Departmental bodies
The basic organisational units of Hochschule München are its 14 departments. They are responsible for delivering the curriculum and collaborate across the university to promote interdisciplinarity in teaching, continuing professional development and research.
The governing bodies of a department include the Dean, the Dean of Studies and the Faculty Council.
Deans
Deans chair their respective Faculty Councils. They implement the Councils’ decisions and are responsible for the development plans of their departments and the performance targets agreed with the university management. In addition, they decide on matters such as the allocation of funds, premises and posts.
Election / term of office
The Dean is elected by the Faculty Council from among the department’s Professors, subject to the approval of the university management. The term of office is usually four years, and re-election is possible. Departmental regulations may stipulate different terms of office.
You can find the current deans of the HM on the websites of the respective departments.
Further information on the role of the Dean can be found in Article 28 of the Bavarian Higher Education Act.
Deans of Studies
Deans of Studies ensure that the range of courses on offer complies with the examination and study regulations, that students can complete their studies within the standard period of study, and that students receive appropriate support. They are responsible for evaluating Teaching – taking student feedback into account. Each year, they produce a report on the state of teaching and learning within the department.
Election / term of office
The Dean of Studies is elected by the Faculty Council from among the department’s professors, subject to the approval of the university management. The term of office is usually four years, and re-election is possible. Faculty regulations may stipulate different terms of office.
You can find the Deans of Studies at HM on the websites of the respective departments.
Further information on the role of the Deans of Studies can be found in Article 30 of the Bavarian Higher Education Act.
Faculty Councils
The Faculty Council is the highest decision-making body within a department and is responsible for all department matters not specifically assigned to the Dean or another faculty body. It decides, for example, on general teaching matters (such as degree programmes, specialisations and temporary teaching contracts) and the appointment of professors. Its decisions often have to be confirmed by the university management and, in some cases, by the senate in order to take effect.
The Faculty Council comprises the following members: the Dean, the Vice Deans, the Deans of Studies, representatives of the professors, academic staff members, other staff members, students, and the Women’s Representative. All professors may attend Faculty Council meetings and participate in an advisory capacity. The Dean chairs the Faculty Council.
Election / term of office
Elections to the Faculty Council are held annually. All members of a department – professors, staff and students – are eligible to vote, each within their respective group.
Further information on the Faculty Council can be found in theBavarian Higher Education Act, Section 31.