MHB creates new position of student vice president - a milestone in co-determination

Neuruppin, 13 January 2026

The Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane (MHB) sets new standards for student participation starting next April: Following the example of HNEE Eberswalde, FH Potsdam, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and Viadrina, the MHB will be among the first universities in the State of Brandenburg to include a student vice president into the executive board. This position, newly created in appreciation of MHB students’ many years of commitment, is going to give students a greater say in strategic decision-making.  

The focus of the office will primarily be on the quality of studies, which includes issues such as study evaluation, student accommodation, student activities at central and decentralized locations as well as acquisition of further grants and scholarships.

MHB president Prof.  Hans-Uwe Simon sees the student vice presidency as a logical and meaningful further step in the university’s development: “The idea is to appreciate the comprehensive dedication shown by our students and integrate their suggestions into the management of the university. A student nomination committee is going to make an election proposal. My particular thanks go to MHB alumnus Jan Auswitz who came up with the suggestion of this position during his medical studies and his time as chair of the AStA, and to our current AStA chairman David Lenz for his continued support.”

Jan Malte Auswitz, MHB graduate and one of the project initiators, is pleased to see the successful result of “years of efforts to ensure genuine student co-determination at the MHB, from the foundation of the students’ committee AStA to diversity strategies and initiatives to secure financing. Institutionally anchored in appreciation of student commitment, the position gives students the chance of even more immediate contributions at the executive level to shaping developments at the MHB.”

Applications for the position of student vice president will be accepted up to 21 January 2026. A nomination committee will conduct interviews between 22 and 28 January 2026 and suggest a candidate to the President who will then propose this person to the Senate for election in March. The term of office begins on 1 April 2026 and expires after one year, renewable once.

MHB and AStA invite applications and are looking forward to meeting dedicated applicants.

For further information see: https://www.mhb-fontane.de/de/asta.

Contact:
David Lenz
asta@mhb-fontane.de