University of Siegen
Encyclopedia
The University of Siegen in Siegen
, North Rhine-Westphalia
, was founded in 1972. 14,100 students were enrolled at the university as of October 2010.
charged Saxon educator and theologian Erasmus Sarcerius with the task of establishing a Latin school
. During the period 1594 to 1599/1600 and 1606 to 1609, the Calvinist-Reformed
Herborn Academy
(Academia Nassauensis) moved from Herborn
to Siegen
, where it was accommodated in the buildings of the lower castle.
region because the high demand for charcoal for the regional ironworks meant that most areas were woodland. As a result, limited areas were suitable for cattle breeding, so that research into enhancing the yields from the limited amount of meadowland had to be researched.
Following World War Two, the school’s focus shifted towards civil engineering, and, in 1962, it was renamed Staatliche Ingenieurschule für Bauwesen (State School of Civil Engineering).
(formerly located at Weidenau/Hüttental) was the Pädagogische Hochschule Siegerland (Educational University Siegerland), established in 1964. In 1965, it became the Siegerland section of Pädagogische Hochschule Westfalen-Lippe (Educational University Westfalen-Lippe), which marked its transformation into a scientific university.
On 1 August 1972, the comprehensive university development act led to the setting up of a comprehensive university at Siegen/Hüttental, along with four other comprehensive universities in North Rhine-Westphalia
. The Pädagogische Hochschule Siegerland and Siegen-Gummersbach University of Applied Sciences which had schools based at Siegen and Gummersbach
merged to form the new Siegen comprehensive university. In 1980, Siegen comprehensive university was renamed Universität-Gesamthochschule (University-Comprehensive University). The Gummersbach
location was transferred, on 1 June 1983, to Cologne University of Applied Sciences
. Then, on 1 January 2003, the form of ”comprehensive university“ was abandoned, and the existing comprehensive universities became regular universities. Since then, the university has been called University of Siegen.
In line with the political objectives which led to the establishment of comprehensive universities, the University of Siegen is a hallmark for democracy, equal opportunities, transparent professional and scientific education as well as an international outlook. The reform approach inherent to the comprehensive university was put into practice through integral programmes, such as the innovative integrated diploma programmes “Media planning, development and consultancy” and “German and European commercial law”.
Within the framework of the Bologna process
, the University of Siegen implemented the Bachelor/Masters system early on, with the aim of completing the set-up of this model in all faculties during winter semester 2006-2007. The last remaining diploma programmes were actually transformed into Bachelor/Masters programmes during winter semester 2008-2009. This move enables students’ achievements to be comparable and drives the international orientation of programmes. In addition, modern language training with a focus on partnerships abroad is being introduced and enhanced.
The University of Siegen is increasingly committed to working with alumni and organizes alumni meetings at regular intervals.
The University of Siegen offers a large variety of undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral degree programs at its four faculties in 144 fields of study.
As common among German universities, the academic year consists of summer and winter terms (semesters). The winter term runs from October 1 to March 31, while the summer term runs from April 1 to September 30. However, lectures and classes usually do not run for the full duration of these periods and allow for breaks in spring and fall.
German universities enjoy government subsidies, so tuition fees are moderate. The University of Siegen charges EUR 1000 per year for all undergraduate and most graduate and doctoral programs, regardless of the EU or non-EU citizenship of students.
Siegen is situated in one of the most densely-forested areas in Germany and offers fine opportunities for leisure and outdoor activities.
The university provides student housing in its various dormitories, run by the Studentenwerk. Additionally, there are further dormitories in Siegen which are operated by other institutions as well as partnerships with elderly people. Many students find private living arrangements, such as Wohngemeinschaften (shared apartments).
A number of activities for international students facilitates their integration and help students to find new friends. Each semester the International Office offers a Welcome week where international students are guided through their first steps in Siegen (walk through the city, opening a bank account, registration for medical insurance etc.). During the semester a program including trips to nearby cities, intercultural trainings or high rope courses is offered.
(Haardter Berg hill, Emmy-Noether-Campus and administration based at Herrengarten).
