RWTH Code of Values
Source: https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/doqa/lidx/1 Parent: https://www.rwth-aachen.de/go/id/eni/lidx/1
Preamble
Our world is increasingly complex and challenging. At RWTH Aachen University, we believe that one of science's central tasks is to critically assess new societal developments, offer objective guidance, and develop solutions.
In this context, collective problem-solving becomes more demanding, complex, and open-ended. Therefore, we continuously review our self-image and actions, both in generating and transferring knowledge: Society and science must engage in dialogue. Solutions are developed in partnership between academia, industry, and society, spanning regional, national, and international levels. The quality of this partnership determines our ability to address current and future challenges, particularly global ones.
We pursue a unique vision in education, research, and knowledge transfer. This vision is embodied in our concept of an integrated, interdisciplinary university of technology, which strives to combine knowledge, methods, and findings from various disciplines: natural sciences, engineering, life sciences, economics, and humanities.
As part of our identity at RWTH Aachen University, we uphold utmost neutrality, both internally and externally, in line with our commitment to Germany’s liberal democratic basic order, which we actively support. We do not promote personal opinions; instead, we provide knowledge and present objective arguments to facilitate critical discourse. The RWTH Code of Values shall act as a guiding beacon for our institution. It is not to be understood as a set of regulations or statutes for the University but rather a reflection of our ethos.
As a united university community, we embrace this Code of Values. It serves as our internal and external compass, reflecting our distinct responsibility in education, research, and knowledge transfer, as well as operations. It clearly defines our self-identity and the ethos and principles guiding our actions.
Our aim is to use our scientific, interdisciplinary expertise to find fact-based answers to current and future challenges. We develop these solutions collaboratively and pass them on to future generations through teaching and training.
In this sense, the Code of Values provides a framework for our judgment and decision-making. It is intended to aid reflection and raise awareness in everyday university life. All values in this Code are important to us collectively.\ The implementation of the Code of Values can succeed if we see it as a joint task and commitment that requires continuous review and adaptation. Therefore, we aim to regularly review and develop the Code further, based on our experiences and the new challenges we face as a community.
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Embracing Diversity and Ensuring Equal Opportunities
We cherish diversity as a cornerstone of innovation and progress, nurturing personal growth through the recognition and enhancement of individual talents. We unequivocally reject exclusionary mindsets and discriminatory behaviors.
We unequivocally reject exclusionary mindsets and discriminatory behaviors, challenging our own preconceptions and dismantling stereotypes. Empowering each member of our community, we foster skill development by elucidating the repercussions of discriminatory actions. Through the implementation of inclusive frameworks and protocols, we fortify our institution against unjust treatment, providing a safe haven from ostracism and animosity.
Upholding Democratic Principles
At RWTH, we hold the tenets of democracy as guiding lights in our endeavors. Embracing democratic ideals, we are committed to ensuring that our choices resonate with the voices of all those involved.
Our institution aligns closely with the democratic principles enshrined in Germany’s Basic Law, steadfastly advocating for the endurance of a robust democratic system. Through transparent dialogue, we engage with a spectrum of perspectives at RWTH, endeavoring to reach consensus through evidence-based discussions.
Cherishing Freedom and Autonomy
We hold the freedom of thought and expression as essential pillars guiding our every endeavor.
This liberty permeates through the realms of teaching, research, study, and the dissemination of knowledge, nurturing an environment where ideas can flourish without constraint.
While we cherish this freedom as vital for robust discourse and informed decision-making, we also acknowledge its boundaries and honor the rights of others to their own freedoms.
Promoting Peaceful Collaboration
We are steadfast in our dedication to fostering peaceful collaboration, striving for peaceful objectives that contribute to a world marked by democracy and tranquility.
We champion the peaceful coexistence of diverse communities and nations, ensuring that our research endeavors are solely directed towards promoting peace and do not inadvertently facilitate human rights infringements
Encouraging Inclusivity and Engagement
At RWTH, we define inclusion as the complete societal engagement of all individuals, with particular emphasis on those facing disabilities or chronic illnesses.
Our commitment to accessibility extends to every facet of our community, providing scientific, educational, and social opportunities for all employees and students alike. Through proactive identification and elimination of barriers, we ensure equitable participation for everyone, recognizing that inclusion not only fosters fairness but also enriches our scientific endeavors, educational experiences, and social fabric with added value.
Commitment to Integrity and Ethical Conduct
We conduct ourselves with unwavering honesty, prioritizing integrity over personal gain across all aspects of our endeavors.
Integrity serves as the bedrock of our conduct in research, teaching, and interpersonal engagements. Upholding trust and credibility as paramount, we cultivate an atmosphere where the open exchange of knowledge and ideas flourishes. Our commitment to transparency is evident through the disclosure of conflicts of interest, along with a profound respect for the ideas, interests, and accomplishments of others.
