11. Juni 2009
In its regular session on June 11th 2009, the University Council (HR) dealt intensively with the criticisms of the University's president both from within the University and from the general public.
In a statement from June 4th 2009, the University Council had already emphasized its support of the presidium's and faculties' efforts to establish the structural and developmental plans (STEP) demanded by the government. In an initial reading of a partial proposal for STEP, it saw that efforts to promote the University's and faculties' profile and corresponding concrete measures are well advanced. In today's session, the University Council received satisfying answers to questions which were still open. The Council praised the faculties', the presidium's and the entire University's great achievement. The Council assumes that the Academic Senate (AS) will make a statement regarding STEP in its next session. It is on the basis of this statement that the University Council will draw final conclusions about STEP.
On the other hand, the University Council also recognized that there is significant potential for conflict in parts of the University. This has resulted, in the last few days, to public criticism.
From the Council's point of view, it is hardly surprising, in light of the planned changes to the Higher Education Law and the changes necessary to the University's competitiveness, that problems arise in its implementation. These problems must be solved urgently. This can only happen if the university committees, deans and the presidium cooperate closely.
In an eight-hour session, the University Council conducted intensive discussions with the President, the Vice Presidents, the Chancellor and the Senator. These discussions will continue in the upcoming weeks with all deans, members of the Academic Senate and other relevant parties. It calls upon all parties to work together in a constructive fashion towards identifying and clearing up all points of criticism. In doing so, the University Council will ensure the best-possible solution for the University.
