In dialogue for continued development

Faculties and Executive Board draw positive conclusions

Since their introduction in 2022, the strategy meetings between the six faculties and the executive board have established themselves as an important component of joint university and faculty development.. The fourth round of these meetings took place at the beginning of this year. Once again, it became clear that the structured, open exchange offers real added value for all participants in terms of internal communication and the development of the university.

Strategy discussions are an important element at many universities for coordinating the strategic processes of the faculties with the university management and for preparing transparent and well-founded decisions. At TU Braunschweig, too, strategy discussions with the faculties and the executive board are an important element for the implementation of the strategic development concept of holistic development. The topics and procedures are continuously adapted to current needs. Step by step, the format has developed into an effective, dialogue-oriented instrument that focuses on both strategic perspectives and concrete fields of action.

Focus on faculty-specific strategies

This year's discussions focused on the individual challenges and strategies of the faculties, including

• strategic appointment planning,
• the continued development of the study programs,
• the strengthening of overarching cooperation within the university, for example in research programs or joint committee work
• as well as strategic partnerships in the regional and supraregional environment.

Despite their individual starting points, the faculties are united by their interest in optimally combining the strategic goals of the university and those of the faculties in order to strengthen the university as a whole and position it for the future.

Focus on common challenges

Two issues were of equal concern to all faculties and the Executive Board: the structural condition of many buildings and declining student numbers. Both aspects were discussed intensively in the rounds. However, the discussion did not stop at analysis: concrete “action items” were agreed upon by both sides for key areas of action, which are intended to enable short-term steps and advance long-term planning. The action items reflect the breadth of the discussions, ranging from short-term initiatives such as setting up snack boxes or renovation needs to the establishment of seed funds and long-term planning for appointment procedures.

Positive feedback from all sides

In the joint debriefing, both the deans and the members of the Executive Board drew a thoroughly positive conclusion. Particular emphasis was placed on the open and constructive atmosphere, the clear structure of the discussions, and the relevance of the topics covered for the internal processes and decision-making procedures of each faculty.

The discussions on both strategic and operational issues provide mutual insight into the work of the faculties and the Executive Board, as well as into the respective challenges facing the university as a whole.

A format with a future

The strategy discussions have thus once again proven to be a valuable tool for creating transparency, developing common priorities, and initiating concrete measures. They not only strengthen strategic dialogue, but also mutual understanding—an important foundation for successfully shaping the future of our university together.