1 December 2009

In the first week of December, the Management of the University gave Dr. Lenzen, who was elected President of the University of Hamburg on 20 November, an opportunity to introduce himself by letter to the University's students and to highlight the points which he deems important for continued dialogue with students:

Letter from Dr. Lenzen to the University of Hamburg's students

Dear Students at the University of Hamburg!

As you have no doubt heard, the University Council elected me as President of the University and the Academic Senate confirmed the vote. It is, therefore, high time for me to introduce myself personally and to say a few things about the possibilities of treading a common path:

A few days ago, I turned 62; I am married and have three sons and one grandchild. I am an educator and have spent many years researching and teaching issues which concern us all: above all, seeking the best way to educate the next generation. It is not easy to locate this path. I am personally convinced, however, that we can succeed in forming the future of our University if we pursue together the principles and beliefs so crucial to the times.

1. The University of Hamburg is a very good university, which has been unjustly viewed by many as mediocre. Statistics and experience have demonstrated the University of Hamburg's quality.


2. The University of Hamburg is a comprehensive university and must stay that way because it's diversity is one of its strengths. This is particularly true of the humanities, which are so often denigrated in Germany. My own experience at the Free University of Berlin has shown how important it is to fortify the humanities and social sciences and the success arising therefrom.


3. The University of Hamburg has a long tradition of civil committment to democracy. It stands for freedom and for the just treatment of others. This is why I believe the current Higher Education Law should be revised. It has made it more difficult for the University to make its own decisions, for example, in areas subordinate to the faculties.


4. The University of Hamburg has a social responsibility but it does not represent individual interests. As a state university, it must assume responsibility for the education of the next generation and for research.
   


5. Education, if it is really to be education, is always "self-education" - not formation by others. This means that learning is an autonomous process, proceding individually in the mind of each and every human being. This cannot be impeded by overregulation and bureaucracy. It is therefore urgent to implement reforms in the Bologna Process. Room for development must be created and pressure minimized. This can be accomplished if, among other things, we do not closely control and force attendance using unpedogogical means, if we stop overloading curricula and start realistically calculating workloads and achievement points and ensure that teaching staff and students pursue scientific truth together.


6. Studying at a university may not be hindered by financial requirements. The USA has demonstrated to what extent tuition fees exclude people from families with low incomes. Only half of those from economically-disadvantaged backgrounds gain access to higher education as those who come from high-income brackets. This is not acceptable.


7. The University of Hamburg is a highly international university. This should be maintained and further expanded. This is why it is a priority to fight all forms of xenophobia, particularly its most subtle manifestations, and to show people from the world over - both students and instructors - that the university is an open place which is delighted to have them here.


8. The University of Hamburg has a strong research profile. This is also an important fact for students because research and teaching constitute a unity. Quality teaching is founded on quality research. Excellent research and teaching cannot be played off one another. Striving for excellence may not take priority over sound study and work conditions.


9. The University of Hamburg is a large institution in which it is necessary to facilitate studying, research and teaching by providing services and ensuring mutual recognition. This requires sound forms of organization and a service mentality on the part of all those working for the University. I would like to serve as a role-model in this. Managing and administering a university are crucial to the support of research and teaching.


10. The University of Hamburg has a great future if we form this together, competently, decisively and optimistically and if we do not allow ourselves to stray from the path. Concrete paths need to be sought and found, together with the members of the University and responsible parties in the University's institutions and councils, in order to create this future.

I would be delighted if you would take the journey with me. I wish you all the best for the rest of your semester.

Sincerely,

Dieter Lenzen