Quality Management
Quality Management in School II
The continuous improvement of the quality of teaching and academic programs is a central priority for the school. By “quality,” we mean academically rigorous study and work conditions that address the needs of both students and faculty.
We are convinced that the quality of academic programs and teaching is a decisive factor in students’ academic success and graduation. The faculty adheres to the quality objectives of the University of Siegen. A culture of quality thrives on the participation of everyone. Every member of the faculty is called upon to get involved!
Please also refer to the University of Siegen’s Regulations on Quality Management.
Quality Management Structure
School II strives for a dialogue-oriented quality management system in which exchange and the involvement of all stakeholders in the process take center stage. The concrete implementation of quality in academic programs and teaching takes place at the program level. All degree programs have their own governing bodies (e.g., degree program conferences, departmental conferences, etc.), consisting of faculty members and student representatives from the department, who make strategic and day-to-day decisions regarding the program’s development. The primary points of contact for all questions regarding the degree program are the program coordinators.
For overarching issues that cannot be resolved at the degree program level, there is the School Commission for Quality Management. This commission addresses all issues that cannot be resolved at the degree program level. These may include, for example, idea management, evaluations, or annual reviews. The QM coordinators act on behalf of the Dean’s Office and coordinate the School’s quality management system.
Quality Management Responsibilities of School II
Faculty II is a teaching, research, and administrative unit comprising the academic disciplines of education, architecture, and the arts. In addition to its formal organizational structure, it is responsible for a wide range of tasks. These tasks are carried out by various stakeholders both within and outside Faculty II. These areas of responsibility are part of a quality management (QM) network that is constantly evolving. The QM coordination office of School II conducts regular monitoring and serves as the point of contact for staff and students on all matters related to quality management.
Core QM procedures in School II include, among others, degree program management, advising, annual reviews, course evaluations (quantitative and qualitative), rankings/ratings, capacity analyses and planning, surveys (student surveys, new student surveys, graduate surveys, alumni and doctoral candidate surveys), the scholarship program, projects to improve the quality of studies funded by QVM resources, accreditations, and the QM Commission. Related bodies and committees within School II include the Faculty Council, the departmental conferences, the Academic Advisory Board, the student councils, the research centers of School II (ZPE, SiZe), the Faculty II Office for Gender Equality, the examination boards, the internship and examination offices, the degree program coordinators, and the IT User Committee.
Converging institutions and committees at the university level include the QM Steering Committee, the Senate Commission for Studies and Teaching, the QZS (Quality Center of the University of Siegen), QM coordinator meetings, the Center for Teacher Training and Educational Research (ZLB), the Department of Higher Education Pedagogy, the ZSB (Central Student Counseling Service), the AStA, and the University Administration (in particular Department 2—University Planning and Department 3—Legal and Academic Affairs).
Projects Funded by QV Funds
Faculty II generally provides funding each semester for projects aimed at improving the quality of teaching and learning. All students and faculty members of School II are eligible to apply. The grants are primarily intended to support teaching and learning projects that provide innovative impetus for improving the quality of teaching and student learning. Intended as seed funding, this is a one-time, earmarked financial grant for the planned teaching and learning innovation. It can be used, for example, for:
- Project-related support from student or research assistants
- Project-related material costs
- Funding guest speaker fees for experts with proven expertise in the field
- Field trips (only for proposals from the Department of Education)
The Quality Assurance Commission decides on the selection of submitted project proposals (see the respective call for proposals for selection criteria). Applications must be submitted to the Dean’s Office and the Office of the Dean of Studies at School II.
Information on Student Participation
The Student Council represents the interests of students in a particular field vis-à-vis faculty and the university, and organizes student parties and gatherings. You’ll get great study tips from others who are further along in their studies. Broaden your horizons!
You’ll also have the chance to connect with fellow students and get involved in areas such as public relations, finance, or organization. There are student councils for Architecture (https://www.fsr-architektur.uni-siegen.de), Social Work (https://www.der-fachschaftsrat.org), and in Educational Sciences for Elementary Education (fsr-primarstufe@paedagogik.uni-siegen.de) and on Instagram: fsrlehramt_ghr_unisiegen, as well as for Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in all teacher education tracks (https://www.uni-siegen.de/fsrgglabama/).
For all degree programs, an exchange between faculty and students takes place at least once a year on an equal footing to facilitate mutual dialogue. The goal is to make improvements to the academic program. Perspectives often differ, so that one side may be unaware of the problems faced by the other; in the best-case scenario, these issues can be resolved. You can find more details here.
You can find the dates for the annual meeting by contacting the program coordinator.
All faculty members in the department submit at least one course for digital evaluation by students. This is your chance to share your opinion. Many faculty members are very interested in your perspective and are highly motivated to convey their material in a way that is easy to understand. Your participation as a student is essential to this process.
In addition to course evaluations, there are university-wide surveys, the results of which inform a wide range of analyses and planning efforts.
This commission at the faculty level discusses topics that extend beyond individual degree programs. Topics may include evaluations, idea management, digital and hybrid teaching, etc. The committee consists of the dean, the associate dean for academic affairs, students and professors from individual degree programs, the degree program coordinators, and the quality management coordinator.
Within the schools, the academic disciplines organize themselves according to their own needs. For example, department, discipline, or program conferences are held to decide on course offerings and exam schedules, as well as to allocate funding.
In all of these bodies, there are seats reserved for students and agenda items where you can voice your concerns. Don’t let the fact that there are many professors there intimidate you. It’s worth sharing your own opinions and understanding the needs of the other side. View the situation as a challenge. In your career, you’ll have to advocate for your interests just as much!
In the Faculty Council decides on matters concerning the School. These may include, for example, new degree programs, calls for applications for professorships, future strategies, appointments to committees, examination regulations, and similar issues. According to the School bylaws, there are three student members with voting rights on the School Council. The School Council meets monthly.
Following a decision by the Rectorate and the Faculty Council, a professorship is advertised. An appointment committee is formed to fill the position; this committee selects, through a process that is as objective as possible, the most distinguished candidate who is the best fit for the role. The appointment process is outlined in the Appointment Guidelines . Two student representatives are sought for each appointment process.
Have a say in who will teach in your department in the future!
The Quality Improvement Committee decides once per semester on the allocation of funds for improving the quality of teaching and academic programs. Students may apply for funding for teaching and learning projects that provide innovative impetus for improving the quality of teaching and academic programs. For more information, see the section “Projects Funded by QVM Funds.”
Every 6 years, the degree programs undergo a comprehensive review by a commission of external professors in the same field. This review process is organized by the Siegen Quality Center. An important component is a discussion with students, to which staff members of the Quality Center extend invitations. The minutes of the discussion are provided to external subject matter experts.
The Academic Advisory Board advises the Faculty Council on academic matters such as examination regulations, course load, and evaluations. This committee meets as needed.