06.02.2009
Jewish institution of higher learning and Zeppelin University accredited

The Hochschule für Jüdische Studien (HfJS) in Heidelberg and the Zeppelin University in Friedrichshafen have both been recognised by the German Council of Science and Humanities as qualified universities in response to an application by the State of Baden-Württemberg. Both universities, announced the Council, have successfully submitted evidence that they meet the required academic and scientific standards in both teaching and research.

The HfJS was founded 30 years ago by the Central Consistory of the Jews in Germany. The university regards itself as a centre of excellence for Jewish studies in Europe in both the academic field and in relation to the Jewish community in Germany and is the first university of its kind in Germany to receive institutional accreditation. “The accreditation is a major success and shows that we have been moving in the right direction in recent years,” comments its first Vice-Rector, Prof. Johannes Heil on the institution’s success. The accreditation will initially be valid for a 10 year period after which it will be due for reappraisal.

The Zeppelin University, which was founded just five years ago, trains managers and regards itself as a research-oriented “private university”. The institution already has around 700 students and a current staff of 20 professors. “While the Zeppelin University’s aspirations are extremely ambitious, its performance to date suggests that they are more than realistic,” says the chairman of the Council of Science and Humanities, Professor Peter Strohschneider, explaining the reasons for the positive decision taken by his advisory body.

Neither private institution is yet in a position to award independent doctoral degrees, however. The institution based in Friedrichshafen has consequently been advised to run its doctoral programs in cooperation with one or several other universities in Baden-Württemberg. The Council also recommends the HfJS to continue offering doctoral studies in cooperation with the Universität Heidelberg and to consider setting up a joint “Jewish Studies” graduate school with its neighbouring university in Heidelberg.

www.hfjs.eu
www.zeppelin-university.de