Plädoyer für ein neues Kapazitätsrecht

In Germany, the maximum capacity of student enrolment for specific study programs has up to now been »formula-based,« i.e. calculated and determined as a function of certain general parameters relating to institutional resources which are defined and laid down in »capacity regulations.« This law has been a burden for universities for more than 30 years. The switch to bachelor's and master's degrees and the introduction of credit points has made it possible to develop a completely new model. For this reason, the Universities of Heidelberg and Bremen held two symposia in order to study this law, in particular the constitutional basis. In a cross-section of representatives from the field of economics, from government ministries and university administrations as well as the German »Wissenschaftsrat« and the German Rector's Conference, the alternatives presently under discussion were presented and concrete proposals were drawn up. The results formed the basis for the recommendation given by the senate of the German Rector's Conference on October 10, 2006.