On Thursday, 1 October, the Faculty of Croatian Studies at the University of Zagreb hosted an introductory lecture for first-year students entitled “Everything Happens in the White Space: Comics, Emptiness, and Studies in the Humanities and Social Sciences”. The lecture was delivered by Associate Professor Domagoj Brozović, Head of the Department of Croatian Studies.
Following the lecture, teaching staff from the Department of Sociology met with first-year students enrolled in the single-major and double-major sociology programmes. Students met the lecturers who will teach them throughout their studies and received information and advice to help them begin their university education.

Alongside the Head of the Department, Professor Irena Cajner Mraović, students met Professor Renato Matić, Associate Professor Dario Pavić, Associate Professor Marica Marinović Golubić, Assistant Professor Erik Brezovec, Assistant Professor Ivan Perkov, Assistant Professor Marija Zelić, Assistant Professor Ana Marija Dunaj, and Teaching Assistant Ana Marija Zagode, who holds a master’s degree in sociology. Each lecturer introduced the courses they teach and offered advice for a successful start to university life. This gave students an initial insight into the topics they will study and the various fields of sociology they will explore.

Professor Irena Cajner Mraović particularly emphasised the importance of academic integrity as the foundation of responsible study and academic work. Academic integrity encompasses honesty in fulfilling academic obligations, independent work, and respect for the intellectual contributions of others, helping to build trust within the academic community.
Assistant Professor Ana Marija Dunaj introduced the Department of Sociology’s website and showed students where to find the information they will need throughout their studies.

Peer Mentoring: Support from Fellow Students

Iva Kozmar from the Faculty of Croatian Studies Student Council introduced the peer mentoring programme, which the Council is organising again this academic year. The programme is designed to help first-year students settle into university life by connecting them with students in later years of study.

Drawing on their own experience, these students can help newcomers find their way around the Faculty, understand their academic obligations, and become familiar with everyday student life.
Interested first-year students can apply using the application form. They will then be paired with one of the participating peer mentors.

Applications are open until 10 a.m. on Saturday, 3 October.