Internationalization of administration - Trailblazing an international welcoming culture

A structurally sustainable internationalization of TH Köln will only succeed if all areas of the organization contribute and feel responsible. The successful appointment of international professors and the recruitment of international staff, as well as the participation of increasing numbers of university members in international networks and projects, requires regulatory processes that incorporate the international dimension as standard. To handle this international dimension, staff in the (central) administration and the faculties need to be internationally competent, solution-oriented, and (culturally) sensitive. To support these medium-term goals, two groups of actors are involved in this initiativee: the so-called Trailblazers from the central administrative areas and a community of practice comprised of academic and administrative staff (including the Trailblazers).

Trailblazers: Through the internationalization strategy, contact persons for international matters are to be appointed in all departments (objective V.3-3). As the first point of contact and "allies" for international matters in their area of ​​work, the Trailblazers act as contact points for international staff. As cultural and language guides, they support colleagues in their interactions with non-German-speaking staff and/or guests, as well as in clarifying other international matters. They also address international needs in their own area of ​​work and at the interface with other areas of responsibility and incorporate them into discussions on topics such as a welcoming culture.

Community of Practice: In particular, the development of a guideline on international welcoming culture for the entire university requires broader expertise and perspectives than the Trailblazers alone can provide. Therefore, a Community of Practice consisting of faculty and administrative members (including the Trailblazers) will be formed. Initially, this will include internationalization officers, international (visiting) researchers, as well as experts in the fields of intercultural communication, organizational development, and others. The Community of Practice's composition is dynamic and open to all target groups.

The guideline on international welcoming culture, which will be developed jointly by academic and administrative staff in this initiative, supports the overall development of the TH Köln into an international university in three ways: 1.) The welcoming culture is made visible to the outside world as a value and aspiration of the TH, 2.) Formal regulations provide orientation and create commitment, and 3.) The guideline shapes the informal interaction and expectations of the members of the university.