Supervising theses is an essential part of teaching at universities. While writing their theses, students develop their ability to conduct independent scholarly work to a degree that is not possible in any other course. In addition, the results of theses may be used in the research conducted by the respective institution.

Both students and advisors benefit from a high-quality thesis. Both sides are responsible for its success. In this context, advisors often wonder what the appropriate approach to advising is:

• To what extent should or may students be guided?
• What resources do I need to provide students?
• What organizational and examination regulations must I follow?
• How do I evaluate the thesis?
• How may I use the results of the thesis in my own research?
• What impact do generative AI tools have on the writing and supervision of theses, and how should these be addressed in the supervision process?

The purpose of this workshop is to help you find your own approach to supervising theses. Through discussion with other participants, you will develop a supervision strategy that makes sense—while also taking into account the increasing use of generative AI by students. The workshop will provide you with insight into the legal and organizational framework at Clausthal University of Technology and highlight ways to address the challenges and opportunities presented by AI tools in the context of theses.

The ultimate goal is for each participant to leave the workshop with their own guide.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to

• identify the organizational and legal framework,
• reflect on their own supervisory practices,
• develop their own guidelines for supervising theses based on their own supervisory practices, the framework, and discussions with other university faculty members,
• identify and reflect on the impact of generative AI tools on students’ work processes and the supervision process, and incorporate appropriate guidelines and support services into their guidelines.

Workshop Dates and Times:

• 11.11.2026, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – In-person (Clausthal or Goslar)
• 13.11.2026, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Online

We would like to offer participants from other universities the opportunity to attend this in-person workshop, which is why we may, upon agreement, hold the workshop in Goslar to make travel easier. We will provide further details after registration.