The ZLI at a glance – Where innovation takes shape
The Centre for learning and Innovation (ZLI) is a central operational unit and service facility for lecturers and students at the FernUniversität in Hagen. The ZLI supports teaching and learning services and facilitates and initiates teaching and learning-related innovation processes based on the FernUniversität’s media-supported blended learning model. Through innovative teaching and learning approaches, this model aims to enable students to undertake distance learning that is flexible in terms of location and time, accessible to all, and takes their diversity into account.
The External Advisory Board advises the ZLI on fundamental issues relating to innovation, content and future directions; it may issue statements and recommendations on these matters and provides impetus for the further development of the ZLI. It usually consists of five external members and two students from the FernUniversität in Hagen.
We are seeking two student advisory board members (from different subjects/faculties) for the next term of office. The appointment is scheduled for November 2026 at the joint meeting on 5 November in Hagen.
What to expect
- Advisory Board meetings take place twice a year: in autumn as an in-person meeting in Hagen (approx. 10.00–17.00), and in spring online (approx. 13.00–16.00)
- Current strategic issues at the ZLI will be discussed, and you will have the opportunity to contribute a student’s perspective.
- Travel expenses to the in-person meeting and any accommodation costs will be covered by the FernUniversität (in accordance with the applicable travel expense regulations).
Who we are looking for
Students are eligible to apply if they:
- are actively studying at the FernUniversität in Hagen (enrolled and taking courses at the time of application and, presumably, throughout their term of office),
- are neither at the beginning nor at the end of their degree programme (sufficient experience of distance learning and likely to be involved in the long term),
- have a connection to digital teaching / digital learning formats (e.g. reflective experiences of use, interest, projects, tutorials, committee work, etc.),
When selecting members of the External Advisory Board, consideration must be given, amongst other things, to the ZLI’s main areas of work and to ensuring gender parity.
What we offer
Membership of the Advisory Board gives you the opportunity to play an active role in shaping study and teaching programmes at the Fernuni and to gain insights into the professional field of practical higher education development. You can gain experience on an Advisory Board and expand your personal network. Participation is on a voluntary basis (i.e. it is unpaid). However, on request, we will issue a certificate of membership which you can, for example, include with job applications as proof of this commitment.
Term of office and appointment
Members are selected and appointed for a term of four years by the ZLI management team in consultation with the Deans of Studies and the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Teaching, Studies and AI in Educational Processes; a one-time reappointment is possible. For student Advisory Board members, the term of office is four years or until the completion of their degree.
Application
Please submit a letter of motivation (max. 1 page) including:
- Degree programme/subject, current stage of study (briefly),
- Your connection to digital teaching and your motivation for serving on the Advisory Board,
- Any previous experience or involvement (optional),
Application deadline: 1 September 2026
Contact: Dr Annabell Bils, ZLI Management
Submission: By email to annabell.bils [at] fernuni-hagen.de (PDF, max. 1 page)
The original and binding German version of this notice is available here: https://www.fernuni-hagen.de/studium/studyfit/aktuelle-einblicke/jul-26-studentische-mitglieder-zli.shtml
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