Decline in Senior Guest Auditors at Higher Education Institutions in Northern Germany Post-Pandemic
Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on higher education, particularly on senior guest auditors. These individuals, typically over 60 years of age, enroll at universities to pursue their academic interests without the pressure of exams or pursuing a degree.
Reduced Enrollment
A recent survey by the Deutsche Presse-Agentur reveals that state universities in Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Schleswig-Holstein have experienced a decline in senior guest auditors since the pandemic. The largest university in Northern Germany, the University of Hamburg, has lost approximately 400 senior guest auditors, dropping from 2,190 in 2019 to 1,785 today.
Factors Contributing to the Decline
During the pandemic, university courses were predominantly conducted online, posing a challenge for older individuals who may not be as familiar with online learning technologies. This limited their access to education. Additionally, the absence of social interactions with younger students may have deterred some seniors from enrolling or continuing their studies.
Disciplinary Focus and Geographic Variations
Senior guest auditors are particularly drawn to humanities subjects, such as history, philosophy, and theology, where they can explore their personal interests. The University of Greifswald in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has maintained relatively high enrollment numbers, with approximately 25% of its 60-80 guest auditors being over 60 years old.
In contrast, the University of Flensburg has seen a 50% decrease in senior guest auditor enrollment, dropping to around 50 per semester. Some universities, like the University of Lübeck, currently have no senior guest auditors enrolled.
Benefits of Senior Guest Auditors
Higher education institutions value the contributions of senior guest auditors. They bring diverse experiences and perspectives to the classroom, enriching discussions and fostering intellectual growth. Seniors are highly engaged, even though they participate without the burden of exams.
Alternative Offerings
Some universities offer alternative programs specifically tailored to seniors, such as the Seniorenakademie at the University of Rostock. These academies provide non-credit courses and social activities for individuals seeking intellectual stimulation and community engagement beyond traditional guest auditor enrollment.
Conclusion
While the number of senior guest auditors has declined at many universities in Northern Germany since the pandemic, some institutions have seen a gradual recovery. The reasons for the decline are multifaceted, including the transition to online learning and the lack of social interactions with younger students. However, senior guest auditors remain a valuable asset to higher education, and universities continue to explore ways to support and engage this population.
