Developmental planning at the Philipps-Universität

Founded in 1527, the Philipps-Universität is the oldest and most traditional university in Hesse. It has a broad variety of academic disciplines offered in 16 faculties, providing numerous possibilities for combining academic interests. The Philipps-Universität, with approximately 22,500 students and 4,000 employees, is a key economical factor for the city of Marburg, where - aside from the companies that arose from the former Behringwerke - there is virtually no major industry. The Univeristät is - with the Landgrafenschloss and its museums and art collections, the precious historic buildings under its care and the wide ranging calendar of events - a significant cultural factor for the region of central Hesse. The Philipps-Universität draws students from all over Germany and, with an international student population of 12% of the total student population, lies three percentage points above the national average.

Continuing its tradition and further developing its profile and accomplishments, the Philipps-Universität adheres to the following principles, which are part of the medium-term development planning which was conclusively discussed and resolved on February 17, 2011:

The Universität considers itself a university with societal responsibilities. It is a place to reflect on the basics, and ethical implications of science being in a productive dialogue with politics, the working world and all segments of society.
Based on the innovative, disciplinary research of individuals, the nationally and internationally competitive research at the Philipps-Universität works to process broad issues in co-operative networks within a discipline and interdisciplinary networks with trans-regional, national and international reach. The Philipps-Universität sees research from different perspectives as a significant contribution to “unlocking the world.”
Supporting young scholars receives extra attention. At the Philipps-Universität, early independence is supported by new forms of mentoring and cooperation between doctoral candidates and younger researchers.
Studying at the Philipps-Universität should advance the development of students to individuals with multiple interests who are capable of critical thinking, are self-confident and thoughtful in their actions. This includes a solid, specialized education, an awareness of international contexts, a study structure that promotes mobility and, wherever possible, involvement in research activities, the acquisition of key qualifications beyond professional knowledge, ability to relate to and be informed about professional experience, and supporting efforts to pursue knowledge in fields outside of the main subject of study. University study should motivate and prepare students to continue learning beyond completion of their studies.
The Philipps-Universität maintains strategic partnerships with regional research institutions.
The Philipps-Universität contributes to the use and dissemination of university know-how and scientific knowledge through intensive exchange with the economic sector and other important figures in society.
With a wide ranging curriculum for continuing education, the Philipps-Universität is open to life-long learning. Special courses for continuing education connect the Universität with domestic and international partners both at universities and outside of academia.
In realizing gender equality of women and men, the Philipps-Universität is oriented on the principle of gender mainstreaming. The Universität realizes equal opportunity and provides parameters for combining studies and career with family obligations. Disadvantages for women in the economic sector and in higher education must be overcome.
Selection and development of staff are as a quality attribute a part of the strategic focus of the Philipps-Universität and help staff to plan a professional career and personal life.
The Philipps-Universität strives to provide attractive study and work conditions for students and scholars. The service facilities and the university administration make every effort to support studies and research.
Disabled students receive special assistance in the form of mentoring, advising and measures that enable them to focus on their studies.
Quality management and development are a shared task that extends to all areas of the Philipps-Universität: to research and teaching, to studies and further education, to the service facilities and academic facilities and to the administration.