, in the Weidenau district. Facilities at Haardter Berg include the Adolf-Reichwein-Straße campus, which has the largest lecture halls, the central canteen, the central library as well as a part of the centre for information and media technology. Some 500 m south-east is the Hölderlinstraße campus, which accommodates the centre for information and media technology, the central course guidance service and a departmental library. Another 400 m south, at Paul-Bonatz-Straße, is the engineering Campus, the modern-day descendent of the former engineering school. Artur-Woll-Haus on the eastern slope of Haardter Berg hill, which opened on 25 March 2003, accommodates the guest house and the externally funded research facilities.
Some 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) south-west of Haardter Berg, at Fischbacherberg hill is the Emmy-Noether-Campus, which, since 1999, has been home to the mathematics and physics faculties.
1 kilometre (0.621372736649807 mi) west of Haardter Berg, on the borders of the Weidenau and Geisweid districts, is the former brewery, where the art faculty is located. Here, art students create practical work, including painting and photography, and exhibitions are held on a regular basis.
The university administration and student services are located in the former Siegen inland revenue offices at Herrengarten, right in the city centre, whilst the international office can be found in Siegen’s former telegraph office. The city, the university and the government are working together to put Siegen’s lower castle completely at the university’s disposal to accommodate facilities and faculties.
The University of Siegen was planned together with other universities in North Rhine-Westphalia
, so that a similar style and even some of the same building modules can be found at universities of Duisburg-Essen
, Paderborn
und Wuppertal
.
Siegen
Siegen is a city in Germany, in the south Westphalian part of North Rhine-Westphalia.It is located in the district of Siegen-Wittgenstein in the Arnsberg region...
, North Rhine-Westphalia
North Rhine-Westphalia
North Rhine-Westphalia is the most populous state of Germany, with four of the country's ten largest cities. The state was formed in 1946 as a merger of the northern Rhineland and Westphalia, both formerly part of Prussia. Its capital is Düsseldorf. The state is currently run by a coalition of the...
, was founded in 1972. 14,100 students were enrolled at the university as of October 2010.
Faculties
University of Siegen offers in total 126 degree programmes across four faculties:- Faculty I: Faculty of Arts
- Faculty II: Education · Architecture · Arts
- Faculty III: Business Economics, Business IT and Commercial Law
- Faculty IV: Science and Engineering
Transdisciplinary media research
- Institute for media research
- Graduate School "Locating Media"
Liberal arts, social science and educational studies focusing on the transformation of society as well as teaching and learning research in education
- University of Siegen Competence Centre
- Research institute for liberal arts and social sciences
- Institute for European Regional Research
- Siegen Institute for professional language and communication
- Siegen centre for socialization, CV and biography research
- Centre for annotational interpretation of Kant
- Centre for teacher training
- Centre for planning and evaluation of social services
- Siegen centre for gender studies
Business economics with a focus on “decentral organization“
- South Westphalia academy for medium-sized business
- Siegen medium-sized business institute
- Siegen institute for company taxation, auditing, reporting and commercial law
- Centre for economic training in Siegen
Natural sciences and engineering
- DFG post graduate programme “Imaging New Modalities“
- Research centre for micro/nano chemistry and technology
- Centre for innovative materials
- Research centre for multidisciplinary analyses and applied system optimization
- North Rhine-Westphalia centre for sensor systems
- Centre for developing country research and knowledge transfer
- Interdisciplinary centre of competence for existing buildings
History
Siegen’s heritage as a centre for education and research dates back to the 16th century. In 1536, William I, Count of Nassau-DillenburgWilliam I, Count of Nassau-Dillenburg
William of Nassau was a count of Nassau-Dillenburg from the House of Nassau. He was called William the Rich....
charged Saxon educator and theologian Erasmus Sarcerius with the task of establishing a Latin school
Latin School
Latin School may refer to:* Latin schools of Medieval Europe* These schools in the United States:** Boston Latin School, Boston, MA** Brooklyn Latin School, New York, NY** Brother Joseph C. Fox Latin School, Long Island, NY...
. During the period 1594 to 1599/1600 and 1606 to 1609, the Calvinist-Reformed
Calvinism
Calvinism is a Protestant theological system and an approach to the Christian life...
Herborn Academy
Herborn Academy
The Herborn Academy was a German institution of higher learning very similar to a university in Herborn, which existed from 1584 to 1817...
