With its first University Development Plan for the years 2017–2022, Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences is presenting a comprehensive strategic framework designed to build on its strengths for the future and which will shape the university’s future development.
Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences today unveiled its first university development plan for the period up to 2022. The university development plan provides the binding framework for the university’s future strategic direction, including its range of degree programmes, research priorities and organisational structure.
The formulation of a university development plan is a statutory requirement for all universities in North Rhine-Westphalia. However, the approach taken to draw up this development plan is a matter of choice. “I am delighted that Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences’ first University Development Plan was developed and adopted through an open, university-wide consultation process involving all members and groups within the university. Its implementation will shape the university’s development over the coming years,” said University President Dr Heide Naderer.
Internationality and a consistent focus on sustainability are the defining cornerstones of the university’s future development. “At the same time, however, the university is a regional player that attaches great importance to close cooperation with partners in the region,” explains Dr Heide Naderer.
In the areas of ‘Enabling comprehensive education’, ‘Strengthening applied research and knowledge transfer’, ‘Shaping Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences as a social hub’ and ‘Optimising structures and using resources sustainably’, the fundamental strategic direction is defined in concrete terms and implemented through specific measures.
“One of the objectives of the University Development Plan, for example,” explains the Vice-President for Human Resources, Organisational Development and Diversity, Professor Dr Georg Hauck, “is to position Rhein-Waal University as a leader in Germany in terms of internationalisation. Student engagement, academic success and employability are to be optimised in order to enable students to pursue a successful, high-quality course of study and to ensure a good start to their careers.
Internationally competitive research is to be strengthened in order to position the university for the future in terms of research and innovation. The university sees itself as a ‘learning organisation’ and is committed to its further development as both an organisation and a social system.”
University President Dr Heide Naderer summarises: “We are now entering the implementation phase, but with this first university development plan we have successfully set the course for the university’s future.”
