WU’s new Rector’s Council, headed by Rector Edeltraud Hanappi-Egger, began its first term today, October 1, 2015. The members of the new Rector’s team are: Harald Badinger, Vice-Rector for Finance, Michael Lang, Vice-Rector for Human Resources, Edith Littich, Vice-Rector for Academic Programs and Student Affairs, and Stefan Pichler, Vice-Rector for Research. The new Rector’s Council plans to focus on strengthening WU’s role as an educational and research institution, among other issues. The inauguration ceremony will be held on October 19 at 11:00am in the forum of WU’s LC building.

Edeltraud Hanappi-Egger is the first woman ever to lead the 117-year-old Vienna University of Economics and Business. Over the next four years, she and her council of Vice-Rectors will be responsible for WU’s development. The new Rector plans to focus mainly on improving conditions for students and raising WU’s international visibility as a research institution.

Comprehensive Support for Students and Potential Students

“Our main goals include improving the quality of teaching at WU and establishing a welcoming, feedback-based academic environment,” says Rector Hanappi-Egger. Potential students should be well informed about studying at WU before enrollment. “We want to reach out to high-school students interested in studying at WU so they can find out as much as possible about our programs before deciding to enroll.  Additional support and consulting options will also be made available to our bachelor-level students. The goal is to increase students’ levels of academic activity and to sustainably reduce drop-out rates.” she continues. “We see it as our responsibility to improve WU’s international visibility and strengthen the university in its role as an outstanding institution of higher education.”

Further Focal Points, Performance Agreement with Ministry

Further focal points include strengthening research and supporting young researchers in planning their (international) careers, as well as positioning WU more prominently as an attractive employer, both for academic and administrative staff. “The upcoming negotiations and conclusion of the Performance Agreement with the Ministry right at the beginning of my term of office will certainly be challenging,” says Rector Hanappi-Egger. “I am looking forward to my time as Rector of WU and to working together with my team to shape WU’s future.”

Inauguration Ceremony

Date: October 19 at 11:00am
Location: Forum of the LC building, WU

Contact:
Cornelia Moll
Press Relations Officer
Tel.: + 43-1-31336 ext. 4977
Email: cornelia.moll@wu.ac.at

WU Press release WU’s New Rector’s Council in Office as PDF