Universitas semper reformanda

University reforms from the late 19th to the early 21st century

The history of university reforms is almost as old as the universities themselves. In the center of the often controversially led arguments that accompanied and shaped reform processes  stands the question of goals and purposes of universities, their role in society and their relationship to the state. An often used witticism suggests that a university reform is like relocating a graveyard – one cannot expect the people concerned to contribute anything. Contrary to this, however, members of the faculty and the student body did indeed contribute to the discussions, raised demands and brought suggestions. Considering the historically grown identity of a centuries-old institution, it is no wonder that questions that touch upon this identity bring forth controversial standpoints which sometimes could be interpreted as defiance.

For decades, Austrian universities were shaped by the reforms of the 19th century. At the end of the 20th century a new dynamic set in that led to radical restructuring under the banner of university autonomy with the Universitätsgesetz (university law) of 2002.