Academic Advisory Board

The Academic Advisory Board has no direct decision-making power, but is a consultative body. It advises the Faculty Board and the Dean in study related matters. It is composed of an equal number of teachers and students and is chaired by the Dean of Studies. The Academic Advisory Board meets about two to three times per semester.

Elections

The members are elected by the Faculty Board at the end of the summer semester or at the beginning of the winter semester at the latest. The term of office is two years for teachers and one year for student members.

Nominations can be submitted to the Faculty Board or the Dean's Office. Self-nomination is possible.

Topics

The Academic Advisory Board discusses various topics related to studying and teaching. The elaboration and implementation of measures is task of other committees, though.

The following examples might give an insight into the issues discussed

Changes to the examination regulations (e.g. number of examinations and modules, examination procedures, requirements for the participation in examinations, regulations to compensate for disadvantages, semesters abroad and practical semesters; see section 64 paragraph 2 of the HG)
Third examination period: There had been considerations to abolish the third period but the Advisory Board submitted a statement in favour of retaining it.
Changes to the Higher Education Act and their implementation of at the faculty. In the past, the higher education institutions in NRW were free to choose whether they wanted to establish an Academic Advisory Board or not. To support the decision making, the Advisory Board submitted a statement which demonstrated its importance and advised to keep it.
Evaluation of studies and teaching (e.g. suggestions regarding form and timing of evaluations)
Further development of the integration of language courses and key competency modules as elective alternatives
Recognition of pre-study internships
Digital teaching and developments due to COVID-19

Goals

Foster exchange:

The Advisory Board aims at providing especially students with a platform where views and opinions on various topics can be discussed in a small group. This makes discussions far more effective than in other, larger, committees where due to the large number of members and topics time is often limited.
Facilitate communication between the faculty and its members and contribute new perspectives:

All members of the university are welcome to attend meetings as guests and to contribute topics, either personally or through their elected representatives. The results and outcomes of the regarding discussions will then be passed on to the relevant committees (usually by the chair of the Academic Advisory Board).
Communicate and share knowledge:

The Advisory Board would like to give members and participants deeper insights into the organisational and administrative processes of the university, which can then be further communicated within the faculty.

Don’t hesitate to contact us.