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Over 6,000 signatures for the future of the Höxter university location!
A delegation from Höxter handed over 6,099 signatures to NRW Science Minister Brandes to secure study opportunities on campus.
Over 6,000 signatures for the future of the Höxter university location!
On October 29th, a delegation of 35 people from Höxter traveled to the Düsseldorf state parliament to point out the future development of the university location. The group was made up of students, local politicians, supporters and members of the “Teaching Action Group at Höxter University” and presented an impressive 6,099 signatures that they had collected as part of a citizens’ vote. They exceeded their own expectations twice, which brought great joy to both those present and their supporters. NRW Science Minister Ina Brandes and members of the Science Committee accepted the signatures, while District Director Manuela Kupsch and Mayor Daniel Hartmann supported the delegation.
The signatures were collected at local events such as the Huxori Festival and Fairy Tale Sunday, among others. They represent the demand for the preservation and further development of teaching and research on the Höxter campus, which critics emphasize as essential. There are concerns about the university management's plans to reduce the size of the campus, while at the same time calling for major government support to secure environmental studies courses at the location.
A strong concept for the future
Accompanying the handover of the signatures, the action group presented a preliminary concept for the Höxter campus. This concept provides for both quality improvements through interdisciplinarity and the pooling of resources. The aim is to develop unique selling points in the course offerings in order to increase student numbers. This also includes proposals for an international meeting center, allotment plots and affordable housing, which are intended to increase the attractiveness of studying in Höxter.
In addition, the action group received support from 44 letters from scientists, administrations and companies confirming their interest in continuing the study programs. Prominent supporters such as Prof. Dr. Michael Succow and Prof. Dr. Helge Bruelheide also supported the initiative.
A look at the university landscape
But what is the fundamental status of the university landscape in Germany? According to current data, there are a total of 422 universities in the country for the 2024/25 winter semester, including 209 universities of applied sciences and 109 universities. Most students are enrolled at universities, with the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and the Technical University of Munich being among the largest. For comparison: The IU International University, the largest university in Germany, has over 120,000 students; an indication of how diverse the university landscape is and how important education is.
The situation at the Höxter campus makes it clear that education is not just an individual matter, but can also be of enormous importance for the region. The initiators are urgently appealing to the state government not to support the TH OWL's relocation plans, as these could endanger the campus. For her part, Science Minister Ina Brandes has pledged support for the Höxter university location, which fuels hope for a positive turn of events.
What is happening around the campus in Höxter shows not only the great commitment of citizens, but also the urgent need to ensure the sustainability of teaching and research at this location - a duty that we as a society should take seriously.