The Senate of Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences voted unanimously in favour of the dismissal of President Prof. Dr Julia Siegmüller at a non-public meeting on 11 December. The voting members of the Senate had submitted the motion to vote her out of office in November. Julia Siegmüller had the opportunity to make a statement at a hearing before the committee on 24 November.
The voting members of the Senate explained: "The deselection is expressly not directed against the renewal process initiated by the incumbent President. A comprehensive renewal is undoubtedly necessary in order to make the university fit for the future. However, this must take place in a participatory change process in which students, staff and committees are constructively and comprehensively involved. Together with the University Council, we will ensure that the dynamics of change are maintained in the transition to a new leadership."
The further procedure in accordance with the Lower Saxony Higher Education Act (NHG) and the relevant Ostfalia regulations now provides for a statement from the University Council on the dismissal of the President. Should the University Council confirm the dismissal, the Minister for Science and Culture of Lower Saxony, Falko Mohrs, would decide on the dismissal from office. Until a final decision is made, President Prof Dr Julia Siegmüller will continue to perform her official duties.
The Senate and University Council are central bodies of university self-government in Lower Saxony. While the Senate monitors the work of the Executive Board and decides on the appointment or dismissal of members of the Executive Board, the University Council has an advisory function for the members of the Executive Board and Senate. The Senate has 13 voting members, including seven professors, four members of staff and two students. The University Council consists of five persons familiar with the university system, primarily from business, science or culture, who may not be members of the university, one member of the university and one representative of the Ministry of Education.