Campus - 20.09.2023 - 17:15
St.Gallen Cantonal Parliament passes new University of St.Gallen Act
During the autumn session, the St.Gallen Cantonal Parliament passed the new Act on the University of St.Gallen (HSG) in its second reading without further amendments. The Act establishes clear re-sponsibilities and accountabilities while simultaneously maintaining the proven strengths of HSG – internationality and practical relevance. The University of St.Gallen expresses its delight and gratitude for the decision by the Cantonal Parliament.
[Translate to English:] Der St.Galler Kantonsrat hat in der Herbstsession das neue Gesetz über die Universität St.Gallen (HSG) in zweiter Lesung ohne weitere Anpassungen verabschiedet. Das Gesetz schafft klare Zuständigkeiten und Verantwortlichkeiten. Gleichzeitig hält es an den bewährten Stärken der HSG – Internationalität und Praxisnähe – fest. Die Universität St.Gallen zeigt sich erfreut und dankbar über diese Entscheidung des Kantonsrats.
This step marks a milestone in the University's development. Subject to an optional referendum, the University Act will come into effect on January 1, 2024. "We are highly delighted and thankful for the decision of the Cantonal Parliament," said HSG President Prof. Dr. Bernhard Ehrenzeller. "The new Act provides us with a solid foundation for the university's further development."
Enhancing Governance and Transparency
The new University Act particularly strengthens the governance of HSG by establishing clear responsibilities and accountabilities. It clarifies the roles of various university bodies in areas such as strategy, oversight, teaching, research, continuing education, personnel, financial management, and legal affairs. The President is endowed with distinct supervisory and directive powers, promoting efficient and transparent university leadership. The Act guarantees the University's pronounced autonomy and self-administration.
Preserving HSG's Strengths
The new University Act preserves HSG's strengths, including its international orientation. Moreover, the semi-autonomous, entrepreneurially managed institutes remain a hallmark of HSG. The Act provides incentives for professors to offer voluntary additional services and sets clear rules for all parties involved. The University of St.Gallen will continue to be a leading business university in Europe, with a focus on legal and social sciences, along with targeted expansions in other fields of study. The Act strengthens the field of continuing education and enables participation in public or private law organisations such as spin-offs. This allows HSG to attract specialised professionals and further solidify the reputation of the canton of St.Gallen as an innovative research and business location.
Changes in the University Board of Governors
The new University Act also introduces changes in the University Board of Governors, the highest strategic body of the university. In line with cantonal principles of Public Corporate Governance, the head of the Department of Education will step down as the president of the University Board of Governors at the end of the current term in 2024. In the future, the election of Board of Governors members and the president will be conducted by the government and subject to approval by the Cantonal Parliament.
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