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Basics of Self-Government

During the 1970s, the previous university structure, where the tenured faculty had a dominant role (“one man - one vote”), was replaced by the group university model. This means that a major portion of decision-making at most German universities is now carried out by self-administered boards representing the various employee and student groups at the university (professors, research associates, technical-administrative staff and students). Board activities at the Philipps University are regulated by the Higher Education Act of the Federal State of Hessen (Hessische Hochschulgesetz (HHG) the Constitiution of the Philipps University (Grundordnung der Philipps-Universität) and the Terms and Conditions for regulating Committees at the Philipps University (Geschäftsordnung für die Gremien der Philipps-Universität).
The faculty is the basic organizational building block of the university (§ 43 HHG). The responsibilities of the faculties are specified in the Faculty Ordinance (Fachbereichsordnung).

The faculty is managed by the Dean’s Office, staffed by the dean, vice dean and dean of studies and the faculty council. Students are organized in the student association council on the university level. In addition, student associations also exist on the department level within the five institutes, as well as the student association Linke Fachschaft. The faculty council considers matters that are of fundamental importance for the faculty. The council acts as an advisory and decision-making board (§ 44 HHG). The council issues study and examination regulations, makes proposals for the management or introduction/cancelation of degree programs, etc. The Dean's office prepares and implements decisions passed through the faculty council (§ 45 HHG).

The Faculty of Social Sciences and Philosophy has four committees and two commissions:

  • Research and Doctoral Committee (matters relating to doctoral and post-doctoral studies, research matters, support of young scientists)
  • Budget and Structural Committee (matters relating to budget and financial planning)
  • Examination Committee (matters relating to examinations)
  • Study Committee (matters relating to studies)

as well as

  • the QSL Department Commission
  • the Equality Commission