"Good orientation before deciding on a degree programme not only prevents students from dropping out, but is also an important basis for a successful degree programme." With these words, the Vice-Rector for Studies and Teaching, Prof. Dr Susanne Buch, opened the event and emphasised that the central student guidance and counselling services provide comprehensive support to prospective students and open up a wide range of opportunities to get to know the university at an early stage.

In the panel discussion with the head of the central student guidance and counselling services, Dr Christine Hummel, StuBo teacher Thomas Jahnich (Erich Fried-Gesamtschule Wuppertal) emphasised that the cooperation at his school is regulated by a cooperation agreement with the university. This stipulates when a student counsellor comes to the school throughout the year and when university visits take place. Melanie Garcia (Emma-Herwegh-Gymnasium Remscheid) explained that the cooperation takes into account the specific processes of the school, such as project or practical weeks, and that the university responds to the individual needs of the schools.

Other topics discussed in the StuBo teachers' plenary session with the Student Advisory Service were when the best times are for which information and counselling formats and that the best way to reach pupils is through personal contact. The central student guidance and counselling services emphasised that they would respond to the increased need for one-to-one discussions and also offer these at schools.