Active participation in the development of a joint quality management system
The fusion to form the Rheinland-Pfälzische Technische Universität (RPTU) brought with it significant changes, including in the area of quality management. The subsystems of RPTU in Kaiserslautern and Landau are currently being continued in their existing form. At the same time, a new joint QMS for teaching and learning is being developed, which will replace the two subsystems from 2026.
In addition to the application of mandatory instruments and measures, the development of a common quality culture and an ongoing quality discussion are crucial to achieving this objective. An effective QMS requires a university-specific understanding of quality.
Our ambition is therefore to directly support the relevant stakeholders, from university management representatives to students, in developing a common understanding of quality across all locations. Suitable evaluation and participation formats should help to highlight differences and similarities in the stakeholders' understanding of quality and promote a discussion on quality towards a common understanding.
We are pleased to invite you to visit our website to find out about the progress and developments of the joint RPTU QMS for teaching and learning. If you would like to make a statement, you are welcome to do so here.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
What are the next steps?
The development of the new system will take place in several phases:
- Starting in 2025: Initial testing in (re)accreditation procedures
- Starting in 2026: Launch of a comprehensive pilot phase involving internal reaccreditations and quality improvement measures
- through July 2027: Parallel operation of the two subsystems; establishment of new processes and tools
- in July 2027: Launch of the new, joint QMS (in parallel with the new RPTU University Charter, which will have taken effect by then)
- From July 2027 through an estimated September 2029: System accreditation process
What are we working on right now?
The LEQS department is using this transition period not only to consolidate the QMS but also to fundamentally develop it further:
- A new “Mission Statement for Successful Teaching and Learning” was adopted in 2024 and forms the normative foundation of the QMS.
- The project “Lessons Learned” specifically incorporates perspectives from departments, the student body, and committees into the design of the new system.
- New process flows for establishing, modifying, discontinuing, and accrediting degree programs are being developed in collaboration with the Senate Committee on Quality and Study Programs (QSL)
- All templates, guidelines, and process flows are reviewed for simplification and streamlining
- Smaller elements are tested in two pilot programs so that they can then be specifically integrated into the pilot programs starting in 2026
- At the same time, we are working on, among other things, new innovative ideas for documenting accreditation processes and a standardized survey and metrics system.
Pilot Procedures within the Framework of System Accreditation
In the run-up to system accreditation, innovative elements, new templates, and processes intended for use in the new system will be tested in so-called pilot degree programs. The piloting of the new system will be based on the teacher education model and its component programs. The LEQS Office is conducting these pilot programs in close coordination with the respective departments and their students. Based on feedback from all stakeholders, practical adjustments and optimizations are derived and incorporated into the new overall system. This enables a sustainably embedded and transparent quality management system in academic programs and teaching.
Lessons Learned
Transparency and participation are important to us! The development of the new QMS is not taking place behind closed doors. To further develop the QMS, we have created a questionnaire that gives you the opportunity to provide ongoing feedback on the existing Quality Management System for Studies and Teaching (QMS) and to contribute ideas for the new, campus-wide QMS at RPTU. We’d love to hear your perspective—please use the survey to share your thoughts.
