place of work and leisure for people from the region. This local and international character also permeates everyday life at the university and in the city; it is both an opportunity and a challenge for both the administration and the citizens. The city's Immigration Office and the university's Welcome Services have been working together successfully for some time, and now the city and university want to further intensify their good cooperation in the key areas of internationalisation and diversity.

The first step was a joint workshop. Important findings for future measures relating to the challenges, effects and opportunities of a diverse society were developed and discussed there. The day was planned and implemented by a team from the university and the city, together with the association "Bayreuth ohne Gewalt" e.V. It became clear during the workshop that the university and the city, as some of the largest employers in the region, have a responsibility to embrace diversity and develop it strategically. In line with the motto "Diversity does not serve to make the world more colourful, but more just", the city and state want to fill the "Letter of Intent" with life, for example by proactively pooling skills and activities.

Peter Müller, Chairman of the sponsoring association of the "Bayreuth without Violence" workshop, sums up: "For me, the most important goals as project organiser were to bring together the networking process with the immense expertise and needs of the city and university - and that was very successful. There is a spirit of optimism about joining forces with the resources and opportunities, forming teams and contributing expertise, knowledge and experience."

Joint service point from the city and university

A joint city and university service point was opened this week in RW21 as a contact point for new citizens in Bayreuth. It offers support in contacting authorities, finding contacts, dual career issues, start-up advice, information and tips on potential employers, the business location and the region, including university-related questions.

Service Point of the city and the university in RW21
Richard-Wagner-Straße 21, 2nd floor
(Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.)
Prof Dr Stefan Leible, President of the University of Bayreuth, emphasised: "We don't see diversity as an obstacle, but as an opportunity. That's why we as a university want to help create more networking opportunities." He referred to the joint projects already implemented by the city and the university. At the same time, he emphasised the excellent cooperation between the city's Immigration Office and the university's Welcome Services, which now serves as a model for other locations.

Lord Mayor Thomas Ebersberger also emphasised the particular importance of non-discriminatory coexistence and stressed the added value of the exchange for both the university and the city. "The platforms created are intended to promote a competent, appreciative approach to diversity in all its facets in the city, on campus, in the world of work and in leisure time," said Ebersberger.