(Academia Nassauensis) moved from Herborn
Herborn
Herborn is a historic town on the Dill in the Lahn-Dill district of Hesse in Germany. Before World War I, it was granted its own title as Nassauisches Rothenburg. The symbol or mascot of this town is a bear. Scenic attractions include its half-timbered houses; Herborn is located on the German...
to Siegen
Siegen
Siegen is a city in Germany, in the south Westphalian part of North Rhine-Westphalia.It is located in the district of Siegen-Wittgenstein in the Arnsberg region...
, where it was accommodated in the buildings of the lower castle.
”Wiesenbauschule“
In 1853, Wiesenbauschule landscaping school was established, which soon gained a reputation outside of its local area. Here, landscaping and land improvements including irrigation techniques and the drainage of meadows were taught, so as to help enhance the yields from farmland. This was of particular importance in the SiegerlandSiegerland
The Siegerland is a region of Germany covering the old district of Siegen and the upper part of the district of Altenkirchen, belonging to the Rhineland-Palatinate adjoining it to the west.Geologically, the Siegerland belongs to the Rheinisches Schiefergebirge...
region because the high demand for charcoal for the regional ironworks meant that most areas were woodland. As a result, limited areas were suitable for cattle breeding, so that research into enhancing the yields from the limited amount of meadowland had to be researched.
Following World War Two, the school’s focus shifted towards civil engineering, and, in 1962, it was renamed Staatliche Ingenieurschule für Bauwesen (State School of Civil Engineering).
Precursor and foundation
The next academic facility to be set up in SiegenSiegen
Siegen is a city in Germany, in the south Westphalian part of North Rhine-Westphalia.It is located in the district of Siegen-Wittgenstein in the Arnsberg region...
(formerly located at Weidenau/Hüttental) was the Pädagogische Hochschule Siegerland (Educational University Siegerland), established in 1964. In 1965, it became the Siegerland section of Pädagogische Hochschule Westfalen-Lippe (Educational University Westfalen-Lippe), which marked its transformation into a scientific university.
On 1 August 1972, the comprehensive university development act led to the setting up of a comprehensive university at Siegen/Hüttental, along with four other comprehensive universities in North Rhine-Westphalia
North Rhine-Westphalia
North Rhine-Westphalia is the most populous state of Germany, with four of the country's ten largest cities. The state was formed in 1946 as a merger of the northern Rhineland and Westphalia, both formerly part of Prussia. Its capital is Düsseldorf. The state is currently run by a coalition of the...
. The Pädagogische Hochschule Siegerland and Siegen-Gummersbach University of Applied Sciences which had schools based at Siegen and Gummersbach
Gummersbach
Gummersbach is a city in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, being the district seat of the Oberbergischer Kreis. It is located 50 km east of Cologne. In the past it was nicknamed "the Lime Tree Town", because lime trees lined the main street...
merged to form the new Siegen comprehensive university. In 1980, Siegen comprehensive university was renamed Universität-Gesamthochschule (University-Comprehensive University). The Gummersbach
Gummersbach
Gummersbach is a city in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, being the district seat of the Oberbergischer Kreis. It is located 50 km east of Cologne. In the past it was nicknamed "the Lime Tree Town", because lime trees lined the main street...
location was transferred, on 1 June 1983, to Cologne University of Applied Sciences
Cologne University of Applied Sciences
Cologne University of Applied Sciences is a higher education institution in Cologne, Germany, established in 1971. It was created from a merger of numerous smaller colleges, the oldest of which was the Royal Provincial Trade School, founded in 1833, and renamed Trade College of the City of Cologne...
. Then, on 1 January 2003, the form of ”comprehensive university“ was abandoned, and the existing comprehensive universities became regular universities. Since then, the university has been called University of Siegen.
Current orientation
In 1996, the University/Comprehensive University of Siegen was the first German university to take part in the ”Institutional Quality Audit Programme” of the Conference of European Rectors (CRE) and went on to implement the auditors’ recommendations step-by-step. University of Siegen sees itself as a modern university with a focus on basic research, practical training and contributing towards structural change in the district of Siegen-Wittgenstein and adjacent regions.In line with the political objectives which led to the establishment of comprehensive universities, the University of Siegen is a hallmark for democracy, equal opportunities, transparent professional and scientific education as well as an international outlook. The reform approach inherent to the comprehensive university was put into practice through integral programmes, such as the innovative integrated diploma programmes “Media planning, development and consultancy” and “German and European commercial law”.
