Organisation
As a state recognised private University of applied sciences the Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (FHM), like all other universities in the state, is governed by the further education laws of the state of North Rhein Westfalia. In addition to the stronger focus on individual tutoring and smaller class sizes, the greatest difference from state-run universities is that the FHM is financially supported by a group of private trustees.
Are you interested in the structure of the FHM and the most important bodies of the FHM?
The Trustees
The FHM was founded by economic organisations and educational institutions which have been involved with SMEs for years both domestically and across Europe.
Upon this background the Foundation for Education and Crafts, the West German Chambers of Crafts and Skilled Trades’ Council (Westdeutsche Handwerkskammertag), with all chambers of craft in North Rhein Westfalia and the Chamber of Crafts for East Wetfalia Lippe in Bielefeld -as the founding partners of the limited company (FHM gGmbH) - took the initiative and founded the private university in 1999. Prof. Dr Richard Merk is the CEO of the FHM gGmbH.
The Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (FHM) was conferred with the title of state-recognised university from the Ministery for Schools, Science and Research of the State of North Rhein Westfalia on 5th May 2000. On 1st October 2000 the FHM welcomed its first students and has since developed into one of the most successful new universities.
The Office of the Chancellor
The Office of the chancellor consists of the chancellor Prof. Dr. Anne Dreier and the C.E.O. Prof. Dr Richard Merk. The chancellor represents the university both internally and externaly, while the C.E.O. represents the university in commercial and legal matters.
The Senate
The senate acts in an advisory capacity in issues of teaching, study and research which are fundamentally important to the FHM or which directly effect central bodies of the FHM.
The Senate plays a particular role in the following:
- Changes in constitutional structure at the FHM
- Fundamental issues of study reform
- Formation, change and rescindment of schools
- Employment of professors and lecturers for particular positions
The members of the senate are:
- The chancellor as chairperson
- The CEO of the holding
- The vice deans
- Up to three representatives of the faculty of professors
- One representative from lectures and research staff with a university degree
- One representative of the additional members of staff
- One student representative
The Departments
The FHM is divided into departments. These form the fundamental organisational structure. Each department is responsible for its area of study for the FHM. The departments are lead by a dean who represents them within the FHM.
The dean is responsible for the educational content of the programmes within their school, for the organisation of lectures and examinations as well as quality assurance and faculty.
The Administration
The Administration is responsible for internal university organisation and the sections of marketing and quality management.
The School Office is responsible for general student issues (records of study, certificates etc). It is open daily from 09:00 – 12:00 and from 13:00 – 15:00.
The student advice office supports, coordinates and informs on questions on organisation and content with regards to applications and assessment centers for all bachelor and Master programmes.
The Registrars office is responsible for the constitutionally correct implementation of examinations at the FHM. The registrar adheres to the examination regulations, together with the examination board, for all Bachelor and Master programmes.
The university marketing department is responsible for the planning and coordination of all marketing activities as well as operating in an advisory capacity for the trustees.
The Career-Service-Center operates in an advisory capacity and develops seminars for students and graduates of the FHM in order to ensure the most successful transition from educational to working life.
