The Appointments Committee represent the faculty’s internal procedure for creating a shortlist for filling open or new professor positions.
What does an Appointment Committee do?
The Appointment Committee selects candidates for professorships. Such a committee is formed whenever a successor needs to be found for a professor who is retiring or when new research areas need to be established. Currently, our faculty is conducting appointment processes for Professors Busch (Traffic Engineering) and Zimmermann (Construction Process Management). Notably, the professors involved in these processes are not allowed to participate in the selection for their successors. Additionally, some tenure-track professorships are being prepared for new research areas. These positions are initially limited to six years but can be converted into permanent professorships afterwards.
The committee consists of a chairperson, a reporter from the president (non-voting), faculty representatives, a research staff member, two student representatives (with a joint vote), an equality officer, and an external representative.
Why is this important?
Professors are the most influential individuals at the university. They have significant control over research at their departments and the design of teaching. Professorships are typically lifetime appointments, meaning professors will have a long-term impact on the faculty and the university. They collectively hold a majority in the Faculty Council, the key body for important decisions such as study regulations and exam schedules.
What does this mean for me?
It is crucial for us students that the candidates selected not only conduct excellent research and bring substantial funding through their industry contacts but also take teaching seriously and are interested in student concerns. It’s fortunate that each Appointment Committee includes one or two student representatives. They evaluate trial lectures (which are often public and very interesting!), ask questions, organize additional meetings with students beyond the standard application process, and ultimately include in their report how well the candidates meet student needs.
What happens next?
At the end of the process, the Appointment Committee creates a sort of wish list, to which students can provide a separate statement. The university’s executive board then attempts to fulfill this list through negotiations concerning employment conditions, which include personnel, resources, and more. If everything goes well, an appointment offer is made, essentially a job offer on steroids. If accepted, we will welcome a new professor in the next semester.