“We finally have a baseline level of planning certainty: After months of negotiations - in which we lacked even concrete numbers until June - we now at least have the ability to reliably plan our operations”, says Prof. Dr. Eva Waller, the President of the Hochschule RheinMain. The state government’s coalition agreement pledged to provide adequate funding to Hessian universities. However, the framework will remain tight: despite intense negotiations, the HSRM will need to make cuts amounting to around 10 per cent of its overall budget. “This will create enormous challenges for us - especially when it comes to staff, where rising costs will not be offset by an equivalent amount of increased funding”, says Prof. Dr. Waller. “Over the coming years, we will also be looking very carefully to see where we will need to streamline our degree portfolio. Overall, Hessian universities will face enormous pressure over the coming years. We are facing structural shifts”, adds President Prof. Dr. Waller.

Working together to find solutions to big challenges

Prof. Dr. Waller says HSRM will now take a strategic approach and perspective over the coming weeks and months as it considers the path forward for the university and the best way to bring about the transformation. “To use the words of the Hessian Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science, and the Arts: The academic world of 2030 will look different to the one today. But we can and we will shape this world”, emphasizes Prof. Dr. Waller. 

The University President has a message for students: “Our focus is on providing good conditions for studying, with certainty - in teaching, digital infrastructure, and in administration. Let me be very clear: If you’ve started a degree with us, you’ll be able to complete it. The entire HSRM management team will be working hard to deliver the best possible outcome for the university”, Prof. Dr. Eva Waller concluded.