Our QuiS_Flex projects – status quo, added value and outlook

Innovative projects and strategies to adapt to modern educational requirements

Since 2023, the Hessian Ministry of Science and Research, Arts and Culture (HMWK) has been funding so-called QuiS_Flex projects at Hessian universities, which aim to make studying and teaching more flexible. The goal is to address the increasingly heterogeneous student body and demographic change. On July 11, 2025, Prof. Dr. Alexander Goesmann, Vice President for Studies and Teaching, welcomed the Hessian universities and the HMWK to the workshop "Our QuiS_Flex Projects - Status Quo, Added Value and Outlook." He emphasized the crucial importance of adapting the educational landscape to the demographic and professional realities of students. The event was documented by graphic recorder Ka Schmitz to visually capture the key findings and discussions. Dr. Astrid-Solveig Loubal introduced the workshop thematically, presenting the five dimensions of flexibilization: temporal, methodological, formal, spatial, and content. The aim of the workshop was to demonstrate how these dimensions are addressed at Hessian universities and to promote the exchange of experiences from the diverse projects.

The event began with several keynote speeches that highlighted that flexibility projects are often multidimensional and that the different dimensions are closely linked, rather than focusing on a single aspect.

Following this, Prof. Dr. Claudia Schmeink, business psychologist and coach, moderated the interactive exchange formats. These included World Cafés, where participants shared and reflected on their own experiences with flexibility and the insights gained.

The following challenges and opportunities became particularly clear: There is a need to find a balance between clear structures and the necessary flexibility and freedom. It is also important to evaluate the consequences and effects of change measures and to incorporate them into planning. The flexible design of learning spaces and the expansion of digital offerings were also identified as essential elements to enable greater flexibility in teaching. Furthermore, it was discussed how the university, as a brick-and-mortar university, can continue to offer clear added value for students. Restructuring for greater flexibility can also free up teaching staff and create space for new teaching content. However, flexibility projects often face legal and infrastructural challenges that must be overcome through a rethink. The recognition of externally acquired knowledge was also discussed. Gradual recognition was seen as an effective way to build trust and develop a fair and effective system.

At the end of the workshop, participants gathered their wishes for the future: They would like to see more intensive collaboration among Hessian universities, more flexible frameworks, and greater financial support for successful projects. Promoting innovation and openness to experimentation were seen as crucial for making teaching and learning even more flexible and future-oriented. Regular exchange between universities and the expansion of cross-university solutions, particularly in digitalization, are intended to drive further development of flexibility.

The workshop impressively demonstrated that flexibility in studies is not only necessary but also feasible. The projects presented and the intensive discussions demonstrated that much can be achieved through collaboration, exchange, and innovation. Hesse's universities are well on their way to actively shaping the future of studying.