Alanus University successfully reaccredited

German Council of Science and Humanities confirms uniqueness and recognizes academic focus

Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences in Alfter near Bonn has been accredited by the German Council of Science and Humanities for a further five years – and, subject to the fulfillment of a small number of conditions, even for a further ten years. In addition to reaccreditation, the university has also been granted an extension of its cooperative right to award doctorates for the Department of Educational Sciences and may continue to confer doctoral degrees (Dr. phil. and Dr. paed.). This would mean that Alanus University – once the conditions have been fulfilled – would receive the longest possible accreditation period awarded by the German Council of Science and Humanities for the second time.

The German Council of Science and Humanities particularly commends the university’s academic orientation and highlights, alongside its scholarly and artistic focus, its strong career-field and practice orientation as a distinctive profile feature of Alanus University: “Alanus University convincingly realizes its central educational goal of bringing together art and science in dialogue with current societal challenges,” states the statement of the German Council of Science and Humanities. “The innovative combination of art, science and society is reflected in cross-departmental study projects, interdisciplinary courses, as well as in the Studium Generale, which is mandatory for all students. The value orientation toward the common good and the focus on sustainability, which occupy an important place in the degree programs, not only meet with lively interest among prospective students, but also prepare them well for specific segments of the labor market.” The German Council of Science and Humanities encourages the university to continue addressing and strengthening the topic of sustainability and to maintain the fundamental value- and common-good orientation of its study offerings, which distinguishes it from many business schools. The Council also emphasizes that the university is able to ensure a good staff-to-student ratio.

By contrast, the application for the right to award doctorates in the Department of Artistic Therapies and Therapy Sciences was not approved. The German Council of Science and Humanities acknowledges the submitted doctoral program, but states that – despite its innovative approach – it currently still lacks the disciplinary breadth of different therapeutic approaches and the appropriate staffing levels. However, professors from the department may still co-supervise a dissertation.

Hans-Joachim Pieper, Rector of Alanus University, is delighted by the recognition expressed through this renewed reaccreditation. For the professors, students and staff, as well as the supporting donors, this is a wonderful affirmation of their work. With its distinctive profile, Alanus University is setting a lasting example in the interweaving of art and science. “With the unique combination of artistic and academic degree programs, we establish our unique position among German art universities,” says Pieper. This, he notes, is only possible with supporters of the university such as Software AG Foundation, Alnatura GmbH, GLS Treuhand and many others, who “believe in the university’s impulses, which place art in the dynamic field between science and society, and qualify young people to help shape society sustainably and responsibly.” The reaccreditation strengthens the university in continuing along the path of its intensive and consistent work.