Termination of regular degree programmes at the University of Innsbruck
As degree programmes at the University of Innsbruck are established in accordance with theDevelopment Plan¹, their discontinuation is also formally regulated and the involvement of all governing bodies (Rectorate, Senate, University Council) is ensured.
Section 39 of the ‘Provisions on Study Regulations’ section of the Statutes applies to the discontinuation of regular degree programmes. An application for discontinuation may be submitted to the Rectorate by the Dean. Even without such a proposal, the Rectorate may also initiate the discontinuation process. When deciding on the establishment and conversion of degree programmes, as well as on their discontinuation, particular attention must be paid to the following circumstances:
- compatibility with the performance agreement and the development plan,
- the contribution to the development of the sciences and to the training and promotion of early-career researchers,
- the innovative nature of the programme,
- the consideration of the requirements for entry into the profession, as well as acceptance by professional associations and the public sector,
- the implications in terms of resources (staffing and premises requirements, financial viability).
Furthermore, by making full use of the time limits available for this purpose (see Section 80 of the University Act), it is ensured that students can complete their studies within a reasonable timeframe.
1The establishmentor discontinuation of degree programmes under the Development Plan (and thus the involvement of all governing bodies) is both a distinctive feature and a quality-assurance measure, as the statutory framework provides for such decisions to be taken by the Rectorate (alone).