Embracing Global Engagement and International Cooperation
By uniting individuals from diverse corners of the globe, we cultivate an environment conducive to open dialogue and cross-cultural understanding.
Recognizing the imperative of international cooperation in addressing global challenges and facilitating cultural exchange, we enthusiastically encourage and champion initiatives that promote collaboration and engagement on an international scale.
Respecting Human Dignity and Worth
We uphold the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, irrespective of age, disability, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, or social standing.
Central to our ethos is the unwavering commitment to safeguarding human rights and fostering an environment of equal opportunity.
We steadfastly advocate for the advancement of every individual's potential, ensuring that pathways for growth and development are equally accessible to all.
Embracing Sustainability in All Dimensions
At RWTH, we are steadfast in our commitment to sustainability principles, ingraining them into our daily practices and decision-making processes. We advocate for sustainability across its ecological, economic, and social dimensions, ensuring that it permeates every aspect of our operations.
In both our facilities and research endeavors, we address sustainability concerns head-on, offering innovative solutions to propel society towards a sustainable future. In our educational efforts, we weave sustainability into our teaching curriculum, fostering the development of innovative solutions and promoting overall sustainability within our educational framework. Furthermore, we strive to make all aspects of RWTH Aachen University’s operations sustainable, actively reducing our ecological footprint with the aim of achieving climate neutrality and fostering responsible collaboration.
Fostering an Environment of Open Dialogue
We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, grounded in attentive listening and respectful consideration of diverse perspectives and expertise.
We embrace our identity as a university dedicated to vibrant exchange and unity. Valuing and honoring one another, fostering collaboration and involvement, and upholding transparent communication among all sectors and entities are fundamental tenets of our ethos. We engage in dialogue without bias and with mutual respect, providing fair and constructive feedback to one another.
Cultivating Curiosity and Openness
Open-minded and curious, we actively contribute to research, teaching, knowledge transfer, technology, and administration at RWTH. We approach our endeavors with impartiality and receptiveness, welcoming diverse individuals, unconventional ideas, and novel tasks and challenges.
Embracing flexibility and courage, we continually scrutinize RWTH’s research directions and organizational structures, seizing opportunities and gaining fresh perspectives to develop faster and more effective solutions. Sustained exchange across all levels and with diverse individuals serves as a vital foundation for these efforts, enriching our collective understanding and enhancing our capacity for innovation.
Pursuing Excellence in all Endeavors
We set clear and ambitious goals, and through collaborative dedication and motivation, we strive to achieve them.
We are dedicated to continuous improvement and embracing new challenges across research, academics, and all aspects of university life. In our collective pursuit of excellence, we actively share knowledge and cultivate the potential of every individual.
Promoting Transparency and Accountability
We prioritize transparency in our decisions and actions, recognizing it as essential for fostering trust within our university community.
By embracing transparency, we pave the way for achieving consensus on critical matters across the university. To uphold this principle, we consistently engage our university committees and the broader university community in our processes.
Learning from Mistakes and Adapting
At RWTH, we embrace a culture of openness when it comes to addressing mistakes. We encourage individuals to take ownership of their mistakes, viewing them as opportunities for collaborative problem-solving and improvement.
A positive error culture is paramount for our University, fostering an environment where learning and growth are actively encouraged. We promote an open and constructive approach to handling mistakes, emphasizing learning and improvement rather than punitive measures.
Fostering Responsible and Collaborative Partnerships
We prioritize fostering collaborations that are responsible and respectful.
The vitality of teaching, research, and knowledge transfer hinges on ongoing exchange. We uphold responsible cooperation across all domains, ensuring fairness, equality, and respect in our interactions. The knowledge acquired through our collaborations should serve to benefit all parties involved.
Achieving Work-Life Balance in Academic Pursuits and Career
We prioritize balancing family life with academic pursuits and professional responsibilities, constantly striving for enhancement in this realm. We embrace the diversity of various lifestyles and honor the individual needs that arise from it.
We establish an environment where employees and students can fulfill their social responsibilities towards children and relatives requiring care while effectively managing their academic or professional commitments. Our goal is to facilitate a harmonious balance between work, academic pursuits, and family life for our staff and students. We aim to achieve this by implementing organizational changes that enable flexible adaptation to the individual circumstances of each member of our community.
Cultivating Respect and Appreciation
We view ourselves as a community characterized by openness, respect, care, and mutual appreciation.
RWTH is more than just a place of learning, research, and work; it is a vibrant community. Within this community, we establish a framework for respectful collaboration, fostering an environment where we encourage, support, and uplift one another to realize our individual and collective potential to the fullest extent possible.
Promoting Moral Courage
We are vigilant and responsive, attentive to the needs of our community, and steadfast in upholding our values. We especially safeguard those who bravely speak out against injustices.
To us, moral courage is an essential trait in a community founded on respect, justice, and social responsibility. It signifies the readiness to intervene in challenging circumstances and advocate for what is just, even in the face of personal risks.