Paderborn University was awarded the DHV seal of approval for fair and transparent appointment negotiations by the German Association of University Professors and Lecturers (DHV) on 1 June.
According to the DHV, appointment negotiations at Paderborn University are standardised and appropriate. Last but not least, an appointment monitor ensures that there is a high level of transparency regarding the procedures for applicants for a professorship at all times. It is also highly appreciated that almost every appointment holder, regardless of their grade, receives a personal appointment with the university management. Thanks to thorough preparation by the dean's offices and university management, appointment negotiations generally take place in a relaxed, constructive atmosphere that is also perceived as very good by the participants. The strengths of Paderborn's appointment procedures also included good to very good equipment and salary offers. In this context, it should be particularly emphasised that Paderborn University does not conclude target and performance agreements, thereby demonstrating great confidence in the performance of the newly appointed professors. New appointments are made easier by a special reception for new appointments or the so-called ‘New Appointee Network’. There is also a wide range of support and information on offer. External coaching sessions for new appointees are also financed. Paderborn University is also characterised by a prudent dual career service and a well-functioning family service, which provides assistance in the search for childcare places, for example, and takes particular care of the compatibility of family and career through the ‘Puki’ short-term childcare service and a babysitter and ‘substitute grandparent’ service.
‘Clever and forward-looking appointment management remains crucial for a successful profile in research and teaching. The DHV seal of approval supports universities with both critical and constructive feedback in order to positively develop appointment negotiations,’ explained the President of the DHV, Prof. Dr Dr h.c. Lambert T. Koch. ‘Appointment matters are a top priority at Paderborn University. We are very pleased that the award of the DHV seal of approval confirms that we deal with appointment negotiations in a very personal and respectful manner,’ emphasised the President of Paderborn University, Prof. Dr Birgitt Riegraf. ‘The report associated with the award process is consistently positive and helpful, because it also provides valuable and even more detailed information on where we can improve,’ continued Riegraf.
The main basis of the DHV seal of approval is a weighted questionnaire with 42 questions, which the DHV has developed based on its counselling experience in appointment procedures. The DHV advises academics in around 70 per cent of all appointment and tenure negotiations in Germany. The focus of the assessment is on fairness, appreciation, transparency and reliability in the appointment and retention negotiations. Statements from the universities assessed are also included in the evaluation. In addition, interviews are conducted with professors appointed to the respective university about their experiences in the appointment process, as well as the expertise of the DHV judges.
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