Committees and representatives

The Art in Architecture working group deals with existing works of art at the university (façade, interior or exterior), their relevance, authorship and locations. Sub-areas include "art in architecture", new placement of existing works of art or the placement of new works of art. Initially, the working group is aiming to produce a brochure on the historical works of art.

This committee deals with the promotion and development of research activities and the support of young researchers. Its tasks include the strategic planning and coordination of research projects, ensuring the quality of scientific work and creating framework conditions that offer young researchers optimal conditions for their scientific careers.

The Ethics Committee (EC) of Coburg University of Applied Sciences has the task of assessing research projects that touch on ethical issues and issuing opinions on them. The assessment of ethical relevance is the responsibility of the researchers and those involved in the research projects they are conducting. Supervisors, doctoral candidates and students (final theses) are fully responsible for compliance with the ethical principles of Coburg University of Applied Sciences. This essentially concerns research projects involving human subjects. As a result, it is not necessary to apply for an ethics vote for every study or thesis that involves a survey, for example.

Basis
The arbitration committee is set out in the university's principles on the awarding of performance-related pay and research and teaching allowances.

Task
Professors who consider a decision concerning them to be inappropriate according to the principles of the HS can appeal to the Arbitration Committee. The Arbitration Committee should work towards an amicable solution.

Composition and term of office
It is made up of two professors and the Equal Opportunities Officer for Women in Science and the Arts. The duration of the appointment is based on the term of office of the Senate.

The composition and tasks of the Examination Board are regulated in Section 28 APO:

The Audit Committee is responsible for all audit matters that are not expressly assigned to another audit body.
In particular, it is responsible for the following tasks:

1. the determination and announcement of the dates by which the examination results must be available,
2. deciding on fundamental questions regarding admission to examinations and other examination matters of fundamental importance,
3. monitoring the proper application of the audit provisions,
4. handling appeals against examination decisions and deciding on complaints in examination matters.

Coburg University of Applied Sciences attaches great importance to fair and respectful interaction with one another. All members of the university – students and employees alike – are called upon to work together respectfully at all levels and to cultivate a culture of respect. Coburg University of Applied Sciences does not tolerate violence, harassment or direct or indirect discrimination on the grounds of race, ethnic origin, gender, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual identity. For this reason, the university established this position.

Professional conflicts between scientists can also arise in the scientific community. For this reason, a neutral ombudsperson is appointed who can advise the parties appropriately and mediate between them. The ombudsperson also advises on issues of "good scientific practice" and scientific misconduct.

As an ombudsperson, Prof. Dr. Jens Grubert is obliged to treat all concerns confidentially. This also applies beyond the conclusion of a case in order to protect the persons involved. In his work, he is guided by the DFG Code of Conduct "Guidelines for Safeguarding Good Scientific Practice"

The German Research Foundation (DFG) has also set up an online portal "Scientific Integrity". In this portal, users can find the guidelines and corresponding explanations. In addition, there are comments on specific scientific fields, case studies, an overview of frequently asked questions, references to laws and other standards, associated DFG statements and external sources. However, the DFG itself is not involved in processes at Coburg University of Applied Sciences. The ombudspersons are completely independent in their function and work on a voluntary basis.

The Coburg University of Applied Sciences' self-protection team ensures that the university is prepared for various hazardous situations in accordance with the guidelines for preventive self-protection by the authorities (RBehS) and carries out an annual evacuation exercise for this purpose; specially trained crisis management teams are available at both locations to coordinate cooperation with the police, fire department and rescue services in the event of an emergency.