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EBS Universität für Wirtschaft und Recht awarded EQUIS hallmark of quality

• EQUIS accreditation in recognition of high international quality standards
• Jury praises support and guidance for students, practical relevance and international dimension
• Award underscores EBS leading role in the German university landscape

EBS Business School at EBS Universität für Wirtschaft und Recht has been awarded the EQUIS stamp of quality, an accreditation granted to business schools that meet the highest international standards in management education. "We are extremely proud to receive this award", said Professor Rolf D. Cremer, President of EBS Universität für Wirtschaft und Recht. Responding to the news, Professor Rolf Tilmes, Dean of EBS Business School, commented: "EQUIS accreditation confirms our reputation as one of the leading business and management faculties in Germany and enhances our attractiveness for students and faculty from overseas". EBS Universität is only the third German higher education institution to receive the EQUIS hallmark.

EQUIS, which stands for European Quality Improvement System, is an accreditation scheme for leading institutions in business education. It was introduced in 1997 by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD), the global network of leading business schools based in Brussels. Acknowledged as an international hallmark and assessed in accordance with uniform international standards, EQUIS accreditation is an indicator of the quality of management education at business schools and at university business and management faculties. It is also designed to provide continuous guidance and support to ensure the quality of these schools. To date, just 133 business schools in 38 countries have received EQUIS accreditation; in Germany these include the WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management and the University of Mannheim Business School.

The EFMD assesses EQUIS candidates in a rigorous process and according to ten quality standards that cover programmes, students and faculty, executive education, corporate connections and contribution to the community. Key deciding factors for granting accreditation to EBS Business School were excellence in teaching and research, the international dimension of programmes, the outstanding support provided for students, a broad-based programme portfolio in executive education and a strong practical orientation through excellent links to the corporate world. Eric Cornuel, Director General and CEO of EFMD, praised EBS achievement: "EBS Business School has fulfilled our stringent requirements, and I congratulate Professor Cremer and his team for their outstanding achievement. I have all confidence that the University and the Business School will continue to develop in a more serene and sustainable way than ever."

"EQUIS accreditation is an important milestone in 'Hesburgh@EBS', our programme for the future", underlined University President Rolf Cremer. Initiated by the University in summer last year, the programme aims to ensure among others the outstanding quality of faculty, students and infrastructure. The reform of the University's organizational structures, which was approved in February 2012, is also part of this programme. The concept involves the expansion of executive education activities to form a third strategic pillar alongside the Business School and the Law School. Furthermore, EBS Universität has approved a restructuring of EBS management board and the implementation of transparent governance structures.

"The future of our society depends to a large extent on the quality of our education provision. Research findings and the excellent academic education of tomorrow's leaders are the basis for innovation and ensure our global competitiveness", said Professor Rolf Tilmes. "We place great value on providing professional and personal support for our students in small learning groups, where faculty are able to devote more time to individual needs as they only supervise an average of 29 students. In addition, we also offer individual counselling and career planning services. The EQUIS hallmark of quality makes studying at EBS even more attractive."