University Culture
How we understand university culture
The University of Freiburg uses the term ‘university culture’ to refer to a common attitude that should manifest itself in the everyday actions of all University members. Our university culture is based on the University’s core values and mission statement. The term is associated with a demand for cultural change that aims to establish a culture of equity, respect, and belonging in all areas of the University. In this way, the University of Freiburg creates the conditions necessary for excellent research and teaching that enable free thought, critical reflection, and a diversity of perspectives.
“Quality, responsibility, and openness – these are values we uphold at the University of Freiburg. We understand ourselves as an open-minded community in which everyone can develop to their full potential – regardless of their gender, origin, religion, or sexual identity. Diversity and equity are a precondition for research strength.”
Prof. Dr. Sylvia Paletschek
Vice Rector for University Culture
Living up to our mission
The University of Freiburg’s values are enshrined in its mission statement: “We connect quality – in studies and teaching, in research, and in all other areas of our work – with responsibility for science and research, the environment, and society, and with an openness to new questions, diversity, and equity. It is against these values that we aim to measure what we do, who we are, and everything we still want to become.”
The University of Freiburg has produced outstanding and remarkable things in the course of its history – yet also things that demand reconsideration and reappraisal. We want to confront these issues as well as challenges facing society today and grow from them. Our University should be a place for renewal and change.
Fostering diversity
The University of Freiburg actively promotes a university culture that is equitable, inclusive, and sensitive to discrimination. This includes gender equity as well as inclusion, anti-racism, educational equity, religious, sexual, and gender diversity, protection against ageism, and combinations of these dimensions.
The most important measures:
Developing a culture of leadership and work
The University of Freiburg is committed to continually developing its culture of leadership and work. In doing so, we rely on common values, clear guidelines, and open exchange. This is also reflected in our leadership guidelines.
The most important measures:
