Hochschulrat der Hochschule Darmstadt

The University Council has the task of supporting the university in its development, articulating the expectations of the professional world, and promoting the use of scientific knowledge and artistic achievements. It has a right of initiate on fundamental matters and is involved in the allocation of resources available to the university and in appointment procedures in accordance with paragraphs 2 to 4. The university's development plan requires its approval.

The University Council provides recommendations

• on study program planning,
• on evaluation procedures,
• on target agreements,
• for task-oriented and efficient administration and use of funds,
• on knowledge and technology transfer.

The University Council comments on

• the draft of the university's statutes,
• the accountability report of the executive board and on the teaching and research reports,
• the budget plan,
• the establishment and discontinuation of study programs,
• the structuring of the university into departments.

Recommendations and statements are discussed in the relevant committees; the University Council may send members to meetings to explain its recommendations and statements. The President reports to the University Council on the measures taken and gives it the opportunity to comment if the university does not wish to comply with a recommendation of the University Council.

The University Council may submit a nomination for the election of a President to the electoral assembly.

The members of the University Council work on an honorary basis. They are appointed by the Ministry for a period of two to four years in consultation with the Senate on the recommendation of the Executive Board. Members and affiliates of the university may not be nominated.

The University Council participates in the management of the university's assets in accordance with § 9 para. 1 and in appointment procedures in accordance with § 63 para. 5. Recommendations and statements are discussed in the relevant committees; the University Council may send members to meetings to explain its recommendations and statements. The President reports to the University Council on the measures taken and gives it the opportunity to comment, stating the reasons, if the university does not wish to comply with a recommendation of the University Council. The universities inform the public about the work of the University Council as part of their public relations.

The University Council is involved in appointing the members of the Executive Board. Together with the Senate, it forms a selection committee with equal representation for the election of the President. The University Council prepares a nomination list, which should contain several names. The President's proposal for the election of other members of the Executive Board requires the approval of the University Council.

The University Council consists of up to ten individuals from the fields of business, professional practice, science, or the arts. A representative of the Ministry participates in the meetings in an advisory capacity.

The members of the University Council are generally appointed by the Ministry for a period of four years. A member of the University Council can be dismissed by the Ministry for good cause. Half of the members are nominated by the Executive Board in consultation with the Senate, and half by the Ministry in consultation with the university. Members and affiliates of the university may not be nominated. The aim is to achieve a balanced ratio between new and members remaining on the University Council. The procedure is regulated in the rules of procedure for the committees.

Neighboring universities may form a joint University Council.

The University Council adopts its own rules of procedure.