Quality development
With the establishment of the heiQUALITY quality management system, Heidelberg University is securing its medium- and long-term success in its core areas of activity—studies and teaching, research and the promotion of young academics, as well as services and administration—and further developing their quality. Systematic quality assurance and development in the area of studies and teaching has laid the foundation for the independent evaluation and accreditation of degree programs. The primary goal is for the study units to
- identify and further develop the strengths of their degree programs,
- recognize potential for improvement and implement appropriate measures for the further development of their degree programs, and
- review and document the success of their quality assurance and quality development measures over time.
Quality control loop and accreditation
The systematic review and further development of each degree program is based on a quality control cycle known as the Q+Ampel procedure. This procedure functions as a regular screening, monitoring, and evaluation process for previously defined evaluation units. On the one hand, it is designed as a continuous reporting system to inform departments about the qualitative development process of their degree programs. On the other hand, it shows whether the decentralized tasks of quality assurance and further development of degree programs are being successfully carried out. The university's internal (re)accreditation of degree programs also takes place within this framework. The cycle of a Q+Ampel procedure is usually five to seven years, with the following evaluation cycle following directly after.
An overview of the subjects that have already undergone such a procedure can be found via the link on the right. The current results of our faculty's teaching evaluations can be found in the latest aggregated quality report, which can also be accessed via the link on the right.
Quality management at faculty level
The active participation of all staff involved in teaching and learning, as well as students, is essential for successful quality development. Institutional actors in quality management at the faculty level include, in particular, the deans of studies, the study commission, the quality management officer, and the subject councils of the individual subjects. Their respective tasks are regulated by the State Higher Education Law (Landeshochschulgesetz (LHG)) or, in the case of the subject council, by the corresponding university statutes.
Dean's Office
The Dean's Office of the Faculty of Behavioral and Empirical Cultural Studies consists of the dean, the vice dean, and the dean of studies. The dean of studies is responsible for the central issues of study and teaching within the faculty. She chairs the study commission and is available to students and lecturers as a contact person for all questions, suggestions, and complaints relating to study and teaching. Furthermore, the Dean of Studies represents the faculty in matters relating to studies and teaching in the university's committees. She participates in every appointment procedure of the faculty as a voting member, in particular to ensure that the teaching competence of the applicants is taken into account in the decision-making process.
Quality Management Commissioner for Teaching
The Quality Management Commissioner reports to the Dean's Office. His/her responsibilities include:
- Dialogue and communication: The QM Commissioner maintains a central-decentralized dialogue with the heiQUALITY Center, acts as the contact person for the QM team, and conveys information in both directions: via the Center to the Rectorate and via the faculty to the departments. His/her central tasks are to establish and promote an internal quality culture in the faculties and departments. He/she is available to the departments as a contact person for questions relating to quality development in studies and teaching. The QM commissioners also act as ombudspersons for students in the event of problems with evaluations.
- Supporting quality processes: The QM representative supports evaluation processes with the help of the departments, i.e., they assist the faculty's departments with the Q+ traffic light procedure. He/she is responsible for the further development initiated by the accreditation procedures, the fulfillment of requirements, etc. He/she also supports the dean of studies in appointment procedures.
Academic Commission
The Academic Commission is a committee appointed by the Faculty Council to handle tasks related to teaching and studying. It consists of the Dean of Studies as chair, professors, representatives of the academic staff, and students. The Academic Commission advises the Faculty Council on all matters relating to studies and teaching, in particular on proposals for changes to existing degree programs, the establishment of new degree programs, and cross-disciplinary proposals on issues relating to studies and teaching. In addition, the Academic Commission develops recommendations for the further development of subjects and forms of study.
An overview of the current members of the Academic Commission can be found via the link.
Fachräte (Sectoral Councils)
The Sectoral Councils are responsible for advising on all matters relating to studying and teaching in the individual subjects. This includes, in particular, the drafting and revision of admission, study, and examination regulations as well as module handbooks, the use of funds and rooms intended for studying and teaching, the planning of courses, and the evaluation and development of teaching.
An overview of the current members of the respective Sectoral Councils can be found via the link
Important information
Further important information, handouts, and documentation, e.g., on the procedure for making changes to examination regulations/documents relevant to degree programs or for introducing a new degree program, can be found here: