KIT-PLUS Process
The KIT-PLUS procedure is based on a quality control loop in which the individual degree programs at KIT are systematically and continuously analyzed and reviewed. All bachelor's and master's degree programs at KIT undergo the KIT-PLUS procedure (initial accreditation and reaccreditation).
This is based, for example, on the guidelines issued by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK) or the Study Accreditation Ordinance (StAkkrVO - document in german language). hese external framework conditions are supplemented by the guidelines set out in the key issues paper (document in german language) issued by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.
The KIT-PLUS procedure is as follows:
The documents submitted by the KIT faculty and the external reports are presented to the KIT PLUS Commission (KPK) appointed by the KIT Senate. The KIT PLUS Commission reviews all documents in light of the requirements of the StAkkrVO and, if necessary, formulates conditions and/or recommendations.
The KIT-PLUS Commission's minutes of the meeting provide the basis for the DialogPLUS discussion. The DialogPLUS discussion is a discussion about the further development of the degree program between a member of the Executive Board, mandated representatives of the relevant KIT faculty, and a professorial member of the KIT-PLUS Commission. An accreditation report for the degree program is prepared using the minutes of the DialogPLUS discussion.
Based on the accreditation report, the Executive Board decides on the accreditation of a degree program. If the decision is positive, the degree program is accredited internally. Initial accreditations are usually granted for five years, reaccreditations for eight years. The KIT faculty receives an accreditation certificate for the degree program. There is a double appeal option from the academic community with regard to the Executive Board's accreditation decision, as both the KIT-PLUS Commission and the KIT faculties can appeal against the decision. In this case, arbitration proceedings are provided for.
If conditions are imposed, these must be fulfilled by the KIT faculty within one year. Should there be any discrepancies regarding the fulfillment of the conditions, a hearing procedure will be initiated.
Various stakeholders work closely together as part of the KIT Plus process:
- KIT executive board,
- KIT department(s),
- External Experts (document in german language) from academia, professional practice, and the student body outside the university,
- Members of the KIT-PLUS Commission (document in german language),
- and various service units of KIT (STS-QM, SLE-SGE und HAA (german language)).
Further information on various topics related to the KIT-PLUS procedure can be found on the internal QM SharePoint (in german language) and in the KIT Quality Management Manual (currently being revised).