Quality Assurance Instruments

The purpose of the program analysis is to process and compile program-specific information from higher education statistics, including data on the number of students, graduates, dropout rates, the number of students completing their studies within the standard period of study, etc.

Evaluating modules and courses toward the end of the semester allows students to assess the course’s pedagogical and academic aspects, as well as the module’s structure, workload, and how well it fits into the curriculum. The university uses the EvaSys software program for course evaluations.

The program-specific student forums held in the departments offer students—particularly those in their third semester or later—the opportunity to discuss specific issues related to their studies and instruction in direct dialogue with program administrators. Students can provide feedback on academic conditions, their own program, and specific courses. Problems and suggestions for improvement are discussed, and potential solutions are explored. Minutes must be taken of these student forums. Measures to resolve problems and further develop the program must be proposed by the program committee and approved by the faculty council. The Council is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the proposed measures, and the dean must ensure that this is carried out.

Bachelor’s students in their 5th semester and Master’s students in their 2nd or 3rd semester are surveyed on how they rate their own degree program and the overall academic environment at TU Ilmenau. Information is collected on topics such as the course of study, workload, advising services, satisfaction with the program, general conditions, and the practical and research relevance of their respective degree programs. The surveys are typically conducted online with the support of EvaSys. The results are made available to the university administration and the faculties.

Students (Bachelor’s, Master’s) who have successfully completed their studies at TU Ilmenau and subsequently left the university are asked to provide a retrospective evaluation of their academic experience. Information is collected on topics such as their assessment of their own degree program, their entry into the workforce and employment status, as well as their overall satisfaction with their studies at TU Ilmenau. The surveys are typically conducted online with the support of EvaSys. The results are made available to the university administration and the faculties.

The results of the survey on professional practice serve, on the one hand, to assess the readiness of students and future graduates for professional practice, as well as their future professional competence. On the other hand, the results help ensure that feedback from the professional field is continuously taken into account in the further development of degree programs. As part of the internship, student supervisors in companies and organizations are surveyed—on the one hand, regarding their basic expectations of the knowledge and skills of students in a specific field of study, and on the other hand, regarding their assessment of the students’ actual competencies.

Through the Quality Management Suggestion Box, all members and affiliates of the university can contact the Office of Digital Processes and Quality Management at any time to raise their concerns. The Feedback Box can be used to share suggestions, report problems, and offer praise. In addition, students can use the Feedback Box to provide feedback on the workload in their degree program.

Feedback Box on the intranet: https://intranet.tu-ilmenau.de/site/qm/SitePages/Meinungsbox.aspx?web=1

Each year, the departments report on key metrics in teaching, research, and self-governance. In this context, they present, among other things, the results of internal evaluations of their degree programs, the measures taken, and the outcomes of implementing those measures. The departments reports serve as a basis for discussion during the annual departments meetings.

Every year, discussions are held between the department leadership and the Executive Board regarding the strategic development of the department in teaching and research. With regard to core processes in academic programs and teaching, the department discussions focus on the development of the departments’ degree programs, the results of quality assessments, quality improvement measures, and the follow-up on Monita and the resulting actions. Based on these discussions, measures for quality development in academic programs and teaching may be incorporated into the goal and performance agreements with the Executive Board.

This university-wide event takes place once a year and addresses current developments in academic studies and teaching, the further development of degree programs, teaching and examination formats, pedagogical challenges, and the surrounding framework conditions (including examination regulations, data protection, digital administration, etc.). The event is designed and led by the Vice President for Teaching and Learning. It consists of keynote presentations and discussion sessions that enable participation by all staff and student groups. The outcomes of these events are documented and incorporated into other formats, including the “Department Roundtable,” an informal discussion and working group for department members at TU Ilmenau.

The TU Ilmenau Teaching Award is presented every two years for outstanding achievements in academic teaching. The departments may nominate professors, lecturers, and research assistants who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in one or more of the following criteria:

• special initiatives to promote access to and interest in research questions within the discipline,
• measures to promote individual academic readiness and to provide support, particularly during the introductory phase of studies,
• measures to accommodate student diversity in both study and teaching (e.g., gender, nationality, culture, students with disabilities),
• above-average academic and pedagogical quality of courses,
• innovative teaching methods, including digital teaching and examination formats,
• the updating and academic advancement of the course offerings, degree programs, and the development of new degree programs.

The Teaching Award will be presented again in 2025. The Academic Affairs Committee will decide on the nominations. The Teaching Awards are presented during academic ceremonies, such as the matriculation ceremony.

The university administration regularly publishes information on key developments in academic programs and teaching in the so-called “QM Report.” The “QM Report” serves as a report to the ministry, the University Council, and other internal stakeholders.