University rectors meet: Future of further education in Baden-Württemberg!

University rectors meet: Future of further education in Baden-Württemberg!

On July 3, 2025, a delegation from the University Rectors' Conference (HRK) visited the Heidelberg University of Education to find out about the offers and challenges of academic continuing education at universities of education. Under the leadership of HRK Vice President Prof. Dr. Ulrike Tippe, the program lasted four hours and included discussions with members of the rectorate and those responsible for further training from a total of six universities of education in Baden-Württemberg. Three representatives from the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science, Research and Art (MWK) also took part in the exchange.

The program was organized by the Professional School of the Heidelberg University of Education in cooperation with other universities. In a keynote, Prof. Dr. Karin Vach, Rector of the university, the specific characteristics of the universities of teacher education and their mission in the area of ​​continuing education. In the subsequent discussions, the differences to other types of universities as well as the specific target groups in the areas of education, upbringing, social affairs, health and culture were discussed.

Insights into current programs

A gallery walk and a poster session gave participants insights into various current programs, including topics such as German as a second language, childhood and care education, adult education, cultural management and further training for teachers. These events generated a lively exchange about ideas for further developing and expanding the programs, especially through cooperation between universities.

A central result of the event was the need for a strategic dialogue with the Center for School Quality and Teacher Training Baden-Württemberg (ZSL) and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. In a final discussion, which took place in the format of a World Café, challenges in implementing the training mandate were discussed. This included topics such as restrictions on the use of teaching staff, questions of social security law and the calculation of paid offers in the public interest.

Political framework and recommendations

The commitment of the PH representatives and the quality of the programs offered was expressly acknowledged by HRK Vice President Tippe. Prof. Dr. Karin Vach thanked everyone for their interest in the common solutions and the exchange of experiences.

The development of continuing academic education is marked by numerous milestones. This includes the federal-state program “Advancement through Education: Open Universities”, which was implemented from 2011 to 2020, as well as the recommendations of the Science Council from 2019 and the national continuing education strategy, which was also launched in 2019. The continuing education portal “hoch &weit” has been operated since 2020 to bundle information and make access easier.

At its 32nd general meeting in November 2021, the HRK adopted recommendations for continuing academic education aimed at universities, states and the federal government. These recommendations include options for action and responsibilities for improving further training offerings as well as the challenges that exist in the current situation.

A report from the Vocational Training Research Institute (BIBB) also addresses the practical requirements for academic continuing education offerings. Science and practice must work closely together to adapt educational offerings accordingly. This is supported by the recommendations of the German Society for Scientific Continuing Education (DGWF), which are aimed at the design and quality assurance of continuing education offerings.

In summary, it can be seen that universities should take on a central role in the professional development of university graduates in order to meet the increasing demands of the labor market and to continue to optimize the structure of academic further education. However, it is necessary that the political framework conditions be adjusted so that universities receive the necessary resources to meet these challenges.

The current efforts and programs are in the context of a long-term development in which educational institutions meet the challenge of continuously and flexibly qualifying people. The latest challenges and developments in continuing academic education document the ongoing relevance and need to continually develop the educational landscape.