Statement

Prof. Dr. Stefanie Reese, Rector of the University of Siegen, has made a clear commitment to "Siegen. Knowledge connects", most recently on July 15: "We are firmly committed to 'Siegen. Knowledge connects'. The project offers a unique opportunity to position our university even better in the competition for the best minds and to further sharpen our profile."

Ulf Richter informed the University of Siegen in September 2024 that he had decided to move to the University of Duisburg-Essen. The Rectorate immediately took over the "Building" department, which is directly under the Chancellor, set up a task force and brought in Prof. Dr. Hildegard Schröteler-von Brandt, urban planner and long-standing Dean of Schools II.

The state of North Rhine-Westphalia rolled out the "new master plan for university construction" in 2024, and the university's framework conditions have also changed (falling student numbers, more digital teaching and working from home as a result of the coronavirus pandemic). It is therefore necessary to adapt the original planning. This takes into account the economic and ecological facts.

The University of Siegen has already secured all the space required to implement the "Siegen. Knowledge connects" project. The university is currently working hard to be included in the "New master planning in university construction" process. The aim is still to fully implement the "Siegen. Knowledge connects". Background: In 2024, the University of Siegen submitted two large-scale applications for "Siegen. Knowledge connects" to the state. However, these were rejected with reference to the new procedure, along with the comment that individual measures outside of the new master plan had no chance of success.

Karstadt was never part of the plans for "Siegen. Wissen verbindet", but came into play in 2023 due to the closure of the Siegen branch - as an additional option. After intensive discussions, the university has now had to decide not to pursue this option for economic reasons.