June 2nd, 2009

Statement by the University Council

With great dismay, the University Council has taken note of the current public criticism of the President of the University of Hamburg, Prof. Dr. Monika Auweter-Kurtz. As a committee which is responsible by virtue of the Higher Education Law for the election of the President, the University Council would like to contribute the following points to the current discussion:

In its February session, the University Council received the Presidium's annual report for 2007 and was delighted with the University's progress.

In its April session, the University Council discussed with the Presidium the first partial proposal for structural and developmental plans, which had been worked out jointly by the Presidium and the deans in an intensive discussion process. From the University Council's point of view, the proposal emphasizes the University's and faculties' clear goals and significantly fulfills the tasks at hand as identified by the University Council in the past.

Both points underline that the Presidium under the direction of its President enjoys the full support of the University Council and the steps thus far taken to strengthen the University of Hamburg's position is Germany. Th University Council therefore does not share the criticisms expressed publicly and it has the clear impression that the majority of the University stands behind the Presidium.

Sincerely,

Prof. Dr. Albrecht Wagner