Bachelor Graduation
We organise the official Bachelor Graduation Ceremony and contribute the student perspective to its planning.
HoPo at VIS
University politics that helps shape your studies
HoPo is short for university politics. At VIS, a large committee together with the HoPo board member works on topics related to studies, teaching, ETH regulations and student concerns. If something at ETH is bothering you, whether it is a lecture, an organisational hurdle or a structural issue in the study programme, this is the right place.
You can reach us at hopo@vis.ethz.ch. You are also always welcome to join the HoPo Meetup to listen in or join the discussion.
If you want to know who is currently active in HoPo, you can find the members on the committee page.
Current Topics
Topics we are actively working on
We discuss many concerns in the HoPo Meetup, but some topics stay with us for longer and are actively driven by smaller groups. This overview is meant as an entry point and does not replace the more nuanced conversations behind these topics.
Diversity Taskforce
We analyse surveys such as WiegETHs and grade statistics to spot disparities and turn them into concrete improvements for a more inclusive environment.
ETHics in CS
We advocate for more room for ethical questions in computer science education through discussion, courses and exchange with lecturers.
PAKETH
We bring student perspectives into the academic calendar and examination reform and follow its effects on everyday study life.
VIS Teaching Awards
With the Teaching Awards, we recognise Teaching Assistants who go beyond expectations and provide outstanding support to students.
Committees
Where HoPo creates impact
By sitting on committees at department and VSETH level, we represent student concerns in teaching, infrastructure and strategic questions. We also support semester speakers and regularly talk to the administration and professors.
Department Conference (DK)
The DK is the highest committee of the department and comparable to the VIS general assembly.
It meets once per semester and decides on department regulations and policies. In addition to
the department leadership and professors, VIS and VMI are each represented by eight members.
Any VIS member can become a representative or substitute.
Contact:
dk@vis.ethz.ch.
Teaching Committee (UK)
The UK meets about once a month and discusses internal HoPo topics related to teaching, such as
timetables, exam procedures and the use of software in lectures. It includes three VIS
representatives, three mid-level staff representatives, three professors, the director of
studies and staff members from teaching.
Contact:
uk@vis.ethz.ch.
Council of Study Associations (FR)
The FR is a VSETH committee in which all study associations discuss political topics of the
VSETH. It oversees how VSETH represents student interests and decides on its own budget for
projects or events. At VIS, the president is usually the representative, supported by the vice
president and/or the HoPo board member.
Contact:
fr@vis.ethz.ch.
Members Council (MR)
The MR is the highest committee of VSETH and comparable to the VIS general assembly. It meets
three times a year and votes on ETH-level student representation, VSETH board members and VSETH
regulations. Any VIS member can become a representative or substitute.
Contact:
mr@vis.ethz.ch.
Semester Speakers 1st Year
First-year semester speakers collect feedback directly from everyday study life and help bring
issues to HoPo and the department early.
Contact:
sprecher1jahr@vis.ethz.ch.
Semester Speakers 2nd Year
Second-year semester speakers also represent the concerns of their cohort and serve as a direct
contact point for feedback on teaching and organisation.
Contact:
sprecher2jahr@vis.ethz.ch.
FAQ
Common questions about HoPo
I have a problem with a lecture or a professor. Who can I contact?
It is best to contact your semester speakers if you attend compulsory lectures in the first four Bachelor semesters. Otherwise, or in addition, you can write to hopo@vis.ethz.ch.
I have a problem with the organisation of my studies. Who can I contact?
Does HoPo actually accomplish anything?
Many HoPo topics run over several years, so changes are not always visible immediately. A big part of our work is to inform students, collect concerns and bring them into the right committees in a sustained way.
How can I contribute with little effort?
Keep up with current topics and fill in surveys about lectures and exams. That feedback is one of the most effective ways to support our work.
Do these surveys really have an effect?
Yes. Survey results have helped improve exam formats, push for lecture scripts and make student positions visible to lecturers and the ETH leadership.
Where and how can I express my opinion on HoPo topics?
Write to hopo@vis.ethz.ch, contact one of the official representatives or join the HoPo Meetup.
Who can come to the HoPo Meetup?
Anyone who is interested. You can listen in, join the discussion or bring your own topics.
How do I become a representative?
Representatives are elected by VIS members at the general assembly. If you are interested, get in touch with us or take a look at the HoPo member page.