Strategic development & quality management
The University of applied sciences Weihenstephan-Triesdorf pursues continuous development in order to systematically maintain the high quality of study and teaching. To this end, we provide our departments with professional and methodological support.
Why quality management at HSWT?
Based on our responsibility for high quality in teaching and learning, we at the University of applied sciences Weihenstephan-Triesdorf focus on transparency throughout. The goal is a holistic system as well as sustainability of the processes. The HSWT uses the instruments and methods of QM to develop clear strategies and goals. Strengths, weaknesses as well as necessary improvements at the University of applied sciences are implemented together so that suitable systems are created for the needs of the HSWT.
Quality management at HSWT means in a nutshell:
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Identification of improvement potentials & examination of their feasibility
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self-critical assessment of the role as a "learning organisation" that is continuously developing itself further
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Evaluation of the existing processes with regard to the needs of the students
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Consideration of suggestions, ideas & complaints
What instruments does HSWT use for quality assurance?
The continuous development of HSWT is based on the following aspects of quality management:
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Evaluations
Within the framework of quality assurance for studying, teaching and continuing education, evaluations have been developed and procedures implemented in order to use the data obtained to improve quality. All evaluation data is handled with care; the basis for the evaluations and the subsequent measures (in addition to the legal framework conditions) is the Evaluation Regulations (EO).
Surveys are conducted internally and by staff and teaching staff of the University of applied sciences. EvaSys (paper-based & online, standardised questionnaires & question pool) and Moodle are available for this purpose.
Courses
Teaching evaluations as student feedback on courses are used for reflection and facilitate suitable further developments, e.g. evaluation of individual courses, evaluation of study programmes: Evaluation of individual courses, evaluation of study programmes, projects, seminars, exercises and internships.
Student-Life-Cycle
In order to achieve a holistic view along the "Student-Life-Cycle", students are surveyed in various phases of their studies: applicant survey, first semester survey, study entry survey, university evaluation "Your opinion counts! Evaluate your University of applied sciences", graduate survey, and retention analysis.
External surveys
In addition to internal evaluations, we also coordinate external surveys on teaching and learning in which the HSWT participates. The implementing partners are actors in higher education research:
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CHE Ranking
- Graduate Panel - Germany-wide panel (German Centre for Higher Education and Knowledge Research/DZHW)
- Student Survey in Germany/SiD - Study Quality Monitor, nationwide representative survey (DZHW)
- Bavarian Graduate Survey/BAS - participation in annual surveys (Bavarian State Institute for Higher Education Research and Planning/IHF)
- Bavarian Graduate Panel/BAP - participation in survey of a graduate cohort every four years (IHF)
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Development and accreditation
Objectively measurable data are part of quality management. We prepare data and figures and make them available centrally so that, for example, meaningful teaching reports can be produced. We also regularly evaluate statistical data on student success within the degree programmes and semesters as well as on the overall student statistics.
We advise and support the departments in the development of study programmes as well as accreditation in questions concerning the strategic procedure and the necessary committee procedures within the University of applied sciences. We also provide support in coordinating with the accreditation agency and the Accreditation Council (study programme database).
In addition, we provide handouts and templates that facilitate the preparation of the necessary documents and concepts.
With the decision in the winter semester 2020/21 to further develop the quality management system of the HSWT and to have it certified, efforts are being made to obtain system accreditation. The subject of the system accreditation is the internal quality management system of the HSWT. With the system accreditation, the University of applied sciences receives the right to award the seal of the Accreditation Council itself for the study programmes it has audited.
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Process management
In the sense of an effective and resource-saving way of working, we consider all service processes at the HSWT across departments and faculties. In the process analysis, we include the perspectives of all those involved in the core area of teaching and learning. The aim is to develop a common understanding of the work processes in order to optimise cooperation across departments and divisions.
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Suggestions, ideas and management of ideas and complaints
An important part of quality management is the direct suggestions and feedback from students on study conditions and services.
In addition to the online contact form, you can also fill out the complaint form and drop it in the mailbox of the HSWT Student.Service.
