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Program: Freedoms for Governance

Scope for creativity in the science support service

We would like to inform that participation in the program is currently only possible in German. The English page is for information purposes only.

Do you see something that could be improved at the university? Work processes that could be optimized or future topics that could be dealt with more intensively? Would you like to look beyond the boundaries of your field of work and realize a project in the science support service that is not directly related to your day-to-day tasks?

Then we invite you to further develop your approaches and implement them for the University of Konstanz. Apply to participate in the program "Freedoms for Governance - Freedoms for Creativity in Science Support Services"!

The next round starts in November 2023.

What is it all about?

As part of the Excellence Strategy, the University of Konstanz has decided to promote continuous change through excellent management. One component of this is the promotion and further development of academic support staff. Projects in this target group are intended to strengthen the University of Konstanz's future viability and capacity for renewal.

Under the motto "creative.together", creative freedom has also been opened up for academic support staff. In this way, the university aims to develop the creative potential of all employees and absorb diverse ideas and impulses.

Governance at universities

Governance is a continuous process that aims to coordinate the cooperative actions of different interests within an organization. The aim is to ensure the university's ability to act and future viability with regard to international competition, social change and digital transformation. It is important to take into account the interests and goals of as many target groups as possible and to utilize their creative potential and motivation.

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How is the program structured?

Participants in "Freedoms for Governance" can apply for a full or partial leave of absence from their work duties for up to six months in order to dedicate themselves to a forward-looking project that sets the university or one of its areas of work up well for the future.

Over the course of a university year, participants receive an accompanying training and coaching programme to help them concretize and successfully implement their project ideas (more information below). The program starts in the winter semester.

Depending on the project, the leave of absence can also be used to visit other institutions or companies and incorporate the experience gained there into your project. In addition, you can also attend comprehensive training courses that are necessary for project implementation.

How does participation in the program actually work?

Participants in Freedoms for Governance implement their project plans independently within one academic year. An accompanying program with mandatory and optional elements supports them in successfully implementing their project plans and, for example, finding solutions when project progress interrupts or comes to a standstill.

Which project proposals can be implemented?

You are free to choose your project proposal. The important thing is that it has a significant impact or effect on the university as a whole or on one of its areas of work (e.g. department, faculty). The project should therefore not be part of your field of work. In addition, you agree to remain responsible for the implementation of your project even after the end of the program if your project proposal cannot be fully implemented or completed within the program period.

Project ideas can come from the following areas, for example:

  • Improving collaboration (e.g. particularly across departmental or divisional boundaries)
  • Digital change (e.g. digitalization of work processes, dealing with change)
  • Sustainability (e.g. careful use of resources, circular economy, purchasing sustainable equipment, waste management, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy monitoring, university engagement and transfer)
  • Organizational and leadership culture (e.g. appreciative communication, introduction of agile methods)
  • Health management (e.g. measures for students or employees)

This list is not exhaustive. If your project idea goes in a different direction, we look forward to hearing more about it.

Which projects have already taken place?

Freedoms for Governance started for the first time in the winter semester 2020/21. Seven projects have been funded so far. Further information can be found under Funded projects (only available in german for internal purpose)

Further questions?

Contact us if you have any questions about the program or your application:

Kerstin Melzer, Team Leader Staff Development, Apprenticeship, Healthy University (Division of Human Resources), kerstin.melzer@uni.kn

Renate Pfeifer, Head of the Human Resources, renate.pfeifer@uni.kn