Within the framework of the Bologna process
Bologna process
The purpose of the Bologna Process is the creation of the European Higher Education Area by making academic degree standards and quality assurance standards more comparable and compatible throughout Europe, in particular under the Lisbon Recognition Convention...
, the University of Siegen implemented the Bachelor/Masters system early on, with the aim of completing the set-up of this model in all faculties during winter semester 2006-2007. The last remaining diploma programmes were actually transformed into Bachelor/Masters programmes during winter semester 2008-2009. This move enables students’ achievements to be comparable and drives the international orientation of programmes. In addition, modern language training with a focus on partnerships abroad is being introduced and enhanced.
The University of Siegen is increasingly committed to working with alumni and organizes alumni meetings at regular intervals.
General
The university has a combined undergraduate and graduate student population of around 14,000. Approximately 11% of these students are foreigners.The University of Siegen offers a large variety of undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral degree programs at its four faculties in 144 fields of study.
As common among German universities, the academic year consists of summer and winter terms (semesters). The winter term runs from October 1 to March 31, while the summer term runs from April 1 to September 30. However, lectures and classes usually do not run for the full duration of these periods and allow for breaks in spring and fall.
German universities enjoy government subsidies, so tuition fees are moderate. The University of Siegen charges EUR 1000 per year for all undergraduate and most graduate and doctoral programs, regardless of the EU or non-EU citizenship of students.
Student Life
There are numerous student clubs and organizations, among them a student-run radio station, Radius 92.1, and a student television program, Campus TV.Siegen is situated in one of the most densely-forested areas in Germany and offers fine opportunities for leisure and outdoor activities.
The university provides student housing in its various dormitories, run by the Studentenwerk. Additionally, there are further dormitories in Siegen which are operated by other institutions as well as partnerships with elderly people. Many students find private living arrangements, such as Wohngemeinschaften (shared apartments).
International Students
The International Office is the main contact for questions concerning the international course of studies, the international academy cooperation and the international academic exchange. Additionally the International Office guides and mentors international applicants for a place at university with all kinds of questions around the course of studies and life in Siegen.A number of activities for international students facilitates their integration and help students to find new friends. Each semester the International Office offers a Welcome week where international students are guided through their first steps in Siegen (walk through the city, opening a bank account, registration for medical insurance etc.). During the semester a program including trips to nearby cities, intercultural trainings or high rope courses is offered.
Campus
The University of Siegen is a campus university with some 92,000 m² of floor space. Buildings are distributed across three core areas in SiegenSiegen
Siegen is a city in Germany, in the south Westphalian part of North Rhine-Westphalia.It is located in the district of Siegen-Wittgenstein in the Arnsberg region...
(Haardter Berg hill, Emmy-Noether-Campus and administration based at Herrengarten).
Location
Most university buildings are on the north-eastern side of SiegenSiegen
Siegen is a city in Germany, in the south Westphalian part of North Rhine-Westphalia.It is located in the district of Siegen-Wittgenstein in the Arnsberg region...
, in the Weidenau district. Facilities at Haardter Berg include the Adolf-Reichwein-Straße campus, which has the largest lecture halls, the central canteen, the central library as well as a part of the centre for information and media technology. Some 500 m south-east is the Hölderlinstraße campus, which accommodates the centre for information and media technology, the central course guidance service and a departmental library. Another 400 m south, at Paul-Bonatz-Straße, is the engineering Campus, the modern-day descendent of the former engineering school. Artur-Woll-Haus on the eastern slope of Haardter Berg hill, which opened on 25 March 2003, accommodates the guest house and the externally funded research facilities.
Some 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) south-west of Haardter Berg, at Fischbacherberg hill is the Emmy-Noether-Campus, which, since 1999, has been home to the mathematics and physics faculties.
1 kilometre (0.621372736649807 mi) west of Haardter Berg, on the borders of the Weidenau and Geisweid districts, is the former brewery, where the art faculty is located. Here, art students create practical work, including painting and photography, and exhibitions are held on a regular basis.
