"We see internationalization as a core component of the KU's development strategy", says the Vice President for International Affairs, Prof. Dr. Klaus Stüwe. "The HRK audit on internationalization offers us the opportunity to systematically analyze our strengths and challenges in this area and to outline a clearly defined path for future development." In the coming months, the University will compile a comprehensive self-report and prepare for the audit team's visit. Experienced experts will visit the KU to analyze the University's internationalization strategies and practices in detail and make recommendations. "We will learn from the experiences and insights of others, optimize our processes and further sharpen the international focus of the KU", says Stüwe. In addition, the University Management expects the audit to promote the inclusive and internationally oriented university culture of the entire University community.
In order to support the auditing process, a project group was formed consisting of representatives from the faculties, students, the Research Service Center and the International Office, among others. The project team is headed by Vice President Stüwe, while the head of the KU International Office, Dr. Anna Marcos Nickol, coordinates the work operationally. The group is currently working on a self-report that covers both quantitative and qualitative aspects of internationalization. This report is an essential part of the audit process and submission to the HRK is planned for April. This is expected to be followed by a two-day visit by external consultants in June. Once the audit is complete, the KU expects to issue a catalog of recommendations in the fall and then hold a consolidation workshop at the end of this year.
The involvement of KU students and employees in the audit process is of central importance. In addition to the project group, important interfaces such as the HR and legal departments have already been consulted and the integration of other areas and groups is planned. The project team also intends to invite national and international students, international academics, faculty heads and the University Management to discussions during the HRK advisors' visit alongside the project group. "The KU is very positive about the HRK audit. We see it as a valuable opportunity to systematically promote and further develop our efforts to increase internationalization", says Stüwe.