The Hessian Higher Education Pact 2026-2031 will significantly change the framework for the state's universities. The Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM) also faces the task of critically reviewing its organization and consolidating its finances. The presidium has responded by submitting a proposal to the governing bodies aimed at securing the range of study programmes while simultaneously strengthening the performance of the Department .

“None of our proposals were made lightly,” emphasizes THMPresident Prof. Dr. Matthias Willems. “It is important for us to clarify: The planned changes are not an evaluation of the professional work of individual Department .” Instead, the aim is to position the university in such a way that it can meet the cost-cutting requirements without making substantial cuts to the breadth of its offerings.

Already this year, expenditures for equipment and business trips were limited to the essentials, while personnel policies were implemented restrictively. In parallel, the presidium , in numerous discussions with central Department , developed an initial assessment of the necessary steps. Willems says: "I know that not all proposals will be met with universal approval." Nevertheless, he perceives "a great deal of understanding and a remarkable willingness to constructively support this difficult consolidation process."

The core of the proposed model, which still requires approval from key bodies such as the University Council, involves structural adjustments to Department and the range of degree programmes, expected to take effect in the winter semester of 2026/27. In Friedberg, the presidium proposes the merger of the Department "Information Technology-Electrical Engineering-Mechatronics" and "Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Materials Technology" to form the Department of "Engineering," as well as the consolidation of " Business Administration and Engineering " and the Degree Courses offered by the Department of "Management and Communication" (MuK), which is represented in both Friedberg and Giessen . Furthermore, increased internationalization and the conversion of suitable programmes to English are proposed.

In Giessen the merger of the Department of Electrical and Information Engineering with the offerings of the Department of Music and Culture is planned. The language center currently located within the Department of Music and Culture will become independent. For Master's programmes with low enrollment, the feasibility of integrating them thematically, for example as specializations, into Master's programmes offered by other Department will be examined.

Where there are overlaps in content between Department , synergies will be increasingly utilized in the future – for example, by introducing joint lectures, especially in foundational courses. In addition, the rented space will be reduced. University-wide, a reduction in small group sizes, primarily found in Master's programmes, is being pursued. Weak Bachelor's degree courses will be converted to one-year enrollments. In the medium term, at least 20 students should enroll in each course annually. If this target is not met, a temporary pause and repositioning will be proposed. Overall, around ten Degree Courses are currently under review and have the opportunity to realign themselves. "We assume that about half of these will no longer be viable in the medium term," says Willems, adding: "Unfortunately, this will likely include Degree Courses whose graduates are in high demand on the job market."

The presidium emphasizes that no one needs to worry about their degrees: students should be able to complete their studies as planned. "Everyone who has already enrolled or will enroll in the future can graduate within the standard period of study plus any grace period," Willems clarifies.

The coming months will be dedicated to further coordination within the Department . The goal remains to largely maintain the range of study programmes and to transfer permanent employment contracts to new structures where they are affected by the adjustments. Despite all the challenges, the presidium sees an opportunity: If the proposed measures are supported and implemented wisely, THM could emerge from this process more stable and resilient in the long term.