10/06/2026

Presidential Election Enters Decisive Phase

Early next year, a new president will be elected at the University of Kassel. The term of office is six years. The position was publicly advertised in May of this year. The election process is now well underway: The selection committee has made its choice and submitted a nomination to the Extended Senate. But who decides who will fill the presidency? How does the election work, and what steps remain? This campus news article provides an overview of the process, from the job posting to the start of the new term of office.

Applicants had until June 12, 2016, to submit their applications to the selection committee. The university was seeking “individuals with a proven track record of academic excellence and extensive leadership experience in a senior position at an academic institution.”

The selection committee reviewed the applications received and interviewed selected candidates in a process that was not open to the university community. On Friday, October 2, it forwarded its nomination list—featuring one female and one male candidate—to the chair of the election committee for the indirect elections. The list of candidates includes the incumbent president, Prof. Dr. Ute Clement, and the head of the Department of Technology and Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship (TIME) at the University of Kassel, Prof. Dr. Patrick Spieth.

What happens next?

The next step will be a public hearing open to the entire university community as part of a meeting of the Extended Senate. The Election Committee will invite the university community to attend on January 13, 2027. The candidates will introduce themselves and answer questions at that meeting.

On January 27, 2027, the Extended Senate will then elect the new president. This session is also open to the university community.

After the election, the Hessian Ministry of Science and Research, Art, and Culture will appoint the elected candidate as president. The six-year term begins on October 1, 2027. 

Who elects the president?

The election is conducted by the Extended Senate. It consists of the 17 regular members of the Senate and their respective alternates. Thus, the Extended Senate comprises a total of 34 people.

Among the 17 regular members of the Senate are nine professors, three students, three research staff members, and two administrative and technical staff members. Together with their alternates, they decide on the future leadership of the university.