Society

Objective

The University is a stakeholder and partner in global societal processes and debates, which it helps shape and develop by producing new content, methods and communications in its diverse practice, pedagogy and research. With this in mind, the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar is constantly seeking contact with society beyond the academic landscape. The relationships established through these contacts are provocative and help to shape through mid- and long-term project-based collaborations.

Aim

The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar assumes a leading role in Germany on defining issues, reflecting on them and shaping transformative processes in a post-pandemic global society.

To achieve by 2026

1. Social Transformation

The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar is committed to its socio-political mission. To fulfil this mission, the University engages in regular exchanges with local, regional, national and international partners and global society on attitudes, insights and methodologies. The University actively contributes to democracy-strengthening processes. Digitalisation is one issue in particular that affects all major areas of society. The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar uses its research and teaching skills to create a deeper understanding and a positive awareness of the opportunities and challenges posed by digital processes, both internally and across society.

2023 Milestones:

  •   Design and prepare a symposium on the role of the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar as a cultural pillar of society
  •   Promote and coordinate the University’s participation in socio-political discourses
  •   Develop an AI position paper for all University departments
  •   Design an internal discourse platform on digital transformation with links to external partners (tbc)

2. Transfer

The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar also undertakes its socio-political duties through its transfer activities and incorporating input from society into a constant exchange and making the University’s knowledge, skills, technological developments and artistic perspectives effective outside the University. A cross-faculty »ideas workshop« could provide support for (existing) transdisciplinary work in research and teaching and fulfil the University’s social responsibility.

2023 Milestones:

  •  Create a schedule for the revision of the transfer strategy
  •  Design an »ideas workshop« that serves as a central contact and coordination point 

3. Social and Environmental Sustainability

The Bauhaus-Universität Weimar bases its operations on making a significant contribution to the responsible use of shared resources and relies on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a guide. As a result, we have set ourselves the goal of taking a holistic approach to social and environmental sustainability and to promoting practical implementation of sustainability strategies and clear communication in management, research, teaching and campus development.

2023 Milestones:

  •   Initiate a sustainability strategy
  •   Create a project plan to certify the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar as a »Nachhaltige Universität« (sustainable university) according to »ISO14001« or »EMAS«
  •   Create a plan to establish a prioritised, building-specific energy management system

4. Diversity

Diversity is a true university characteristic; it has shaped academic life for centuries and represents the enrichment of research, teaching and the university environment though diverse perspectives, backgrounds and knowledge cultures. The goal is to maintain this tradition of diversity at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, to take advantage of the potential of diversity, and to foster the conditions required to meet the challenges posed by and to diversity.

 2023 Milestones:

  • Create a plan to develop a concept for an anti-racist university
  • Improve cooperation with Foreigner’s Office in Weimar