Dads' Campus

hejDAD!

Target group:  Students, scientific staff, technical/administrational staff, professors

Dates: 13.10.2026, 8 - 8:30 pm
             22.10.2026, 12-2 pm
             29.10.2026, 7:30-9 pm
             02.11.2026, 8 - 8:30 pm
             10.11.2026, 12-2 pm
             23.11.2026, 7:30-9 pm
             02.12.2026, 8-8:30 pm
             17.12.2026, 7:30-9 pm
             13.01.2027, 12-2 pm
             20.01.2027, 7:30-9 pm

Location: Online

Trainers: Julia Strobel, Antje Rach, Josephine Schmidt, Karsten Kassner, Gunter Beetz
Course language: German
Frequency: regularly/annually

Work unit: 18

Futher Information

Registration begins on September 15, 2026, at Vätercampus
 

VÄTERCAMPUS is a year-long program for fathers that features a community, lectures and workshops, and moderated online discussion forums. 

It creates a safe space for: 

  • Exchange among fathers—honest, confidential, and on equal footing
  • Guidance through complex life and career stages
  • Insights for specific everyday situations
  • Strengthening resilience and confidence in decision-making

 

VÄTERCAMPUS Annual Program

Content: Lectures / workshops / talks on current topics related to fatherhood, work-life balance, and mental health, followed by a discussion (Q&A). 

Moderated online discussion sessions (digital campfire) to explore lecture topics in greater depth, facilitate open discussion, and help participating fathers network (including topics such as separation and blended families, open campfire discussions, children with special needs, new dads, ...)

Access to VÄTERCAMPUS: This protected community area is available exclusively to participating fathers and is professionally supported and moderated. Blog posts, book recommendations, and downloads

The official launch is in October 2026.

In the second half of October, we’ll kick things off with our first expert talk: Karsten Kassner from the Federal Forum for Men and Heiner Fischer (founder of hejDAD and fatherhood expert) will discuss “The Changing Image of Fatherhood”—current social developments, political conditions, and what this means for every individual dad. Discussion and dialogue with participants included.

On October 29, 2026, the digital campfire for Campus Fathers will be lit for the first time—Gunter Beetz (fatherhood and parenting counselor, social worker, coach, and co-founder of hejDAD) will welcome the dads to the private discussion space. This event is aimed at fathers who are students or who work in administration, academia, and technology. Expectant fathers are also warmly welcome. 

 

All info & dates: Fathers’ Campus / Registration begins September 15, 2026

 

Overview of dates for the 2026–27 winter semester

DateTitleBrief DescriptionFormatExpert
October 13, 2026, 8:00 PMWelcome to VätercampusWe warmly welcome you to Vätercampus and will introduce you to what Vätercampus has to offer and the events that await you in a short live session. Julia Strobel
     
October 22, 2026, 12:00 PMFatherhood in Transition—Where Do We Stand?How do fathers want to live today—and what’s actually standing in their way? To kick off the Vätercampus, Karsten Kassner (Bundesforum Männer) and Gunter Beetz (CEO of hejDAD) will discuss the changing image of fatherhood, societal expectations, and political conditions—and what this means for the day-to-day reality of fathers at universities. An open discussion about the ideal and reality of fatherhood.Expert PanelKarsten Kassner & Gunter Beetz
     
October 29, 2026, 7:30 p.m.Campus CampfireGathering around the digital campfire: meet other fathers, share experiences, listen, and strike up a conversation. No pressure to perform, no judgment—in a small, trusting circle and exclusively among fathers.Campus CampfireGunter Beetz
     
November 2, 2026, 8:00 p.m.Welcome to @VätercampusWe warmly welcome you to Vätercampus and will give you a brief live overview of what you’ll find here and the events that await you. Julia Strobel
     
November 10, 2026, 12:00 PMBetween Research, Family, and Role Expectations: A Work-Life Balance Workshop for Fathers in the Academic ContextJuggling an academic career with active fatherhood is often a balancing act. This workshop invites you to reflect on expectations, conflicting goals, and structural conditions—and to discover what options you can use to achieve a work-life balance that suits you and your family life.WorkshopAntje Rach
     
November 23, 2026, 7:30 p.m.Campus CampfireGather around the digital campfire: meet other fathers, share experiences, listen, and strike up conversations. No pressure to perform, no judgment—in a small, trusting group and among fathers only.Campus CampfireGunter Beetz
     
December 2, 2026, 8:00 p.m.Parental Leave & Parental BenefitsParental allowance, parental leave, dividing up the months: There are many options when it comes to family time—and at least as many questions. This workshop provides a clear overview of what’s important for your planning, what flexibility you have, and what you should consider when making financial and career decisions. It’s also worth taking a closer look when planning for a second child, as circumstances can change and new options may arise.WorkshopJosephine Schmidt
     
     
December 17, 2026, 7:30 p.m.Campus CampfireGather around the digital campfire: meet other fathers, share experiences, listen, and strike up conversations. No pressure to perform, no judgment—in a small, trusting group and among fathers only.Campus CampfireGunter Beetz
     
January 13, 2027, 12:00 PM"Digital Media—Curse or Blessing? Adopt a Mindset Instead of Imposing Bans!"Smartphones, social media, online games—the digital world is an integral part of the daily lives of children and teens. Many parents feel uncertain: How much is too much? What are the risks? How can we foster a healthy relationship with technology? This interactive presentation isn’t about bans, but about knowledge, reflection, discussion, and taking a clear stance. Because only by understanding the mechanisms and risks can parents competently guide their children.WorkshopGunter Beetz
     
January 20, 2027, 7:30 p.m.Campus CampfireGathering around the digital campfire: meet other fathers, share experiences, listen, and strike up conversations. No pressure to perform, no judgment—in a small, trusting group and among fathers only.Campus CampfireGunter Beetz