Translated from FernUniversität verabschiedet KI-Strategie, published 30.06.2026
In June, the Rectorate of the FernUniversität in Hagen adopted the university’s AI strategy. In doing so, the FernUniversität is establishing a binding framework for dealing with a technology that is increasingly shaping all areas of the university – from teaching and learning to research, administration, governance and infrastructure.
Speaking on the occasion of the launch, Rector Prof Stefan Stürmer underscored the significance of this adoption: “Our ambition is to be the leading digital university. With this AI strategy, we are laying an important foundation for our future viability. It helps us to actively shape the digital transformation through AI and to further build on our strengths.”
Prof Claudia de Witt, Vice-Rector for Teaching, Student Studies and AI in Educational Processes added, “AI is not a short-term fad; rather, at the FernUniversität, it is understood both as a disruptive enabling technology and as a tool. To harness the potential of AI, we must use it responsibly, transparently and in a targeted manner.”
The strategy sets out a strategic vision, strategic principles and specific visions for each area of activity, along with the relevant framework conditions – and combines the university’s commitment to innovation with a reflective approach. “We have a dual mission: we are continuing to develop our own areas of activity whilst at the same time critically monitoring social and scientific developments,” explains the Pro-Vice-Chancellor.
Developed through a participatory process
The strategy was developed through a comprehensive participatory process. Representatives from academia, technology and administration contributed their expertise. Among other things, the strategy builds on the extensive expertise in fundamental AI research and research into the digital transformation of the FernUniversität. At the same time, however, external perspectives have also been incorporated, such as the recommendations of the ‘Artificial Intelligence in Education’ task force for schools, higher education institutions and continuing education in North Rhine-Westphalia.
The strategy covers the period from 2026 to 2028 and is aligned with the university’s development plan. A roadmap structures the implementation into three phases: the initial focus is on laying the foundations – for example, through capacity building, pilot projects and the expansion of governance and support structures.
In a second phase, successful approaches will be consolidated and scaled up before AI is to be permanently embedded as a strategic cross-cutting theme in degree programmes, research and administration by 2028.
However, the implementation of the strategy is already opening up new opportunities and is having a tangible impact in many areas. These include compulsory AI training for all staff, the AI steering group set up at the start of the year, and the expansion of infrastructure, for example as part of AI:connect.nrw. AI is also already becoming more firmly established in degree programmes and teaching. “And at the same time, we are creating structures that will allow us to respond flexibly to further developments,” adds de Witt.
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