Living values, shaping the future
Strategic orientation with attitude: the BUW's new guiding principles
Photo Peter Gwiazda
"A mission statement is much more than a collection of nice words - it provides orientation, conveys identity and describes values according to which we want to act together. It shows us who we are and where we want to go," summarises Rector Prof. Dr Birgitta Wolff. The university mission statement helps to shape the university as a place of reflective cooperation and signals that the university is always open to further development.
Briefly summarised: the university mission statement
In its mission statement, the university positions itself as having strong regional roots and an international network. Openness, equal opportunities and respectful cooperation are core values. Students are supported individually and empowered to participate in society. Plurality of subjects, interdisciplinarity and practical relevance take centre stage. Decisions are made with ecological, social and economic responsibility in mind. Academic freedom, the rule of law and critical discourse are the basis of all actions.
Looking back: In June 2024, an initial workshop on the new mission statement took place at the closed meeting of the rectorate, faculty, institution and department heads. It was decided to update the existing mission statement and adapt the central concepts contained therein to current developments. This was followed by a closely synchronised process involving workshops, committee meetings and a town hall meeting. "It was important to us to emphasise the special character of the University of Wuppertal and to formulate a mission statement that was as concise but comprehensive and active as possible," says Wolff. Active means that it offers practical points of reference such as the motivation to bundle strengths in regional or even international collaborations, and thus invites people to put their money where their mouth is. The mission statement should by no means be merely declarative.
Basis for the university development plan
The formulation of the mission statement does not stand alone; it is also the basis for the new university development plan, which is currently being drawn up, will come into force in 2026 and sets out the university's strategic direction for the next ten years. "Without knowing who we are and what we want, it is difficult to plan for ten years and set a strategic course for this period. The mission statement provides us with clearly definable and measurable scope for action," emphasises Wolff.
The university mission statement and the current interim status of the university development plan were presented during the Senate meeting in July. Information about the process can be viewed transparently by all members of the university at any time in the dedicated website area: www.hep.uni-wuppertal.de
Respectful, supportive, innovative - mission statement for teaching
In December 2023, the university management also began the process of developing a mission statement for teaching.
Briefly summarised: the teaching mission statement
The University of Wuppertal sees itself as a place of respectful coexistence, where diversity, mutual appreciation and a sensitive approach to conflicts are central principles. Recognising students' different educational backgrounds and life realities is just as important as a commitment to equal opportunities.
Research orientation is a central principle of teaching, which is continuously adapted to the latest scientific findings. Despite different specialised cultures, everyone is committed to high quality standards. In doing so, all those involved assume joint responsibility for a high-quality educational process in different roles. The university supports the development of individual potential - through targeted programmes, a needs-based infrastructure and administrative support.
Participatory process
The mission statement for teaching is the result of an open, participatory process in which students, teaching staff and employees worked together from the very beginning: from a public kick-off event at the university to the development of relevant topics in decentralised workshops and the final formulation by an eight-member editorial group, accompanied by regular constructive feedback. "In this way, we have jointly formulated guiding principles that will not gather dust on the shelf, but will have an impact and strengthen our cooperation in teaching in terms of respect, mutual support and innovation," explains Prof Dr Susanne Buch, Vice-Rector for Teaching and Learning.
The participatory process was an exciting experiment and ultimately a success: "In a constructive exchange, which also allowed for friction, many perspectives on teaching were bundled and essential core elements for the future of teaching at the University of Wuppertal were worked out," reports the Vice-Rector. Based on this jointly supported process, the new teaching mission statement provides a framework for creative teaching that inspires teachers and students alike - and it invites all university members to fill the principles with life and actively help shape teaching.
This development process was and is also available for every member of the university to view and read: www.leitbildlehre.uni-wuppertal.de
