Furtwangen University is committed to diversity and tolerance. We are committed to equal opportunities for men and women, to equality between different lifestyles and against discrimination of any kind. At Furtwangen University, we have committed ourselves to taking special account of these principles in our mission statement and have anchored them in various areas:

• Our Gender & Diversity Office is the central coordination point for all issues relating to equality, tolerance, equal opportunities, anti-discrimination and diversity. Its work focuses on the design and implementation of university-specific measures, coordination of the Senate's Gender & Diversity Advisory Committee, involvement in the area of personnel development, further development of the university's diversity concept, topic-related communication internally and externally and close cooperation with the contact persons for equality, equal opportunities and anti-discrimination
• Our Equal Opportunities Representatives support both academic staff and students
• Our non-academic staff are supported by our Gender Equality Representatives 
• Contact persons for discrimination, harassment and bullying are present at every location

The constant pursuit of the highest quality guides the actions of all members of Furtwangen University. In order to define the direction and objectives, HFU has adopted a "Quality Vision" with the participation of the students. Together with the requirements of university law, these goals form the first of the four pillars of the quality management system (QMS) at HFU.

Quality vision

HFU is continuously expanding its traditionally good reputation as an innovative university with outstanding educational quality.

We design teaching and studies in such a way that students achieve the agreed learning objectives of the respective subject and degree programme. This includes the promotion of soft skills and methodological competence. Students are thus also equipped for further development in their fields of work. Our graduates are a positive advertisement for HFU:

• They are pillars of the regional economy and thus strengthen the region.
• They enjoy national recognition and are in demand.
• They are internationally employable.

The university achieves this in a teaching and learning environment with a familiar character and a distinctly constructive culture of discussion.

Quality of results, the fourth pillar of the quality management system (QMS), represents the output of the overall system. A clear structure characterised by values and implementing the applicable university law with efficient processes at all levels results in a high quality of studies and teaching. Conversely, findings from the evaluation of studies and teaching have an impact on the other pillars of the QMS – a continuous improvement process.

Quantitative impact monitoring

• Teaching evaluation: Every course is regularly evaluated by the students. Teachers, course directors and faculties use the insights gained to further develop the course and the degree programme.
• Service evaluation: Students can submit their assessment of the service quality of the administration and central facilities in a regular survey. The administration and facilities use this to derive measures to improve service quality.
• Survey of graduates: How do graduates look back on their studies at HFU? How did they find employment? Answers to these questions are provided by former students in annual surveys. The results are extremely important for the adaptation of a practice-oriented academic degree program.
• Bonus/malus system: All students have a personal points account. This is used to manage studies in the interests of the students, as it enables rapid personal progress in their studies and comprehensive support services.
• Employee survey: Employees regularly look inwards and evaluate their work situation. This is an important management tool for the university in order to further develop cooperation and leadership within the university.

Qualitative impact monitoring

• Quality reports: The annual quality reports of the degree programmes are HFU's central reporting tool. They contain all important key figures of the degree programmes and the faculty's statement on the development of the degree programme. A university-wide quality report is compiled on this basis.
• Quality discussions: Annual discussions between the faculty and the Board of Executives on the existing range of courses serve to further develop studies and teaching. The faculties' quality reports are included here.
• Study commissions: The study commissions in all degree programmes make recommendations for the further development of the content and form of studies and are involved in the evaluation of teaching.

External evaluations

Furtwangen University wants to know: How do others see us? This is why HFU participates in third-party evaluations, rankings and certifications.
Here is a selection of Furtwangen's successes:

• HFU's degree programmes regularly receive top positions in rankings such as the CHE University Ranking.
• HFU is one of the universities of applied sciences with the most scientific publications in Baden-Württemberg (peer review journals).
• HFU has an above-average research income (third-party funding) among universities in Baden-Württemberg.
• HFU's continuing education programme was rated "GOOD" by Stiftung Warentest.
• HFU was the second university of its type in Germany to be awarded the coveted seal of system accreditation. This is based on its highly developed quality assurance system in the areas of study and teaching.
• The ERASMUS seal of quality documents the outstanding quality of support for international students at HFU.
• As one of the few universities in Germany, HFU's sustainability management has been awarded the EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS).

Internationality is an integral part of Furtwangen University's mission statement and its trademark.

Internal link opens in the same window:Find out more about Furtwangen University's mission statement.