In order to ensure that the high standards of teaching are maintained for the future, the renowned higher education consultancy CHE Consult presented its recommendations for the further development of degree programs to TU Ilmenau in the summer. On this basis, in July the Presidential Board proposed the strategic ‘Teaching Action Plan’ to the Senate – targeted measures such as the development of innovative study models and a sustainable increase in student satisfaction.
The engineering orientation program has proven to be a key component of success in teaching. Introduced three years ago, the program helps students to tailor their studies to their individual needs during the first semesters by providing intensive, practical insights into various engineering activities.
Since December 2025, the TU Ilmenau’s visibility has been further enhanced by a targeted advisory service in the university’s service areas directly opposite Erfurt Central Station – a centrally located, easily accessible point of contact for prospective students.
Modern teaching programs at the cutting edge
The quality of teaching is continuously promoted at TU Ilmenau, and the teaching programs keep pace with the times: In March, the AI Certificate was launched as the university’s first interdisciplinary certificate program, which provides students with in-depth skills in planning, implementing and evaluating projects in the field of artificial intelligence, in addition to their main degree program.
Every two years, the university awards the Academic Teaching Award, recognizing lecturers for their outstanding commitment and exemplary innovative teaching concepts. In addition, the TU Ilmenau has already participated very successfully on several occasions in theeTeach Network Thuringia, which supports lecturers at state universities in further developing and successfully implementing digital and digitally supported teaching programs in a practical manner.
Focus on sustainability in teaching
The TU Ilmenau firmly embeds the highly topical concept of sustainability not only in research and administration, but also in teaching, driven by the Sustainability Task Group, which also includes students. This year, for example, the university’s Academic Committee examined the project ‘Thuringia Teaches and Learns Sustainably’, which aims to establish sustainability as a central element in engineering degree programs. In May, the new, interdisciplinary Bachelor’s degree program ‘Sustainable Energy Systems’ was launched, teaching core competencies ranging from renewable energies to the circular economy.
A welcoming university with a genuine culture of hospitality
As well as its academic quality, TU Ilmenau appeals to young men and women thanks to its personal atmosphere. At the matriculation ceremony for the winter semester, which has just begun, President Professor Kai-Uwe Sattler personally welcomed the first-year students. In his opening address, he presented the university as a place for research-oriented study and a vibrant sense of community: “Those who study here are not merely managed, but supported.”
This philosophy is also reflected in ‘BaseCamp’, which this year offered an active welcoming culture for the fourth time. From late September to late October, more than 460 new students were personally welcomed to their university there and supported as they embarked on this new chapter in their lives.
Strong student participation on campus
The changes to teaching at the university are underpinned by a vibrant democratic culture of which the students are also an integral part. Through the Student Council within the Senate – the university’s highest decision-making body – students are actively involved in all important decisions. The Student Consul maintains an ongoing dialogue with the university management. In addition, a dialogue session with the university management takes place once a term, during which students and the Executive Board discuss issues relating to campus life directly.
Contact
Prof. Anja Geigenmüller
Vice-President for Teaching and Learning
+49 3677 69-5010
vpsl@tu-ilmenau.de
