Start of studies 2021 - Welcome to the Wine Campus
With 53 dual-track students, the Bachelor’s program in Viticulture & Enology kicked off the new academic year on August 2, 2021. It was particularly gratifying that all new students were able to begin their studies together in person at the Wine Campus! For the winter semester, we plan to resume normal operations as much as possible with all students returning to campus. The necessary infrastructure was put in place well in advance.
Unlike last year, the traditional barbecue on the Wine Campus was also able to take place again. Everyone had missed the opportunity for students and faculty to get to know one another in a relaxed atmosphere during the pandemic year. Mayor Weigel also invited the new students to City Hall to welcome them. He shared interesting facts about the city of Neustadt with the students. Afterward, they had the opportunity to talk with the mayor over a glass of sparkling wine about their first impressions and experiences in their new home.
Students at the Wine Campus have always benefited from small class sizes and individualized support; during the pandemic, this has become an even greater advantage. “We are proud that students here at the Wine Campus Neustadt can complete their studies within the standard period of study even in this difficult situation, and that all important content is taught both theoretically and practically,” said program director Prof. Dr. Dominik Durner.
Thanks to the rapid adaptation to the new conditions, attendance tracking via QR codes, and the division into smaller groups, many things have become possible. A major advantage is the collaboration with the Rural Area Service Center (DLR) Rhenish Palatinate. Most lectures will take place in the auditorium of the Rural Area Service Center (DLR) Rhenish Palatinate, where even larger groups can teach and learn together while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
“We are planning for largely normal operations in the winter semester with all students returning to campus—which is also what the students are eagerly hoping for. We put the necessary structures in place early on, and our hygiene plan has worked well. If a large number of people are vaccinated now, then I am confident that full in-person attendance will be possible at the Wine Campus Neustadt during the winter semester,” explains Wilhelma Metzler, Executive Director of the Wine Campus Neustadt.
Mayor Weigel Welcomes New Students at City Hall
A highlight of the first study block was the welcome extended to the new students by Marc Weigel, mayor of Neustadt. On August 18, he met with the 53 new students in the courtyard of Neustadt City Hall.
“In the future, the students will not only learn how to make wine, but also the special significance that viticulture holds for the city of Neustadt an der Weinstraße,” said Mayor Weigel.
Before the welcome at City Hall, the students took part in a city tour led by tour guides and culture and wine ambassadors Barbara Fröhlich-Zeller and Kerstin Pontasch, which was organized by Tourist, Kongress und Saalbau GmbH (TKS). The reception was followed by a cozy dinner featuring delicious Flammkuchen at the wine bar “Zur Herberge” and a welcome address by the Neustadt Community Foundation.
Welcoming the new students is a regular event on Mayor Marc Weigel’s calendar. He not only wants to get to know the students personally but also to engage in conversation with them and further strengthen the good cooperation between the city of Neustadt an der Weinstraße and the Wine Campus in Mußbach.
Ice Cream Truck Provides a Cool Treat
After the first day of classes at the Wine Campus, the new students were treated to a welcome treat: the ice cream truck from the “world’s smallest EIZ Manufaktur” in Deidesheim made a stop on campus. “Create your own ice cream” is their motto; the ice cream flavors are produced entirely without artificial flavors or colors—only natural ingredients are allowed. It was an exciting sensory experience for our new students—and, of course, it was delicious, too.
