T-shirt, 1997, approx. 72 × 59 cm, cotton. Privately owned.
The first semester remains a pivotal moment in the lives of freshmen, nicknamed “Erstis” (i.e., “firsties”). To the farewells from parents and settling into new dorms is added adapting to unfamiliar academic operations with initially unfamiliar rules and heightened demands on self-organization. Around 1900, such orientation needs were typically addressed by joining a student fraternity. A century later, fraternities play a much-diminished role. Now, the week-long orientation period, or “O-phase,” eases the transition to university life. Organized by student associations, which are organs of student self-government at the KIT departments, O-phase imparts essential formal and informal knowledge during various organized events. Personal attendance is of utmost importance. Familiarizing oneself with the campus, such as finding the cafeteria, library, culture cafe, Courtyard of Honor, and academic sports facilities, is as vital as understanding study regulations and course modules. Almost of even more importance is making acquaintances, as the starting point of social life as a student. In October 1997, Alexander Markert volunteered as an O-phase group supervisor for the discipline Economics. The T-shirt shown here points out this function. The garment appears quite subdued compared to the costumes chosen nowadays, which are designed to ensure the visibility of entire newly formed O-phase groups, even at the expense of a slight-to-medium loss of form. kn
The O-phase before the true start of studies left a lasting impression. All of us came from all over the Federal Republic [of Germany], some had just completed their military service, others—like me—their alternative national service. The O-phase was a good opportunity to acquaint yourself with the city and people, and one or two friendships were formed then too. It was especially memorable that the entire program was run by students for students and included a good measure of fun. I later gladly paid this back by serving as an O-phase tutor or as a DJ at the parties hosted by the economics student association at the end of the summer and winter semesters (WiWiSo and WiWiWi). The T-shirt is an enduring reminder of a good time in Karlsruhe and at KIT. Dipl.-Wi.-Ing. Alexander Markert, Frankfurt am Main, freelance head hunter