A new generation of students has begun their studies in the new academic year at the Faculty of Information Studies (FIS). The introductory day was held in a hybrid format, bringing together many young people eager for knowledge and professional development. Both in person and online, many curious and motivated students joined us as they embark, together with FIS professors and staff, on a new academic journey full of challenges, opportunities, and professional research.

The introductory day programme featured presentations about the faculty’s operations, study programmes, library and information systems, Erasmus+ opportunities, and extracurricular activities. Higher education lecturers and faculty staff participated in the event.

Students also learned about the importance of their participation in the faculty’s quality assurance system and about various support mechanisms that will be available to them throughout their studies. The day concluded with a discussion on one of today’s key challenges – stress management and how to manage it.

The new students were welcomed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Urška Fric, Vice-Dean for Education, followed by an address from Prof. Dr. Matej Makarovič, Dean of FIS. The Vice-Dean went on to introduce the faculty’s operations and core bodies of the faculty.

Maruša Umbreht Lakić, Head of the Student Affairs Office, presented the operation of the office and explained the hybrid implementation of lectures and tutorials via Zoom. Nina Malovrh, Head Librarian, introduced the FIS Library, COBISS, and other library information resources. The Erasmus+ exchange programme was presented by Maruša Bevc, a professional associate at the faculty.

FIS is proud of its advanced supercomputer HPC Trdina and its modern Moodle e-learning platform. Alex Zorko from the IT Department introduced students to these systems and explained how to use MS Azure, Eduroam, and Zoom for their studies.

After the break, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Urška Fric presented extracurricular activities and guidelines for preparing written assignments. Asst. Prof. Dr. Klavdija Zorec discussed the role of students in the FIS quality system. The heads of departments, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Borut Lužar, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Blaž Rodič, and Prof. Dr. Srdjan Škrbić, then introduced the curriculums by study programmes. This was followed by a Q&A session, which was very interesting.

The day concluded with a lecture on “Stress and Relaxation Techniques”, delivered by representatives from the Health Centre Novo mesto.

The introductory day took place in a spirit of cooperation and new beginnings. We wish all our students a successful and inspiring start to the new academic year!