Section 31—Quality Management and Legal Affairs

The Quality Management and Legal Affairs Section is the central authority for

Its primary function is that of an interlocutor for all members of the University of Hamburg who are involved in the University’s academic affairs, i.e., students, teachers, the Executive University Board, the heads of faculties, members of the academic advising offices, and all other administrative sections that are relevant to studying and teaching.

Prospective students, applicants, and other interested parties who are not members of the University of Hamburg can also contact the Quality Management and Legal Affairs Section with any questions relating to its work.

The Section further maintains working relationships with a wide range of external and partner institutions, such as other universities, quality assurance agencies, and courts of law.

Continuously improving studies and teaching

We supply members of our university with important information, services, and tools to help them ensure and improve the quality of studies and teaching. They need to be able to

make informed decisions about the structure, development, and advancement of degree programs and processes,
develop realistic studying and teaching objectives, and
identify problems, determine their causes, and select suitable corrective measures.

Culture of quality

We strive to contribute to the development of a university-wide culture of quality in studying and teaching. For such a culture to flourish, all members of the University need to participate in it, communicate openly about its goals and implementation, and take deliberate action.

Systematic approach

Consistent progress requires a systematic QM approach. Everyone involved in the process of studying and teaching must agree on rules, set goals, plan how to realize them, and monitor and control success at every level—from modules, degree programs, and departments up to faculties, the Executive University Board, and the University as a whole. Information from quantitative and qualitative surveys and assessment procedures, the use of which must also be planned systematically, can support these processes.

Developing expertise collaboratively

We believe that the development of a quality culture and its foundation is the task of the entire University rather than its individuals or organizational units. The Quality Management and Legal Affairs Unit coordinates this process and provides the necessary tools to everyone involved whenever needed. To carry out our task satisfactorily, we continuously advance our expertise in the field of quality assurance and development for studies and teaching and make it available to all members of the University. We keep informed about the current legal and political conditions underlying studying and teaching at the University of Hamburg and impart this information to the University members, helping them to make informed decisions when creating new or developing extant degree programs.

Appreciating experience

In studies and teaching as well as all other areas, the University of Hamburg draws from a wealth of experience and tools that have proven effective in the University as a whole, its individual degree programs, its departments and faculties, and the wider academic community beyond the University. We see it as part of our job to ensure that all faculties have access to this information and to incorporate tried-and-true procedures into a comprehensive quality management system.

Open communication, active networking

We foster an open style of communication within the University and promote networking among professionals in studies and teaching at the University of Hamburg and beyond.

As service providers, we ensure that we are available to answer questions promptly, accurately, and constructively. This means that we find solutions to problems and challenges presented to us by our clients. Keeping within all requirements, we always work in the best interest of those who seek our help. In appeal procedures, our goal is always to come to an amicable arrangement as far as this is justifiable. When the interests and goals of the various players differ significantly, we evaluate all aspects fairly and transparently. Despite our high workload and time restraints, we always strive to live up to our high quality standards.