A Question of Teaching

It was to dig a well, out of which “shall be drawn enlightening water of comforting and salubrious wisdom, inexhaustibly from all ends of the world, in order to quench the pernicious fire of human irrationality and blindness”: that was how the newly-founded University of Freiburg formulated its mission in its deed of formation in 1457. But what does this ideal mean more than 560 years later? What values and principles apply to teaching, learning and studying today? Now, members of the University of Freiburg have examined these questions and developed a mission statement. Five of them spoke to Judith Burggrabe and Alice Tátrai-Gruda about the aspects that were particularly important to them.

 Photo: Sandra Meyndt

“Other universities often simply speak about their mission statement for teaching. However, I believe it’s important that learning is also mentioned and that it comes first. Because even the best teaching is no use if the students don’t accept it. Then again, our mission statement frames requirements not only for teachers but also for students: the University of Freiburg has expectations of its students. At the same time, I am delighted that our mission statement has a very broad base. All status groups, from students to members of the Rectorate, were involved in its development.”

Prof. Dr. Juliane Besters-Dilger, Vice President for Academic Affairs'
Photo: Sandra Meyndt

“I’m very glad that our mission statement summarizes everything that should be important about the university. Diversity is seen as enrichment and has a high priority. It’s also exemplary that the university sees itself as part of the region. The mission statement is succinct and informative; it remains quite open while still being authoritative. I think we students should read it through and discuss it, but it should also be taken as a challenge to all members of the university to live its ideas and actively develop them.”

 Sebastian Neufeld, Master’s degree in Neurosciences and member of the Senate Commission on Academic Affairs
Photo: Patrick Seeger

 “Responsible research and teaching are central to our university’s mission statement. It is my responsibility as a teacher to teach students how they can search for answers creatively and critically above and beyond their own disciplines, because there is added value in interdisciplinarity. The mission statement also manifests other aspects of interdisciplinary cooperation; aspects that are important to the core of our university. As a teacher I feel this represents and affirms me.”

Prof. Dr. Anelis Kaiser, Professor of Gender Studies in MINT
Photo: Patrick Seeger

“It’s very important that all members of the university had the opportunity to take part in the development process and have created the mission statement jointly. Freiburg is an exceptional city, and the university reflects its atmosphere: We were able to incorporate the open-mindedness of the city in the mission statement, as well as the sense of responsibility in dealing with issues such as sustainability. The mission statement will give a sense of direction for the ongoing development of teaching and thus contribute to a better bonding of all the members of our university: we are, despite our differences, a great team!”

 Dr. Günter Schmidt-Gess, Head of Instructional Development Department
Photo: Patrick Seeger

“I really like the quotation from the deed of formation of the University of Freiburg which precedes the mission statement, because it emphasizes that research cannot be an end in itself, but is only worthwhile if it contributes to the wisdom and enlightenment of all. In the end, it is also an incentive to think about quality in teaching. This is where the administrative staff can provide support, by encouraging improvement processes and attempting to shape study structures in such a way that good teaching is given leeway to implement the mission statement on the degree programs.”

Daniel Kachel, Head of the Examination Office at the Faculty of Law
Photo: Patrick Seeger

Mission Statement for Learning & Teaching