Learning cultures mission statement of the University of Siegen
"With this mission statement, the University of Siegen is setting a common orientation framework for the design and further development of teaching and learning and, through suitable structures, resources and impulses, is creating the conditions for teachers and students to actively and jointly shape this path."
Dr. Barbara Müller-Naendrup
Prorector for Teacher Training, Further Education and Sustainability
Prof. Dr. Hans Merzendorfer
Prorectors for Studies, Teaching and Quality Management
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The University of Siegen sees teaching and learning as well as their further development as central, shared tasks in accordance with its guiding principle of "Shaping a Humane Future". The aim is to enable students, academics and teaching staff to continually understand the material and social world and human thinking in a new way, also to enable them to act responsibly for themselves and others with regard to nature and society. Teaching and learning contexts are realized in a closely linked context of a common and mutually dependent teaching and learning culture. At the university, we understand teaching and learning as the joint creation of a culture of lifelong learning. Our guiding principle of learning cultures is based on a culture of teaching and learning that is characterized by openness, curiosity, mutual appreciation, reflection and change. In the spirit of professionalizing human thought and action, we understand teaching and research in a context that promotes critical thinking, knowledge acquisition and responsible action. We promote a constructive dialog between students and teachers, encourage critical thinking and create spaces for joint research-based learning. The enabling spaces that this opens up initiate and support processes of individual and collaborative learning, the development of specialist and interdisciplinary skills and innovation. We see the development of this mission statement as a lively, participatory and constantly evolving process in which members of all status groups are involved. In addition to this basic text, extensions and statements on individual sub-areas as well as on specific perspectives of different status groups at the University of Siegen are supplemented and newly developed. We regularly evaluate the implementation of our mission statement through feedback from students and teaching staff as well as through targeted quality controls. The "Learning Cultures Mission Statement" serves as the basis for our actions in teaching and studying at the University of Siegen and reflects our commitment to future-oriented, responsible and inclusive education. We call on all members of the university to participate in the further development of this mission statement. |
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Equal opportunities, participation and anti-discrimination
The University of Siegen is committed to equality, diversity and a discrimination-sensitive learning environment. Regardless of gender, age, ethnic or social background, chronic illness and disability, sexual orientation, religion and ideology, all students should have equal educational opportunities. At the same time, we promote the active participation of all university members in democratic decision-making processes and take a firm stand against discrimination, abuse of power and group-related misanthropy. We strengthen cohesion and shared responsibility through transparent communication and participatory structures.
Responsibility and sustainability
Sustainability and responsibility are central cross-cutting themes of our "Learning Cultures Mission Statement" at the University of Siegen and characterize our future-oriented learning environment. We fundamentally understand sustainability as the result of responsibility: it is both a human ability and a fundamental principle of our university. These topics also have an impact on other thematic fields of work - such as democracy education, diversity and reflective learning - and are inextricably linked to inclusive and equitable education.
Digitality and innovation
The University of Siegen focuses on innovative teaching and learning formats with the aim of integrating digitality, contemporary technologies and original formats in a meaningful way, developing them further and reflecting on their quality and suitability. The Digital Teaching Team (TDL) is available to support and advise all members of the university. It offers advice on the didactic design of digital courses and the selection of suitable tools and platforms. It always takes into account the latest developments in digital education and implements innovative approaches.
Regionality and internationality
Through regional roots and global networking, the University of Siegen creates innovative teaching and learning formats, practical educational opportunities and strong collaborations. Practical projects with local partners, international teaching collaborations and the development of diverse continuing education programs promote a future-oriented learning culture - regionally rooted and internationally networked.
Quality and development
As a system-accredited university, the University of Siegen guarantees the highest quality in teaching and studies. It regularly uses external feedback and systematically integrates external expertise into the further development of teaching and studies. Quality management creates opportunities, promotes innovation and supports a student-oriented teaching and learning culture. Interdisciplinary exchange and external expertise strengthen the university in its role as a learning organization. This creates an open, reflective and future-oriented quality culture.
Work in Progress
The Learning Cultures Mission Statement project group is working on further topics and website content in the spirit of a "living document". Share your ideas with us and participate in the further development process.
The participatory development process of the learning cultures mission statement
The "Learning Cultures Mission Statement" provides a central framework for the future design of studying and teaching at the University of Siegen. It will
- describe central values and requirements that are reflected in the courses on offer,
- provide orientation for students and teaching staff,
- serve as a basis for strategic decisions and for the quality assurance and further development of studies and teaching.
The University of Siegen is continuously developing its "Learning Cultures Mission Statement" in a collaborative process.
To ensure that the mission statement continues to reflect the diverse perspectives on teaching at the University of Siegen, the participation of all status groups is crucial - whether students, teaching staff or employees in administration and services. Your perspectives are in demand!
Are you interested in working with us, do you have ideas on further topics in the area of learning cultures or suggestions for revisions to the current mission statement?
Then please contact usat lernkulturen@uni-siegen.de.
Many people from different subjects, degree programs and central institutions at the University of Siegen have already been involved in the process so far. We would like to thank them for their constructive cooperation:
Tobias Auberger, Pascal Auer, Swaantje Brill, Frédéric Falkenhagen, Annika Gruhn, Oliver Hahm, Ulrike Hietsch, Hans Merzendorfer, Katharina Miketta, Barbara Müller-Naendrup, Melanie Müller, Sandra Schönauer, Jürgen Strothmann, Birgit Papke, Christine Sing, Giuseppe Strina, Antje Zoller.
January - February 2025
In preparation for the development of a "Learning Cultures Mission Statement" , the first considerations for the development process and a possible timeline were presented at the Jour Fixe of the Vice Deans and ASTA.
March 2025
In preparation for the mission statement, the first meeting of the project group took place on March 7, 2025. Several working groups were formed to draft texts for the various subject areas and to prepare for the Day of Learning Cultures. In the next step, a working group was put together to produce an initial draft text based on the preliminary work already completed. The term "Learning Cultures Mission Statement" was also established.
April - June 2025
The second meeting of the project group took place on 11.4.25. The central point was the finalization of the cover text, which defines the term "learning culture" in more detail. Aspects such as openness and diversity, flexibility, transformation and the role of the learning culture as an orientation framework and support structure were discussed.
The next steps included the creation of further texts by the thematic working groups by the end of May, based on the agreed key questions. At the same time, a concept for the presentation of the mission statement and the development process on the "Teaching" website is being developed.
At the 3rd project group meeting on June 2, 2025, the text sections created by the working groups were presented and discussed.
The results served as the basis for the next phase, in which feedback on the existing drafts was incorporated and the content was synergistically linked.
On 11.06.2025, the current interim status was presented to the Education Commission.
July - September 2025
Between July and September, the text sections were further elaborated and existing feedback was incorporated.
The mission statement for learning cultures will be presented at the meeting of the Senate Commission on 17.9.2025.
December 2025
On 09.12.2025 from 10:00 to 17:30, the Day of Learning Cultures will take place at the University of Siegen in the University Library on the AR Campus. All members of the University of Siegen are invited. The program will be published shortly.
And then?/And now?
The University of Siegen is continuously developing its "Learning Cultures Mission Statement" in a collaborative process. Participation is possible at any time.
The Learning Cultures Mission Statement project group is made up of representatives from the Schools, the ZLB, the QZS and the Prorectorates SLQ and LWN.
If you have any questions about the development process, please contact the central e-mail address lernkulturen@uni-siegen.de.
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We look forward to your feedback!
Talk to us!
If you have any suggestions, questions or requests regarding the current status of the Learning Cultures mission statement, please send an e-mail to: lernkulturen@uni-siegen.de