The university administration and student services are located in the former Siegen inland revenue offices at Herrengarten, right in the city centre, whilst the international office can be found in Siegen’s former telegraph office. The city, the university and the government are working together to put Siegen’s lower castle completely at the university’s disposal to accommodate facilities and faculties.
Architecture
Artur-Woll-Haus is an exceptional building, which was designed by Dutch architects rau architecten. It consists of an arc-shaped central unit with three wings that resemble a tug. The cost of construction was around €8.6 million.The University of Siegen was planned together with other universities in North Rhine-Westphalia
North Rhine-Westphalia
North Rhine-Westphalia is the most populous state of Germany, with four of the country's ten largest cities. The state was formed in 1946 as a merger of the northern Rhineland and Westphalia, both formerly part of Prussia. Its capital is Düsseldorf. The state is currently run by a coalition of the...
, so that a similar style and even some of the same building modules can be found at universities of Duisburg-Essen
University of Duisburg-Essen
The University Duisburg-Essen is a public university in Duisburg and Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany and a member of the new founded University Alliance Metropolis Ruhr....
, Paderborn
University of Paderborn
The University of Paderborn in Paderborn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany was founded in 1972. 15,228 students were enrolled at the university as of December 2010....
und Wuppertal
University of Wuppertal
The University of Wuppertal is a German scientific institution, located in Wuppertal, North Rhine-Westphalia.The university, the full German name of which is Bergische Universität Wuppertal , was formed in 1972 and is located in the city of Wuppertal, within the state of North Rhine-Westphalia,...
.
Notable Alumni and Professors
- Marcel BeyerMarcel BeyerMarcel Beyer is a German writer.-Life:Marcel Beyer grew up in Kiel and Neuss. From 1987 to 1991 he studied German language and literature, English studies and Literary studies at the University of Siegen; in 1992 he obtained a Magister degree with a work on Friederike Mayröcker. Since 1987 he has...
(born 1965), writer - Uwe BollUwe BollUwe Boll is a German director, producer and screenwriter, whose work includes several films adapted from video games. He finances his own films through his Boll KG production company. He is often cited as the worst director of all time.-Early life:...
(born 1965), director, producer and screenwriter - Peter HussingPeter HussingPeter Hussing was a West German heavyweight boxing champion. Although one of the favorites in European Championship in Katowice in 1975, he was heavily KO-ed by Andrzej Biegalski from Poland, who later became the champion. Four years later, Hussing became the European Champion in Cologne 1979...
(born 1948), heavyweight boxing champion - Andreas Pinkwart (born 1960), deputy prime minister of North-Rhine Westphalia 2005-2009 (Free Democratic PartyFree Democratic PartyFree Democratic Party is the name of several political parties around the world. It usually designates a party that is ideologically based around liberalism...
) - Johannes Remmel (born 1962), minister of climate change, environment, agriculture, science and consumer protection of North-Rhine Westphalia (Alliance '90 / The Greens)
- Frank SchirrmacherFrank SchirrmacherFrank Schirrmacher is a German journalist, doctored literature expert and essayist, writer, and since 1994 co-publisher of the national German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.-Education:...
(born 1959), co-publisher of the national German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine ZeitungFrankfurter Allgemeine ZeitungThe Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung , short F.A.Z., also known as the FAZ, is a national German newspaper, founded in 1949. It is published daily in Frankfurt am Main. The Sunday edition is the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung .F.A.Z... - Klaus-Peter ThalerKlaus-Peter ThalerKlaus-Peter Thaler was a professional cyclist between 1976 and 1988, successful in road-racing and cyclo-cross...
(born 1949), cyclo-cross champion - Axel WeberAxel A. WeberAxel Alfred Weber is a German economist, professor and banker. He teaches at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and is a board member and prospective chairman of UBS...
(born 1957), president of the Deutsche BundesbankDeutsche BundesbankThe Deutsche Bundesbank is the central bank of the Federal Republic of Germany and as such part of the European System of Central Banks . Due to its strength and former size, the Bundesbank is the most influential member of the ESCB. Both the Deutsche Bundesbank and the European Central Bank are...