The University of Hildesheim emerged from the Teacher's Training University of Lower Saxony .DescriptionThe number of students enrolled has increased steadily since 2000 to approximately 7,500 in Winter Semester of 2015/16, of which 73 % are female. Women also comprise 43 % of the faculty, above the national average. Indeed, gender equality, and equal treatment for those from different social, ethnic and religious backgrounds, as well as educational integration in general, are important parts of the university's mission.Interdisciplinary work, and narrowing the gap between theory and practice, are important components of the research and teaching profile. Its educational studies programs as well as cultural studies and applied linguistics are the traditional strength. In addition, Psychology, Childhood Education, Diversity Education, Translation Studies, Intercultural Communication, Environmental Studies and Business Information/Computer Science programs are also in high demand.Since 2003, the University of Hildesheim has been a foundation under public law, and therefore enjoys a comparatively high degree of autonomy. Among other things, it can award professorships and approve its own construction projects. Annual third-party funding has increased sevenfold since the foundation was created, and three major construction programs have followed (Main Campus, Marienburg Culture Campus and Bühler Campus), in addition to a number of other foundation projects and ten innovative endowed professorships. As a public foundation, the University of Hildesheim maintains close relationships with civil society, and a strong network of affiliation with educational, scientific and cultural institutions, as well as economic and business organizations.Students are active partners in the teaching and learning processes, and they are encouraged to be involved in the development and improvement of teaching and study. Through its own scholarship programs (such as the College of Minerva and Lore-Auerbach Scholarships), the University of Hildesheim supports especially-capable and socially-committed students. Moreover, regular course evaluations show that a majority of students are “mostly satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their courses, and students particularly appreciate the engagement and commitment of the faculty. Accreditation reports have also noted the high level of teacher commitment and motivation among university faculty, as well as the personal atmosphere between students and professors.